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I’m so excited to share this styled shoot in the Italian Dolomites with you. It was such an EPIC trip and felt so wholesome and creative to plan, organise and execute. I worked with a great friend- Nicola Drummond Photography on this which was so much fun and we collaborated to bring our Italian Dolomites elopement photography vision to life. The first port of call was to select which locations to photograph at in the Italian Dolomites. With so many incredible shoot locations to choose from we were spoilt for choice and slightly overwhelmed with where to start! After lots of research and Pinterest planning, we settled on Lago Di Braies, Tre Cime Di Lavaredo and Seceda for the Dolomites elopement photography shoot. The mood board was all about creating a whimsical and elegant mountain elopement in a spectacular landscape. And the Dolomites did not disappoint. The locations were truly incredible and we were blessed with gorgeous light which made it even more magical to experience. Lago Di Braies Elopement Photography Lago Di Braies is one of the most magical places I have ever witnessed. It’s like being in a painting. Lago Di Braies, also known as Lake Braies is a crystal blue lake located beneath an amphitheatre of rock. A breath-taking location that is simply unforgettable. It lies within the boundaries of the Fannes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and is located near the Val Pusteria region (Puster Valley) in the Northern part of the Italian Dolomites. We got up at the crack of dawn to start the elopement shoot at the lake for sunrise and it was so worth it. On a crisp October morning, it was chilly but stunning. As the sun came up it became more and more surreal to look at. Here are a few images from the Lago Di Braies elopement photography shoot: Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Elopement Photography Later that day we had planned the sunset shoot at Tre Cime with stunning views of jagged limestone peaks. In terms of iconic Dolomites scenery, Tre Cime di Lavaredo is up there. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is a trail in the Italian Dolomites that circles three iconic peaks, collectively known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo or Three Peaks of Lavaredo. Shooting the elopement photography here meant an hours’ hike up to the three peaks location. We set off carrying all our supplies with our amazing model couple Shirin and Angelo. We started shooting as the sun set right at the top and it was the most magical scenery and light we could have hoped for. As we hiked back down during golden hour, we stopped along the way to photograph the elopement couple. I’ve never seen such incredible light at dusk and in such an epic landscape it was honestly breath-taking. Here are a few images from the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo elopement photography shoot: Seceda Elopement Photography We did a lifestyle shoot with our wonderful couple at Seceda in the Dolomites. Seceda, or Alpe di Seceda, is a mountain that is located in the Puez Odle Nature Park in Val Gardena. It is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great location to photograph at because unlike some places in the Dolomites, it’s quite easily accessible without too much hiking. You can jump on the cable way from Ortisei to the mountain summit. Then it’s a short hike to the epic views. Here are a few photographs from the lifestyle photography shoot at Seceda. Italian Dolomites Elopement Photographer If you’re thinking of eloping to the Dolomites, do it. I cannot recommend it enough for any adventurous couples out there that have a love for the mountains and the outdoors. The Dolomites can’t be beaten for epic scenery. It’s the perfect location for elopement photography. And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your elopement in the Dolomites, I’m itching to go back! Get in touch via the contact form to enquire about my availability. I can’t wait to hear about your Dolomites elopement photography plans! SUPPLIERS Photography: Danielle Smith Photography Planning & Concept: Danielle Smith Photography & Nicola Drummond Photography Couple: Shirin & Angelo Flowers: Tobia Girardi Dresses: Julita & Katy Britton Jewellery: Alabaster Dream & Penny Pearl Bridal Co. & Kiri & Belle Shoes: Di Hassall Menswear: Royal Evolution Stationery: KM Stationery & Design

I really love sleepy newborn photoshoots. With this particular photoshoot at home we included the family dog. It was a great opportunity to get creative with the whole family. I photographed Rachel and Sam’s wedding back in 2019 so when they had their first baby and asked me to capture some natural newborn photos at their home, I was so honoured. It really is such a compliment and always so lovely to follow and document a couple’s journey after their big day. Jack was just 2 weeks old when we did their natural newborn photography session at home. He was an absolute angel throughout, and we captured some gorgeous moments. Even Luna the dog got involved which was so precious. She’s a big part of the family too so it’s always nice to get a few photos of the whole dynamic of the family together. A little love note from Rachel & Sam themselves: “The whole process was super easy and Danielle captured Jack perfectly . She makes us feel relaxed and at ease and we both knew that she would do an amazing job at capturing some great images.” Natural Newborn Photography at home I love photographing in home newborn photography. It’s so natural and captures a snippet of those precious early days that will fly by so fast. Natural newborn photography at home generally takes place within the first few weeks of being born. I appreciate that it can be a struggle for new parents to leave the house in the early days so coming to your home tends to work really well. It allows for a truly natural and relaxed newborn photography session within the comfort of your own home, where you have everything you might need. My goal as your newborn photographer is to capture your baby in a way that is authentic; those newborn expressions, tiny toes, and intimate connections with you as their parents. If you’re looking for some natural newborn photos at your home, learn more about this service over on the newborn photography page or if you're ready to chat just get in touch via my contact page.

