Words & images by Liam Smith Photography

Photography is subjective – what I like, you may not. This presents you, my dear reader, with a choice to make: what do I like, and can I afford it?

What is important to remember at all times is the true significance of photography and the photograph. It preserves our lives and our memories in a way that nothing else can.

Words & images by Amanda Karen Photography

As a bride to be I was a Pinterest addict, in fact I think I could have planned several weddings with all the things that inspired me! I was convinced I could be a DIY bride too, but thankfully realised very early on that this was not to be the case.

Essex wedding photographer Amanda Karen on the English Wedding Blog (7)
I think this is why I have such a mixed love-hate relationship with Pinterest, it’s amazing for inspiration and even to find suppliers, I love it for finding recipes for dinner. But when it comes to wedding planning I think there is a fine line between a casual browse for inspiration and losing hours pored over your phone and getting stressed because you can’t recreate the wedding on your board.

It’s true you’re unlikely to have heard of ‘corkage’ until you plan your wedding… but it’s a topic which comes up on wedding forums over and over again – and a shocker! This, and other hidden costs to booking a venue, is discussed on the latest fab wedding planning video by Revelry Events. There’s plenty to think about: VAT, exclusive use and curfews…

Lovely Susannah and Holly talk us through the major considerations when hiring a venue, including having a plan B in case of bad weather and being allowed to bring in the suppliers YOU want rather than the venue’s own. (Top tip: always, always research your DJ and never rely on a venue’s recommendation without having seen them!)

I had the absolute pleasure in February of meeting Kent wedding photographer Benjamin Toms (and his impeccably behaved black labrador Byron!) – and we talked and talked. Ben’s approach to wedding photography is inspiring. I only wish you could have been there to listen to him talk about the work he loves – and to learn, along with me, some wedding photography secrets! I wanted to reintroduce you to Ben today. He’s been a supporter of the English Wedding Blog for a long time and I adore his work – his photography is simply out of this world, and his dedication is second to none.

The ‘average wedding budget’ is a myth. Every wedding is different, and allocating your budget should never come down to a standard formula from a magazine or wedding planning book. Today’s advice from Revelry Events is some of the best I’ve heard: for example, have you allocated a 5% contingency for emergencies? Watch the film to find out why you should!