What is your most memorable wedding?
I love all my weddings, they all have something different, and wondrous. I do like to think that me and the team connect with all of our couples and make their wedding day the best it possibly can be from the photography aspect.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Vibrant
Friendly
Directive
Creative
What about your business are you most proud of?
Every aspect; we put our heart and souls into what we do. Having worked on ITV Emmerdale set many times doing wedding and event photography is a great feather in my cap. I'm also proud that my children want to do what I do when they grow up, they also say that my name is "Jo Bennett Photography" if they ever introduce me to their friends, which always warms my heart.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Have it for yourselves, parents, friends, suppliers, will give so much information and guidance but really go with your heart and have the day you've always dreamed of.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I've seen lots of little touches that have made a wedding very special from grandparents wedding rings being used, to surprise gifts being given before the ceremony, to surprise cars, surprises of couples dancing. But one of my all time favourite moments at a wedding was when the groom surprised his wife by singing. I will set the scene; the speeches had concluded, and the guests had been told there would be a 10 minute interval. Upon returning a large screen was in front of the stage the TV came on and it was the groom and his groomsmen acting as Take That and what they get up to at home they were called "Take This and That" I don't know if I'm describing it in its best light but the production was fabulous and the reaction was great from the crowd. The curtain then dropped and all 5 of them performed some of Take That's best hits. They had learnt dance routines, solo pieces, and the guests loved every minute of it and his wife was so shocked, happy, proud, emotional etc. As we was a team of two that day all reactions were captured as we usually know about surprises you might be planning so that we can capture the reactions for you. It was a great moment to see over 150 guests doing the dance routine to Never Forget and singing along. And just to add the groom was nervous as this is something he would never normally do
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I don't have an answer for this. I believe each couple will have their own signature image which will be their own personal #1 image, because there will be emotion and an experience attached and when they view that image those feelings will come through. It can't be the same for everyone.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I would say capturing the effects of powder paint throwing!!! The white dress was completely covered in vibrant powder paint. It was a great experience to be part of, and I still have some colour on my lens hood which always makes me smile!
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Be brave, and embrace it. We would also use the rain to our advantage; reflective puddle shots, lighting behind the couple to highlight the rain, umbrella poses etc......