Wedding photographer review

I would recommend Joss time and time again. He was absolutely fantastic, and also slotted right in with all our family and friends. It never felt like we had a photographer following us, and we got some incredible photographs that we will cherish forever.

Dom and I aren’t great in front of the camera, and we also didn’t want to miss any of the wedding day. We chose Joss for his relaxed style and candid photographs. It was probably the best decision we ever made. There’s an amazing photo of every single person at our wedding. We have printed them out and sent every guest a photo of themselves enjoying our day in the thank-you cards. I was so worried I wouldn’t like any photos of myself, but the couple portraits are all fantastic. We look so relaxed and happy in them. Joss really captured the essence of the day.

Venue name + review

We got married at Burtonfields Hall in Yorkshire. We fell in love with the venue (and the owner Will) as soon as we walked through the door. It felt like a home away from home, and we loved that all our family and friends could stay for the weekend. The venue was also so naturally beautiful it required very little dressing.

Dom’s Kitchen did our catering, and wedding food has never tasted so good. Dom and Emma are also such wonderful people, we loved having them as part of our wedding day. We did canapés (sausage rolls, and fish and chips), followed by a restaurant quality wedding breakfast. The cheese came from our local cheesemonger’s George & Joseph, and then we had a pizza “van” for evening food – the oven is in a converted Landrover Defender. The pizza was the first thing we booked. I just love pizza!

Tell us a little about your outfits.

I took my mum dress shopping to Chester, because that’s where her wedding dress came from. It was an Essense of Australia ivory chiffon dress, and it was nothing like what I had pictured. We walked in to the store and a sales assistant walked past holding it. I loved it the moment I put it on because it was so light and comfortable. But I’m a very indecisive person, so it took me a few months to finally buy it.

Flowers

We wanted seasonal English flowers and we didn’t specify any colours or specific flowers. I wanted all the flowers to look like they had always been there. Jo (our amazing florist) brought my vision to life, and the flowers were one of my favourite parts of the wedding.

Jo called my bouquet style “garden gathered” – it looked like it had been plucked straight from the ground, but I’m sure it actually took her hours. Our aisle focal point was a floral floor arch, and I wanted it to feel like it had grown up from the grass itself. All of our flowers came from within a 2 mile radius of the venue. Because we didn’t specify what we wanted, I felt like we got the best of what was in season at the time.

Cake maker name + review

Our cake came from a lady in our home town. We asked her if she made wedding cakes, and she said she makes great cake, and we can use it for a wedding if we want! It was a traditional Victoria Sponge with a vanilla buttercream on the outside. Picking it up and transporting it to the venue was the most stressful part of the wedding weekend.

Stationery

Our invites were all on wildflower seed paper, so wildflowers became an accidental theme. We wanted everything to feel very natural and authentic. We used as many local suppliers as possible and all the flowers came from within a couple of mile radius from the venue.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

We handmade our garden games and we made a newspaper order of service with a crossword. People are still asking us for the answers! All of the table names were golf courses, and we got a bespoke course map created for the top table as that is where my late grandad played golf, it’s also where my new father in law currently plays.

Music & Entertainment

Music played a big part in our wedding day. We had a Piper play people in to the venue, we then had a pianist playing on the grand piano in the hall. The pianist played our ceremony music (I walked down the aisle to a version of Meatloaf’s I would do anything for love). We then swapped to an acoustic guitarist for the reception drinks. In the evening we had the band Big Shout. If I could give any piece of advice to other couples getting married, it would be to get a band. The dance floor was full all night.

The post Megan & Dom’s lovely Yorkshire wedding with an accidental wildflower theme – with Joss Denham Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Hannah Hall Photography (https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk/)

Wedding photographer review

If you hire Hannah, you’re not only hiring a brilliant photographer, but someone who will whole heartedly help you in anyway that she can. Whether that be an answer to a silly wedding question, helping you navigate the morning of, making friends with all of your guests to get the best shots possible or sending a funny video to make you laugh for the day.

We HUGELY recommend booking Hannah for your wedding if you want to look naturally beautiful in your photos and capture the personality and life of your friends and family on your big day. We weren’t big on the idea of having loads of posed photos and when we saw Hannah’s website we knew she was the one. We chose her because she is the best at capturing those small moments that you miss on the day (as well as just being a really lovely person), for the best examples of this just go to her website (https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk) and watch the pictures scroll through. That was pretty much all we needed to know she was perfect (the ladies in the pink hats are what sealed the deal for us).

