Emma and Jack were high school sweethearts who’s love was written in the stars! They tied the knot at Orange Tree House this July surrounded by family and friends. After postponing the wedding due to Emma’s pharmacy studies and the pandemic, even a devastating skiing injury she suffered didn’t stop them from finally saying “I DO!”

With amazing family and friends on hand to make the day extra special, Emma and Jack’s wedding went off without a hitch – or may one on the dance floor!

HOW THEY MET

Emma and Jack met whilst in high school and began a text-crazed teenage romance in 2010 during their third year of school. But it wasn’t until a Halloween party during their fourth year, that Jack asked her to be his girlfriend. Emma being from Portadown and Jack from Donaghmore, Newry made it a challenge for the teens to meet frequently. They would jump on the bus on weekends to hang out at the local park and go to the cinema.

“We really grew up together. We leaned on each other through all our GCSEs, A-levels and Uni and had so much fun spending time on his family’s farm”, says Emma.

THE PROPOSAL

After asking Emma’s parents and grandfather for permission to marry her in 2019, Jack set the wheels in motion to propose. He was given Emma’s grandmother’s ring, “the one that I adored and based all aspirations for my future engagement ring on”, says Emma. They went down to the local pub with friends one evening and Emma spotted an engagement box in Jack’s pocket.

“When we got home I was literally too excited to sleep and in lots of childish laughter I essentially told him if he didn’t propose right now I’d explode.” So in the wee hours of the morning and in their pyjamas, Jack got down on one knee and popped the question!

PLANNING THE BIG DAY

Like many couples who got engaged in the last couple years, the pandemic created many challenges – and Emma and Jack were no exception! The couple began wedding planning in early 2020, falling in love with and securing Orange Tree House almost immediately. However, with Emma still studying pharmacy and the world at a standstill, the couple opted to postpone the wedding until 2022.

“With all the extra time planning was pretty chill and just plodded along in the background”, says Emma.

In January 2022 the couple took a family ski trip to Bulgaria for Jack’s dad’s 60th birthday. Emma had a devastating accident on the slopes, landing her in a wheelchair. “I then spent the craziest part of [wedding planning] out of work, getting a massive amount of surgery done on my knee and relearning how to walk”, she says. Some how the couple of 10 years pulled it together and completed the wedding planning!

THE VENUE

“When we visited Orange Tree House we just knew it was the one straight away. The architecture and beauty of the main hall which used to be a church and the view of Strangford Lough out of the lounge windows” says Emma. The couple had both their ceremony and reception on site which was a charming affair.

RELATED TO: 13 Romantic Ceremony Rooms To Say ‘I Do’ In

“We had a humanist wedding ceremony because we wanted our wedding to be so personal and to fully capture what finally getting married after a whole decade feels like”, say Jack.

CAPTURING THE BIG DAY

The couple chose Sheena Thompson Photography to capture their special day. Though camera shy, they were able to relax and get into the spirit of celebration to create memories for them to look back on.

“She was so relaxed and easy to work with and managed to get so many beautiful photos and captured the joy of the day so well. Neither of us like getting our photo taken – there is a pitiful amount of evidence of all the time we’ve been together! But Sheena made us so comfortable in front of the camera and by the end of it I was wondering if Jack was going to go for a career change into modelling”, says Emma.

WEDDING WARDROBE

Emma chose a beautiful gown, Zaine by Evie Young from Jill Jones Bridal, Templepatrick. “My dress is one of my favorite things I own and I got it so early on”, she says.

RELATED TO: Freddie Hatchet’s New Mobile Tailoring System Allows Grooms To Create Their Dream Suit From Home

Jack’s suit was from Freddie Hatchet and his bride-to-be gave him free reign on choosing it. “It’s a great atmosphere up there and they has some of the best Guinness I’ve tasted anywhere! The guys there are very helpful and knowledgeable”, says Jacks.

WEDDING ADVICE

When it comes to advice for other soon-to-wed couples, Emma and Jack say you should execute the day your way! “It’s so easy to keep spending and keep adding more to it because someone else has done something but we kept things simple and focused on our family and closest friends”, says Emma.

Despite pharmaceutical studies, a pandemic and a postponement, the couple were able to have a special day because they chose what worked for them. Though Emma had to take a quick ice pack break from the dance floor due to her skiing injury, she was able to enjoy the day – and she adds “if you’re contemplating going skiing within 5 months of your wedding!”

Be inspired by more real-life weddings HERE!

The post High School Sweethearts: Emma & Jack’s Rustic Affair at the Orange Tree House appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Whether you’re confident in front of the lens or a little camera shy, you could always use some inspiration to know what kind of photographs you want from your big day. After the bride and groom, the bridal party are the main stars of the show so it’s only right you get some killer pictures to capture your squad!

Luckily for you we’ve gathered lot of striking photo ideas from classic shots to candid moments and creative ideas. Keep on scrolling to get inspired…

The Big Kiss

Sweet and not too posed, capture the moment you and your bride or groom seal it with kiss on the alter – bonus points if your guests and bridal party are cheering in the background!

See more of Jane and Andrew’s day at Magheramorne Estate!

Confetti Throw

Photo by Tait Young – Wedding Photo & Film

A trend we’re seeing couples take part in more and more is the confetti through when leaving the venue and we love it!

