Kate & James
“It’s always nice when you receive a good service but to receive such a friendly, professional service of such a high standard is very rare indeed. It’s not just what you do but the way that you do it!”
You need more than a talented photographer to get photos you adore. Because your pictures won’t just bring back memories of your vows, speeches, and dance moves. They’ll also bring back your memories behind the day - the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.
Which is why I created my own unique and purposeful photography planning process to support you in getting photos that feel as incredible as they look. It’s a holistic approach - part practical guidance, part soulful support, and 100% love - that includes not just timelines, group lists, and family trees but also taps into who you are, how you feel, and how you want to spend your day.
Think of me as your wedding photo whisperer; here to help you establish strong roots for your wedding photos, so when the time comes, you can fully relax and enjoy yourselves - and I can capture the best of you and your day.
So afterwards, you can look back at your photos and see how wildly happy and in love you were.
A Holistic Approach
Liquorice allsorts, NEARLY 20 years’ experience, and this process
My answer:
“How on earth did you capture all these amazing moments?!”
Emily & Mark
“Sarah was a complete star in the run up to the wedding. When there are so many other stresses, we felt we could completely trust Sarah. Nothing was a problem and that was hugely appreciated.”
This looks like:
I’m on a mission to make your photography the easiest and most enjoyable part of all your wedding planning!
Less stress, more smiles
Support that suits you
After you book, I’ll check in to see if you’re more “minimal fuss” or “give us everything you’ve got!” And whatever you choose, you can expect thoughtfully written guides, advice, and inspiration handpicked for you and delivered regularly into your inbox.
Everything remembered for you
I’ve got processes and systems so smooth they’re practically ready to ice your cake. Which means you can sit back and enjoy the ride. You’ll always know what’s happening. And you’ll never have to chase me or rely on mind-reading.
Deep-dive planning session
Time to collaborate! We’ll sit down - face-to-face or virtually - and chat about what really matters to you: who you’ll celebrate with, the photos you’re most excited for, and your vision for how the day will unfold. This will help me capture what truly lights you up and leave space for all those magical, natural moments.
An 'open door' policy
I’m here for you and happy to chat about anything. This is a positive, come-as-you-are place where you can ask for what you want - without judgement. And if you don’t know what you want, I’ll be ready with opinion-free options to help you figure it out.
Wendy & Adam
“Every wedding we go to now,
we say ‘thank goodness we had Sarah’.”
Your photos will fit into your day, not the other way around. Which leaves you free to relax, be yourselves, and make the most of every minute.
Here’s how I’ll help you stay present:
Photography that keeps you immersed in your day
Micro moments over micromanagement
I’ll arrive fully prepared (thanks to our planning session) with a clear understanding of your vision for your photos and your day. This allows me to work independently and capture everything you’d like while you have fun. The only time I’ll (politely) interrupt you is the time we’ve pre-agreed for your group photos and portraits (but never when you’re deep in conversation with Granny).
Subtle energy
My goal is for you and your guests to feel so comfortable that you don’t feel the need to change who you are or what you’re doing because I’m there. I’ll fit calmly and respectfully into your celebration. I won’t be an invisible ninja though and it’s a fun day, so fun will be had when it feels right - but I’ll always be discreet.
Quality time instead of portraits
My couple portraits are either classic, simple, and completed in seconds, or as relaxed and easy as me tagging along with my camera while you take time out for a walk.
Canapé-friendly group photos
We’ll plan ahead to work out the where, the who, and the how of your group photos so they’re efficient and fun on the day. And we’ll find little pockets of time when you won’t miss your own drinks reception to take them.
Team spirit
You can expect me to work closely and compassionately with your other wedding suppliers. That way, the day not only runs smoothly and seamlessly, but also has a fun team spirit that brings even more joy to your day.
A warm welcome for wildcards
Your wedding is a living, breathing thing. So if your plan changes, something unexpected comes up, or you just feel differently on the day, we’ll roll with it. You do your thing, I’ll do mine, and together we’ll make sure your photos reflect your wishes, whatever that looks like in the moment.
Lizzie & Adam
“Our favourite part of the whole wedding photography experience was all of it! Everything was enjoyable and effortless.”
With authentic editing, a lightning-fast turnaround, and support to keep your photos safe, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your memories in vivid detail - for years to come.
Here’s what happens after the confetti settles…
"I do" turns into “Do you remember?” in 3 weeks
True-to-life editing
Editing is a big part of the magic too - but it’s about correcting, not changing. Your wedding will be beautiful all on its own, there’s no need for filters. With me, you’ll be able to relive everything just as you so thoughtfully planned. (If you’re into it, there are some ‘before and after’ edits here.)