Your best wedding moment or memory

Naomi – For me, it was seeing lots of different groups of people in our lives meetings and mingling. It was like The Avengers movies when hero’s from different movies finally meet. It makes you appreciate the people you’ve met that helped you get to that day.

Chris – There are so many best moments and memories that it’s difficult to choose but as well as what Naomi said about seeing all our friends and family mingling, it was probably the first moment we were together after the ceremony, where we could just spend some time together on our own and talk about how the day had gone for us so far (there was a mammoth mission at the hotel before to make sure we didn’t see each other).

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

We had a nice mix between traditional and strayed away when it made sense to us.

Rather than finding a Maid of Honor, we stuck with Naomi’s best friend Ryan who became her “bridesman”.

We stuck to the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony on the day.

We also didn’t do wedding favours as we didn’t want to buy a load of things that people wouldn’t really want and would leave them and they get thrown away.

It was important for us to somehow include family members we have lost over the years. Chris had a great idea to name our tables after those people and include a little bio about those people on each placemat.

Our main focus was to ensure that we had the wedding we wanted and didn’t feel bogged down by traditions or by going out of our way to buck all trends and traditions. We borrowed certain traditions (first dance, not seeing each other before the ceremony and speeches) and did our own thing as well (no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no wedding favours)

The only thing we can add is to take the advice we were given which is simply to make the day the way YOU want. There may be some people who try to get involved and tell you what to do and whilst you should always listen to advice, don’t feel like you have to do what they want. At the end of the day, it’s your wedding day and your memories. You can always tell them you’ll do that thing they’re telling you to do but then just… don’t. They’ll only find out on the day and by then it’ll be too late!

Venue name + review

The Pumping House in Ollerton. We cannot recommend them enough. Not only is it a beautifully unique venue in a stunning forest location but the staff were exceptional (special shoutout to our wedding coordinator Megan).

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Naomi’s dress was Needle + Thread. She had wanted something very embellished that complimented her figure but, most importantly, something that was comfortable. This ticked every box and then some.

Naomi just wanted to shout out having a fitting in your own home with friends and family. We made a day out of it and everyone felt they could relax without feeling pressured from dress sales people.

Chris’ suit came from Cavani at Coney’s in Lincoln – I wanted a nice tweed suit and I wanted a slightly different colour, as opposed to beige or blue so I went shopping for suits with my parents. We went all over the place and I almost bought a different suit until my dad said he had seen a nice suit shop in Lincoln. So we hightailed it over there as it was almost the end of the day and found the perfect suit that was green, so matched the colours for the wedding perfectly.

Chris – The staff at Cavani at Coney’s in Lincoln were absolutely brilliant. They couldn’t do enough to help me and gave honest advice and even stayed open a little past closing time to ensure I got the best suit. They also did a little bit of tailoring to the trousers and got them back to me within a couple of days. And the suits are all really reasonably priced.

Florist name + review

Our florist was the wonderful Danielle, owner of Peonies and Plumes.

As soon as we saw her work at The Pumping House open day we fell in love. She was a dream to work with and over delivered on our brief. We’re a big believer of letting experts do their thing so we briefed her with a few colours and explained the mood we were looking for: autumnal forest/berries/mosses/deep colours. And boy! We got more than we had hoped for.

Cake maker name + review

Our cake maker was Naomi’s Nan and Aunty, the Chief Cake Makers for every family occasion. Not only was the cake tasty (who can beat the baking of a grandma?) but it has extra meaning to us. And she does make one hell of a cake!!

Stationery maker’s name + review

Probably the subject that caused Chris the most stress. Naomi designed every piece of stationery in her free time. The invites, signs, menus and table names. Again, even though we ended up with tight turnarounds and took a long time to draw and design, we’re glad we did it to give our wedding more meaning (and probably saved a good amount of money doing so). We opted for a forest floral inspired design and peppered it with animals that mean something to us. In our signs we had a sleeping drawing of our cat.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

We’re big birdwatchers and knew we wanted to add that element into our day. We (but mainly Naomi!) made several felted birds and we worked with Peonies and Plume to incorporate them into each display. It helped to create a whimsical animal woodland feel and gave the kids something fun to go around and spot.

Wedding readings?

We didn’t want our ceremony is become too long, we opted for only 1 reading which was a selection of the best meaningful pieces of advice from the book The Human’s by Matt Haig: – Everything Matters.

