Kevin McCauley
Video & Photographic Services

Pre-Wedding Preparation & Rehearsals

This teamwork starts on our first meeting and carries on to the rehearsal at my place and continues until the wedding is over.  During the rehearsal, we will meet at my place, break the ice (which is very, very important) and realise that we are all ordinary people who, given half a chance, will pull together and make the day a wonderful experience for all.  We will discuss the photographs to be taken and work to a pre-prepared shooting schedule which we will compose together.  This schedule includes a section for 'any other' photographs that you may wish to have taken, and it is here where you can indicate the details of any particular extra shots you may want to have on your special day, over and above the standard ones.

I would request that the chief bridesmaid come along to the rehearsal as well if possible, as she is a very important person, not only to the Bride but to the photographer also.  I like her to give a quick 'once over' to the Bride's appearance and dress before I shoot.  So often another lady may spot a detail that a male photographer can miss.  I also like the little bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys to come to the rehearsal too.  It gives them the chance to feel part of the team - I find that it helps for them to see the basic posing advice being given and they then feel and act more naturally on the day.

I also like to go to the church rehearsal as well, especially if the church is new to me, or there has been a change of incumbent.  This is especially important if we are doing a video.  It is essential that the photographer and videographer know exactly what the vicar permits and do not exceed the permission given.
 

The Wedding Day Begins

If required, we can attend at the Brides house (a lovely photo opportunity) but not all brides want this.  Then off to the church or venue where we should arrive at least 1 hour before the service is due to start.  We photograph and video the families and guests arriving as per our schedule, and the Bride herself arriving with her Dad or escort.  This is where the Bride says a silent 'thank you' for the rehearsal which makes it all so much easier and more professional looking.  I like to hand things over to the vicar before the appointed time and I then discreetly vanish to let him do his part.

If we are allowed to film and photograph in the church, all this will have been covered at the church rehearsal and we will have taken up our positions before the Bride walks down the aisle so that continuity is maintained.
 

After the Ceremony

After the wedding ceremony is finished, most vicars permit photography and videoing of the 'dummy' signing of the register and walking down the aisle when leaving the church.  Depending upon the weather and other factors, we try to shoot as many of the larger group shots at the church or a suitable place before we get to the reception.  It can be very difficult to get everybody into the large group shots once the bar is open!

The video is a package designed to suit you.  We can come to the Bride's house before the wedding and follow through all the way to the evening reception and can add photographs of the Bride and Groom when they were babies and growing up if desired, as well as your choice of music.

Then on to the reception where, after you have had a chance to relax and talk to your guests, we will do the 'dummy' cutting of the cake shot and before you sit down, any other outstanding shots from our shooting schedule.
 

Some Final Notes

I am very aware from vast experience how close emotions are to the surface on a wedding day, and how the Bride needs all the help she can get from her entire team, especially her photographer.  I find it a pleasure to give that help and I think it shows in the photographs.

May I also offer a few words of advice?  Before you book any photographer or videographer, ask for the names and phone numbers of say at least 10 weddings that the photographer has done.  Then ask the Brides if they were happy with, not only the cost, the quality of the photographs, and the finished album, but equally important the 'atmosphere' that he/she created on the day.  It is too big a price to pay for good photographs if the photographer puts you under stress on your special day.

If the wedding has been early enough in the day to allow me to get the newspaper shot printed, I will bring back a copy of this for you to take away on your honeymoon!

I have many examples of my wedding work which I would be more than pleased to show you.

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