Today’s top tips and favourite picture(s) come from Nicola and Andrew Hayes. Nicola and Andrew were married on the 7th May last year at the lovely Somerset wedding venue that is Maunsel House. To see their Somerset wedding story on our blog, please click the following link – Maunsel House Wedding

Here is Nicola…

Hi Courtenay,

Mine and Andy’s favourite picture is this black and white picture in the wedding car (we picked it for the front cover of the album) because it shows our first moment alone as husband and wife and we look really happy.

However, all our families loved the one of Andy hugging me from behind on the drive of Maunsel because of the geese waddling in the background – they still think it was set up somehow!

(oh yes I’m a Goose Whisperer didn’t you know!! )

Our friends all liked the confetti pictures though because they are really natural and they thought it reflected us both because we are screwing up our faces and laughing.

(one of the many!)

To be honest I love all our pictures because they really tell the story of our day and there were so many great moments that you captured. It is really hard to pick just one.

I have tried not to be too obvious in my tips because people tend to say the same thing about the wedding day  so with that in mind my three top tips would be

1. I was really glad I chose the four bridesmaids that I had which were my two sisters, sister in law and best friend. We had such a fun and relaxing morning and it was such a lovely start to the day. As bridesmaids gifts to them they had their hair and make up done as well. Think about who you want to share those memories with when you consider who to ask.
2. Make sure you experience everything you have booked on the day. Regrettably I didn’t eat any canapés, have any ice cream from the tricycle we hired or have any of the much talked about hog roast in the evening (although typically my husband didn’t miss out on any of the food!).  It takes ages to book all these extra touches so try and enjoy them.
3. When our family and friends talk about the wedding they say there were so many personal touches so although it does take time (and lots of double sided tape in my case!) it is worth making what you can. I printed a picture of each guest instead of a place name on the tables and that went down really well and the guests also got to take them home. When we visit people it is nice to see them on their fridges etc.

And finally…
4. Book Courtenay because he is a brilliant photographer and makes you feel relaxed and comfy even when you don’t like having your picture taken like my husband and I! :0)

Nic xx

Dorset Wedding Photographer – Courtenay Photographic Ltd