Every ingredient inside a star is inside you – You shouldn’t have been born. Your existence is as close to impossible as can be. To dismiss the impossible is to dismiss yourself – Kindness is always courage and caring is what makes you human. Care more, become more human. – One day humans will live on Mars. But nothing there will be more exciting than a single overcast morning on Earth. – Don’t always try and be cool. The whole universe is cool. It’s the warm bits that matter. – There are a lot of idiots in your species. Lots and lots. You are not one of them. Hold your ground. – When you watch the news, and see members of your species in turmoil, do not think there is nothing you can do. But know, it is not done by watching the news. – Don’t aim for perfection. Evolution, and life, only happens through mistakes. – No-one is ever completely right about anything. Anywhere. – You don’t have to be an academic. You don’t have to be anything. Don’t force it. Feel your way, and don’t stop feeling your way until something fits. Maybe nothing will. Maybe you are a road, not a destination. That is fine. Be a road. But make sure it’s one with something to look at out of the window. – A quark is not the smallest thing. The smallest thing is the regret you will feel on your deathbed for not having worked more. – Even when the darkness is total, remember you are moving through the galaxy. Wait for the brightness of the stars. – It is not the length of life that matters. It’s the depth. But while burrowing, keep the sun above you. – If there is a sunset, stop and look at it. Knowledge is finite. Wonder is infinite. – Be alive. That is your supreme duty to the world. – At some point, bad things are going to happen. Have someone to hold onto. – Don’t ever be afraid of telling someone you love them. There are things wrong with your world, but an excess of love is not one. – You are lucky to be alive. Inhale and take in life’s wonders. Never take so much as a single petal of a single flower for granted.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

Our first dance was actually a fun Eurovision song. Daði Freyr, 10 years. Again, the big focus for the day was to make sure everyone was having fun, as well as ourselves. We would have felt awfully awkward if we forced out a romantic song and slow dance. We love Daði Freyr and the fact that he wrote this song specifically for his wife felt so right. And, yes, we did a really cheesy disco dance along with it. Shout out to The Pointer Brothers for their inspiration and Hannah for believing in us to pull it off.

Hair + makeup name + review

As well as skilled artists, a calming and friendly environment for the morning was an essential part of finding Naomi’s hair and make-up so we asked Hannah (photographer) who she recommended. Naomi’s hair was styled by Hannah Blinko Hair who created a lovely Hollywood wave that lasted ALLLLLLL day. Hannah was great in every step along the way to the big day. Chatting over emails about styles, opening up her house for a trial run and being wonderfully funny on the day. Make-up was expertly applied by Ruby Jones who was able to make every brief come true. Ruby was great in guiding Naomi through the process and what was needed, even hoping on a call to chat things through. Again, Ruby opened up her home for the trail which was a calming and friendly environment. On the day Ruby was able to create different styles and looks for multiple women and remained calm and friendly all morning. A very welcome vibe to calm nerves.

The post Naomi & Chris’s warm and creative autumn wedding, with Hannah Hall Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important steps in planning your special day. The Cotswolds, with its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic architecture, offers a stunning backdrop if you envision a romantic countryside wedding.

As an experienced wedding planner in the UK, I’m here to share with you my advice on how you can find your dream Cotswold wedding venue. Read my top tips to help you discover the perfect location for your celebration.

Photographer credit: Tanya Flanagan Photography

Why choose the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is renowned for its natural beauty, endless picturesque landscapes and timeless charm. Choosing a Cotswold wedding venue means you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and quaint stone architecture. The area is also home to some of the most luxurious and sought-after wedding venues, ensuring that your special day is both beautiful and memorable.

Consider the Venue Style

When looking for a Cotswold wedding venue, it’s essential to consider the style and atmosphere you want for your wedding. Are you dreaming of a grand manor house or a rustic barn? For a luxurious and elegant setting, consider venues like Wiltshire’s Kin House and beautiful Euridge Manor. These locations offer breathtaking views, historic architecture, and exquisite gardens that will make your wedding day truly special.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and intimate setting, there are plenty of charming barns and countryside venues to choose from like Kingscote Barn and Cripps barn. The Cotswolds cater to a variety of tastes and styles, so take your time to explore different options.

Location and Accessibility

The location of your Cotswold wedding venue is crucial. Consider how easy it will be for your guests to travel to and from the venue. Some popular venues, like Elmore Court, are conveniently located near major motorways, making it easier for guests coming from different parts of the country or abroad.

Additionally, think about the surrounding area. Do you want a venue that’s close to a particular village or town that you love? Or perhaps you want a more secluded location with uninterrupted views of the countryside? The Cotswolds offer both options, so decide what’s most important for you and your guests.

Capacity and Facilities

Before you fall in love with a venue, make sure it can accommodate your guest list comfortably. Each Cotswold wedding venue will have different capacity limits, so ensure that the venue you choose can host the number of guests you’re planning to invite.

