For full details of our luxury wedding photography services please contact weddings@sallymarie.co.uk or call the studio on 01341 28 11 93.
As the rain clouds cleared we headed to the park for some scenic shots, beginning with group posing techniques.
After that the delegates were let loose on the very patient Chloe, in order to put into practice the techniques we'd covered in the morning's classroom session on bridal posing. The delegates concentrated on body angles, correct arms and hand positioning and interacting with the 'bride' to get the best from their shots.
Everyone did very well in the 10-Shot Challenge and it was clear that they were really putting attention to detail into making the shot perfect before pressing that shutter.
After a confetti session with some slightly over-enthusiastic confetti cannons, we set about finding interesting backgrounds around the parklands to add shape, colour and texture to our portraits.
The afternoon flew by and soon it was time to head back to the training centre for a last coffee, Q&A session and to re-cap what we'd learned. The delegates were then presented with framed certificates for their completion of the workshop.
Sam and Gareth opted for a weighty 40-side album due to the number of pictures they chose, finished with classic gold metal corners.
The cover was off-white textured vinyl featuring an atmospheric shot, an unusual and very deliberate choice by the bride and groom, who wanted an image that was clearly theirs but didn't show their faces. They selected a close-up of the ring exchange, encapsulating Gareth's uniform and rank, Sam's dress and both rings, embossed in gold underneath the picture with their names and wedding date.
Inside, the images were double-matted, white on black pages, to give each picture definition and dimension. Whilst this is a fairly traditional presentation, it was given its own character with the use of quirky, computer-cut mounts, fusing tradition with contemporary character for a really unique look.
This stunning Jorgensen album simply breathes quality; the feel of the cover, the weight of the pages gives this sophisticated wedding album its chic, effortless class.
For the more discerning bride, who desires something more prestigious and breath-taking for her wedding album, come and take a look at our Jorgensen sample albums and see the incredible quality for yourself. Call the studio for an appointment on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail us at weddings@sallymarie.co.uk
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Once again, my apologies for the break in Blogs while the studio was undergoing renovation - we had a flood just before Christmas which, after a lot of drama and upheaval, now sees us back in a beautifully re-modelled studio and viewing/meeting space.
Which brings me nicely to the next part of the Wedding Blog Series - the viewing session! At Sally Marie Photography, every aspect of the wedding journey is part of our luxury experience, from the moment you first come to browse through our sample albums until... well, the journey never really ends! Our wedding couples remain firm friends, and we often photograph newborn babies and family get-togethers as the years go on and families grow. 
One of the most enjoyable parts of the journey is the day you come back to the studio after your honeymoon to re-live the joy of your wedding day at your champagne viewing session. The glasses of bubbly (customised with your names and wedding date for you to take home as a keepsake!) and delicious chocolates will be ready and waiting when you come in.
Relax in our comfortable sofas and enjoy a beautiful slideshow set to music, as all the images from your wedding day are displayed on our crystal-clear wall screen.
After your viewing session, your images will be uploaded to your password-protected online gallery for friends, family and guests to view, and for you to make your final selections for inclusion in your wedding album. We like to give you the opportunity to take your time over this part, and go through your choices together in your own time at home, to make sure everything is absolutely as you want it. There's no pushy hard sell here!
Once you've selected your favourites, you'll then have the option to upgrade the size, cover or material of your wedding book if you wish. We'll then put together a layout design draft for you to approve (or make changes if necessary) before it goes to print. You have control over your album design and it won't go to print until you're 100% delighted with the layout and design.
Our albums are made in Italy and orders usually take around 4 weeks from confirmation to delivery. You can even order smaller versions or copies of the wedding album for parents and guests.
To see examples of our beautiful wedding books, call the studio for an appointment on 01341 28 11 93 or drop us a line at weddings@sallymarie.co.uk.
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 12: And In The Future...
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
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. 
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 
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.
It is not unusual, especially in recent years, for other members of the wedding party, or even guests, to say a few words before the cutting of the cake. (As a general rule of etiquette, brides wishing to address their guests should speak after the groom and before the best man.)
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!
