I always say that 90% of what I capture on a wedding day is completely unposed and unscripted. The other 10% is where I’ll give very gentle guidance to ensure you have beautiful photographs that you want to frame! Either way, I’m all about capturing the emotion, joy and moments to tell the story of your big day.
Storytelling wedding photography. What’s that then?
Storytelling wedding photography is an approach that captures the wedding day in a narrative style, focusing on moments and emotions rather than just taking a series of posed or traditional shots.
My end goal is to tell the unique story of your wedding day by documenting genuine, candid moments, interactions, and emotions as they naturally unfold. Of course, I consider the details that you’ve chosen to include in your wedding day part of the story!
And of course, this all sounds super simple. It’s just a case of turning up on the wedding day and photographing whatever goes down, right?! WRONG!!!
I can only tell your story properly if I’ve taken the time to get to know you and what’s important to you, ahead of the wedding day! I definitely don’t want to turn up on the wedding day morning here asking which one the Bride is!
So how do I go about telling your story?
First things first, every single wedding I photograph is different! Everyone has different priorities and stories and that’s the beauty of life. Imagine how dull it would be if we were all the same?!?
But there are elements that appear in most wedding days.
- All the gorgeous details
- Getting ready
- The big reveal
- The ceremony
- Confetti exit
- Family shots
- Candid photos
- Couple shots
- The Wedding Breakfast
- Party time
I’ve put together this guide so you know how I approach each element of your day!
All the gorgeous details
From the venue you’ve chosen to the dress, flowers and details. I’ll always start by documenting the things that come together to make your wedding yours. These are the things that I know you’ve painstakingly chosen and put loads of thought into. From your colour scheme to items which I know hold lots of sentimental value, I’m here to document it all!
It’s the perfect way to start telling the story of your big day.
Getting ready
One of my favourite parts of the day – the anticipation, the nerves and a few glasses of fizz. I love being invited to join these intimate celebrations and snapping the happy, joyful faces.
So whether you’re getting ready with 8 bridesmaids, or just one, or just with your Mum – I’ll be there capturing those lovely moments for you.
Oh and I put together this blog on how to get stunning bridal prep photos earlier. It’s definitely worth a read!
Then it’s over to the nervous groom and his gang. There’s usually lots of fiddling with button holes, cufflinks and nervously hiding in the bar!
On a serious note, the groom prep is just as important as the bridal prep, and if I’m honest, is often overlooked. I put this blog together on how to make the most of those too. The best way (in my opinion) is to hire a second photographer (your main photographer will sort this out for you.)
The big reveal
Not only is it the first time YOU have seen all the different elements come together, it’s the first time your Dad (or whoever it is that’s walking you down the aisle) sees you in your dress. It’s a must capture moment for me and my style of wedding photography, in terms of facial expressions and sheer emotion.
It’s also a great opportunity for emotive photos of your Bridesmaids seeing you for the first time.
I should also mention here that it’s also a lovely moment if you did want to do a first look with your other half just before the ceremony.
The ceremony
Those last few moments of anticipation before the vows are spoken, rings exchanged and the knot is tied. I’d be lying if I said my own heart isn’t hammering at this point – I get very invested in all of my couples. And those end of aisle reactions are PRICELESS aren’t they?
I will have introduced myself to your celebrant, vicar or registrar and discussed where’s best for me to stand. My style of wedding photography is that I’m looking for those glorious facial expressions – both of you AND your loved ones in the background. The emotional moments as you say your vows and exchange rings, and of course your first kiss. You’ll be so wrapped up in each other you’ll barely notice me, but trust me, I’ll be snapping away in the background!
The confetti exit
You can never have too much confetti in my humble opinion. If you love fun, colour, and mischievous wedding guests shrieking with glee as they shower you in confetti then I highly recommend you buy plenty. More is more when it comes to confetti. Your Confetti is my top recommendation for biodegradable paper confetti. They have it in every colour you can think of and you can get 15% off using code YCHANBROOKE
Group shots
Some wedding photographers say they don’t do these. I love doing them, because these are the pictures your relatives and loved ones want will treasure. As part of our wedding prep discussions we’ll agree on a small list of group shots (I recommend no more than 10). We’ll then get on with those straight away before too many drinks are consumed – you’ll thank me for that later!
Candid photos
During your drinks reception, I’ll be looking out for the tender moments, the fun, and the slightly crazy. People who haven’t seen each other for years and those great big hugs.
You’ll have told me who’s really important to you and I’ll make sure to document them as naturally and beautifully as I can, without being obtrusive.
I know not everyone chooses to have little ones at their wedding, but if you do, I’ll make sure to snap a few cute pictures of them. If they’re there, they’re more than likely important to you. Plus kids wedding outfits are so gorgeous!
Couple shots
Your big moment….and also chance to sneak away from the main wedding party for a while and have some beautiful loved up portraits taken.
9 out of 10 couples that come to me claim to be really camera shy and to hate having their photo taken. My opinion on this is that you’ll feel amazing on your wedding day! It’s your one chance to get these photos and you will love them.
I’ll work through your concerns with you and give you gentle guidance to put you at ease. Its in my best interest to only take flattering pictures that I know you’ll love. I promise – nothing naff or cheesy!
We don’t need to take hours over it either. 15 minutes before the wedding breakfast is perfect, and if there’s a golden hour, we’ll head back out for a few mins before the party starts!
The Wedding Breakfast
Whilst you relax with your guests I’ll also photograph your room set up for the wedding brekkie whilst they look beautiful and before it gets full of people. If you’ve put thought, time and effort into it, I’m photographing it!
During the speeches I’m like a silent stalker looking out for those laughers and the criers! I love seeing the array of facial expressions and all the moments of emotion you won’t even be aware of!
Party time!
If you’re having a cake cut and a first dance I’ll be there to capture it, and unless you’ve asked me to stay longer, I’ll usually slip off about an hour after your first dance, but not before I’ve snapped a couple of drunken dancing to floor filler shots.
And then whilst you party until your feet hurt and the wedding heels have long been kicked off, I’ll return home to download and back up your photographs so we know the memories of the most important day of your life are SAFE!
Non photography things that I’ll bring to your wedding day…
Yep as well as my camera and photography skills I’ll bring….
- Kindness and friendliness towards you AND all of your nearest and dearest.
- An organised approach – I put in the work before the big day to understand what makes you tick as a couple. And also what’s important to you on your wedding day.
- Reliability – I’ll be there early, I’m every bit as excited about your day as you are.
- To feel at ease with me and my camera. It’s really important to me that you are as relaxed and happy as possible.
- Someone who is non-judgmental about any family politics.
- That I’ll be completely calm if the weather or timetable don’t do to plan. I’ve already thought of the contingencies, and I’ve even got umbrellas that look good if it does rain.
- Good humour. I photograph weddings with a smile on my face because I blooming love it!
- Friendship – I care deeply about all of my weddings and couples, and do go on to be friends with lots of them.
So…if this all sounds good to you, get in touch and let’s book a zoom call or chat to talk about your big day.
You can contact me via email hannah@hannahbrookephotography.co.uk or via a good old fashioned phone call on 07779 271447.