Additionally, consider the facilities available at the venue. Does it have accommodation for guests who might want to stay overnight? Are there separate areas for the ceremony, reception, and dancing? Venues like Hyde House offer extensive facilities and stunning settings for both the ceremony and the reception, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable celebration.

Budget and Availability

Your budget is another critical factor when choosing a Cotswold wedding venue. Luxury venues like Kirtlington Park and Sudeley Castle offer incredible experiences, but it’s essential to ensure they fit within your budget. Don’t forget to ask about what’s included in the venue hire fee and any additional costs that might arise.

Availability is also key. Popular Cotswold wedding venues can get booked up well in advance, so start your search at least a year in advance and be prepared to be flexible with your dates. Booking early ensures you have the best chance of securing your dream venue on your preferred date.

Ready to find your perfect Cotswold wedding venue?

Finding the perfect wedding venue is an exciting journey that requires careful consideration of your style, location, guest list, and budget. By taking the time to explore different venues, attending venue open days and dedicating time to research each venue, you will get a clearer idea of what the perfect venue for you looks like.

I hope these tips help you find your dream Cotswold wedding venue. If you want my expert advice, recommendations or want to work with me to help plan, book and coordinate your special day, get in touch with me here.

https://www.yourstoryevents.co.uk

Discover more:

• Why these 5 Cotswolds Manor Houses make the perfect wedding venue
• 8 Questions to ask your wedding venue
• Different types of wedding venues: everything you need to know

The post Tips for finding your perfect Cotswolds wedding venue appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding photographer’s website

Plas Dinam wedding photographer Martin Dabek https://martindabek.com

Wedding photographer review

Martin was amazing and such an integral part of the weekend. He gave us so much invaluable advice in the run up to, and on the day. We really enjoyed having lots of little photo shoots throughout the day, which gave us a chance to escape the madness and have some lovely quiet moments as a couple. Martin was so friendly and easy going that he really felt like a part of the wedding party! And needless to say, the photos are absolutely stunning.

Your best wedding moment or memory

David surprised me with a little visit from the Alpacas! (https://admiralsviewalpacas.co.uk/) I have absolutely no idea how he managed to keep that a secret but I was very impressed and it was such an adorable surprise. I also can’t think back to our speeches without shedding a tear, everyone was so lovely and funny, and I’m so glad we opened up the floor to impromptu toasts at the end.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

As we officially tied the knot during lockdown, for our wedding party we combined all of our favourite parts of the traditional ceremonies from our respective cultures. From the Jewish side we had a beautiful Chuppah and had our family recite the seven blessings, we shared a cup of wine and at the end of the ceremony David broke the customary glass. From the Persian side we had the Sofreh table, displaying symbolic items, and my brother did a traditional reading, whilst happily married women dusted us with sugar to ‘sweeten’ the marriage. It all felt very special and unique to us and was one of my favourite parts of the day.

Venue name + review

Plas Dinam was our dream venue and worked perfectly for what we wanted.

It was so special to have all our loved ones with us for a whole weekend in such a beautiful venue. The team were so helpful during planning and on the weekend itself, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and all of our slightly less traditional plans (alpacas, laser tag!) went off without a hitch.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

I was very keen on buying a second hand wedding dress and was so lucky to find my dream dress on Still White. I am obsessed with its detachable sleeves and pockets!

Florist name + review

Tammy at TMS events (https://tmsevents.co.uk/) was brilliant from the very beginning and helped bring my vision to life with nothing more than a screenshot from pinterest and the words ‘feathers’ and ‘moss’. She understood exactly the vibe we were going for and the end result blew me away.

Any crafty projects or special styling touches?

I made our welcome sign and the seating plan, as well as the place settings, the programmes and the tags for the favours. The biggest shout out goes to my brother-in-law who did the most amazing job of decorating the stable ceiling beams!

We couldn’t get away without mentioning our favourite fudge shop The Fudge Patch who supplied our wedding favours and an unsightly amount of fudge for our sweet table!

Hair + makeup name + review

Rebecca Forshaw
Rebecca was so lovely and we all felt so relaxed. We had a really good trial beforehand and made some adjustments on the day and it all came together beautifully-my hair stayed in until the Monday morning! (when I reluctantly had to give it a brush)

—-dowm

—her

The post David & Helen’s colourful Plas Dinam wedding, with Martin Dabek Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

Last week I gave you some SEO tips for wedding business blogs that actually work. They’ll give you the foundations for your blog posts – but there’s a lot more to blogging successfully. Content is queen.