Birds-Eye View

A creative style that captures your day from the outside looking in. It really sets the scene and can show off your venue whether it be an outdoor garden wedding, beach wedding or anything in between.

See more of David and Stephanie’s day at Castle Leslie!

The Cheers

When the ceremony is over and you’re about to get the party started, your photographer can capture you and your crew toasting some bubbly or taking some shots – before things start to get a little hazy!

The First Look

We love this modern wedding trend that can capture the moment you finally see your bride in her wedding dress just the two of you ahead of the alter! If you’re doing a first look, you won’t regret getting this shot to always remember that special feeling.

See more of Róisín and Michael’s day at Tinakilly Country House!

A Moment Together

Make sure you get a few special moments alone and bring your photographer along who can hopefully capture the bride and groom reflecting with each other as the day unfolds.

The Wedding Party Walk In

Have the bride and groom take centre stage and walk a few paces ahead of the bridal party for a powerful shot! This brings lot of movement to the photo and works well if the bridal party interact with each other to give it a more natural look.

See more of Brittany and Sean’s day at Markree Castle!

The Symmetrical Shot

Show off colour palette and synchronicity of your day with a symmetrical shot which has all the bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other. Normally this happens at the alter naturally!

Bridal Party Prep

Pop some bubbly, get your matching bridal party robes on with your maids and just have fun getting ready while your photographer snaps those precious moments!

The Look Back

Stunning and dramatic, this shot works amazing with eye contact straight into the camera. You can both look back or just one of you.

Alternating Bridesmaids & Grooms

Although symmetry is aesthetically pleasing, don’t be afraid to mix it up by alternating your bridesmaids and groomsmen for a more relaxed shot – the different colours can look great intertwined.

The Classic

Keep things classical with a formal shot of your full wedding party – bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys and the parents!

The Album Cover

Loosen up and get some silly shots which show you and your bridal partys’ personalities! Show your fun side whether it be a fun pose lifting the bride, jumping in the air or anything that can make you chuckle later.

Squad Goals

The silly theme doesn’t end here! It’s time for a squad goal photo, this can be planned or just go random on the day with a certain pose you all find funny.

Adoring Bridesmaids

Get your bridesmaid gushing over the bride and looking at her with heartwarming expressions – the bride can react naturally and you will capture plenty of real smiles.

Snack Time

If you’re having some fun snacks and treats like fast food or a cute cupcakes, make sure you get some shots of you and your bridal party sharing a sweet treat!

Candid Moments

Alongside all the posed photographs, your photographer is sure to be on the look out for some real candid moments that unfold on the day. This is one of our bride and grooms who fell off a swing and the photographer captured the whole thing – if something like happens, laugh it off and let the photographer do their thing as it can make hilariously adorable photographs.

See more of Jean and Aisling’s day at Tankardstown House!

Post-Vows Bliss

Photograph by by Sun and Beau

Sharon & Gary’s day At The Loft

After the couple tie the knot and make their way back down the aisle, get ready for that post-vows bliss shot that will show you both smiling from ear-to-ear! It’s always nice to see your happy guests looking super touched in the background.

The Grand Exit

Hannah and John’s day at The Merrion Hotel

As you leave the ceremony venue, don’t hold back your excitement – you’ve just sealed the deal! Put your hands in the air, smile at each other and have a little cheer of joy. This will be super cute caught on camera.

On The Alter

As your exchanging your vows make sure you capture this heartfelt moment and even a close up of your facial expression so you can really feel all those emotions when you look back at the photo!

Still looking for your dream wedding photographer or videographer? Check out all our local suppliers HERE!

The post 20 Adorable Photographs To Take With Bridal Party appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime. They are a moment which has been captured which, in years to come, will allow you to take a trip down memory lane. Below we are revealing the top photography trends that are sure to make it big in 2022!

The Biggest Wedding Photo Trends of 2022

A Night Time Shoot

Night time photos are so unique and add another dimension to your wedding album! Gone are the days of rushing through wedding photos during daylight hours. Plus, shooting at night allows you to sneak off with your new spouse and take a breather during the celebrations. It’ll be a lovely memory that can be cherished for years to come.

A More Laid-Back Approach

Over the last two years, we have witnessed weddings become smaller and more intimate. A celebration of love shared with your nearest and dearest. A trend we predict will huge in 2022 is a more laid back approach to the photography. Real life laughter, real life smiles and real life memories!

Editorial Shoots

If you want that wow-factor, then an editorial shoot is the way to go! With the mood light, perfect framing and loving posing, you would be forgiven for thinking this image was from a magazine.

RELATED TO: 11 Fun Ways To Entertain Your Wedding Guests While You’re Getting Your Photos Taken

Capturing Candid Moments

Whilst it is lovely to look back on the more editorial images, the celebratory atmosphere captured in the candid images can evoke memories of the smaller details of your day. Whether it is the champagne pop, throwing shapes on the dancefloor or maybe that subtle look that your partner gives you on the day, if the photographer is at the right place at the right time, they are sure to capture those fun memories.

City Chic

We absolutely love city weddings! With the cobbled streets as the aisle and the colourful walls as your backdrop, these images are fun, vibrant and completely different to the traditional country house or beautiful hotel. With the city as your playground, the photographer is able to capture the character of the city itself.