I absolutely adore Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photography, it’s one of my favourite London town hall wedding venues to photograph. If you’re looking for a timeless and classic wedding photographer with a modern edge for your Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding, then I may just be the perfect wedding photographer for you. I’ve photographed many weddings at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London and it’s always a dream. There are various ceremony room choices available, all of which are beautifully decorated and styled. The outside of the building is also iconic and the perfect opportunity for some gorgeous couple photos as well as your confetti and family photos too. I have photographed a range of various types and styles of wedding at the Chelsea Old Town Hall from small elopement style weddings with just witnesses as well as intimate weddings of 40-50 guests. The great thing about Chelsea Old Town Hall is that it’s the perfect wedding venue during all seasons. I have worked there all year round and it’s always stunning. I am also proud to be a recommended photographer by Chelsea Old Town Hall. You can find me listed on their website here. My Wedding Photography Style My style of wedding photography is to capture your celebration in a way that feels authentic to you. While posed portraits certainly have their place in wedding photography, it's often the candid moments that truly capture the essence of the day. For me, it’s the stolen glances, tender embraces, and spontaneous laughter that reflect the genuine emotions of the couple and their loved ones on their wedding day. My role as your Old Chelsea Town Hall wedding photographer is not just to document the events of the day but to encapsulate the emotions that make each wedding unique. Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding Venue Nestled in the heart of one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Chelsea Old Town Hall stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and historical charm. Its iconic architecture and rich heritage make it a popular wedding venue for couples seeking a blend of classic London charm and modern romance. In this blog, we'll explore the allure of Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photography, delving into the venue's unique characteristics and the magical moments it inspires. If you’re looking for a classy and effortlessly chic London registry office wedding, Chelsea Old Town Hall is the perfect wedding venue. Situated in a beautiful part of West London this iconic Chelsea and Kensington Town Hall building is a stunning backdrop with great transport links and a wealth of reception venue options nearby. This makes is super easy for you and your guests arriving via public transport and it also has the option for you to pull up in a private car/taxi outside as well as hire a route-master bus for afterwards if that suits you. Chelsea Old Town Hall Ceremony Rooms There are various ceremony rooms at Chelsea Old Town Hall for you to choose from including the large Brydon room, the Harrington ceremony room and the Rossetti room. Each space offers a unique backdrop for your Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photography. Depending on the size of your guest count there are options to suit everyone. Confetti Photos at Chelsea Old Town Hall The grand exit after you’ve tied the knot is the perfect opportunity to capture those iconic confetti photos at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. I can help organise your guests to ensure we capture the perfect moment for you. Remember to enjoy the moment and take your time. Group Photos We will discuss your list of requested group photos at your pre-wedding meeting before the big day so that I can capture these effectively for you on the day. Couple Portraits around Chelsea Old Town Hall Beyond the walls of Chelsea Old Town Hall lies a neighbourhood steeped in charm and character. The cobblestone streets, quaint mews, and picturesque squares of Chelsea provide the perfect backdrop for your Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photography. It’s the perfect location to capture some gorgeous couple portraits that encapsulate that timeless West