In the wedding industry, our businesses are personality-driven. We’re creatives: and that means lots of us don’t love writing. So first off, figure out what you’re comfortable writing about, because that’s where your interesting blog posts will begin!

Are your wedding customers buying you, or the thing you do?

This isn’t Aldi. In weddings, people invest in brands they relate to. For wedding suppliers, that comes down to the person behind the brand: your very own wonderfully sparkly face and captivating, empathetic personality. Whatever you sell to grooms and brides, it’s never a faceless transaction, so personality has to be a big part of what you put online.

Your customers are buying you if you’re a:

• wedding photographer
• wedding planner or stylist
• musician, brand or entertainment provider
• make up artist
• or providing any kind of service which means you’ll be spending time with the couple and their guests

…So blog about you and your approach, moments and work-related stories.

Your customers are more into your ‘thing’ if you’re a:

• wedding florist
• wedding stationery designer
• wedding cake designer
• or providing any kind of product or service which is delivered before the day, or where you won’t have much contact with the couple and their guests

In this case, blog about you and your products and your awesome approach to customer service.

Images in this blog post are by the amazing Jo Bradbury Photography, shared from the English Wedding archives. Floral styling is by Fletcher & Foley, with stationery by me at By Moon & Tide Calligraphy with illustrations by Amy Swann. Tap the photo for a full supplier list and to see this gorgeous spring florals editorial in all its glory!

Think of your clients or customers and their journey

This wedding stuff can be very new to people. That’s easy to forget, especially if (like me) you’ve been working in weddings for 20 years (or even 2)! Couples tend to spend 1 – 2 years planning a wedding. That means your entire audience is brand new every couple of years.

(Coincidentally, I read that the average instagram post is shown to people for about 48 hours. The average blog post will show up in Google search for about 700 days.)

Bearing in mind that your potential customers will almost all be new to all of this wedding planning stuff, start by sharing the basics.

Some basic wedding business blog post ideas

1. What does a ___ do? Do I need one? Why?
2. What does it cost to hire a ___?
3. When should I book a ___?
4. What might I ask a ___?
5. How can I find a good ____ near me?

All of these blog ideas will be useful to people who are recently engaged. Pack them with information, but add personality to make them interesting. You’re not Wikipedia, you’re people. Be friendly, funny, and super kind.

Having a ‘start here’ page on your website is a good idea too. You could link to it from all of these blog posts, and link to all of these blog posts from it, as you write them.

After you’ve covered the basics, get more specific with your advice. The people reading your blog will be at various stages of wedding planning – some approaching their date and some only just starting out.

Ideas for more specific blog posts are:

1. advice about shot lists from a wedding photographer
2. an explanation of copyright, and why wedding couples don’t get ‘copyright’ of their images
3. a little showcase of your wedding albums
4. tips on seasonality.
   I think this applies to every wedding business from bespoke tailors to florists and musicians. Does rain / snow / the colour of the season / affect what you do? That’s quite interesting – so tell people about it!
5. colours
   Again, this is a blog post idea for almost any wedding business. You could write about colour palettes for styling or outfits. Or simply use colours as an excuse to share some of your seasonal images from recent weddings.

With every blog you write, make it feel real.

• What do you believe? Have opinions – they make you human.
• What’s happened in the past that will be useful / interesting / make people smile?
• Heartfelt advice stands out: don’t hide your personality or shy away from your beliefs.
• We can’t please everyone – bland blog posts are pointless; the world is all about personality. Make yours shine and your wedding business will too!

Popular blog post titles

For about a decade, the most clicked-on blog post titles in every industry, not just weddings, have been:

• “How to…” blog posts.
• “10 ways to…”
• “Secrets” / “Things no one will tell you about…”
• “A guide to…”
• Things to avoid
• Real life stories

Include these in your blogging plan, but bring them up to date with a little extra personality. “How to design a wedding invitation” could be “How to design elegant wedding invitations – and how I made my own epic invites”.

Add local interest where you can: “secrets of a Lake District wedding photographer” could discuss all the best lakeside venues for golden hour shots.

With real life stories, the key is that people relate to other couples. “That’s going to be us in 6 months!” is a great hook that will have nearlyweds clicking on your images and blog posts to find out more.

This list of fill-in-the-blank blog post title templates is useful!

Share your wedding business’s solutions and benefits

Wherever you can, offer benefits and solutions. Instead of talking about your product or service from your own perspective, think about what you’re really giving your customers.

For example, you’re more than a wedding florist, you’re the person who’ll set the scene for your couple’s unique and unforgettable wedding.

