HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer all your big-day questions

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME

Meet the expert: Gaetano Di Giacomo is a wedding videographer based in Buckinghamshire covering weddings in Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, London and Essex. He has more than 15 years of experience that will ensure the final video will be perfectly filmed and edited.

Why should we book a videographer?

Gaetano says: Do you want to be one of the 75% of couples who regret not booking a wedding videographer? It’s always said that your wedding day will flash by in an instant. This is why hiring a wedding videographer is so important in making your special day last forever.

There are many costs involved when it comes to a wedding, and adding a wedding videographer to them may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if you have hired a photographer.

However, I think couples should think of it as an investment which they won’t regret, especially when they watch their wedding film on their 1st, 10th, or even 50th anniversary.

Photographs of your big day are lovely to have, but a video will add a more personal touch to the day, and provide you with the little details that you’ll forget over time. It’s a complete visual record of the day’s events, from the bride and groom getting ready in the morning, to the throwing of the bouquet, and much more in between. Also, the sounds of the event can only be captured in a video, so you’ll get to relive your vows and your first dance song forever. It’s also a chance for you and your family to make memories to treasure forever and you’ll appreciate the record you have of them enjoying your special day with you. The big event will only happen once, so you want your wedding video to do it justice.

Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production | 07367 606 178 www.gaetanodigiacomo.co.uk www.instagram.com/gdgmp_weddings

Scan to view video

Scan to view video

We want to design our wedding stationery, can you help?

Lauren says: Going bespoke and telling a story through your wedding stationery is something I strive for in my business. I believe that your wedding should represent you both as an individual and as a couple. A great way to do this is to set the tone with your stationery showing your bespoke design and hinting to your guests about what’s to come.

This isn’t a process that can happen overnight, I recommended that once you have booked your venue and secured the date, you should then book your stationery supplier. I work with my couples more than four to eight weeks in advance to complete a bespoke stationery suite. This includes:

 A zoom call or a meet-up to discuss ideas and thoughts and create a mood board.  My designing time as I hand-draw all my illustrations on my iPad.  Couples will then have the opportunity to make any changes to the text, font or even the design itself.  Once the couple is happy, their design will go to print.  I’ll receive the print items back and add finishing touches to them, this may be a wax seal, ribbon or simply assembling them.

Lauren Daisy | www.laurendaisy.co.uk www.instagram.com/lauren_daisy

https://loveandlifestudio.co.uk

PERFECT PLANNING

Meet the expert: Jessica Ghansah plans beautiful, stress-free weddings for busy couples throughout Buckinghamshire and beyond.

Why hire an on-the-day wedding coordinator?

Jessica says: It’s the day of your wedding and you’ve got 120 table settings to put out, the DJ can’t find the venue and you’ve left something important at home. Weddings can be stressful. You should be enjoying the best day of your life, not remembering who ordered the vegetarian or vegan option or where you put the cake knife (you did bring the cake knife, right?)

A wedding coordinator is the ultimate wedding hack - ensuring your perfect day runs perfectly and that the inevitable stresses of planning, supplier coordination and getting your loved ones happily together in the same room sit firmly behind the scenes. Treat yourself to an early wedding present and start your happily ever after today.

Jessica Ghansah Weddings | 07970 615 530 www.jessicaghansahweddings.com www.instagram.com/jessicaghansahweddings

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Meet the expert: Alison Carter founded Springwood Ceremonies in 2018 which focuses on the details that matter – the ones that tell a couple’s story so they can create a day they’ll remember forever.

We’re planning an outdoor wedding for summer 2023. What will the new laws mean we can (and can’t) do?

Alison says: I welcome the modernisation of antiquated wedding laws. Giving the gift of more choice for marrying couples enables them to create a ceremony that reflects their true selves. The law change in April 2022 means that existing licensed venues can open up their outdoor spaces for legal ceremonies. They are no longer bound by the need to have a permanent structure with a roof for the ceremony. Couples can now have a ceremony on a beautiful lakeside lawn, in a woodland glade, or on a bridge. In essence wherever they would like, as long as the venue are happy.

Remember though that this change only applies to the grounds of existing licensed premises. It does not apply to any venue that doesn’t already hold a licence like a private garden or field for example. And if you’d prefer the ceremony to be your legally binding ceremony then check that the registrar is happy with your chosen special spot.

Springwood Ceremonies | 07766 750 446 http://springwoodceremonies.co.uk www.facebook.com/springwoodceremoniesuk

ECO-CHIC

Meet the expert: Sarah Annand runs Buckinghamshire-based Pretty in Preloved bridal with her husband, Martin and her daughter, Lily (both pictured with Sarah). The family-run team is passionate about all things wedding and preloved.

Sarah says: Pretty In Preloved Bridal was born out of my struggles to find a beautiful previously loved wedding dress. As with all purchases, being environmentally-conscious about what we’re buying should be a priority and this shouldn’t stop when planning a wedding. A bridal dress can be one of the most unsustainable purchases you can make! Excessive clothing production is a big issue in the UK and leads to millions of pounds worth of leftover stock being sent to landfill each year, with the wedding industry being no exception.

As we all know, shopping second-hand or vintage is one of the best ways to stay green when it comes to fashion, and bridal should be no different. Sourcing a preloved bridal boutique nearby such as Pretty In Preloved Bridal will provide a purse and planet-friendly option for modern brides. Buying preloved is not only kinder to your budget but more importantly the planet… it’s a win-win!

Pretty in Preloved Bridal | 07361 913 796 www.prettyinprelovedbridal.com www.instagram.com/prettyinprelovedbridal