Wedding photography

A Few Things You Might Be Wondering...

Planning a wedding is exciting, but goodness, there are a lot of things to think about! And when it comes to your wedding photographs, there are probably a few questions floating around in your head that you haven't quite got around to asking. So I thought I would answer some of the things couples often wonder about when planning their wedding photography.

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

First of all, don't panic! Living in Sweden, I have learnt that the weather can have a mind of its own, even in the middle of summer. Rain doesn't mean we can't take beautiful wedding photographs. Overcast skies can actually give us lovely soft light, and there are always creative ways to work around a little unexpected weather.

When is the best time of day for wedding photographs in Sweden?

This really depends on the time of year. During the Swedish summer, we are incredibly lucky to have those long evenings when the sun stays low in the sky and the light becomes beautifully soft. It's often a lovely opportunity to slip away for a few relaxed portraits after dinner. Winter weddings are quite different. In Stockholm during December, the sun can set before 3 pm, so if you are hoping for outdoor portraits in daylight, we will want to plan those a little earlier. You don't need to build your whole wedding around the light, but it's definitely something worth considering when putting your timeline together.

Do we need to allow time for family photographs?

I would definitely recommend it, even if you are having a very relaxed wedding. Those photographs with your parents, grandparents, siblings and closest friends can become some of the most treasured images from the day. My advice is to make a short list of the family group photographs you would really love to have and ask someone who knows everyone to help gather people together. That way, we can get them done without spending half the afternoon trying to find Uncle Bob, who's disappeared to the bar!

What if we are getting married somewhere you have never photographed before?

That is absolutely fine! I photograph weddings throughout Stockholm, Sweden and beyond, and I actually love discovering new places. Before your wedding, I will spend time looking into the venue, and the surroundings and how the light might work at different times of day. And when possible, I like to arrive with enough time to have a wander around and find some lovely spots for photographs. You certainly don't need to choose a photographer who has already worked at your venue. What's much more important is finding someone whose photography you love and who you feel comfortable having around.

Should we have a first look before the ceremony?

A first look is when you choose to see each other privately before the ceremony, rather than waiting until you walk down the aisle. It's become increasingly popular, and it can be a lovely way to spend a few quiet moments together before everything begins. It can also make your timeline a little more flexible, particularly if you are having a winter wedding with limited daylight. But there is also something equally wonderful about seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. Neither option is better. It's completely up to you, and I always encourage you to choose whatever feels most natural for the two of you.

How much time should we allow for our couple portraits?

You really don't need to disappear for an hour while your guests are enjoying themselves! For many weddings, around 20–30 minutes can be plenty of time for some lovely, relaxed portraits, depending on the location and what you would like. Sometimes it's even nicer to split that time into two shorter sessions, perhaps a few photographs after the ceremony and another little wander later in the evening when the light has changed. And if the thought of spending ages posing for photographs makes you feel uncomfortable, please don't worry, we can keep things simple and relaxed.

What if our wedding is running behind schedule?

It happens! Hair and makeup take a little longer than expected, someone can't find their shoes, or the speeches go on for an extra half an hour. Weddings rarely run exactly to the minute, and that's completely normal. I always think it's a good idea to leave a little breathing room in your timeline, particularly between getting ready, travelling to the ceremony and taking family photographs. If things do run late, we will simply adjust where we can and concentrate on the moments that matter most. Your wedding day should be enjoyed, not spent worrying about whether everything is happening at precisely the right time.

What if we're planning a small or intimate wedding?

I absolutely love intimate weddings. There is something really lovely about gathering just a few of your favourite people together, whether that's for a ceremony at Stockholm City Hall, a countryside celebration or somewhere completely different. Smaller weddings can also give you a little more freedom with your plans. Perhaps you would like to have lunch at your favourite restaurant afterwards, take a walk through the city or spend some time somewhere that means something special to you both.Your wedding doesn't have to follow a traditional schedule, and your photography doesn't need to either, the important thing is that the day feels like yours.