Solutions-based blogs can be more than “how to fill your venue with flowers”. Instead, think, “how to use autumn flowers to brighten even the rainiest wedding”. (Or “how I use autumn flowers to brighten even the rainiest wedding”.)

Think what your couples have on their minds as they plan their weddings. Offer advice based on your experience: delve deep and there’ll be more than you think.

Topics could include wedding planning anxiety (specific to your niche: this could be worries about guest lists, shyness in front of the camera, neurodiversity, etiquette, budgeting… )

You’ve maybe suggested solutions to your couples in the past, when they’ve emailed you with questions. Perhaps even as part of a consultation when you first met. So make a list of what people ask you most. Could each of these key questions / answers be a blog post?

What do you wish people asked? Is there something people are reluctant to ask? Address it on your blog!

Things you might not want to say in your wedding business blog – and how to get past that

• I’m amazing.
  No one likes to show off – but it’s different if you’re saying your business is amazing. The service you provide is amazing. Try saying that instead!
• I did this… again.
  Do people really want to hear about another wedding / design you made, when you’ve blogged 10 weddings already? YES!! Every wedding is different, so focus on what made your last job unique and special.
• Buy. Sell. Book me now!
  Selling is hard! Personally I’m awful at taking that last step of giving people a little push to contact me or hand over money. It’s just got to be done though. Try to include a “call to action” in every blog post. Ask people to send an enquiry, book early to avoid losing out, or sign up to your email list.

Confidence is important. You are good at this, and however much you hate saying it in public, you’re doing something special which sets your soul on fire. It’s worth sharing that with people – it’s something to be really proud of! Don’t be afraid to show your expertise in your blog – your own confidence will inspire confidence in your customers.

To recap and get you started!

• Remember to stick to your plan to blog regularly
• Use keywords and keep SEO in mind
• Personality is really important. People invest in people who inspire them: be those people!
• Use your customer’s wedding planning journeys as inspiration: give them ideas and useful info for every stage of that journey, from the basics to specific advice.
• Make your blog feel real. A human voice is always more captivating. Have opinions and don’t hide your personality.
• Use popular blog post titles (lists and “how to…” posts) to attract new readers.
• Consider the benefits and solutions your services provide, not just the services themselves.
• Be brave, and proud of what you’ve achieved in your wedding business! Tell the world!

Join the English Wedding directory

Our mission has always been to support our favourite wedding suppliers. Join our wedding supplier directory, and we’ll blog about you too!

It’s really important to us that wedding advertising works – it should raise awareness of your brand, bring new visitors to your website and generate sales and income for your wedding business. We achieve all of this through great quality content and search engine optimisation, helping your brand rank more highly on Google.

Please read through the membership information below. (Tap to read)

Tap the image to expand to full screen

How to join

It’s SO easy. When you’re ready to join English Wedding, complete our quick membership application form. We’ll be in touch!

The post How to write with personality to boost your wedding business blog! appeared first on English Wedding.

Planning a wedding be overwhelming and often we feel like we must stick to ‘traditions’ purely because that’s the way things have always been done. This can be the case with wedding flowers, but for us, wedding florals are more than decorations – they’re a reflection of a couple’s personality and to bring that to life, colour is vital.

I’m pleased to report that we have seen couples begin to realise they don’t have to rely on the traditional ‘white’ or very plain themes that for so long weddings have been associated with. It’s possible to still have stylish, romantic designs, but still work in some colour that represents who you are as a couple to give it a powerful meaning.

Here’s four colourways and styling trends for the 2024/2025 wedding season that hopefully inspire you to incorporate colour to your special day:

SUMMER SUNSET

An eclectic mix of rich colour that gives you a warm, satisfied feeling.

We’re seeing more couples get bold and experimental with colour. Infusing bright, bold hues like oranges and hot reds to give a warm and full feel, echoing the way some might feel about their relationship.”

“This kind of style is a perfect example of how to do block colour, but without compromising on delicacy or romance. Perfect for couples that are truly looking for something different.

SEPTEMBER DUSK

Soft muted tones complimented by a delicate dose of colour, reminiscent of a romantic September sky at dusk.

Some couples still want that whimsical romantic look and feel from their florals. However, they want a fresh, modern take on it. The recent beige boom in fashion and interior has made its way over to the floral world too and we’re starting to see hints of white, buried in beige and muted tones to give it that soft blend that is then perfectly romanticised by pinks and peaches.

Incorporating soft colour like peach or pink is a great way to elevate wedding florals, ideal for couples that want to retain some tradition, but with a fresh modern take on it.

CALIFORNIAN SUMMER

A colour clash that shouldn’t work but does. Unapologetic, bold and suggestive of a hot, dry Californian summer.

