Libby & Tyler

Libby and Tyler’s wedding was built around their closest friends and family, some of whom had flown in from New Zealand to be there. When the guest list is that tight and that loved, the atmosphere takes care of itself. The vibe all day was incredible.

Like many couples I work with, they wanted their photos natural and unposed. That’s the right instinct, but it often comes with a misconception: that natural means no direction at all. In my experience, the opposite is true. Couples relax fastest when someone they trust is calmly telling them where to go and what to do. Clear direction removes the guesswork, and once the guesswork is gone, people stop thinking about the camera and start enjoying each other. Libby and Tyler took a lot of confidence from that. I kept them walking and chatting, and the hero shots came while they were having fun.

We did just one portrait session, and it was more than enough. It was a walk round the lake at The Hidden Oak, with a few laughs on the steps and a bit of mud along the way. It was also their first real breather of the day.

That’s what portraits should be. They shouldn’t feel like a break from your wedding. They should add to it. After the ceremony and all the hugs, twenty minutes with just each other gives the day a chance to sink in. Couples come back to their guests buzzing, reconnected and ready for everything still to come. The images look beautiful, but more importantly, they feel like the two of them.

The other thing Libby got spot on was her bridal party. My advice to every couple is to choose your bridal party like you’re choosing the vibe of your whole day, because you are. Libby’s morning was calm. The people around her each had their jobs and quietly handled the big things, so she could enjoy getting ready. Come the evening, those same people became the party starters. They were first on the dance floor, pulling everyone else in, and they were the reason the energy never dropped.

One more tip, which Libby proved works. After the meal, take ten to fifteen minutes away from your guests with your bridal party. Pour some shots and put on your own music. For Libby, that was ABBA. It’s a small window, but it’s where some of the best memories of the day come from.

Libby and Tyler, thank you for having me.

If you’re planning a wedding at The Hidden Oak or anywhere across the North East, check if your date is free and tell me how you want the day to feel.