Documentary Style Wedding Photography with Laura Crouchley
Your wedding shouldn’t be about the photos, your photos should be about the wedding
Laura Crouchley Photography: A documentary style wedding photographer with over a decade of experience, specialising in fun, authentic and candid wedding photos.
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My photojournalistic style:
To ensure creative and authentic wedding photos, I blend into the background capturing the genuine moments of your day as they naturally unfold. |
Although based in the South West, I travel all over the UK and abroad for weddings and relish the variety of style and creativity that each couple brings.
The eclectic variety from each wedding is reflected in my portfolio:
🩶 Country weddings: reflecting my Devon roots
🩶 City weddings – both big and small – from my time living in London
🩶 All sorts of weddings: in my adopted hometown of Bristol - the variety Bristol alone is incredible!
A decade of documentary-style wedding photography has taught me:
1. Planning is key!
Provide a brief schedule of key events to your photographer, and make sure you allow enough time for them all!
2. Getting ready photos are for everyone!
Dress going on, father of the newlywed's arrival, moments with family or core wedding party members, speech rehearsals, veil, cufflinks … so many opportunities for stylish photos!
3. First Look Photos
This modern wedding tradition offers one of the most impactful and yet intimate moments of the day, allowing you both to connect and savour – whether it’s friends, family or fiancés!
4. Ceremony Photography
Keep your photographer up to speed on what ceremony photography you are expecting, as well as any readings or planned surprises during the service.
Bear in mind that there may be restrictions on where your photographer can stand (particularly in church ceremonies) and number of attendees (photographer counts!)
5. Leaving as newlyweds
A great opportunity for a few subtly papped moments alone as newlyweds, while guests prepare for the confetti walk!
6. Confettiquette: the confetti walk 🎉
Check if your venue permits confetti.
⭐️ If so: paper is the best for confetti photos (or other biodegradable options that you could even DIY)
⭐ If not: bring bubble guns! They make for great photos and keep everyone entertained - more bubbles means more impact! 🫧
7. (In)Formal Photos
Formal doesn’t have to mean boring … but keep them quick!
Allow at least 30 mins for up to 6 group photos, and charge someone with gathering and organising the guests you want photos with so you can enjoy the celebrations.
8. Travel
Although it’s ideal to keep travel to a minimum on your big day, if it's unavoidable make it part of the day!
This can be a wonderful opportunity to capture intimate photos of the newlyweds while guests make their way to the reception venue.
9. Just the two of you
Make time for some photos of just the two of you.
This is easy to forget, and if it isn't planned for they end up rushed and often feel more staged.
These moments should be fun photos — relaxed and as natural as possible — bellies full and bubbles in hand 🥂
10. The ‘in-between’ moments: an opportunity - not a chore!
Allow time to mingle with your family and friends to make the most of spontaneous interactions that not only make your day, but create cherished memories and authentic photos.
11. Speeches & reception photography
Make sure your speeches will be well-lit, as well as visible to the guests, and get them over and done with so everyone can relax, eat and have fun!
12. Food, glorious food
Who wants their photo taken while eating? No one.
So this is a great time to capture pictures of your cake, venue, and surroundings.
13. Surprises
Keep me up to speed on planned surprises so they don’t get missed – it’s easy to lose track of time on the day!
📖 Check out my blog on Creating incredible wedding photos for some fantastic and unique ideas.
Not all surprises are welcome or planned:
If it happens on your day, don't stress … embrace it – it can make for some incredible wedding photos!☔
14. Keeping wedding traditions alive
Cutting of the cake and first dance snaps can sometimes feel a bit outdated, staged, and awkward – these moments don’t have to feel traditional or predictable – mix things up and celebrate in style while leaving a lasting impression!
Most important things to remember:
⭐️ A bit of forward planning goes a long way
⭐️ Good clear communication with your wedding photographer
⭐️ Keep your day flowing and keep your photographer in the loop so they never miss a moment!
⭐️ But most importantly ... have fun and do it your way!
The best photos are when you forget I’m there, so as your photographer, my aim is for you to simply forget about me on the day – there’s enough to think about!
Feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas or suggestions!
📸 Can you spot me? 📸
For a deeper dive on How I work click to read the full blog
