Rachel Ovenden Photography

The first wedding I ever photographed will always stay in my mind. It was the first wedding I ever attended and I was completely mesmerised by the whole day. I felt like I was looking at a princess when the bride put on her fishtail wedding dress, and seeing a couple so perfect for each other sharing their vows felt so special to witness. The sun was shining, it was like we were all part of the happiest day of the year. I cried a little tear during the speeches, and left feeling completely sure that I wanted to experience that as many times as I could. To have a job where I am at the happiest place possible for that day.

Documentary, unobtrusive, natural, creative, romantic

The memories I have captured for so many lovely couples. Wedding days go by so quickly, and often it is hard for a couple to remember each little moment that added to making it so special to them. Whenever I send off a couple's photos, I feel so proud to know that they can relive those special little moments whenever they want, and that I have been able to give them something that means so much.

Remember that the day is about you! Planning a wedding can become such a mammoth task, and can quickly turn into trying to cater to everyone else's needs, and making sure your guests are happy rather than yourselves. The day should be about being surrounded by people who love you and want to celebrate that!

It starts with a couple getting in touch to see if I am available for their date (fingers crossed I am). We then have a phone call to chat about your plans for the wedding and get to know each other better. If we feel like we are the right fit, then all it takes to book in and reserve the date is filling out a small booking form on my website! From there I will check in with my couples in the months leading up to the wedding to go over the plan, double check the details and answer any questions they may have. On the day I will be there, although you may not notice me as I am small and great at blending in, capturing the moments that unfold throughout the day as well as the traditional group shots and portraits. Once the wedding is over, each couple will receive the information about what happens next with their photos (editing) as well as a few previews to keep them going! Finally, their photographs are uploaded to their own personal online gallery, and the invite is sent!

My initial thought would be the 'mantle piece shot' - you know the one, traditional portrait, smiling into the camera, the one your parents really want. Tradition is important, and although my style is very candid, I do think these shots are a definite for each wedding. However, they only really represent how great you look together. My no.1 photo every couple should have is a moment together, where they can bring out their most natural, happiest smiles, captured in a completely unobtrusive way. This is so much more reflective of the connection shared and why they have chosen to marry each other!

An open mind! Everybody wants a gorgeously sunny wedding day, however the realities of where we live mean that there's a good chance a lot of us will end up with some drizzle at some point. There are so many ways of using rain in a creative way to capture beautiful portraits with a magical touch, by using a bit of flash, some handy umbrellas or the indoor assets your venue has to offer. Door ways and windows are perfect, come rain or shine!

I started photography whilst studying at college, thinking I wanted to go down the fine art route at the time. When I realised this extra hobby I had taken up was something I could really commit to and be passionate about, I started going along with other photographers during my weekends/summers to second shoot and gain as much experience as possible. This lead me to studying photography at Leeds Arts University whilst setting up my own business as a wedding photographer during my second year. Since then I have photographed countless weddings, learnt an awful lot, and ended up with a number of great friendships through the couples I have worked with.