I have as you can imagine been super busy chatting to all of my AMAZING spring couples over the last few weeks but I really wanted to create a blog post to talk to everyone who comes to my website about weddings affected by Coronavirus. So I decided to ask the world of social media what they might want help with.
For all my couples no matter when your wedding is I’m here for any question you might have or help you might need. Anything, just message me!
Spring & Summer weddings affected by Coronavirus
All my spring and early summer couples have been AMAZING but some have had to postpone their weddings at very short notice. We had already spoken on the phone, chatted through their timings and plans and everything was ready to go and then suddenly it wasn’t. I have been lucky that I have been able to accommodate all my couples so far, so it just means when they do get to celebrate it will be even more exciting and even more of a celebration. If you were planning a wedding during the current lockdown, I know how hard it must be. So I was trying to think about all the positive things you can do.
This month I should be at Gaynes Park, Braxted Hall and Horsley Towers and I’m so sad not to be photographing at these stunning venues
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Create your own photography inspiration
One of my favourite “social media” platforms is pinterest, it is predominately visual. Creating ideas in picture form. I personally find it therapeutic, visualising and dreaming about ideas. Whether it’s about a new photo project idea, collating photos from venues I love or idea boards for my own home.
Some photographers don’t like pinterest boards and I do understand as it is never possible to react to hundreds of photographs, whilst capturing and telling a story in your own way. But for me I feel I can understand an inspiration board and see styles and ideas emerging. For example I LOVE sunset photos ,and whilst it might have a very different backdrop, perhaps its taken in California rather than Essex! But I can see why a bride loves that hazy soft light in the photograph. Its a good idea to include some pins from your own photographer, as well as other images of your venue, so they can see your vision against the right backdrop too.
All photographers have their own style, so its important that you love your photographers work, but they can adapt and be inspired. You are paying for their experience and style, which is definitely something that I have gained over the last 14 years shooting!
Know the photos you love of yourself
The planning may all be done, but if it is then why not look through old photos, photos you love of the two of you or either of you out and about. Lots of us have photos of ourselves that we love and photos of ourselves we don’t like as much. When we know what we love and what we don’t it actually makes the task of taking of photographs easier. Most of the time other people wont see why we dont like a photo. I for example only like photos taken from my fringe side, I feel I look like someone else when its taken the other way.
Get your craft on!
Now if you are trying to work from home, I know you might not have lots of time, but if your social time is left you with voids where you wish you could do wedding things to bring some joy then I have found some fun links that you might like!
Lots of my brides love personalized hangers for their wedding dress, they may also want some for their bridesmaids dresses and for the mum’s of the bride and groom. So you could have a go at creating your own…
Or how about some simple centrepieces
This link has LOTS of ideas, from the bling to the rustic… https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/bridal-crafts
Later weddings affected by Coronavirus
Whilst your date may not change all weddings are being affected by Coronavirus right now. Whether you are newly engaged or planning a wedding later this year or next it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel sad about delayed events in the run up to your big day.
Like the spring and early summer brides you can create your own pinterest boards and DIY projects and you might have more to do in your planning stage before you get to the details…
Newly engaged couples
If you’re newly engaged then everything might feel its on hold. A good friend of mine got engaged a short while before this all started and had thought they would plan a destination wedding this autumn. But obviously that’s all come to an abrupt halt. I wrote an article earlier this year about what to do before you start planning… and this is the perfect time to sit and think about what is important to you too… have a look at my blog- how to start planning
Key planning stages
If there are key parts of your planning, that you need to do, you can always try and do some of them online Of course not everything can be done this way but you can shortlist and prepare and be more ready for afterwards
Venues searches
Of course we all want to see our wedding venue beforehand, but naturally when we are planning destination weddings its not always possible to do that. So lots of UK venues are now offering virtual tours, or sharing all their amazing locations on their social media. So whilst you might not want to book right away you can look online and see lots of venues and create a shortlist to help find your perfect venue before you then see it in person. I love the Braxted Parks virtual tour on their website and Gaynes Park and Blake Hall are both flooding their instagrams with gorgeous spring photographs
Dress searches
Naturally buying your dress online feels impossible but again you can create a short list of favourites. I work lots with Bespoke Wardrobe, its a stunning bridal store that LOTS of my brides have chosen to go to, so when Mary got in touch last year to collaborate I was over the moon. Its a beautiful service and everything is bespoke and they are offer online calls to work on your appointments before you even enter the store, ensuring you get the perfect experience as soon as you are able to visit.
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Rock the frock is being creative with their online dress appointments so they can show off the dresses on video calls. Several of my couples have chosen Rock the frock for their unique dresses… like Karen for her South Farm wedding
Other suppliers
Suppliers like myself as a photographer, florists, entertainment and decor can so often be booked virtually. I have always offered video calls for my couples as so many live hectic lives so we meet virtually and can chat about ideas. You can do the same with lots of wedding suppliers, ask them for a virtual meeting and see what else you can tick off your to do list!
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