London feel. I know some gorgeous spots nearby and we can go for a walk to capture some authentic moments whilst you embrace that magical just married feeling. I offer gentle guidance to get the best out of the surroundings and to capture the natural connection between the two of you. I’d love to hear from you! If you’re planning your Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photography in London, and like my style, I’d love to hear from you. Just head over to my enquiry form here to check my availability on your date and receive you full pricing brochure. I can’t wait to hear from you! Amazing Suppliers: Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall Dresses: Elbeth Gillis Vivienne Westwood Suzanne Neville Dress Boutiques: Angelica Bridal Browns Bride The Bespoke Wardrobe Flowers: Wallflower London Blooming Haus Flowers By Eve Hair: Kirsty O'Brien Hair MUA: Polly Chisholm Julie W Hair & Make Up

Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding Photography is my absolute favourite thing to photograph. If you’re looking for a classic wedding photographer with a modern edge for your Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding, then I may just be the perfect wedding photographer for you. I’ve photographed many weddings at Old Marylebone Town Hall in London and it’s always a dream. There are various ceremony room choices available, all of which are beautifully decorated and styled. The outside of the building is also iconic and the perfect opportunity for some gorgeous couple photos as well as your confetti and family photos too. I have photographed a range of various types and styles of wedding at Old Marylebone Town Hall from small elopement style weddings with just witnesses as well as intimate weddings of 40-50 guests. The great thing about Old Marylebone Town Hall is that it’s the perfect wedding venue during all seasons. I have worked there all year round and it’s always stunning. My Wedding Photography Style My style of wedding photography is to capture your celebration in a way that feels authentic to you. While posed portraits certainly have their place in wedding photography, it's often the candid moments that truly capture the essence of the day. For me, it’s the stolen glances, tender embraces, and spontaneous laughter that reflect the genuine emotions of the couple and their loved ones on their wedding day. My role as your Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photographer is not just to document the events of the day but to encapsulate the emotions that make each wedding unique. Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding Venue Nestled in the heart of London, the Old Marylebone Town Hall stands as a testament to timeless elegance and historical charm. Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, it serves as a popular wedding venue for couples seeking a wedding imbued with classic London sophistication. If you’re looking for a classy and effortlessly chic London registry office wedding, the Old Marylebone Town Hall is the perfect wedding venue. Situated in a beautiful part of central London this iconic Westminster Town Hall building is a stunning backdrop with great transport links and a wealth of reception venue options nearby. This makes is super easy for you and your guests arriving via public transport and it also has the option for you to pull up in a private car/taxi outside as well as hire a route-master bus for afterwards if that suits you. Ceremony Rooms at Old Marylebone Town Hall There are various ceremony rooms at Old Marylebone Town Hall for you to choose from including the large Westminster room, the Knightsbridge ceremony room and the Pimlico room. Each space offers a unique backdrop for your Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photography. Depending on the size of your guest count there are options to suit everyone. Confetti Photos at Old Marylebone Town Hall The grand exit after you’ve tied the knot is the perfect opportunity to capture those iconic confetti photos at the Old Marylebone Town Hall. I can help organise your guests to ensure we capture the perfect moment for you. Remember to enjoy the moment and take your time. Group Photos We will discuss your list of requested group photos at