What Is A Typical Wedding Day?

Wedding Preparations
The start of the wedding day for every bride and groom. Some couples are quite nervous on the day, whilst some are very relaxed. Everyone is different. This part of the wedding usually includes some extraordinary moments such as the revealing of the dress, photographing the rings, the wedding dress and shows and photos with the bride & bridesmaids and groom & groomsmen.

Wedding Ceremony
There’s a big build-up to the wedding ceremony and months (or years) of planning. Whether you’re having the ceremony in a church, registry office or licensed venue, there are many classic photos to capture. These include walking down the aisle, the first look, wedding vows, exchanging the rings, the first kiss, signing the register and walking down the aisle now you are officially married.

Drinks Reception
After the wedding ceremony, drinks and canapés are traditionally served. This is a chance to relax and see your guests as a married couple. Shortly after is the ideal time to get some formal family photographs done – generally outside the venue (if the North East weather permits, of course!). This is also a chance to do the family formal group photographs and some portraits of you both.

Wedding Breakfast
The Wedding Breakfast is your formal meal after the ceremony. This is a chance to enjoy yourself and indulge in the food and drink your wedding venue has laid on for your special day. The best thing is that you can choose everything on the menu! I take photos of your arrival and being seated by the wedding host at the top table, which is still a popular tradition.

Wedding Speeches
In the past, speeches have taken place after the meal, although it’s much more common to have them before now (to allow the speakers to relax and enjoy their food). There are always some classic moments to photograph during the wedding speeches – whether it’s the groom’s first words as a married man, the infamous best man’s address or a touching speech from the bride’s father.

Cutting the Cake
The Cutting of the Cake is one of the classic wedding photographs. This usually takes place as the evening reception is about to start right before the first dance. It’s the perfect time for the professional photographer and guests to get a photo of the couple together. These days you are just as likely to see a wedding cake made of cheese as a traditional sponge cake with white icing.

First Dance
Some couples love the first dance, and some hate it! It’s become common for couples to practice their dance, and I’ve even seen a choreographed routine involving the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Whatever approach you want, it’s the perfect photo opportunity before your guests join you on the dance floor. You can now start to let your hair down and party on your wedding day as a newlywed.

Evening Reception
The evening reception goes into the small hours, accompanied by a wedding band or DJ. The bar is open, and some events also have an informal evening buffet to keep guests well-fed and watered. Whether you choose a whole band of professional musicians, pop classics, Jazz music or even a Scottish Ceilidh for your wedding reception music, it’s your choice. Enjoy your evening!