If the thought of spending your wedding day posing for photographs fills you with dread, this one's for you!
Sian and Toby were just the most lovely relaxed couple , I joined them at at Sandy Cove Hotel in North Devon for a coastal wedding backdrop and , just as the heatwave was coming to an end. The temperatures had dropped a little which was welcomed and far more comfortable for everyone.
My husband was with me, filming their day . And with two people who weren't particularly keen on being in front of the camera, keeping everything simple and fun was definitely the way forward.
Two Very Close Families
One thing that really stood out was just how close these two families were. Toby’s Dad was his best man !
As everyone approached the ceremony area, both mums were holding hands as they walked together. It was such a lovely little moment, and exactly the sort of thing I enjoy capturing as it happens, rather than trying to recreate it later.
It's easy to think wedding photography is all about the big moments, but I love the little ones just as much. The interactions between family members, the looks, the laughs and the things you might not even notice on the day itself.
They're often the photographs that bring back the best memories.
Not Fans of Being in Front of the Camera?
Sian and Toby had expressed to me that neither particularly enjoys having their photograph taken, so I knew keeping things natural was important.
Honestly, you don't need to know how to pose, feel confident in front of a camera or have any experience of being photographed. That's my job!.
I'll give you a bit of direction when you need it, suggest things that work well and help you feel comfortable, but I'm not about to turn your wedding day into a full-day photoshoot.
These two trusted my suggestions and went along with everything, which made the whole experience easy and relaxed.
We also headed off to a nearby beauty spot overlooking the sea for some couple portraits. It gave them a little time away from the celebrations, and a chance to enjoy the views while I captured some photographs without all their guests watching.
The confetti dip kiss. They absolutely nailed it! WOWZER !
The speech’s were absolutely top notch . The entrance to the wedding breakfast - soooooo good,
As the DJ introduced them to the dancefloor for their first dance he had them play a game of Mr and Mrs - this went down well and gave us some giggles and good photo opportunities.
For two people who weren't exactly keen on being in front of the camera, they did a pretty brilliant job. I'm also fairly sure Toby may have discovered a new-found love of being photographed along the way!
Enjoy Your Wedding. I'll Take Care of the Photographs.
My approach is always to keep things as relaxed as possible. I want you to enjoy your wedding, spend time with your favourite people and not feel as though you're constantly being directed or pulled away from the celebrations.
Of course, I'll step in when needed, especially for a few couple portraits, but there's plenty of time for me to capture things as they naturally unfold, too.
After the wedding, these two sent me the loveliest review. One thing they mentioned was how natural and easy everything felt, and that it never felt staged or awkward.
They also said that it felt like having two extra friends celebrating alongside them rather than suppliers.
That's always lovely to hear, because I want you to feel comfortable enough to be yourselves, rather than worrying about what you should be doing for the camera.
A Few Kind Words
Here's what they had to say afterwards:
“Where do we even begin?
From the moment we met you both, we knew we were in the best hands, but you still exceeded every expectation we had.
Having a husband and wife team was one of the best decisions we made. You worked together so effortlessly, making us feel completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire day. Neither of us particularly enjoys being in front of the camera (although I feel Toby may now LOVE this! 🤪😂) but you made everything feel so natural, fun, and easy. It never once felt staged or awkward.
You weren’t just our photographer and videographer, you were such a calming presence throughout the day. You kept us smiling, reassured us when we needed it, and somehow managed to capture every special moment without us even noticing you were there.
So many of our family and friends commented on how lovely you both were and how naturally you blended into the day. It genuinely felt like having two extra friends celebrating alongside us rather than suppliers.
Thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did. You have given us memories that we’ll be able to relive for the rest of our lives, and that is the most incredible gift.
If anyone is looking for a photographer and videographer, we honestly couldn’t recommend you highly enough. You are both so talented, so kind, and so passionate about what you do.
Thank you again for helping make our wedding day so perfect. We feel we have gained a lovely friendship.
With love,
Getting Married at Sandy Cove Hotel?
If you're planning a wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel, or anywhere else around North Devon, and the idea of spending hours posing for photographs isn't really your thing, we might be a good fit.
My approach is relaxed with storytelling at it’s focus but with a little guidance when you need it and plenty of time to enjoy your day without feeling like you're constantly in front of the camera.
You don't need to know what to do, and you certainly don't need to be confident in front of a lens.
Just be yourselves. I'll take care of the rest.
Venue - Sandy Cove Hotel & The Venue
Videography and Drone images - Chris Catullo Photography ( we are a husband and wife team)
Hair- Melanie Jayne Hairdressing
Make up- Kayleigh Emily MUA
Cake - M & S