your pre-wedding meeting before the big day so that I can capture these effectively for you on the day. Couple Portraits around Old Marylebone Town Hall Beyond the grandeur of the Old Marylebone Town Hall itself, it’s surrounded by quaint streets lined with Georgian townhouses, the verdant gardens of Paddington Street Gardens, and plenty of classic London backdrops for you to explore for your Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photography. It’s the perfect location to capture some gorgeous couple portraits that encapsulate that timeless London feel. I know some gorgeous spots nearby and we can go for a walk to capture some authentic moments whilst you embrace that magical just married feeling. I offer gentle guidance to get the best out of the surroundings and to capture the natural connection between the two of you. I’d love to hear from you! If you’re planning your Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photography and like my style, I’d love to hear from you. Just head over to my enquiry form here to check my availability on your date and receive you full pricing brochure. I can’t wait to hear from you! Amazing Suppliers: Venue: Old Marylebone Town Hall Dresses: Alex Perry Solace London Suit: Nadine Merabi Hair: Stacie Goodwin MUA: Amber Harlow Pamela & Andrea Florists: Hannah Louise Flowers Dansk Veil: Sash & Veil

Sammi & Tyler came all the way from the states for their dream wedding at Hotel Marincanto in Positano along the Amalfi coast. They got married in May and the weather in Positano was unusually wet in the lead up to the big day. However, on the day of the wedding, the rain dried up and it was the most magical day. The whole day was hosted at Hotel Marincanto in Positano, which is a gorgeous hotel with incredible views of the sea and the bay of Positano. After a very relaxed yet exciting morning of bridal prep, Sammi & Tyler had a first look with each other so that they had more time to enjoy with their guests after the ceremony. It’s such a lovely idea and really meant that we had so much more time for couple photos and for them to spend time with their guests. The first look was a beautiful moment on the balcony of the bridal prep room at Hotel Marincanto with stunning views of Positano in the background. Then we went for a walk in town to capture some couple portraits on the streets of Positano. I would highly recommend this if you’re planning your Positano wedding! It was so much fun and we captured some gorgeous natural moments. The ceremony was held on the terrace at Hotel Marincanto overlooking the bay of Positano and had the most incredible views in the background for a Positano wedding. It was so picturesque and just the perfect Italian setting. It was an intimate wedding with a small group of guests which I loved because it made it so much more personal and special for those attending. The wedding breakfast was held on another smaller terrace overlooking the sea in the evening and it was just the most magical set up. I worked with Serena Annunziata – a wonderful Italian wedding planner, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly. Her attention to detail is faultless. She curated the stunning set up for the wedding breakfast and it was so romantic with a soft colour palette showcasing pinks and peach tones. Sammi & Tyler’s first dance took place on the terrace with views of Positano in the background as the sunset and it was such a magical moment. Positano Wedding Suppliers Venue: Hotel Marincanto Wedding Planner: Serena Annunziata Hair Stylist: Piero Mansi Make-up Artist: Amalfi Make Up Florist: Starace Florist Celebrant: Carmela Italy Wedding Celebrant Cake Maker: Sal De Riso Stationery: Papyros studio Videography: Gaetano Vivenzio Films Hotel Marincanto- Positano Wedding Venue Hotel Marincanto is a beautiful wedding venue in Positano with a terrace overlooking the sea and views of the bay of Positano. It is the perfect backdrop for a Positano wedding along the Amalfi coast. There are various options to host your dream wedding at Hotel Marincanto Positano and the staff are so lovely and welcoming. If you’re looking for a Positano Wedding Photographer and you like my style, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via my contact form here.