We’re starting to see people experiment with colour and create these beautiful bold clashes that delivers something truly spectacular on a special day.

Perfect for summer outdoor ceremonies, these hot pinks and vivid blues never fail to wow guests and stand out brilliantly on pictures. The Californian Summer colour palette is the perfect example of using bold colours, but in a way that brings the right balance of character and a unique elegance to your wedding day.

PASTEL ELEGANCE

Innocent and pure using gentle pastel tones to bring an exquisite touch of elegance to your wedding style.

Many couples often say they want classic florals, but with a twist. We use gentle pastel combinations like peaches, creams, lilac and blue stems to keep it bridal, but complimented by elegant colours that give it that unique edge.

This colour palette often uses a mixture of flower types to give it a wild meadow feel, but has also been tamed and expertly arranged for an intricate, elegant display. It’s a pure and innocent arrangement that is infused with a drop of pastel personality.

Don’t be afraid of colour, embrace it and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

About Olive Owl

Olive Owl Flowers is a wedding florist based in the north west. Founded by Sarah McCaig in 2016, the floral entrepreneur has successfully supported hundreds of newlyweds with unique floral designs for their wedding day. No ordinary wedding florist, Olive Owl specialise in colour combinations to ensure weddings don’t comprise on character or elegance, blending both beauty and colour for unforgettable florals on your special day.

Sarah is also encouraging newlyweds to give their wedding flowers a second lease of life through her mental health movement #PetalsofPositivity. The campaign sees leftover wedding flowers placed for strangers to find as a random act of kindness after Sarah did something similar earlier this year and later found that she’d saved a life. Read more on the campaign here. People can pledge their support here or send a direct message on the Petals of Positivity Instagram Page.

The post How to achieve the perfect balance of colour and elegance for your wedding flowers appeared first on English Wedding.

An elopement fashioned on old vintage love, fluffy velvet roses and a timeless era of style. This vintage Cinema styled elopement is what romantic dreams are made of. Bringing back a bit of a vintage/glam vibe into the styling a beautiful 1921 cinema was used as the venue to promote history and add depth to inspire the iconic decade.

An array of deep red fluffy roses was added to create a luxury floristry touch. Our real life couple dressed to match our theme, with our bride draped in a stunning backless white wedding gown matched with long mesh gloves to give an elegant and opulent style. The groom matched with stylish Hollywood era suit. Paired with an old Hollywood glam style of makeup to tie in our theme.

Our stationery was designed in an old cinema style to bring in our table setting and draw attention to details used focusing on what our theme was dedicated to. This was all composed to create a luxurious elopement with room for any kind of budget. Simple yet effective.

The post Life and After: Luxury elopement inspiration, vintage Hollywood style! appeared first on English Wedding.

Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on the exciting journey of planning your wedding, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the myriad of decisions you need to make. One of the most crucial aspects of your wedding day is the photography, as these images will serve as timeless mementos of your love and celebration. But where do you start?

Whether you’re just beginning to plan or are knee-deep in wedding magazines and Pinterest boards, finding the right photographer can seem daunting. To help you navigate this process, I’ve put together some essential questions to ask, key things to look for, tips on making your final decision, and what to expect once you’ve booked your photographer.

These insights will not only help you choose the perfect person to capture your day but will also ease some of the stress, allowing you to focus on the joy of your upcoming wedding. So, let’s dive in and get you one step closer to saying “I do” with confidence and peace of mind.

Lauren & Jonathan’s beautiful Hethfelton House wedding, with Libra Photographic

5 Basic Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

1. Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding?

Now as a photographer I would say this is the first and most important question you should ask any photographer you like the look of. There are so many cheats that photographers can use these days. There are styled shoots with models, AI editing and even AI photos that are complete fabrication. When you see an entire wedding, you get to see how a photographer works throughout the whole day, not just the select moments.

2. What is your photography style?

Understanding whether they specialise in traditional, photojournalistic, or artistic styles will help you see if their vision aligns with yours. If you choose a pure documentary approach to a wedding you should not expect group photos or portraits, however most photographers, like me, will offer a blended approach to this. Just be aware that the ‘traditional’ groups and poses take longer than you may think.

3. How do you handle low-light situations?

Weddings differ to most other types of photography as wedding photographers can’t postpone for weather or wait for the perfect light. Low light used to be a problem but with newer cameras we can photograph easily in low light. I’d suggest asking your wedding photographer how they handle bad light. For example, harsh, strong sunshine or a room with artificial lighting and small or no windows. Ask to see examples! You don’t need to know the technical aspects; your eyes and heart will tell you if it works.