Inject your personality

More and more, we are seeing couples move away from the traditional wedding poses and injecting their personality into the photographs. This trend is the perfect way to stand out from the crowd and make your wedding day all about you! It is your wedding day after all!

Searching for a wedding photographer? Find your dream wedding photographer here!

Sign up to our newsletter to get all the latest from The Wedding Journal! Join Here>>>>http://eepurl.com/ck9vLb

The post The Wedding Photo Trends of 2022 You Need To Know appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Choosing your wedding photographer will be one of the most important decisions you make when planning your big day.

What is the key to finding your perfect photographer? Asking the right questions! From their artistic style to their cost, we have gathered the most important questions to ask a potential photographer so you can find the one that is right for your wedding.

The top questions to ask your wedding photographer:

The Basics

• Is my date available?
• How long have you been working as a wedding photographer?
• How many weddings do you photograph a year?
• Do you work alone or do you work with a second shooter?
• If there’s a last-minute issue, what is your contingency plan?
• Are the travel costs included?
• Can I see some wedding albums that you have created?
• Have you worked at our venue before?
• Have you worked with any of our vendors before?
• What information do you need from us before our wedding day?
• Do you have insurance?
• When will we receive the contract?
• Will we have the rights to the images?
• Will I get all the images? Or will I only receive the images selected by you?

RELATED TO: 11 Fun Ways To Entertain Your Wedding Guests While You’re Getting Your Photos Taken

Photography Style

• How would you describe your style?
• Can I provide you with a list of shots we would like taken on the big day?
• Can I read some client testimonials?
• Do you prefer to capture candid moments? Or do you prefer to shoot more choreographed images?

Costs

• Do you offer an engagement shoot as part of your packages?
• What different packages do you offer?
• Can I customise a package to fit my needs?
• How much is the deposit and when will you need it by?
• When will we need to make the final payment?
• Do you charge a travel fee?
• Do you offer retouching and other corrective services? If so, how much will this be?
• How will I receive my images?
• Will there be an extra charge for photo albums or having the images printed?

RELATED TO: First Ever Mourne Mountains Wedding

On The Day

• What would you normally wear to a wedding? Would you be comfortable to adhere to our dress code?
• What time will you arrive?
• What time can you stay to? If needed to shoot longer, how much for the extra hours?
• How much is a second shooter?
• Would you like us to cater for you?

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hiring A Photographer

• Do I have a good rapport with the photographer?
• Do I feel comfortable choosing this photographer?
• Is this photographer within my budget?
• Am I confident with this photographer’s work?

Are you searching for a wedding photographer? Take a look at our photographer suppliers here!

Sign up to our newsletter to get all the latest from The Wedding Journal! Join Here>>>>http://eepurl.com/ck9vLb

The post 37 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Capture your engagement news with Trevor’s style of beautiful relaxed and natural wedding photography – on the beach, in the forest or any romantic spot that is sentimental to you and get ready to share your love story with the world.

You can trust your photos will be in good hands as Trevor is an award-winning and fully qualified photographer who is a member of the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland.

He was also shortlisted as a top-five finalist in two of the Photographer of The Year 2018 Award categories and is an expert in capturing beautiful candid moments.  

Creative, artistic and perfectly timed, these pictures truly speak for themselves. They are individual and unique to your own personal love story which you can cherish as a keepsake framed in your forever home!

This fabulous prize includes your free photoshoot package at the location of your choice, plus your favourite photo from the day custom made and presented as a 24 inch Framed Fine Art product.

After your on-location photoshoot, Trevor will arrange a viewing session with you – this is where you will be shown a stunning presentation of your images, and make your choices in the luxury and comfort of his studio in Enniskillen.

Fill out the form below to be in for a chance to win – the winner will be selected on the 21st June, good luck!

Terms & conditions:

• Location must be within a two hour drive of the Trevor Lucy Photography studio. Note, this generally covers the whole of Northern Ireland and into neighbouring counties in R.O.I.
• Winners must attend their Studio Viewing Session which is arranged after the photoshoot, and is generally scheduled for the following week.
• Winners will have their images shared across the Ireland’s Wedding Journal and Trevor Lucy Photography media platforms.
• Photoshoot must happen before the end of September 2021.

The post Win A Romantic Engagement Photoshoot and Framed Print With Trevor Lucy Photography (CLOSED) appeared first on Wedding Journal.

After the pandemic ruined their city wedding plans last year, Lisa and Allen Storey were eager to tie the knot this time around and had to get a little creative with the venue.  

“We had originally planned a Belfast city wedding in October 2020 and that all was cancelled due to Covid, so we changed it to March this year,” Lisa explains.

“We had always talked about an elopement, so when our wedding was cancelled we thought maybe the elopement we first wanted would be the best idea.”

Lisa and Allen met when they were teenagers and have now got married on their 10 year anniversary after a romantic trip abroad.

“After a few years together we discussed ‘settling down’ with marriage, house etc. but we had both always wanted to travel so decided that we would do that first. In 2015 we booked our flights to Australia, where we travelled and worked for 2 and half years. During this time we also travelled to New Zealand and Indonesia.

“Allen proposed near the end of our travels in Ubud, Bali. He proposed in a restaurant there and booked a little bamboo hut at the restaurant that over looked the jungle, it was amazing!”

Lisa and Allen invited 12 guests who along with the celibate climbed the mountain to Lough Shannagh on the 25^th March, but little did they know they would be the first ever couple to marry in the Mournes.