Sunday 10th march 2024 £110 for a 20 minute photo shoot Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex. Including 3 digital images Because we all know you Mummy’s are never in enough photos with your little ones! Time flies and before you know it your little ones are not so little any more. Time to take the limelight and capture some of those precious moments together. These sessions will take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford. It’s the prettiest park location with lots of gardens and prettiness. I’ve photographed many families here and it’s the perfect setting for your Mummy & Me mini session. So celebrate Mothers Day this year with some very special memories. I will be running 20 minute Mummy & Me mini-photo sessions on Sunday 10th March 2024. Session fees are £110 and include 3 digital files from your session in an online download gallery. Full payment is due upfront to book your time slot and reserve your space. All you have to do is turn up with your little one(s) at your scheduled time slot! It will be a really natural photography session in my usual relaxed style. It's nice and short so that the kids don't get bored. It's all about capturing those real smiles and connections. Pets also welcome. These time slots are limited and will fill up really fast so book your slot now! Book Your Session Today This Mothers Day, let us help you create the perfect memories to cherish for a lifetime. Book your Mummy & Me mini-session at Hylands Park, and give the gift of love. Location: Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ I cannot wait to capture the love! contact me

Saturday 20th April 2024 £110 for a 20 Minute Photo Shoot in Chelmsford Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex Including 3 digital images It's almost that time of year again!! One of favourite times to photograph. SPRING!! I absolutely love it because I get to visit this stunning location for family and children's mini-sessions surrounded by pretty bluebells. If you've seen my family sessions in this location before and always thought how beautiful the location is for a family photo session, then now is your time to get involved! I will be running 20 minute Bluebell mini sessions on Saturday 20th April 2024. The location is a beautiful ancient woodland area in Danbury in Chelmsford, Essex and is the perfect setting for a Spring photo shoot for your little ones. All you have to do is turn up with your family at your scheduled time slot! It will be a really natural photography session in my usual un-posed style. It's nice and short so that the kids don't get bored. It's all about capturing those real smiles and family connections. So there is no posing involved and the kids are free to run and play around while I capture your family memories. I find this is the best way to capture children's true personalities and get some authentic emotion into the session. These time slots will fill up really fast so do get in touch to book your slot now! Book Your Session Today Your session fee of £110 includes 3 digital images in an online download gallery. Full payment is due upfront to book your time slot and reserve your space. Additional fee required for families of more than 5 people. Location: Riffhams Chase, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4AU I cannot wait to capture the love! Contact Me

Where do I even start with this gorgeous Findon Place wedding? Charlotte & Riccardo had the most elegant and romantic wedding in this gorgeous country estate in West Sussex. Findon Place is a stunning wedding venue with so many beautiful gardens and various options inside the gorgeous house and grounds to host your wedding. It was an absolute dream to work there. We started the day with bridal prep at Charlotte’s family home and then went on to their wedding ceremony which was held at her local church. It was a rollercoaster of a morning with so many emotions and precious moments to capture. Charlotte looked INCREDIBLE in her Pronovias gown and the detail of her veil finished it off perfectly. I’m in love with the giant bow detail on the back of her dress and the simple cut of the front and neckline is so timeless and elegant. She looked an absolute dream. The church ceremony was just beautiful to witness, then the couple jumped in their classic car to drive to Findon Place to begin the celebrations. The drinks reception was held around the pool at Findon Place which I loved, as it was the perfect Summer’s day for it. It had a very relaxed yet elegant vibe to it. There was a DJ and sax combo which gave it a great summer party feel. The wedding breakfast was hosted in a beautiful open sided marquee with soft and romantic florals by the very talented The Topiary Tree by Carrie Macey and Italian touches such as to represent Riccardo’s heritage. The speeches were just perfect and there were so many emotional and funny stories that were shared and I’m sure will be cherished forever. It was a beautiful event to witness and be a part of. The evening kicked off with a bang with Charlotte unveiling her second look for the first dance! It had an incredible feather skirt which was just stunning. The dancing was underway immediately and it was the perfect way to end an incredible day at Findon Place. A little love note from Charlotte & Riccardo themselves: “We both want to say an enormous thank you for capturing the happiest day of our lives.  We are in awe of how effortless you made everything seem, nothing was ever too much trouble and we adored your attention to detail. We are also so grateful for you staying that extra hour at last minute! Superstar! It was such a joy working with you. Thank you, thank you. We’re over the moon with the photos! They really capture the spirit, mood and emotion of the day. We have enjoyed sharing them with family and friends with a glass of our wedding champagne to hand.” Findon Place Wedding Suppliers: Venue: Findon Place Day Dress: Pronovias Evening Dress: House of Savin Veil: House of Savin Bridesmaids Dresses: Pretty Lavish Menswear: Neal & Palmer Florist: The Topiary Tree by Carrie Macey Cake: Birch House Bakery Videography: Daniel Bruce Films Catering: Jacaranda Décor Hire: Cloudtree Events Findon Place Wedding Venue Findon Place is a privately owned country estate in the South Downs National Park in Findon, West Sussex. It is a stunning country estate wedding venue with so many beautiful options to host your wedding, including an outdoor pool, beautiful grounds and gardens as well as the Grade II listed Georgian house itself. The staff at Findon Place are just brilliant too and they are so welcoming and friendly, offering a very personal and exclusive touch to your experience here. If you like what you see and would like to enquire about your wedding photography, I'd love to hear from you! Simply get in touch via my contact form here.

SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2023 £110 for a 20 Minute Session at Christmas Wrapped Up, Christmas Tree Farm, Chelmsford Including 3 Digital Images The Christmas season is just around the corner, and what better way to spread cheer and capture the magic of Christmas than with a festive mini photo shoot at our enchanting Christmas tree farm setting? Whether you're looking to update your family photo album this year or create a unique Christmas card to send to loved ones, our Christmas mini-sessions are the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories. A Magical Setting The location for these Christmas mini-sessions is Christmas Wrapped Up Christmas Tree Farm in Dunmow, Chelmsford, Essex. The farm provides a picturesque and magical backdrop for your Christmas family photos, with rustic charm and the aroma of fresh pine – it’s a true winter wonderland setting. I will be running 20 minute Christmas mini-photo sessions on Sunday 12th November 2023. Session fees are £110 and include 3 digital images from your session in an online download gallery. Full payment is due upfront to book your time slot and reserve your space. All you have to do is turn up with your little one(s) at your scheduled time slot! It will be a really relaxed photography session in my usual candid style. It's all about capturing those real smiles and connections amongst that festive spirit. Pets also welcome! Don't miss out on the opportunity to capture the magic of Christmas with your family this year. Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your spot. Book Your Session Today This Christmas season, let us help you create the perfect memories to cherish for a lifetime. Book your Christmas mini-session at our Christmas tree farm, and let the magic of the season begin. Location: Christmas Wrapped Up Christmas Tree Farm, Easter Hall, Aythorpe Roding, Dunmow, CM6 1PE I CANNOT WAIT TO CAPTURE YOUR CHRISTMAS MAGIC!

As a wedding photographer I’ve had the pleasure of working with couples on their wedding day for almost a decade, and during that time I have garnered a huge amount of knowledge and expertise on how to really get the most from your images. So I thought it would be helpful to put together this blog post full of tips and tricks so that you feel fully equipped with all you need to know ahead of the big day. Please have a read and take note! The Morning Preparations Understandably, during the morning preparations on the wedding day the space is bound to get a little chaotic. However, it really makes a difference when the backdrop for the photos is nice and tidy – this is a job I would ask your bridal party to help with. Also, ensure that all your bridal details are together and in one place ready to be photographed when the I arrive. This can include the dress, shoes, flowers, jewellery, perfume, and any other sentimental elements that you’d like to have a memory of. It’s also essential that you (or your planner) allow for extra time during the morning – things usually run over and it’s better to be ready early and reduce stress. Plan for you and everyone getting ready with you to be ready at least 20 minutes before your photographer is due to leave. Remember if you’re having a civil ceremony you will need to have a meeting with the registrars around 15 minutes BEFORE the ceremony, so you need to allow time for this too. If you have booked a second photographer, ask the Groom’s party to be dressed and ready in trousers and shirts for when they arrive. Your second shooter will be there to capture the final touches, such as putting on ties, jackets and cufflinks. With that in mind, you may want to have a little practice beforehand of putting on a bowtie, folding a pocket square and carefully attaching your buttonholes. The majority of people I meet at weddings have never done this before and you’ll be surprised how long googling it and trying to figure it out can take on the day! Check Photography Permissions You may just assume that you can have your wedding photographs taken anywhere, but sometimes religious venues in particular, have restrictions on photography so it’s always best to double-check this in advance. There would be nothing worse than being disappointed on the day itself! Over the years, I’ve found that there are no set rules regarding this, and it is usually down to the specific venue/ person conducting the ceremony. So it’s always worth asking in advance. Unplugged Ceremony If you want your guests to be fully present throughout your wedding ceremony, rather than taking pictures or videos on their phone, I wholeheartedly recommend hosting an unplugged ceremony. You can set up a stylish sign at the entrance of your ceremony space that politely asks guests to pop their phones away and enjoy the moment. As a wedding photographer, I can confirm this makes for the most beautiful images, as opposed to a sea of phones being held up by your guests. The Group Shots You’d be surprised to know how long it takes to gather your guests together for group photos, which is why I’d recommend a maximum of 8 – 10. Allow for 3 – 5 minutes per group, and remember that the larger the group, the longer it will take. A couple of months ahead of the wedding day, I always send out a questionnaire asking for a list detailing the group shots you’d like taken and who you’d like to be in them. It’s also worth asking one or two people from your bridal party or immediate family to organise and gather everyone together for a seamless and efficient experience for you. