These tips are just in from Jessica and James who got married on 2nd August. They had their reception at the wonderful Cranford Hall which for those of you who don’t know is near Kettering in Northamptonshire.

Hi Courtenay

After long deliberation we have whittled it down to two photographs. This is the hardest thing we have ever had to choose as our wedding photos are a catalogue of our day and every single photo means so much to us and at the same time, every single photo is worthless without the next. (If that makes any sense at all).

The photo’s we have chosen are these:

They depict the whole ambiance of our day. One of laughter, freedom, informality, romance and family.

Each time we take the albums out, the memories come flooding back, memories which are only jogged by the photographs. The day goes so quickly which is such a cliche and every married woman will tell you the same, (although you won’t believe it when someone says it to you). So for us our photos were the most important factor when planning our wedding. I cannot remember what the food and wine tasted like, but the photos last an eternity.

I remember feeling quite anxious parting with our deposit and hoping I had made the right decision a year in advance (Jess booked me over the phone without meeting me first). But, fear not, this is the most fantastic photographer. He will put everyone at ease and you won’t even notice he is there.
Courtenay’s style captures the whole emotion of the day in a special way. Every photo tells a story, but look again and you will see and remember something completely different.

Tips for planning your wedding…..

Well, there is so much choice in every area when planning a wedding.

Every girl’s first agenda is the dress!!!! Look locally, as I travelled all over the country and ended up purchasing from a small bridal shop in our nearby town, which is where I started looking in the first place. And don’t be afraid to ask if that is the best price they can do. I got a £300 discount. If you don’t ask you don’t get, and what is the worse that can happen? Well they can only say no.

Food – Make sure you have a taster!!! We made the mistake of not tasting and we were a little disappointed. Most caterers will offer this free of charge and at least you know what you are getting. Ask if they will do you a deal for cash there is no VAT on food but remember, most people don’t ask.

Stationary – Ask for samples, consider three different colour schemes or themes. I make couture wedding stationary myself and brides very rarely go for what they initially asked for.

Photos – Don’t be shy you will regret it. I am quite shy and get embarrassed when people take photos of me, however Courtenay will make you feel really at ease and the pre-wedding shoot, well that helps too and puts you even more at ease and prepares you for your day.

Keep A4 zip wallets and label accordingly, venue, food, attire, flowers etc. It is so much easier to throw it all in as and when. If you are anything like me, I don’t have much time to be ultra organised but you do need to be to a certain extent. Pull out wedding planner guides from magazines there is no need to buy a planner. Rip out things you like from magazines as and when you see them and file them. (Don’t think you will remember where you saw it) Then when you come to make your final decisions you will have it all together.

Most of all don’t stress, delegate as much as possible, you will enjoy the day no matter what happens.

Good luck for your big day and best wishes for your future together.

Jess and James


Wedding Photographer Dorset – Courtenay Photographic