Planning Your Wedding Photography
PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR VIPs
I like to keep family group photos relaxed, efficient and focused on the people who matter most to you. My approach is to capture the key family groups and bridal party photos without taking you away from your guests for too long.
Keeping the formal groups fairly simple helps everything flow naturally and leaves more time for candid moments and simply enjoying the day with your family and friends.
Family Photos Made Simple
Straight after the ceremony, I’ll usually organise the confetti throw (if you’re having one), then step back and capture all the hugs, laughter and congratulations naturally as they happen. After that, we’ll gather everyone together for a full group photo.
Once that’s done, I’ll guide the bridal party and immediate families through the remaining group photos as quickly and smoothly as possible.
I typically photograph the following groups:
Core Family Groups
These are the key family groups I recommend photographing after the ceremony and before the wedding meal. In addition, I’ll be capturing plenty of natural photographs throughout the day, as well as informal group and couple photos, but these are the main formal group photos with the two of you.
Couple with everyone
Couple with the bride’s parents, grandparents, siblings, brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews
Bride with Mum & Dad
Couple with both parents
Couple with the groom’s parents, grandparents, siblings, brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews
Groom with Mum & Dad
Couple with the bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen
I generally recommend keeping the formal group photos focused on your immediate family and bridal party. It keeps everything flowing naturally, means you’re not away from your guests for too long, and leaves more time to enjoy the celebrations.
Once we’ve captured these core groups, I’ll naturally photograph other smaller combinations as the day unfolds.
As a guide, a list of around 8–12 formal groups usually works really well. If your list is getting closer to 20, it’s probably worth trimming it back so you’re not spending too much of your drinks reception posing for photographs instead of enjoying time with your family and friends.
Core Family Groups
Couple with everyone
Couple with the bride’s parents, grandparents, siblings, brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews
Bride with Mum & Dad
Couple with both parents
Couple with the groom’s parents, grandparents, siblings, brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews
Groom with Mum & Dad
Couple with the bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen
I generally recommend keeping the formal group photos focused on your immediate family and bridal party. It keeps everything flowing naturally, means you’re not away from your guests for too long, and leaves more time to enjoy the celebrations.
Once we’ve captured these core groups, I’ll naturally photograph other smaller combinations as the day unfolds.
As a guide, a list of around 8–12 formal groups usually works really well. If your list is getting closer to 20, it’s probably worth trimming it back so you’re not spending too much of your drinks reception posing for photographs instead of enjoying time with your family and friends.
getting timings just right
A well-planned timeline can make all the difference to how your wedding day feels. You don’t want to be waiting around for ages, but you also don’t want to feel rushed or be constantly trying to catch up. The best days have a natural flow, with enough time to enjoy each part without feeling under pressure.
Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly to plan though – they rarely do! I’ll be there throughout the day to help keep everything calm, relaxed and moving in the right direction, so you can focus on enjoying yourselves.
Typical timeline
Andy arrives
10.00
Get kit organised and capture a few establishing shots.
Bridal preparations
10.30
Capturing candid moments as they happen and bridal details.
Groom, best man & groomsmen
11.30
Arrive halfway through prep for natural moments — then outside once you’re ready.
Bride photos
12.15
Bridesmaids dressed, bride’s dress being tied. The final 20 minutes with everyone ready is ideal.
Ceremony
13.00
Photographing the ceremony from multiple angles, with minimal distraction.
Drink reception & photos
14.00
Confetti, hugs, family photos, couple photos and more.
Call for meak
16.00
Guests are called to sit for the meal, followed by speeches
Speeches
16.30
A great time to capture all the emotions and laughter
Couple evening photos
19.00
Additonal couple photographs, often at an additional location out with your venue
First dance
20.00
First dance, then 30 minutes of the party in full swing.
Andy was very funny and kept everyone smiling throughout the day, which made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for better. Highly recommended!
– Emma & Chris
Final Thoughts
A Few Helpful Tips
Your Wedding Dress
Choose a dress that makes you feel amazing, but also one that allows you to move comfortably and naturally. When you feel relaxed and confident, it really shows in your photographs. If you’re constantly adjusting your dress, worrying about the train or fixing your veil, it can interrupt those natural moments. The most beautiful photographs come when you’re comfortable enough to forget about the dress and simply enjoy the day.
Choose a Family Helper
It’s always helpful to nominate someone who knows both families well to help gather people for the group photographs. It keeps everything moving smoothly and means we can finish the formal photos quickly, leaving you free to enjoy the celebrations.
Trust the Process
You don’t need to spend your day thinking about the photographs. I’ll guide you when it’s helpful, but for most of the day I’ll simply be observing and capturing genuine moments as they happen. Some of my favourite photographs are the ones couples never even realised were being taken.
Confetti
Real flower petals create the best photographs and are accepted by most venues. If you’re planning a confetti throw, it’s worth having enough for everyone rather than just a handful of guests, as it creates a much fuller effect and makes for much more colourful photographs.
Unplugged Ceremonies
If you’re considering an unplugged ceremony, I’d highly recommend it. Asking guests to put their phones and cameras away allows everyone to be fully present and means your photographs won’t be filled with screens. Your celebrant can make a short announcement before the ceremony if you’d like.
Evening couple photos
After the meal and before your first dance is a great opportunity to head out for a few additional couple photographs. We can stay at your venue or, if you’d like something a little different, visit a nearby location.
I usually recommend slipping away just before everyone else leaves the dining room. It can be a nice time for you both and we can get some lovely evening shots.
Depending on the time of year, we might be treated to beautiful golden evening light, or, if it’s later in the season, create something a little more dramatic after dark using creative lighting. Either way, it’s often one of the most relaxed parts of the day and a chance to capture something a little different.
Don’t Worry About the Weather
A little rain is all part of getting married in Scotland, and it rarely spoils the day. We can still create beautiful photographs, and if you’re happy to step outside for a few minutes with an umbrella, the results can be incredibly atmospheric.
Relax and Enjoy Yourselves
Above all, remember that this is your wedding day. Spend time with your family and friends, soak it all in and enjoy every moment. If you’re relaxed and having fun, that will naturally shine through in your photographs.
After the Wedding
Within a few days of your wedding, I’ll send you a selection of preview images to enjoy and share with family and friends. Your full gallery will follow around 4-5 weeks after.