Pre-wedding photoshoots

Included in my wedding photography package is a pre-wedding photoshoot, also known as an engagement photoshoot. It's entirely optional and I include it as a free extra for all couples as I understand that some people are keen on the idea and for some people it's just not their cup of tea, which is fair enough! I thought I would write this little blog post to explain some of the reasons why a pre-wedding photoshoot can be a good idea and show some examples of previous shoots I have done...so, thanks for reading!

Firstly, I completely understand that some people don't like having their photographs taken (myself included!) and that's why a pre-wedding photoshoot can be a great idea for anyone who feels like this. Having your photo taken professionally before the big day can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and more at ease when you're posing for photos on your wedding day. Although my style of wedding photography is more natural and relaxed, there are some posed photographs to be taken on the day for group photos etc, although I do try to keep these to a minimum!

Pre-wedding shoots can take place anywhere you like, indoors or outdoors, and I really recommend using your wedding venue as a backdrop. By having your pre-wedding shoot at your venue it gives us a great chance to get to know the place better and scout out some great spots for photographs on the big day. I always have a visit to the venue ahead of your wedding anyway so that I can check the place out, but by visiting the venue together we can find all the great photo locations and come up with some ideas together for on the day.

Pre-wedding photoshoots are a great way of me getting to know you - it's a pretty simple reason really! We'll obviously be meeting ahead of the wedding anyway to discuss the important details of the day and come up with the all important shot list, but by working together on a photoshoot ahead of the wedding it gives me a chance to know you and your other half and your style even better.

 As well as giving me chance to get to know you a bit better, having me take your photographs ahead of the wedding also gives you a chance to get to know me. As your wedding photographer I will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day (I do like to stay out of the way at a wedding whilst taking photographs in an unobtrusive style as I don't want to disrupt the day in any way, but there will be times when I will need to direct you and / or your guests for certain photographs) so it's always a benefit when the bride and groom feel like they know me and feel comfortable around me. As I'll be there for the majority of the day, it's always a good thing when the bride or groom feels comfortable with asking me to help out with tasks (for example I'm getting good at pinning button holes, picking confetti out of hair and helping guests find the loo!)

And finally, another reason for having a pre-wedding photoshoot is you'll have some great photographs of you and your partner ahead of your wedding. Of course we'll get a ton of great photos on your wedding day, but the pre-wedding shoot gives you a chance to get some photographs for you that you could use on your invitations, save the date cards or decorations for the actual wedding.

So, if you have booked me for photographing your wedding, why not book in for your pre-wedding shoot!

I hope you've enjoyed reading the above, please send me an email if you have any questions or would like more information on my wedding photography package.

Thanks,

Hayley x

hayleycox7689@sky.com
www.hayleycoxphotography.co.uk
www.facebook.com/hayleycoxphotography

Carey & Pete's Wedding Day - Leyburn, May 2014

I haven't blogged in a while so thought I'd get the ball rolling again by posting some photographs of Carey & Pete's wedding from May this year. The happy couple were married at the gorgeous St Oswald's Church in Thornton Steward and had their reception in an amazing marquee at the Leyburn Rugby Club. It was a beautiful sunny day, we were really lucky with the weather, I hope you enjoy looking through the photographs from it...

I started my day by getting to Carey & Pete's house in Leyburn to take photos of Carey and her bridesmaids getting ready.

 

           

After the preparations it was time for me to make my way to the church and see the guys before the guests arrived and count down until it was time for Carey and Pete to say "I do".

After the beautiful ceremony we took family photos in the gorgeous countryside right near the church and then it was on to the Leyburn Rugby club where a marquee was waiting for Mr & Mrs Alderson and their guests. The marquee was absolutely amazing, more like a mansion in fact. So much detail had been put into decorating it and there was so much for me to photograph!

I managed to get some time with the bride and groom before the meal and speeches, and got some photographs of the two of them together in the lovely grounds of the Rugby Club.

Then it was time for the meal and the all important speeches. All the guys did a great job with their speeches, each one was very emotional and I even found it hard not to cry!

For the evening reception, Carey & Pete cut into their gorgeous 3 tier cake and had their first dance as man and wife to Florence and the Machine.

And that was the wedding of Mr & Mrs Alderson on 17th May 2014! Thank you so much to Carey & Pete for letting me capture their special day, it really was beautiful and very emotional and I am privileged to have been a part of it!