“The Mournes idea came about because we love hiking and spent our first date there, so Allen suggested we go down to Newcastle to the Mournes and I actually thought he meant on the beach but then I quickly realised he meant up the mountains!” Lisa laughs.

“It was actually the celibate that told us nobody had ever legally got married in these mountains before and we couldn’t believe it and thought that was pretty cool!”

Lisa looked stunning in a Nola Gown by Catherine Deane from Ivory and Pearl and Allen looked smart in a tweed blazer and chinos from Next, but the two made sure to prepare for the temperamental Irish weather.

“I couldn’t recommend Ivory and Pearl enough, Kate who owns it was amazing throughout. I also got my flowers from Milson and Berry and wanted them to reflect the Mountains which I think they got spot on. 

“The weather started off beautiful, but ten minutes into the hike there was rain, hail and really strong winds but I had a massive coat on and everyone was dressed prepared and wanted to keep going with us!

“When we finally got to the top, I couldn’t believe a double rainbow appeared and the sky completely cleared! Then we all took our coats off and me and Allen got onto the rock, it was just lovely.”

For food, Allen’s mum and sister made packed lunches for everyone and they soaked up the views of the Mournes with a little bubbly to celebrate their unique day

Darren and Ana from The Three Bears Photography brought the couples wedding photo dreams to life with stunning candid moments and breathtaking views of the Mournes.

“The Three Bears captured our day perfectly, we couldn’t have asked for anything better!” Lisa says.

“We just love how our wedding photos turned out and they were really up for coming on this adventure with us, they were so amazing and accommodating every step of the way.” 

For photography enquires, visit The Three Bears Photography

The post First Ever Mourne Mountains Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

An honest, emotive, relatable brand for women who choose to embrace every moment in life. We first spoke with Lauren when we were working on our 2021 Reception Planner – you might have spotted her gorgeous autumnal shoot at Drenagh Estate.

We caught up with Lauren and Emma, socially distanced of course, to dive deeper into the Life from LIT brand. Check it out…

So Lauren, what first got you into photography and how has your brand grown over the years?

Love it – so what did it feel like, actually holding your first products and seeing brides use them?

FALL IN LOVE: Rustic Autumnal Wedding Inspiration

How have you managed to juggle this new venture, wedding planning and parenthood during a pandemic – you must be tired!

‘The brand, and LIT in general has evolved so fast, especially given the times we are in. I still can’t fully believe it. Juggling both, and a young family, I realised that I had to grow the team. I couldn’t do it alone any more. So Emma came on board in August, and our line has evolved from a journal and a t-shirt to the super popular Life Sweatshirt.’

‘My personal highlight was having our Christmas collection, which included a kids range. The adult lines sold out in a night, but the best part was getting to match my kids and having them wear theirs into school. It’s crazy how far we came in just six months.’

So you’re really starting to hit a new market now?

That’s epic – so what’s next for Life from LIT ?

Well we can’t wait to see where you take this fantastic brand next – if you would like to check out their store online, Lauren has kindly gifted our readers with an exclusive online discount code!

Use code WEDDINGJOURNAL for 10% at lifefromlit.com 

The post Meet The Team Behind Life From Lit appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We have all been learning to process and adapt to this new world. Brightlight Weddings have spent time during lockdown finding new and creative ways to help couples through this difficult time.

As a wedding business relying on couples booking our services, it’s been a nervous and frustrating time. So many couples were left wondering whether their big day will even go ahead. Our top priority was making sure any couples affected by Coronavirus could easily reschedule.

“We made sure to make them a priority, and thankfully, we could reschedule almost 15 couples, stress free!”

Typically, we love inviting couples to our office for a chat, but given the circumstances we’ve had to switch things up. With any new bookings coming through, we will host virtual meetings, answering all your wedding questions. Our aim is to keep everything as stress-free for couples as possible.

We had our first wedding at the end of August and it felt amazing to be back out filming our beautiful couples! We keep up to date with all government guidelines, and follow them closely to ensure everyone’s safety. We are really looking forward to the remaining weddings in 2020 and we are now fully booked for 2021 which is incredible! Thank you to all of those that have selected our team to be part of your big day, it is a privilege and we are very thankful!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRIGHTLIGHT WEDDINGS (@brightlight_weddings) on Jul 22, 2020 at 11:51am PDT

We are delighted to inform you that our 2022 diary is now open and we are taking bookings! If you would like to schedule a virtual chat, we are still offering these, please drop us an email to get in touch with a member of our team to discuss how we help you start the next chapter of your story!

Let us be your Brightlight!

Call 02879636274 or pop an email through to hello@brightlightweddings.co.uk

The post How Brightlight Weddings Has Helped Couples During Covid-19 appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We’re always on the hunt to provide our fabulous readers with what’s fresh, new and exciting in the world of weddings!

Let’s be honest…we could all spend hours on Youtube, watching romantic wedding video after wedding video, it’s addictive! Well listen up, we’ve got something revolutionary to share, you’re going to love it!

The fantastic team at Memfies joined us at our recent Spring Wedding Journal Show, they shared their groundbreaking new video business to our newly engaged visitors. We loved everything they had to offer, so we decided to sit down with Eoin McGloughlin of Memfies and chat about all things weddings and Memfies.

