Tag: weddingplanning

Planning a Wedding That Feels Like You AKA ‘traditions are just peer pressure from dead people’

Posted on by Jenny in Blog

Over the years I’ve worked with couples who threw out the rulebook entirely — replacing it with something real, meaningful, and entirely them. Whether you’re queer, creative, neurodivergent, or just allergic to beige chair covers, this guide is here to help you plan a wedding that reflects who you are — not what the wedding industry (or your parents, society, co-workers or anyone else!) says you should be.

1. Ditch the “Shoulds”

Full disclosure I have a personal vendetta against the word should – anytime my subconscious starts yelling ‘but you SHOULD’ at me I know it’s time to stop and take a breath. You don’t need to wear white, walk down an aisle, or cut a cake (unless it’s with a sword – then hell yes, let’s do it). Ask yourself:

  • What would make you feel most comfortable on the day?
  • What elements actually excite you?
  • What can you skip without feeling guilty?

Try writing a list: “WTF We Actually Want at Our Wedding.” It can be surprisingly clarifying.

2. Source Your Music Creatively

Instead of booking through agencies who take a chunky cut, consider hiring local musicians, DJs, or even vinyl-spinning friends directly. You’ll not only save money, but also get someone who cares more about vibe than volume. The money you do spend will go directly back to grass roots musicians and we all know they need as much support as they can get!

Check out:

  • Local open mic nights or pubs/small venues in your area.
  • Independent DJ collectives in London and beyond.
  • Instagram hashtags like #LondonWeddingDJ or #QueerMusiciansUK

Ask them what they actually like to play — trust me, the energy is so different when someone isn’t being forced to play Ed Sheeran on loop.

3. Make the Ceremony Yours

Don’t want a church wedding or a registrar reading the same old legal jargon? Hire a celebrant — they can create a ceremony based entirely on your story. It can include personal vows, music, poetry, rituals, or even your dog as the ring bearer.

Check out this guest blog post where Kathryn breaks it down. I’ve shot hundreds of weddings in my time and every time the celebrant led ceremony just hits different.

4. Choose Suppliers Who Get You

The right photographer, florist, or planner doesn’t just “do the job” — they vibe with your values. When you book with someone who gets what you’re about (and doesn’t bat an eye when you say you want to arrive on a bike or wear black), the whole day feels smoother, safer, and more you.

Bonus tip: Always ask vendors how they support LGBTQIA+ couples and what kind of events they feel most at home shooting. If they hesitate? Keep looking.

5. Document It Your Way

Spoiler: posed group shots aren’t compulsory. I focus on capturing people being real — laughing, hugging, crying, dancing badly — because those are the photos you’ll actually want to look back on.

Some of the most iconic weddings I’ve shot had:

  • Pizza vans instead of plated meals
  • Tattoos in place of rings
  • First dances in the pub
  • Ceremonies in living rooms, art galleries, and warehouses

It doesn’t need to be big. It just needs to be yours.

Final Thought

You don’t need to convince your nan, your dad, your hairdresser or even your registrar that your wedding is valid. You don’t need to do it “right.”
You just need to feel like yourselves — whatever that looks like.

And if you’re ready to plan something untraditional, unfiltered, and unforgettable…
📷 Let’s talk.

How to Nail the Confetti Shot (With only the good type of Chaos)

Posted on by Jenny in Blog

Confetti photos? Total gold. They’re the kind of wild, joy-packed, frame-it-forever moments that scream we just got married! But as carefree as they look, there’s a bit of behind-the-scenes magic that makes them actually work.

Bonus? It’s also a sneaky way to get a full group photo of your wedding guests — no awkward posing, no trying not to blink, no trying to wrangle Great Aunt Sue into place. Just natural smiles, colour, and pure celebration.

If you’re dreaming of that slow-motion, petal-showered walk of glory, here’s how to pull it off…

1. Pick Confetti That Actually Works (and Looks Good in Photos)

Not all confetti is created equal. If you want that dreamy, floaty effect that gives your photographer time to capture every moment, go for larger, biodegradable paper petals. They fall slower, show up beautifully on camera, and don’t leave a plastic mess behind.

My go-to? Flutter Darlings. They make eco-friendly, camera-friendly confetti in gorgeous colours that flutter (obviously) like a dream. Plus, your venue will thank you. They even offer matching canons which can be used to create that absolute snowstorm of colour if you wanna go big!

2. Check the Rules Before You Chuck

Before you get too excited and bulk-order the rainbow mix, check with your venue. Some venues only allow confetti in specific spots. Others have a strict biodegradable-only policy. And yes, some are full-on no confetti, ever. (Boo.)

If confetti’s a no-go, don’t panic — bubbles and streamers are great alternatives. Bubbles photograph beautifully (especially in golden hour light). Streamers work too, but someone will need to take responsibility for picking them up afterwards — so assign that role clearly, or risk finding them in a hedge 3 months later. Just like confetti though more is more so whatever you use get lots!

3. Hide, Then Make Your Big Entrance

Here’s where the magic happens — but also where some coordination comes in.

Right after the ceremony, you’ll need to disappear for a few minutes while your guests are directed outside. Then, they’ll be arranged in a flying V formation (yes, like a team of celebratory geese) ready to shower you in love, petals, and hopefully squeals of joy.

To pull this off, you’ll need:

  • Someone to direct your guests into position
  • Someone to hand out confetti (and give a quick “throw it UP not AT them” speech).
  • Someone to hide you until everyone else is ready.
  • A member of venue staff or your wedding planner/coordinator can usually help — just check with them beforehand.

Once everyone’s in place, you make your big confetti-filled entrance. You walk through a tunnel of cheers and colour, I snap away, and BOOM — you’ve got the shot.

4. Let Your Photographer Do Their Thing

This is one of those moments where you just need to be in it. Don’t overthink it, take a slow wander through, remember to look at each other and don’t worry about where the confetti lands (yes, you might get it in your mouth — it’s all part of the experience).

Your photographer will be ready and waiting to capture the magic — just soak it all up, smile big, and celebrate the moment.

In Short: Confetti + Planning = Photo Gold

To recap:

  • Use fluttery, biodegradable confetti (we love Flutter Darlings)
  • Check what your venue allows
  • Get someone to help direct the crowd and hand out confetti
  • Hide briefly and make your entrance through a joyful flying V
  • Let the moment be messy, beautiful and you

If you want help planning your perfect confetti moment — or someone to capture it in all its colourful glory — you know where to find me.