Pop the corks! Let the music play!

While you’re enjoying champagne and canapes with your guests, I’ll candidly capture whatever’s going on.

Pictures of people are a huge priority at this point. I’ll be on the lookout for photos of your guests just being themselves, unaware of the camera. I’ll catch lots of happy smiles but I’ll mainly be watching for shots with a story to them, images that show personalities or relationships and the way different generations enjoy weddings.

Perhaps your guests from overseas are enjoying a nice cup of tea in the English countryside. Maybe your grandfather has escaped to a quiet corner and is reading the newspaper. Quite possibly your aunt and uncle are embroiled in demystifying the magician’s secrets. And more than likely your uni mates are snort laughing while they recount the story of that wild night out.

A pinch of formality

If you’d like any group photos, this is the time to do them. I usually recommend taking a little time at the start of the reception to quench your thirst and tickle your taste buds, and then crack on with the groups quite quickly before people wander off to explore the grounds or go to the bar. Find out more about my approach to group photos.

Tablescapes

Once your guests have sat down for dinner the tables never look quite the same again! So I’ll take some photos of the set-up during the drinks reception when everything is pristine. Read more about my approach to photographing wedding details.