So Eoin, could you describe Memfies and the service you provide brides and grooms?

Memfies provides an authentic, inclusive and personal service which gives all of your guests the chance to be involved in being a part of your wedding memories! The service we provide gives us the opportunity to show the real moments which are happening at your wedding from a very personal point of view.’

Why should couples choose Memfies?

‘This is a unique way to create a video memory of your special day. Having the ability to capture the real emotion of the day in this way means that we can create a real sense of what the feelings were on the day! Not having a video memory of the day is one of the biggest regrets a bride and groom have after the wedding with the main reason for not having a video being because of budget constraints.

There are a lot of reasons why this service works very well. The quantity and quality of footage being taken by guests at weddings is increasing all the time and there is an ever increasing demand for wedding highlight videos. Memfies meets these demands with a different approach and can deliver a fast, high quality service which is extremely affordable.’

It sounds awesome, but how exactly does it all work?

‘So Memfies is really easy to use! You simply go onto our website memfies.com and create an event. Each event gets a unique link which can be personalised as you want.

This link is then shared to your guests so that they can join. People then take their footage at your wedding as they would normally. They upload the footage to the event through the web platform or app.

We now have all the footage in one place! Then one of our talented editors will now turn this footage into an amazing highlight video of your wedding!’

Who Can Get Involved?

‘Anyone and everyone who is invited by the bride and groom to take part in the event can upload footage to be a part of the final video. The more footage we get the better! Getting lots of different angles of some of the main parts of the day gives us an amazing opportunity to show the day in a unique way.’

‘Imagine getting twenty different angles of the bride walking down the aisle, this gives us the ability to make videos that no one can match!’

What makes Memfies different to normal videography?

‘There is no involvement from Memfies on your big day. The footage we are using to create the final highlight video is footage which is being taken by your guests. These days, nearly every attendee at a wedding has a camera of some kind. Having so many cameras at a wedding gives us the ability to capture moments which would otherwise be missed as well as giving us the ability to show the same scene from lots of different angles!

This is authentic footage showing the real emotions which are present on the wedding day! The videos which are going to make up the highlight video will all be taken by your loved ones, people who you have invited to your wedding.

This means that the cameras are always rolling, there is no time limit! All of the footage which is uploaded by guests is also stored for the bride and groom to download later, this means that they can also use Memfies to collect all their photos and videos to one place.

We provide a very fast service and will have a completed video for you within a week of the event closing. Memfies is fun, fast and affordable! Why wouldn’t you use it!'[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”turquoise” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1562613136587{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]So there you have it…how cool does this sound! Head to memfies.com and create an intro event to see how easy it all is.

Meet the fantastic Memfies team at our Autumn Wedding Journal Show (Sat 5th & Sun 6th Oct 2019 – TEC Belfast). We’d love to see you there… you can get your EARLY BIRD TICKETS HERE![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post How To Switch Up Your Wedding Video? appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Having the right photographer to capture the biggest day of your life is so important, as the end product is what you’ll have to look back on and to show basically everyone, whether they care or not. So it requires a lot of hard work and patience to find the perfect fit.

Settle On A Style

Before you even begin to research, you need to settle on what style you’re after. This will make it easier to filter through the mass of photographers that are out there. Ask yourself – are you looking for classic or candid? For an unobtrusive photographer that captures real emotions? Or one that has a documentary style?

Research

The only acceptable time to go Insta stalking is when trying to find your photographer. Go to all your favourite blogs and magazines and soon you’ll have a collection of preferred styles and profiles of various photographers. We have a wide variety of qualified and trusted photographers in our online directory.

Alternatively, there’s the good old-fashioned rule of asking around, even with your other vendors – they might recommend a photographer they have worked with before.

Say Hi

After finding a few photographers you like, it’s important to connect with them to make sure your personalities mesh well. It’s important for them to understand your vision, so they can capture it all perfectly. Reach out by email initially, then arrange a face to face, whether Skype or in person. Don’t be shy, they want to get to know you. If you feel it’ll help your decision, you could do some informal interviews with them too.

Look At Their Albums

Social media is fantastic, but remember, most posts are only the highlights! Ask to view full albums, that way you can see what kind of shots they take and what they excel in. Don’t be afraid to review them critically; look at the lighting or if there’s clutter in some shots. Especially look at how the subjects hold themselves; do they look relaxed or awkward? Have their emotions been captured sensitively? Check carefully to see if they’re capturing what you’re looking for.

Consider Your Venue

This is easy to overlook but review what kind of venues your photographers have captured. They may have a wide range or just a select few. If your venue is all about the outdoors and beautiful grounds, look especially at how your photographers style their outdoor shots.

Compare Packages

Most photographers are willing to work up a package for individual requirements but you can’t finalise what you want until you know the price ranges. Start off by finding the price of the standard package, then add any extras you want or can afford, like an engagement shoot, or a second shooter. Also find out how many hours will be covered, as that will be part of the price too. If you want full day coverage, expect it to be pricier than having the photographer leave after the speeches.

Get The Details

Some photographers come with a contract, but before signing it make sure you find out all the details you need to know. Such as, how long after the wedding should you expect your photos. Most take six to eight weeks, but these vary on image sizing. Discuss whether you want an album, online gallery or USB stick, as this will no doubt affect costs too.