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy the drinks reception with your guests and relish the day, which I’m a big believer in when it comes to documenting your wedding! Couple Portraits I’d recommend 15 minutes during the drinks reception for your couple portraits. Make the most of your wedding venue and go for a wander together – this is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company amid the wonderful chaos of your wedding day. And if you have your heart set on those gorgeous golden hour shots, schedule 10 – 15 minutes into your timeline later in the day for this too. Golden hour takes place an hour before sunset and I’ll keep an eye on the light for you and let you know if it will be worth taking some of those magical golden hour moments. Be Yourselves Couple portraits are always best when you embrace being with one another and enjoy the moment. If you’re super affectionate with your other half, let this shine through when you’re having your photos. If you’re always laughing together, keep laughing! Don’t feel like you have to follow traditional poses. You don’t even have to ‘pose’- natural movement photographs the best and will look and feel authentic. These are your images, so be yourselves. There’s no need to look at the camera or even acknowledge that we are there! Be yourselves and you can trust us to capture your connection authentically. Capturing Speeches Your speeches are without a doubt one of the most memorable and emotional parts of any wedding day – there’s laughter, there are happy tears and so much more. For a flawless photography experience documenting the speeches, I recommend hosting these either before or after the dinner. During the courses can make things a little difficult, with staff serving food and clearing plates in the background. DIY Wedding If you’re having a DIY wedding, it’s worth having a wedding coordinator on-hand to run the day so that it unfolds smoothly. This means you’re much more likely to stick to scheduled timings (while having the time of your lives) and therefore make the most of your wedding photography. Weather Woes No matter where you get married, you really can’t take control of the weather so try not to stress too much about it. Whether it’s pouring with rain or the sky is filled with sunshine (fingers crossed), we will ensure we still get the most beautiful wedding photographs no matter what. Plus, I always keep a close eye on the weather and will be sure to get you out for those gorgeous outdoor photos during any dry spells. Feed the Photographer Photographers work incredibly hard throughout your wedding day, so if you’ve booked us beyond the wedding breakfast, a meal is very much appreciated! There isn’t enough time for us to leave the venue or anywhere nearby for us to grab food without risking missing an important element of your day. It’s also a good idea to ask the caterers to feed us early to ensure we are back with our cameras in hand ready for your wedding speeches. Embrace the Unexpected Despite all the hard wedding planning, there are guaranteed to be a few hiccups on the day. Try to mentally prepare yourself for this so that you can forget about them and just make sure you enjoy every second of your celebration – you’ll always end up with the most amazing pictures if you can roll with it and enjoy the magic no matter what happens! And Lastly, the Final Wedding Photography Tip… That leads me onto my final tip for your wedding photography which is - ENJOY IT! Remember why you’re here and focus on the fact that you are surrounded by people you love, having the best time. You’ve done all the hard work and on the day, it’s time to let it go and just embrace it. Trust me, it’s going to be magic. I hope that’s been helpful and you’re feeling fully clued up on all-things wedding photography related! If you need any more help at all or would like to enquire, just fill out my contact form here or drop me an email at danielle@danielle-smith-photography.com

