Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourdevoncornwall.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Say cheese
Q. Should we consider booking a wedding proposal shoot?
A. Paul Keppel says: The moment you get engaged is so special. It's such a happy, exciting time filled with adrenaline, joy and shock that often, the proposal is over too soon. If you have a wedding proposal shoot, you can capture all of the emotions and the event itself on camera. In years and months to come, instead of your engagement being a blur, you can look back on your wedding proposal photography and remember how special that moment was.
Family, friends and future generations not yet here will be able to share the indescribable magic of the proposal with you. Plenty of planning and thought goes into modern proposals so it's lovely when loved ones can see exactly what your partner did for you. In years to come, it will mean so much to be able to look back at that moment in time and remember those feelings of endless love you had for each other.
Your engagement is a sweet spot between dating and marriage. It's a short period of time which involves nobody but you two. It's nice to be able to enjoy that time together and record it all on film before the wedding planning starts! In fact, it's great preparation for your wedding photography. You can get to know your photographer and begin to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Top tips for couples on how to look good in front of the camera:
- I always suggest that the proposer should stand on the side that the sun is on, this means that if the sun is on the right, the proposer is on the right giving their partner the best of the light. Remove the ring box before you get down on one knee which will make it easier to access it from a trouser pocket! When getting down on the knee, use the closest knee to the camera so that your body is open to the camera. Enjoy the moment and don't rush getting up, this means that the photographer can capture plenty of reaction shots.
- Looking good in front of the camera is much easier than you think! The most important thing is to be natural. You want photographs that reflect how you felt on the day. You're already feeling excited so go with that - relax and enjoy it!
- The other thing you want to do is to feel comfortable. Our bodies reflect how we feel so if you don't feel comfortable it will show. You're with the person you like best in the world so have fun! Lots of physical contact, smiles and laughter will help to put you at ease and relish a professional photo shoot. I'll be there to guide you through it, ensuring you look your best. That's my job!
- Choosing the right location is key, Somewhere quiet is always the best option so that you don't feel the pressure of people watching you. Within Cornwall, you have plenty of stunning locations to choose from to host your proposal.
Paul Keppel, Paul Keppel Photography
paulkeppel.co.uk
Snap happy
Q. What are the benefits of having a pre-wedding shoot?
A. Hannah Timm says: The vast majority of my clients say they feel nervous in front of the camera. Honestly, I think most of us rarely feel comfortable when a camera is pointed at us - myself included! After more than 15 years working as a wedding and family photographer, I have learnt some tips and tricks to help people relax. The key to good photographs is trusting your chosen photographer and feeling relaxed enough to be yourself.
I always recommend pre-wedding shoots, especially if a couple is feeling nervous about the photography. Firstly, it provides a great chance for me to hang out with them so that we can all get to know each other and have a trial run before the big day. They get to see how I work and I get to see how they naturally interact with each other which helps a lot.
Most often, we go for a walk and explore somewhere together. This can be a beach at sunset, a walk with the dogs or a special place like where they became engaged. I'm happy to recommend locations that I love, or discover a new place that is meaningful to them. This provides a relaxed time where we get to try out different things and see what suits everybody best.
I don't believe in stiff, awkward posing, but I do know the best angles and slight adjustments that will help clients look their best. Most of my couples, despite feeling initially nervous, end up enjoying this session as it's just a chance to focus on each other and have some fun.
Pre-wedding sessions are some of my favourite jobs because there aren't the time constraints of a wedding day, and I can get more creative. Some of my favourite shots have come from these sessions as I get to try out new techniques or ideas. It's great for wedding couples too because they get beautiful images to use on the wedding day or in the invites and they get to see what kind of shots I might take on the wedding day which builds their confidence
Hannah Timm, Hannah Timm Photography
www.hannahtimmphotography.co.uk