Ask will they be original or retouched after you select the ones you like? Also, it’s important to note the photographer’s rights; they own these photos and can use them to promote their work or in publications, even though they are photos of you.

Prep For The Day

Photographers appreciate a shot list, but remember they are the professionals and know what to look for. Instead, you can send them a schedule of the day, with information about family members and an idea of what shots you would like. If you’re hoping your day will one day be published in a magazine or online, let your photographer know and they’ll remember to snap all the little details!

Questions To Ask

1. How Many Weddings Have You Photographed? A photographer with a couple hundred of happy of couples singing their praises will know what they’re doing!
2. Can We See Your Portfolio?
3. How Much Of A Deposit Do You Require And When Is The Final Balance Due? Most photographers don’t confirm without a deposit.
4. Do You Have A Second Shooter? Most couples nowadays want different aspects of their day captured.
5. Do You Team Up With A Videographer?
6. What Is Your Thoughts On Guests Taking Photos? A photographer will do what they can to get the best shot. Consider asking guests to take no photos during the ceremony and just be in the moment. You don’t want to look back at phone covers!

Social Media Tips

• – Unplugged Ceremony – or day if you feel really strongly about it! Remind guests that there is a hired professional to take all the happy pics. Guests will want to cherish their own memories so relish in all the selfies!
• – Don’t Overshare – Asks guests to wait a few days before sharing any photos from the day. You don’t your aunt’s fuzzy photo of your dress be the first people see! Wait for the sneak peek from the professional.
• – Use A Hashtag – this is a huge trend! Once the guests can unleash their photos, create a unique hashtag to look at them all collectively. Most couples do a blend of surnames.
• – Don’t Be Glued To Your Phone – we cannot stress this enough. Do you want to look back at the photos you spend hundreds on… and you’re looking at your phone?! This day is all about you and your other half, turn the phone off after that newlywed selfie and let everyone else worry about their phones. Enjoy the attention!

The post WEEK 8: Find The Perfect Photographer appeared first on Wedding Journal.

If you’re attending a wedding  or getting married this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll want to capture some special memories of the big day. And the good news is that you don’t need a flashy camera to capture some great shots.

From the bride and groom running through a confetti shower to the speeches and first dance, there are plenty of action shots to capture at a wedding. Luckily your smartphone has some handy features that can help capture the action.

Our favourite apps for photo editing are

• ~VSCO Cam
• ~Prisma
• ~Snapseed
• ~FaceTune

We have the fantastic team from MMD Communications Ltd exhibiting at our Spring Belfast Wedding Journal Show this weekend.

With a total of 18 O2 stores and a local business centre, these guys know a thing or two about mobile technology, and are ready to answer all of your burning techno queries. With lots of exclusive deals on mobiles and tablets, you can kit yourself out with all of the latest gadgets, so you can instantly enjoy those candid wedding snaps from your big day.

‘We have the latest phones and technology to help make that day even special. Some of our phones come with the highest picture quality for that perfect selfie or group wide wedding shot. Video capture is not compromised with our latest phones with some boasting ground breaking technology to ensure every moment is captured. The iPhone XRoffers the best video camera and the Huawei P20 Pro is boasted as the best camera on the market, we will have these available for you to check out at the show.’ Daniel of MMD Com.

Custom plan allows you to be in full control of your phone. You choose the length of the contract and how much data/airtime you need to suits your needs. Everything is customised to meet your needs!

You can chat to the team at O2 at Belfast’s Wedding Journal Show.

You can book your tickets HERE!

The post How To Take Great Wedding Photographs Using Your Smartphone appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Laura & Benny Photography are a husband and wife team based in Cork who specialise in expertly capturing all those special moments from your big day. Offering full day coverage, this dynamic duo are on hand to capture every magical moment; from bridal preparations to the first dance. With two photographers available, you can rest assured that Laura & Benny won’t miss a thing.

Combining classic and contemporary

Laura & Benny photography combine a flair for capturing relaxed, candid shots alongside those all important traditional photographs. Bringing their own unique personality to their work, Laura & Benny are always happy to experiment and try out any ideas you might have. Describing their own wedding day as the ‘happiest day of their lives’, these wedding photographers strive to help you experience one of the best days of your life, by producing captivating wedding photographs that you will be able to look back, remember, and relive your big day forever.

Photography packages

Each package includes:

• Pre-wedding meeting, a consultation getting to know your plans for your big day and getting to know you.Two Photographers.
• Pre-wedding visit to your wedding day locations.
• Full Day coverage from morning preparations to the first dance.
• 48 hour online album of a selection of images, quick edit photos (usually 40+ photos, online security/visibility level chosen by you).
• All high resolution professionally edited digital images ready to print and share (usually 500+ photos on a USB memory card , no watermark).
• When all the images are ready they will be available online for your convenience too (online security/visibility level chosen by you).
• All photographs within 4-6 weeks, quality assured in an efficient time frame.

A range of album packages are also available with a choice of album covers. Parent albums can be added on at an additional cost, and if you feel anything is missing, Laura & Benny provide a flexible approach to tailoring the package to your individual needs.

For further information visit www.lauraandbennyphotography.com

Win with Laura & Benny Photography & The Wedding Journal Show Dublin

Laura & Benny Photography are offering a €2,500 photography package to the winning couple at the Wedding Journal Show Dublin this September 2018. To find out more on this prize which is part of a larger €35,000 total click HERE.