The most fun and relaxed wedding photographed at Parklands Quendon Hall last Summer. It was the HOTTEST day. But that didn't stop these two having the most incredible day. We started with bridal prep at Parklands Quendon Hall, then headed to St Marys Church in Saffron Walden. It’s an incredibly beautiful church and can host very large weddings. The interior is just stunning and it has the most beautiful light too. After a perfect ceremony we all headed back to Parklands Quendon Hall to start the celebrations. The heat was unreal but luckily people were able to take cover underneath the umbrellas in the gardens whilst sipping on refreshments. There are so many beautiful options at Parklands Quendon Hall for couple portraits and we explored the ground with Jesca & Gareth to capture some romantic natural portraits together. The house and grounds have a beautiful English country feel to them. We took our opportunity as the sun went down and the heat cooled off to capture some more couple portraits in that stunning golden light. It was perfect. The sunset at Parklands Quendon Hall is just picturesque as the sun sets over the fields. The party kicked off with an absolute bang and the evening was an absolute roar. What a day! Jesca and Gareth, thank you for the memories. A little love note form Jesca & Gareth: “Danielle was absolutely incredible leading up to and throughout our wedding day. She was professional, promptly replied to emails and always helpful. During the day she was discrete, organised and captured all the moments we wanted. We got a sneak peak of 40-50 photos within 2-3 days and they are fantastic. Such lovely moments captured, high quality and really beautiful. I could not recommend Danielle more highly, she really was excellent and also such a lovely person!! Thank you so much! The photos are absolutely amazing! Have had so much joy looking back at them. Thank you again- you captured our day perfectly. Will cherish these forever!” Suppliers Photographer DANIELLE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Venue PARKLANDS QUENDON HALL Hair & Makeup CHARLI SMITH Bridal Boutique THE WHITE COLLECTION BRIDAL Dress Designer MADE WITH LOVE BRIDAL Florist FANCY FAUX SILK FLOWERS Band THE LONDON SHOW BAND Parklands Quendon Hall Wedding Photography Parklands Quendon Hall is a beautiful mansion on the Essex/Hertfordshire border set in a beautiful parkland with gorgeous gardens and grounds. It offers various options to host your wedding including the house itself, the gardens outside and the Pavilion. It’s always a pleasure to work at Parklands Quendon Hall, the staff are organised and friendly and it makes for a wonderful wedding experience. If you like my style and are looking for your Parklands Quendon Hall wedding photography, please get in touch via my contact page here.

Naomi and Matt’s intimate wedding was one of my absolute favourites! They are the kindest and most beautiful couple. They wanted a really low-key, intimate wedding with their closest loved ones at their local Register Office. And it was honestly just perfect. Having an intimate wedding can really take the pressure off and make it extra special so that you have more time to spend with your nearest and dearest on the day. They had the most beautiful heartfelt ceremony before heading across the road to the local Abbey for some photos with loved ones. After this, we drove to a special location for Naomi and Matt to have some relaxed couple portraits. They chose the location because it holds precious memories for them. They’ve spent a lot of time their enjoying the views and walks with their gorgeous little dog Millie- who also joined us for some photos! Which I LOVED. Here are a few highlights from Naomi and Matt’s intimate wedding… P.s. Can everyone PLEASE bring their dogs to their weddings from now on?! Some kind words from Naomi & Matt: “We just wanted to say an absolutely HUGE thank you to you for photographing our wedding ceremony on Friday 20th May. As you probably guessed, Matt and I are very awkward and don’t love having our picture taken - but you made us feel so comfortable and we really enjoyed our time. It meant a lot to us that we were able to have some pictures with Millie and that you were happy to go where we wanted for our couple photos - so thank you so much for being so accommodating. Secondly, OH MY GOODNESSS. The photos are more than we could ever have imagined. We are absolutely over the moon with them and we can’t stop scrolling through them all! We already both have our new phone lock screens haha 😅. We are so glad we booked you and couldn’t imagine working with anyone else! You are so talented and it was such a pleasure having you there. We both felt so comfortable with you and are so appreciative for everything. You were an absolute dream to work with and we can’t thank you enough!” Amazing Suppliers: Venue: Bury St Edmunds Register Office Dress Designer: Madi Lane Bridal Dress Boutique: Abigails Collection Hair & Make up: Doll Creative Groomswear: Moss Bros Florist: Thatch & Roses