What do brides want in 2023?
I was a bride, twice, in fact… My question now is, what DO brides want and expect from their wedding photographer in 2023?
In 2000 I married an American, we were young, and our families didn’t approve so we took ourselves off to the Courthouse in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and got married. No family, no friends, no photographer, just us – dressed in black! BUT we didn’t care, we just wanted to be married. Needless to say, we were too young and divorced after several long years.
19 years later, I found myself engaged and getting married again. I’m back in the UK this time, so this time was for real! My Dad would walk me down the aisle, my new husband and I would share the experience of cutting a wedding cake together and enjoying our first dance while the people we love watch on. My dress isn’t black, NO! it’s ivory, beautiful and even has a train!! A proper wedding!! At least that’s what it felt like. But what makes a ‘proper wedding’? The attendance of family and friends? The dress? The venue? The photographer?
To me, our wedding day was perfect! The perfect man, venue, guests (well most), dress; Everything!! Until we started on our journey as wedding photographers. After a year of weddings, a year of seeing what other people do to make their wedding day perfect, a year of reflection, I must admit there are now things I would change if I could go back 3 short years and do it again. Do I have regrets? Absolutely not but would I do it again? YES!! I would (to the same man of course!).
So, what does make the perfect wedding day? The truth is, there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to a wedding. Only what is perfect for you, the bride and groom. No-one is going to remember your wedding like you do. No-one will be looking at the little details like you do. No-one can experience your wedding for you or as you. No-one will look at your photos over and over again like you do. It really is the most personal of occasions tailormade for you and your future partner. A day not to worry about what other people think, say, or do. It should be a day to relax and enjoy.
This is where we come in… the majority of brides and grooms-to-be are nervous. Nervous to be the subject of photographs, the centre of attention, the main attraction if you will…
We want to make you feel comfortable, to enjoy your special day without feeling like you have to be ‘America’s Next Top Model’!!
A pre-wedding face-to-face meeting is one of our favourite ways to get our couples ready for their big day, getting to know each other, putting faces to the names and all that. It really does help to make people feel more at ease with us, and especially in front of the camera on the big day itself. You know you are getting a TOP photographer and experienced event planner, honorary bridesmaid, and general caretaker all wrapped up in a happily married couple who will attend your wedding to capture all the feelings and moments of this momentous event, while making sure you and your guests have the very best experience with a professional photographer.
Now, back to marriage… My perfect new husband, well HE is your photographer (I wish he had been ours!), Steve’s relaxed manner is reflected in his work. A master at capturing moments and memories while maintaining a natural and unobtrusive experience. He edits each and every one of your photographs, no preset editing here, to provide you with the best possible photographs. As for me, like I said, I am your general caretaker. Anything you need, whether it’s related to your photos or not, is ok to ask! I will do everything in my power to make your day all that you dreamed it would be. A person to deal with all aspects of the day from making sure your hair is perfect and your dress is sitting just right to dealing with the venue or difficult guests. I am happy to act as your Master of Ceremonies, problem solver and confidant. This is why so many of our brides and bridesmaids give me the title of ‘honorary bridesmaid’ on the day.
Even though our wedding was perfect, our experience with our photographer and the photos he took, but more importantly, did NOT take was not the best so I make it my personal mission not to let this happen to anyone else; you WILL get all the photos that you expect, want and more… Nothing and no-one will be forgotten!!
So, to wrap this up… I don’t know what brides want in 2023 that is different to years past, but I do know that if you want a top photographer for your wedding, you should not be disappointed! You should not be content in receiving subpar images, or with images that are not personally and professionally edited. If you receive your photos within a day or two, chances are, your images are just stuck into a preset program and sent to you without any further thought or care. Steve is different. Steve cares! We care!!
Before, during and after your wedding, we are here for you!
So if you are looking for a Dorset wedding photographer who is happy to travel, call us for a chat or drop us a message, we’re happy to answer all your questions.
Love
Dani xx