Unlimited digital images
Yes, no cap. You get all the photos except the ones you wouldn’t thank me for. Duplicate groups, dreadful expressions, dud test shots - see ya!
Three-week delivery
When you’re a Sarah Vivienne couple, waiting isn’t on your to-do list. Three weeks is insanely fast by industry-standards - but I know you’ll be itching to see them. This isn’t a big promise; it’s a contract term you can count on. I’ll give you an exact delivery date when I confirm your booking, and I guarantee you’ll receive your photos right when you expect them.
Private online web gallery
Your very own online exhibition awaits! The story of your day will be beautifully organised into easy-to-digest chapters. You can use it to view, download, and share your pictures. There’s even a shop where you can buy prints, framed photos, and thank you cards - all professionally produced by the same pro printing lab I use myself.
Ongoing support
Your wedding might be over but I’m still here for you. Once you have your gallery, I’ll guide you as you download, backup, choose, and print your photos. Because, despite what everyone else says, it isn’t just one day. In fact, good luck getting rid of me!
Keeping my energy and standards high while I understand what matters most to you, personalise my approach, be fully present and intentional on your day, take time and care over editing… it’s a lot. So to give you that level of service, I take on a maximum of 15 weddings a year.
Translation? If you’re keen, don’t hang around.
Are you wondering...
I’m here to share my experience without being opinionated. I’ll ask questions to understand your vision and how you see your day unfolding, then outline your options with pros and cons so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
If I notice something that could be improved or that you’ve overlooked, I’ll raise it - always as a suggestion, never a critique or directive. It’s a true collaboration: I’ve done this a few times before, but you know yourselves best. My job is to help you make your day truly yours.
Not even slightly. Most of my couples feel exactly the same.
For the natural moments, if you feel comfortable with me, you’ll feel comfortable with my camera. Most of the time, you’ll forget we’re even there.
And when it comes to your family and couple photos, I’ve got you. You don’t need to know how to pose, where to put your hands, or how to “act natural”. You just need to be yourselves and present with each other. I’ll take care of the rest and guide you as much or as little as you need.
I guarantee it will come far more easily than you expect.
I’m there to capture the action, without being the action.
I read the room before I say or do anything. My aim is to blend into your day so people feel at ease enough to be fully themselves - not perform, hold back, or change their behaviour because there’s a photographer around.
That said, I’m not silent all day or hidden in the shadows. I just instinctively know when to step in and when to step back. Occasionally, I step in as a warm-hearted human if I can make a meaningful difference to your day, always with care. But I always remember it’s your moment, not mine
When it comes to group photos, I take the lead - firm but friendly - to keep things moving but also relaxed, fun, and consistent with the tone of the rest of your day.
Yes - it’s part of being a wedding guest! And people taking photos can be great moments to capture in themselves.
Having said that, there are times when it can interfere with your professional shots. Someone inadvertently blocking my shot with a phone or a flash going off simultaneously with my shutter, can affect the quality of your photos. It’s usually no problem during the arrivals or reception, but during your ceremony… no bueno.
So you might want to consider an unplugged ceremony where your guests put their cameras away for that time. But otherwise, it’s a beautiful part of the day.
Yes - any time! If it’s possible to take the photo straight away, I will. But if I’m in the middle of capturing something or there’s something imminent on your timeline, I’ll politely explain and come back to them later. I'll use the same care as with your formal photos and find a clean background when possible. But if circumstances don't allow - like during a crowded indoor reception - I'll make it work the best I can.
As a team. We may be separate businesses, but our goal is the same - to tell the story of your day beautifully.
If you book one of my recommended videographers (you’ll get access to my Little Black Book when you book me), everything will feel seamless. Part of the reason I recommend them is because their shooting style mirrors mine - relaxed, observant, and hands-off.
If you choose a videographer with a different approach - for example, someone who’s more prescriptive during portraits, shoots very close to you, or sets up moments to look natural - that’s okay. It may just mean allowing a little more space in your schedule so everyone has the time they need.
Ultimately, it comes down to clear communication and mutual respect. I actually love to have a buddy there to collaborate with, share ideas, and have fun as we work so your day flows with ease.
When you book your wedding with me, I don’t just put your wedding day in my diary. I block out the editing time too. And I’m fiercely protective over it! So there’s never any chance of other bookings clashing with your photo premiere. I want you to start reminiscing while the day is fresh in your minds, so I make sure nothing gets in the way.
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