Welcome, lovely new clients!
Thanks so much for choosing me as your wedding photographer and I can't wait to work with you. It's a real privilege to share such a special day and I genuinely do enjoy every one (a quick disclaimer, I may also cry during the vows/any sentimental bits as I'm a big sap, but I'll still be snapping away!)
I've put this page together to provide useful information and answer some frequently asked questions about what will happen between now and your wedding, and hope you'll find it handy
Key bits before the wedding
Payments
You have already paid a 25% deposit to secure your date, and the remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding day. An invoice will be sent over when the time comes, but you can always request it sooner if preferable.
If you would like to pay in installments, that is absolutely fine - just ask as soon as possible and I'll set up a schedule that suits you.
Pre-wedding consultation
About two months before the wedding you will get an email about setting up your pre-wedding consultation. This is a chance for us to get together, either in person or virtually, and iron out the details of your way so everything runs smoothly, photography-wise, on the day. If the venue is nearby, meeting there is a great idea so I can get the lay of the land and look at photo locations. The pre-wedding consultation is also a great icebreaker! We'll be spending a fair bit of time together on your wedding day so at your consultation we can get to know each other a bit and hopefully you'll feel put at ease for the day itself.
Ahead of your pre-wedding consultation, I'll send over a short questionnaire that asks you about timings and locations, as well as a 'must have' shot list and any special requests, and who your other suppliers are. If you can fill this out before we get together that would be helpful. If you want any advice on what to put in the form, just send me a message.
Why should you have an engagement shoot?
An engagement session is a perfect way to capture yourselves as a soon-to-be-wed couple, and can be added on to your package at any time (or come as standard with my The Queen Bee package). With them, you get up to two hours shooting time in a location, or locations, of your choice, where we'll have a wander, a chat, and take some lovely, natural photos of the two of you. Engagement shoots are £300 when booked alone, or £200 with a wedding package.
If you're thinking about adding one to your package, here are a few reasons why you should.
You get amazing photos
This reason is pretty self-explanatory. Unless you and your other half are professional models, you probably haven't had a photoshoot before. The only photos you have together may be selfies. So having proper photos of you as a couple leading up to your wedding day is priceless. An engagement shoot will also help you feel more prepared for your big day, and are great for using as ‘Save The Dates’ for your wedding too!
It helps you get comfortable in front of the camera
An engagement shoot helps to break the ice and feel comfortable about how we'll be working together on the day. The more time you spend around someone, the more you get to know them and in turn the more comfortable you will feel with me as your photographer on the day. I love getting to know my couples and hearing about you both, your love story, and what the wedding will be like.
No time restrictions
It’s all about you! Wedding days can be busy and over in the blink of an eye. Engagement sessions are nice and relaxed; no drinks reception to get back to; no wedding breakfast due to begin imminently and putting pressure on you. You can take as much time as you need to get a feel for being in front of the camera, trying things out, and just having a laugh with each other.
TOP TIP
If you're having a hair and makeup trial, you could do this before your engagement session so that you can see if you like how it feels for a few hours, and also how it actually photographs. This gives you a chance to make any tweaks before the big day.
I hope this page has been useful, but if there is anything not covered here that you'd like to know, you are welcome to get in touch with me anytime at hello@queenbeaphotography.co.uk or WhatsApp me on 07822 003068. During busy times it may take longer than usual for me to respond to your email, but I will try to get back to you as quickly as I can.
You can also keep in touch with what I'm up to by checking out my blog and following me on Instagram!