S Howard Photography Ltd

Bethany and Jamie's wedding at Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire was an affair to remember. The grandeur of the venue, a Grade I listed Mansion House, matched the love and warmth that the couple radiated on their special day. Each detail was meticulously planned, from the elegant floral arrangements that adorned the ceremony to the beautiful reception held in the stately rooms of Luton Hoo. The highlight of the day was the heartfelt vows exchanged under the ornate chandeliers, as their family and friends watched on with love and affection. The joyous celebrations carried on into the night, with the stunning mansion and its extensive gardens serving as a magnificent backdrop. Bethany and Jamie's wedding was not just an event, it was a celebration of love that encapsulated their journey together, making it an unforgettable day.

My photography style is primarily a fusion of documentary and natural, where I aim to capture the authentic, unscripted moments that unfold throughout your day. This unobtrusive approach allows me to blend into the background, ensuring that each shot remains untouched by any external influence. With a keen eye for candid moments, I strive to encapsulate the raw emotions and connections that often go unnoticed. Amidst these elements of traditional photojournalism, I incorporate a modern touch, ensuring that each frame not only tells a story but also resonates with the contemporary aesthetic of today's visual narrative. Ultimately, my goal is to deliver a collection of images that encapsulate the genuine emotion and unique details of your day in a visually compelling way.

What fills me with immense pride in my business is the privilege of attending the spectacular wedding days of all my couples. Each wedding is a unique narrative of love and commitment, and being entrusted to document these intimate moments is an honour I don't take lightly. There's something truly special about witnessing a declaration of love between two people, a raw and genuine connection that is both humbling and inspiring. Capturing these poignant moments and transforming them into timeless memories is more than just a job to me - it's a passion. Over the years, I've had the joy of experiencing a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and expressions of love. Every smile, tear, and embrace I've captured has reinforced my love for what I do, making me immensely proud of the work I put into preserving these priceless memories for my couples.

My top tip for wedding planning is: Prioritise regular, honest, and open communication. Weddings can be tremendously stressful, not just due to the plethora of planning, logistical details and often sizeable budget, but also as they are incredibly emotional events. People often have lofty expectations and there may be considerable pressure from various sources, including family, friends or societal norms. This is why communication is so vital. Here are some key elements to bear in mind: Communicate with Each Other: Before the planning gets underway, take a moment to sit down with your partner and discuss your individual visions for the wedding. This should include the scale, the location, the budget and other pivotal aspects. It's perfectly fine if you don't agree on everything straight away. The most important thing is to understand each other's viewpoint and find common ground. Additionally, divvy up the tasks and responsibilities between yourselves to avoid any misunderstanding or resentment later on. Communicate with Family and Friends: If your families or friends are heavily involved in the planning process, ensure clear communication regarding expectations and duties. They might have their own opinions and ideas, which are valuable, but remember, it's your wedding day. It's crucial that your vision is realised, while also considering their input. Communicate with Suppliers: Make sure you communicate clearly with your suppliers. Be explicit about your expectations, the budget, and the timeline. Ensure that everything agreed upon is put in writing to avoid any confusion or disputes later on. Keep Communication Channels Open: It's quite easy for misunderstandings and tensions to arise during the wedding planning process. Regularly touch base with each other, your families, and suppliers, and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and openly. By effectively communicating throughout the planning process, you'll not only diminish the stress that can come with planning a wedding, but also ensure that your special day reflects your vision.

One of the most memorable personal touches that I've witnessed at a wedding involved a thoughtful surprise from the groom to his bride. Amidst the morning's hustle and bustle, the bride unwrapped a present from her soon-to-be husband to reveal a toy Range Rover. The amusement and laughter that followed this quirky gift was soon replaced by sheer astonishment. The groom had arranged for a video call, and as the screen lit up, there sat a gleaming, real-life Range Rover parked on their home drive. The joy and surprise in the bride's eyes, mirrored by the knowing smile of the groom, created an unforgettable moment. This surprise wasn't just about the grandeur of the gift but about the thought and effort that had gone into making his bride feel special. The memory of that moment still brings a smile to my face and is a shining example of the unique, personal touches that make each wedding day extraordinary.

