New around here? Take some time to visit and explore our brand new directory. It should be the very first stop for any bride planning her wedding in the better half of the country.
I love introducing my readers to the suppliers and Brides Up North Sponsors who make this pretty place tick, and today I’m proud to welcome Rachel Joyce Photography to the pages of the wedding blog. I’ve a stunning wedding by Rachel coming up in our schedule later this week – so watch this space – but in the meantime, let’s meet the lady behind the lens.
How did you get into wedding photography?
Rachel says:
I had absolutely no intention of becoming a wedding photographer – zero! When I started my business I wholeheartedly planned to concentrate on newborn and family photography with the odd christening here and there. Within a month of going pro I was I was asked to cover two weddings, one which had been organised on a very short timescale and one where the couple had been let down by their photographer at the last minute. I absolutely loved every minute of it and more importantly the couples loved their images. From that point on I decided to focus all of my efforts on wedding photography and I’m so glad I did. I’ve met some wonderful couples, visited some amazing venue and developed my photography further than I ever imagined I could.
What is your favourite part of being a wedding photographer?
There’s so much to choose from. I genuinely love chatting weddings. Things like flower choices and table settings excite me more than they perhaps should! I also love being a part of the hustle and bustle and excitement on the day. Being around people when they are at their happiest is probably the best working environment you could ever ask for. Then I get to come home and relive it all whilst I edit their beautiful images.
How do you get people to relax on the day?
I personally am not a great fan of having my own picture taken so I fully understand that for most people it isn’t their favourite thing. My approach to any wedding is to keep the formal shots to a minimum so the couple can spend the most amount of time possible with their friends and family. I find that couples who book our full day package which includes bridal and groom preparation are the most relaxed by the time it comes to their formal pictures. They are used to having us around by that point and have almost forgotten we are there to take pictures. I also try to crack a joke and then quickly capture the natural laughs, rather than the posed smiles. They generally turn out the best images.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear?
Being the proud owner of a tube of tinted moisturiser and mascara I’m certainly no expect in the makeup department. I do think that it’s important for people to look like themselves. If you don’t normally wear heavy makeup, your wedding day might not be the time to start. Booking a reputable make up artist and having a couple of trials before the big day will ensure that you are happy with the final outcome.
Anything to avoid that might look bad in wedding pictures?
First thing first – think about your venue. It might have the most beautiful outdoor space you’ve ever seen but what if the weather is terrible? Where are we going to do that must have group shot of all your family? If you have decided to have full day coverage it’s also worth thinking about where you are getting ready. If it’s in the hotel then check if you can have a larger room, if you are getting ready at home it’s worth having a bit of a tidy up the day before and putting some clutter away if you’d rather not have it in the pictures. That said I’m not adverse to moving the odd pair of knickers off the floor if they are in my shot!
Any really memorable weddings you have worked on that you’d like to share?
I recently covered the wedding of one of my oldest friends, Saiorse. There’s a group of us from school that have remained friends and although everyone is now scattered across different parts of the country, we still keep in touch with a group email and meet up a few times of year. It was extra special to be able to play a role in her day although it does make it harder to take pictures with tears in your eyes! The wedding was an absolute cracker and reflected their personalities perfectly.
Are you married?
YES! Im super lucky to be married to my first love, Tim. We met when I was just 16, bought a house together at 19 and got married at 21. Nine years later we have two beautiful children, Tom and Hattie. At the time we got married I was slightly obsessed with Pride and Prejudice (who are we kidding – I still am) so I went for simple elegance. We had a black and white theme with the bridemaids in lovely elegant long black dresses and the men in black morning suits. The sun shone, the day went perfectly and we had so much fun.
What sets you apart from other photographers?
I’m know for being pretty unflappable. I come from a background in event management and customer services which are both really useful when it comes to being involved in the wedding industry. If something’s going wrong and I can help I will! I’ve been known to ring florists to chase deliveries, sew up broken zips on bridesmaid dresses and step into the role of wedding coordinator temporarily to help get a day back on track. There’s very little that can go wrong on the day that will actually ruin it unless you let it. Lots of my customers comment on how relaxed I made them feel or how I helped the day run a little more smoothly.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
I work predominantly in a documentary style so for the most of the day I will be in the background capturing all the important moments of your day without intruding upon it at all. Before the wedding we will have discussed in detail the formal shots you require. We will get through the group shots as quickly and painlessly as possible so you and your guests can go back to enjoying the day. I will normally whisk the bride and groom away for about 20 minutes to get some lovely images of just the two of you.
Can you give us an idea on price?
I offer three basic packages depending on how much coverage is wanted. Our most popular package is The Complete Collection. This includes two photographers covering from bride and groom prep in the morning right through until the first dance at the evening reception. This package is £950
If you quote brides up north when you get in touch I will include a complimentary engagement shoot with any booking.
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you or find out more?
Get in touch any time via the website or Facebook page or email racheljoycephotography@hotmail.co.uk.
I’d be delighted to come and meet with you and chat all things wedding.
