A knowledgeable photographer will understand how best to capture those special moments that become classic wedding shots. These might include the bride and groom exchanging rings, dancing cheek-to-cheek and cutting the cake, the toasts and speeches, the hugs, kisses and laughter of family and friends – images which will remain long after the bridal bouquet has been thrown and the wedding gown packed away. Provide your photographer with a checklist of scenes to be captured, such as the bride with her parents prior to the wedding, as well as key family members to include in the shots, and any particular items of décor that you would like photographed. Decide from the outset whether you’d like lots of posed, formal photographs, or if you’d rather simply relax and enjoy this magical day while your photographer works in the background to record events as they unfold. You might like to set up a bridal portrait session before the wedding or even an engagement shoot, which is very popular these days. This will give you time to become better acquainted with your photographer and get used to how they operate. In addition to producing some great photos, it will allow you to feel more relaxed during the big-day photo shoot, resulting in more natural looking wedding photographs. Some brides are even having the portrait photos taken just before the ceremony to ensure they look their very best! HEATHER FITCHET
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CAPTURING THE MOMENT