My typical process with a couple is anchored in building a strong, open line of communication from the outset. As soon as an enquiry comes in, I like to arrange an immediate phone call. This gives both parties the chance to get to know each other, discuss preliminary ideas, and establish a rapport. Once the couple decides to proceed, I email them a booking form to confirm all the essential details. From this point on, I utilise a fully digital process that includes eSignature contracts and streamlined online forms, making the entire experience seamless and efficient for my clients. Throughout this process, I emphasise open and regular communication. I make it a point to stay in close contact, addressing any queries or concerns, providing reassurances and guidance where needed, and keeping them updated on any developments. I pride myself on being always available, ensuring I can lend a hand to solve any problems that may arise, right up until their special day. The goal is not just to provide a service, but to cultivate a trusting relationship, helping to make their wedding journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

One of the most cherished photos for many couples is what's often referred to as "The First Look" photo. This is the photo that captures the moment when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This can happen in different ways, depending on the couple's preferences and traditions. For example, some couples prefer to see each other for the first time at the ceremony when one walks down the aisle. Others arrange a private moment before the ceremony, away from the eyes of the guests. Regardless of the setting, the "first look" photo often encapsulates the raw emotion and excitement of the day - the love, joy, and anticipation in the couple's eyes. It's a snapshot of the intimacy between the couple amid the larger event, which is why it's often considered a must-have photo. Remember, though, that the most important thing is that your wedding photos reflect you as a couple. So, if there's a particular moment, theme, or setting that has deep meaning for you, ensure that this is captured in your wedding photography.

I took a photo that was framed between the groomsman's legs with the bridal party in the background, it was a playful and humorous and added a bit of fun to the occasion.

While rain on your wedding day might not be what you envisioned initially, it can actually create a unique and romantic atmosphere, as well as provide for some beautiful photos. Here are some tips for a rainy day wedding: Have a Backup Plan: If you're planning an outdoor wedding, make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain. This could be an indoor location, or you could arrange for a marquee or tent. Check with your venue about their rain policies. Embrace the Rain: If it's a light drizzle, consider going ahead with your outdoor plans. Supply umbrellas for your guests (you could even match them to your wedding colours) and embrace the romance of the rain. Rainy Day Photos: Speak to your photographer about rainy day photos. Rain can provide a beautiful and dramatic backdrop, and you could get some stunning and unique shots. Use colourful or transparent umbrellas as props. Footwear and Clothing: If there's a possibility of rain, you may want to consider your footwear. A stylish pair of wellies can be a fun addition and keep your feet dry! Additionally, you may want to consider having a second dress or outfit in case your primary one gets wet. Comfort Your Guests: If it does rain, ensure your guests remain comfortable. Provide towels and blankets if it's cold, and make sure there's plenty of warm drinks available. Positive Mindset: Lastly, maintain a positive attitude. Remember, the most important thing about your wedding day is celebrating your love for each other. Some cultures even consider rain on a wedding day to be good luck! In the end, a rainy wedding day can make your celebration even more memorable, and produce truly beautiful moments and photos. Plan ahead, be prepared, and embrace the day as it comes.

My journey into photography began as a deeply rooted passion, an intrigue with the power of visual storytelling and the ability to encapsulate moments in a timeless frame. I was always drawn to the way a photograph could speak volumes, and this fascination compelled me to explore the art more seriously. Pursuing a diploma in photography was a significant turning point in my life, as it not only equipped me with technical skills and a deeper understanding of the art form but also gave me the confidence to transform this passion into a full-time profession. It was an invigorating transition, one that allowed me to blend my love for capturing life's most beautiful moments with the satisfaction of turning a personal passion into a rewarding career. Today, every click of the shutter is a testament to that journey, a blend of passion and education that continues to drive my work.