A lovely article by our friend and talented London wedding photographer Amanda Karen.

I know it’s been a tough 12 months for weddings, and it’s been heart-breaking and stressful for so many couples to have to postpone their wedding.  A wedding signifies so many things to so many people, contrary to some people’s belief, it is more than a party.  And as we eagerly await the end of the pandemic and a return to some sense of normality, I wanted to share my 10 reasons why your wedding will be worth it, and will be the occasion you’ve planned and hoped for.

1. Getting ready in the morning

The morning of the wedding has an air of electric energy, there is a real buzz in the room.  Whether you’re surrounded by excited family members or a gaggle of your closest friends, every wedding has this energy, and it’s the perfect start to the day.  However, at some point in the preparations, usually when you’re putting the final touches to your outfit on, there is a real sense of calm and tranquillity, a moment to pause and think about the day ahead, the fact that in just a few short hours you will have married the love of your life!

2. When your parents see you for the first time

This can be a real tear jerker of a moment (there are many of these moments in a wedding, what can I say, I’m a real romantic when it comes to weddings!) – this moment is usually more dramatic and emotional for the woman!  But actually, it may not be your parents who see you for the first time, your wedding party can get equally as excited, but the scene usually involves some level of gasping, shrieks and like I said, often tears of pride.

3. The moment you see each other at the bottom of the aisle

Now I think this has to be one of my favourite moments of a wedding, the first time you lock eyes with each other, which is usually at the bottom of the aisle, but the impact is the same, if not more, if you have a first look (this is where you see each other before the ceremony, away from the prying eyes of your guests!)  The beaming smiles between the two of you is magical, and it really does feel like, for that split second, that everyone else has melted away and you are just purely focused on each other. Magic!

4. The moment you realise “You are now married”

It’s funny really, the moment you become a married couple, isn’t necessarily the moment it sinks in, after all, there is usually still some of the ceremony formalities to happen, then you leave the ceremony environment and are instantly surrounded by congratulating guests and all the hugs.  But fast forward to when you get into the car to drive to the reception, or you get a moment alone, just the two of you, that’s when the feeling of “wow, we’re married” hits you.  So it’s important to remember, at some point during the day, have some time, just the two of you – think the Lion King when Mufasa and Simba are looking over the pride lands, surveying what they have – stand back and just look at the beautiful day and memories you’ve created with this milestone event, not just for you, but for your nearest and dearest.

5. All the confetti

I love a confetti shot – and with confetti more is always better, to really fill the scene!  It’s been one of the things restricted in weddings, the throwing of confetti, so I’m definitely looking forward to this one!  The smell of gorgeous dried petals alone is divine, but it’s just another one of those moments in a wedding where everyone is laughing and smiling, you included!  Just be mindful that you will be finding confetti everywhere at the end of the night!

6. Heartfelt Hugs!

I don’t know about you, but I have missed seeing friends and family, and for those that we were able to see briefly and from a distance, the absence of a hug was hard.  I was honoured to photograph a couple of intimate weddings last year, and whilst they were still beautiful and filled with gorgeous moments, the absence of hugs was definitely noted.  Weddings are often a sea of hugs, after all you are surrounded by those that love you, and this last 12 months, for many, will mean that hugs and connection will be even more precious.

7. The love and laughter of your favourite people

Those candid moments between guests create some of the best photos to illustrate your day – the laughter and happiness between guests depict the happiness filling the room, everyone there to celebrate you as a couple and your relationship.  

8. Even the group shots!

I know that group shots aren’t everyone’s favourite part of the wedding, and they can take some organising, but I think after not being able to see people, to have had to stand 2m away from them, the group shots will signify a return to normality.  So whilst they will still take some organising (enlisting the help of a couple of your wedding party to round people up is always advised) I think they are something that people will then look fondly at – being able to stand near your friends and family again!

9. Eating like royalty

Anyone else missed going out to eat, having food prepared for you and not having to do the washing up?!  It’s been great being able to have restaurant kits delivered, but it’s not quite the same as being wined and dined and not having to worry about the state of the kitchen afterwards!  So whilst the eating side of the day is not heavily photographed, think about the food you will have as your first meal as a married couple – don’t feel you have to play it safe, embrace your favourite food to feast upon.

10. Dancing the night away with your guests

My last moment, and by no means the least, is the dancing!  Letting your hair down (usually kicking off the killer heels) and dancing the night away is the perfect finale to this list.  From kids sliding around the dance floor on their knees to some questionable dance moves by the Dads in the guest party – you can be sure with the right music; the dance floor will be filled and you’ll have some epic photos to round off your wedding album.

Well, after that trip down memory lane of weddings, I think I’ll take a look back through our own wedding album, and that’s the power of your wedding photos, we got married in 2013, but those photos always transport my back to a different moment in the wedding.  

I am excited for weddings coming back into our lives, I know it’s been a long and stressful wait and your wedding team are ready and raring to go to make your wedding the day you’ve been waiting for.  And trust me, it will be well worth the wait.

Take care,

Amanda x

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