Be automatically entered into our Win a Dream €35,000 Wedding competition by buying a ticket to the Wedding Journal Show! BUY TICKETS HERE

The post Let Laura & Benny Photography Capture Your Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

The post Capture Your Day with Gavin Sloan Photography appeared first on Wedding Journal.

If you want to see yourself in all your glory – moving and talking and interacting with your guests then there is nothing better than a video of the actual day. This is something you will be able to a watch time and time again and is a wonderful way to capture all the goings on during the wedding day.

 Most couples are quite sure they are going to have a professional photographer at their wedding, and budget appropriately – after all, this important day needs to be fittingly documented. The photos will be shown online to many friends and relatives, prints kept in a special album to treasure for the future generations, and perhaps a few favourite shots framed and displayed, or given away as gifts to those closest to the happy couple. We are all so attached to our memories – so why is hiring a videographer such a “should we/shouldn’t we” decision?

You may be surprised to learn that many couples decide to hire a videographer on impulse, and at times even long after they’ve booked and paid for everything else. They may be at someone else’s wedding and see the filming in action, prompting a “do we want this?” question. They may see some videos online and find they actually love the idea, even if they never considered it before. Or, simply, they may find they just want more memories from their special day.

If you never thought about hiring a videographer, or you are undecided about hiring one, we say – go for it! Here are all the good reasons why you should have one:

It’s the future

Photos as an art form will never become obsolete, and great wedding pictures are a real treasure – and yet wouldn’t you like to show your children, or grandchildren, or your closest friends, perhaps at something like your 20th anniversary party, what the day was really like? Video has a great power to bring people right back into that special time. Imagine it this way – if you had a chance to see a video of your grandparents or parents getting married, wouldn’t you love to be able to see it?

The short and the long of it

In case you didn’t know this, there are fantastic edit options available, so you can share your special day with those who weren’t there – without forcing them to sit through hours of footage of the bride and groom getting ready! Most videographers will provide a short edited version of your wedding video, full of special highlights from your day, no more than a few minutes long, ready to be shared with anyone you wish.

Yes, you can have stills

Any professional videographer with good equipment will be able to provide high-quality stills from your video, so you can have your favourite video moments available too.

It went by so fast…

If we had to vote for a single most often shared piece of advice given by the newlyweds, it would be: enjoy the day, it rushes by so fast! You anticipate, plan, discuss, and shop for months and months before your wedding, and then – it’s all over! You will never regret having a chance to re-live it all, at your own pace. In fact, many couples enjoy having a night in watching the video together, and reminiscing about the day just after it’s happened, while the memories are fresh.

I wish…

This is definitely the case of “we really should have done this…” – your wedding day will never happen again, and if you don’t get a videographer, you won’t be able to recapture the day. Many brides who didn’t get a videographer would now recommend getting one to other brides-to-be.

Those special messages

One of the best things about a wedding video is that your family and guests, on that very day, will have a chance to record a few meaningful words from the heart, on camera. As the day flies by, chances are there will be some people at your wedding – friends, aunties, distant relatives – with whom you may not be able to share more than a few minutes on your wedding day. Imagine how touched you will feel, watching the video later, when you hear them thanking you for a fantastic day, and wishing you all the happiness you deserve.

The choice is yours

Picking the right videographer is easier than you think – it’s like deciding whether you like a movie or not! All you need to do is watch some sample videos, and you’ll see right away whether you like the style, if the picture and sound are of good quality, and whether you are moved by the final result.

Your budget

On the practical side – you may find it’s less expensive than you think. Just like photographers, videographers have different packages, according to your needs and requirements. Shop around, just as you would for any other supplier, and you will be surprised what great offers you will find.

The bottom line

If you choose the right videographer, you will never regret having a wedding video made that you’ll enjoy sharing with everyone who couldn’t be there on your special day with you as well as everyone who could. It really is like the gift that keeps on giving – the happiest day of your life captured on film forever.

The post Lights, camera….action on your wedding day! appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Once that is done you need to think about the style of photographs you want to achieve from your big day. So what are your choices and how do you ensure you get the right images for you?

What you need to be asking your photographer:

Once you’ve narrowed down your short list to two or three potential photographers, meet with each in person (or by video chat if logistics are tough) to see if you feel comfortable around them. Getting along with them is —almost as crucial as their skills behind the camera. You’ll be spending your entire wedding day with this person and if you’re at ease, you’ll not only enjoy yourself more, but they’ll also get better shots. Win-win! Aside from your gut instinct, ask these questions before choosing a photographer…

What style(s) do you specialize in?

Why you want to know: Most photographers will use a blend of several different styles of photography, but you’ll want to make sure they shoot portraits, for example, if they’re important to you. Going with the style a photographer likes to shoot best (and has the most experience shooting) will give you the best results.

Will the photos be retouched and colour balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?

Why you want to know: These are the techniques magazines use to make pages look perfect. Some photographers will polish all your photos, while others will show you untouched proofs and work their magic only on the images you order.

How many weddings have you shot, and how many do you do in a year? Also, what’s your favorite part of a wedding day, and time of year to shoot?

Why you want to know: You only have one chance to get amazing wedding photos, so you’ll want to hire someone who knows how to get those shots under pressure.

Do you shoot both digital and film?

