Close-up detail of the cake lends a splash of colour to an album, and can look amazing as part of the page background design in a contemporary storybook wedding album. 
Recently, couples have chosen a creative or artistic image of the cake itself in place of the traditional cake-cutting shot. 
One of the reasons for this is that the cake-cutting photograph is often "staged", as it needs to be taken before the guests enter the room for the wedding breakfast. The real cutting is often carried out by catering staff, especially if the cake is to be served as dessert. 
If you do wish to pose for a cake-cutting photograph, it's best to set up a "mock" cake-cutting prior to the meal before your guests enter the room. This way the shot will look tidy and you won't have people crowding around with their own cameras distracting you! 
Later in the evening, your DJ, entertainer or master of ceremonies will announce your first dance - that's if you're brave enough to show off your fancy footwork on the dancefloor! At this point you should be the only couple on the dancefloor. After a couple of minutes parents may join you, followed by the other guests. 
Choosing a song for your first dance is a very important task as it will always be part of your wedding day memories. For some couples this is easy, if you have an appropriate "special song" that's meaningful to you both. If you're stuck for ideas though, look out for our upcoming "Wedding Supplier Interviews" blog series - where I'll be posting an interview with a top wedding entertainer who will reveal the most requested first-dance songs for weddings!
If you would like to discuss your wedding photography plans or request a wedding photography brochure, please call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk
One of the reasons for this is that the cake-cutting photograph is often "staged", as it needs to be taken before the guests enter the room for the wedding breakfast. The real cutting is often carried out by catering staff, especially if the cake is to be served as dessert. If you do wish to pose for a cake-cutting photograph, it's best to set up a "mock" cake-cutting prior to the meal before your guests enter the room. This way the shot will look tidy and you won't have people crowding around with their own cameras distracting you! Later in the evening, your DJ, entertainer or master of ceremonies will announce your first dance - that's if you're brave enough to show off your fancy footwork on the dancefloor! At this point you should be the only couple on the dancefloor. After a couple of minutes parents may join you, followed by the other guests. Choosing a song for your first dance is a very important task as it will always be part of your wedding day memories. For some couples this is easy, if you have an appropriate "special song" that's meaningful to you both. If you're stuck for ideas though, look out for our upcoming "Wedding Supplier Interviews" blog series - where I'll be posting an interview with a top wedding entertainer who will reveal the most requested first-dance songs for weddings!
If you would like to discuss your wedding photography plans or request a wedding photography brochure, please call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 11: After the Honeymoon - Your Champagne Viewing Session
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Capturing people's reactions to the speeches are a crucial part of the story of your wedding album, and will evoke some of the strongest memories of the day.
It's also a great way to add a little visual humour to your wedding storybook!
A toastmaster or the best man will sometimes introduce each speech on behalf of the wedding party. Traditionally the father of the bride speaks first, thanking the guests for attending the wedding and welcoming his new son-in-law to the family. He will also acknowledge the support of the groom's parents and may toast them. The bride's father may also tell an amusing or heartwarming anecdote about his daughter or offer advice on married life. Finally, he proposes a toast to the bride and groom.
The best man (and it is becoming increasingly more prevalent to have more than one!) also thanks the bridesmaids and toasts the bride and groom. His speech is often the most humorous but should be lighthearted and not humiliate or embarrass anyone. The best man may also read cards from friends and family unable to attend, and thank the staff at the venue.
During the speeches guests are more relaxed and will be laughing and smiling naturally. There is also a great deal of heartfelt emotion to be captured and it's a brilliant opportunity for candid pictures. At this point of the day I usually switch to a fast zoom lens so that I can stay well out of the way and let the guests forget there's a camera in the room, and of course it's best not to distract those making speeches as they'll probably be nervous enough!
Make sure you allow plenty of time to get everyone organised for the group shot. Ushers can be a great help in speeding things along here by letting everyone know that they are needed for a few minutes for a group photograph. A high window, steps or balcony can provide an excellent vantage point for getting everyone's face in the picture clearly.
Smaller group shots can be as informal or as formal as you like, but remember it can take longer to direct a group of people so limit the number of smaller groups to what is important to YOU the couple - it's your day and your wedding album after all - and don't allow endless combinations of guest groups to compromise images that may be more important to you, such as the shots of the two of you together.
If it helps, make a list of the essential groups and give a copy to an usher or the best man, and a copy to your photographer. Sticking to a set of important group shots will make this part of the day as smooth as possible for you and your guests.
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To discuss your wedding photography requirements, call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail 
The morning of the big day will most likely be a buzz of activity. It's a huge part of the wedding day story and a part that you'll want to remember.
More and more brides are choosing to have this time documented by their wedding photographer as part of the wedding photography package, and you may want to consider whether this is something you would like to include in your wedding storybook or album.
Some brides like to have the whole preparations photographed, from rollers-and-dressing-gowns through the hair and make up artist's visit to the final transformation in gown and veil.
Other brides prefer a general "before the wedding" feel, with shots of the dress waiting to be put on, details of shoes and flowers, perfume and champagne, which all add a lovely feel and a burst of colour to the eventual album design.
This elegant image was taken as the bride left the hotel lift on her way out to the lobby:
Sally Marie offers bridal preparations as part of the wedding photography service. With a female photographer who specialises in making women look their best on film, it's a relaxed, friendly approach and the images taken at this part of the day are natural, fun and flattering.
