Shall We Have a First Date? - 2022 in Pre-Wedding Shoots (so far!)
“A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.”
The most common question I get from couples at the enquiry stage is ‘do we have to have a pre-wedding shoot?’ This is usually on the assumption that they’re cheesy or awkward or cringey or a bit of all of the above. But when you book me for the full day, when we commit to spending significant time together at your wedding, I know that I can capture you at your most relaxed when in turn you’re relaxed with ME. And part of that is what is, ironically, basically a first date. We meet up for the first time since booking somewhere public but not too busy - interesting and beautiful but not your venue. We chat, we make small talk, I ask you to walk ahead of me, to keep connection and ‘look at each other, now look at me. Now get closer! Nobody’s watching, I swear!' (somebody’s always passing by and wondering out loud if you’re low-key famous or models (seriously!). There are nerves and awkward smiles, hands entwined and gripped, faces searched for camaraderie and commiseration. We’re IN.
But it’s the in-between I’m waiting for. That moment when your smile breaks because the situation is mildly absurd. When you hang onto your partner for dear life because you know that these photos are that magical split-second of time before the next adventure begins. Before marriage and the most beautiful advice my parents gave us 11+ years ago when we got married which was to ‘take each other for granted. Really. COUNT on the fact that your person, the own you’ve joined your life with WILL be there always. And return that trust. Most importantly, guide each other’s solitude, grow in tandem and hold each other up.’ THIS is what my lens is hunting for. This promise, this unspoken vow on the tip of your tongue ready to be shared in front of your favourite people gathered to celebrate YOU. And sometimes the camera misses focus but it will never miss YOU because what I’m trying to do is fall in love with you, to be your time machine and capture your joy and your nerves and your connection and your souls.
Here is 2022 in pre-wedding shoots - so far. They are my love letter to YOU.