Why you want to know: While digital is more common today, film has had a resurgence. If you want the latter, be sure your photographer has the relevant experience and skills required to execute this old-school format. If you’re obsessed with the dreamy quality of film, go with a pro in this medium. In addition to asking how many weddings they’ve shot in total (see above), let them know how many you want taken with film.

If you shoot film, do you usually shoot in both colour and black and white? If you’ll do both, what percentage of each do you recommend?

Why you want to know: These days, most photographer will do a mix of both color and black and white. You’ll get a sense of their style and how your album might look by asking what balance they usually go with.

What exactly is included in your packages?

Why you want to know: When comparing fees, check whether prints, albums and proofs, as well as extra coverage such as engagement shoots, are covered. They can all alter the costs significantly. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if, say, your album isn’t included—you can always make this on your own or buy it à la carte—but you want to be sure you’re comparing like with like to get the best value. If you’re having your photographer use film, also ask about film costs and processing fees.

How many hours of coverage do we get? What is the charge for overtime?

Why you want to know: If overtime is going to cost you a fortune, you’ll be able to plan their hours accordingly. For instance, if you have six hours of coverage but your photographer charges a huge hourly rate for overtime, you might have them leave after you cut the cake instead of after the last dance. Or, you may opt for a longer package to pay a little more up front (and avoid the larger hourly overtime rate later).

What is the deposit and total fee?

Why you want to know: In addition to this bottom line number, you’ll also want to ask when it’s due.

Do you have backup photographers who will shoot the wedding if you’re sick?

Why you want to know: If you’re going with a company that employs a team of photographers, you’ll have a built-in backup. But if you’re going with a solo shooter, ask if they have colleagues on call in case of an emergency.

Will there be a second photographer or any assistants? Is there an additional fee for each (if applicable)?

Why you want to know: Second shooters can cover more ground and can give you two perspectives on major moments (for instance, one can shoot the groom’s face when he first sees his bride and the other can photograph the bride as she walks down the aisle). But this may cost you extra.

How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?

Why you want to know: You’ll want to see photos ASAP, and the wait can be pretty agonizing (it can take months!). But if you know in advance, you can manage your (and your mother’s) expectations.

How do you coordinate with my videographer? How do you envision working together?

Why you want to know: This pair will need to coordinate and stay out of each other’s way— easier to do if they have a good rapport. If you haven’t hired a videographer yet, ask them for a suggestion.

Have you ever shot at my venue(s) before?

Why you want to know: Your photographer should be aware of any lighting needs or issues specific to the space. If they haven’t ever worked in your venue, they should be willing to check it out beforehand.

Will you follow a shot list? Or do you prefer to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?

Why you want to know: Most photographers will welcome a (short) shot list to make sure you get the specific pics you want. But don’t overwhelm them with hundreds of requests—if you hire a good pro, you’re hiring them for their eye as well as their experience creating amazing albums, so let them do their job.

What are the restrictions for sharing photos online or for publication? Do you own the copyright to the photos?

Why you want to know: If you’re a Facebook and Instagram addict, not being allowed to share some of your wedding photos online may be torture—better to know about this ahead of time.

Do you bring your own lighting?

Why you want to know: Not only will you want to determine if you’ll need to supply additional lighting (either hiring a lighting designer or having the venue supply it), but you’ll want to be sure the equipment they bring won’t be too bulky or obtrusive.

Narrowing down the style you want to Choose From

Reportage

One of the key trends for 2018 according to photographer Jordan Fraser is a more relaxed/reportage/style. ‘This is achieved,’ he says, ‘by getting the bride and groom to relax as much as possible and just be themselves.

‘It is about creating special moments between the couple when you are using a wide zoom lens when they actually forget the photographer is there.’

‘This year it will be less about the photography and all about the couple.

Documentary

Dublin based photographer Paul Keeling says he prefers an ‘as it happen’, ‘documentary’ style approach to photography.

‘For me I like to shoot as it happens. I love lots of relaxed happy, smiling images.’

‘I like to get to know the couple well in advance and know their story and feel it is about them and their special day and what they want out of it.

‘Many will have their own style to bring to it. Vintage for example is very popular at the moment.’

Classical

This spring is set to see a return to more classical, traditional styles of photographer according to Lurgan based photographer Ciaran O’Neill.

‘Couples have been coming to us requesting a return to this style. They like good strong lighting and silhouettes and backdrop such as windows to frame the photography.

‘We are finding a backlash towards documentary styles as brides want to make the most of their dress, the hair and the make-up and use the day like a mini fashion photo-shoot,’ he explains.

Natural

Moving away from the traditional style is Johnny Corcoran who describes himself as specialising in boho weddings.

‘I like to work with the couple and go for images which really suit their style. The boho style works for couples who are looking for something that little bit different and not opting for traditional images.

‘This style is very natural and focuses on the details which the couple have spent so much time focusing on. This style really suits people who want something a little different.

‘I love getting natural shots and am most at home shooting outdoors.

‘Another favourite wedding style of mine is the vintage wedding. These weddings can be really quirky and I love capturing the details.’

For more help on how to choose the perfect wedding photographer, and to check out our recommended suppliers and wedding photographers across Ireland and Northern Ireland CLICK HERE

The post Discover Your Perfect Wedding Photography Style appeared first on Wedding Journal.