4. What is included in packages?

More does not mean value, what you really pay for in the experience that the photographer brings to your wedding. A wedding photographer will have worked in all situations and made mistakes long before attending your wedding. If you want a pre wedding shoot or an Album they are great additions but time is the thing that should come first. 

5. What is your backup plan if you cannot attend?

2020 brought this to the table more than any other time, we really found out the hard way that things beyond our control can happen. Photographers tend to be solo workers so what if they fall ill, break a limb or even just their trigger finger. Your photographer must have a backup plan, listed in their contract. Ask what it is and how they implement it.

Further reading: 60 Questions to ask your wedding photographer

5 Things to Look for in a Wedding Photographer

1. Portfolio Consistency

As mentioned earlier ensure their work is consistently high-quality across different weddings and environments. Does the colour stay consistent, are the skin tones accurate, does the grass look green? These are all photographic style attributes see below when consistent but inconsistency shows a photographer who is experimenting and developing a look.

2. Personality and Communication

A photographer’s personality can greatly influence your day, so finding someone who makes you feel comfortable is key. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying some photographers are terrible but we don’t get on with everyone in life, that’s just fact. Meet your photographer and have a conversation, you’ll know pretty quickly if you gel. If your photographer doesn’t instantly make you relax how are they going to do it on a wedding day when under time pressure?

3. Reviews and Testimonials

Look for feedback from previous clients to gauge reliability and satisfaction. Testimonials on a website are good but not checked for authenticity. Head over to google or Trustpilot for reviews direct from past couples. Do they all describe a similar experience?

“As a wedding photographer myself, it was so important for me, and my now wife to feel comfortable on our wedding day. Photographing another photographer’s wedding can be daunting, but Nathan took it all in his stride. He captured the day beautifully, with a strong combination of reportage and posed images, and his creativity shone through. Nathan listened to exactly what were were looking for, and he exceeded our expectations on the day. More importantly, we all enjoyed his company on the day.” ~ Az & Tiff’s review for Libra Photographic on their English Wedding blog

4. Experience and Expertise

Experience, particularly with weddings, ensures they can handle any situation smoothly. Wedding photography includes reportage/ documentary photography where they need to observe, people management without being rude, portraiture but other than those obvious ones. Food photography, product photography, still life photography, Landscape photography, aerial photography, stamina (yes, photographers need to be wedding fit) and work well in the Team of suppliers or vendors at your wedding.

5. Post-Processing Style

Check their editing style to ensure it matches your vision for your wedding photos. Just search sepiagate to see one bride’s reaction to a post processing style. A photographer’s style is their working preference and you employ them for it. The photographer in question here had consistent style which wasn’t noticed by the bride until after the delivery of her photos. As an extreme metaphor you wouldn’t as Monet to paint like Picasso would you? When selecting a photographer you are choosing their artistic view on the world around them. 

How to Make a Final Decision

1. Compare Portfolios Side-by-Side

Lay out the best work from your top choices to see whose style resonates most with you.

2. Meet in Person or Virtually

Personal interaction can reveal a lot about their professionalism and compatibility with your personality.

3. Evaluate Packages and Pricing

Consider what each photographer offers and how that aligns with your budget and needs.

4. Review Contracts Carefully

Ensure you understand the terms, including delivery timelines, rights to images, and cancellation policies.

5. Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, go with the photographer who not only meets your criteria but also feels right.

What to Expect Once You’ve Booked Your Photographer

1. Initial Consultation

A detailed discussion to understand your vision, timeline, and any specific shots you want.

2. Engagement/Pre wedding Session (if included)

A great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and build rapport with your photographer.

3. Pre-Wedding Communication

Expect regular check-ins as the wedding date approaches to finalise schedules, shot lists, and any last-minute changes.

4. Day-of Coordination

Your photographer will blend into the background while capturing candid moments, as well as directing posed shots seamlessly.

5. Post-Wedding Process

Editing and post-processing typically take a few weeks and longer during high season. You’ll usually receive a preview first, followed by the full gallery, and then any albums or prints as per your package.

Joanna & Jack at their Hale Park wedding, which we featured on the English Wedding blog

Now that is a lot of information but choosing your photographer and videographer is in my opinion something that can make or break a wedding as we spend a lot of time with you on the wedding day, we meet all your guests at some point in the day and give you one of the only things that last longer than a few months after your wedding, an album of memories that get shared for generations.

The post Capturing Your Big Day – A Guide for Newly Engaged Couples by Nathan at Libra Photographic appeared first on English Wedding.