So, you've begun your wedding planning journey and dipped your toes into the sea of wonderful Devon & Cornwall wedding suppliers out there. By this point you've probably chosen your dream venue, and you're now looking at wedding photographers. You're asking yourself the question: Which photography package is right for me?


Below I've outlined a few helpful prompts to get you and your partner thinking about what's important to you, and how you can navigate choosing the right wedding photography package that is absolutely the best fit to capture all of your wedding day plans.

A group in white robes laughs and drinks wine together during a spa or wellness gathering.
A white lace wedding dress hangs elegantly beside a full-length mirror in a dressing room with wood-paneled walls.
A sequence of photos showing a person in a light gray suit smelling a white boutonniere flower.

 


#1 - MORNING PREPARATIONS


Some couples love the idea of having hours of bridal preparations captured. From the wedding morning breakfast, PJs & prosecco, to the gift giving with your bridesmaids, followed by hair & make-up, the detailed flat-lay shot and of course, the big dress moment. Want to organise a first-look with the father of the bride or your best girls? Be sure to allow some time for this too, it's a magical moment but takes a minute to set-up (don't worry, your photographer will organise this!)


Grooms, do you want photos of you with your groomsmen getting ready in the morning? Sharing a tipple of something together & buttoning up your shirt sleeves? Perhaps you've planned a morning dip in the sea before getting ready and you'd love some action shots?


For some, these are unmissable moments that must be captured. For others, they'd prefer a more low-key morning without a photographer present, with just a handful of detailed photos of the venue itself and just the finishing touches captured. Think about how much morning prep you'd like captured, it's a really great starting point for knowing what time you'd like your wedding photographer to arrive on the wedding day.

 

A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset with ocean waves and golden light in the background.
A couple walks along a coastal path through wild blackberry bushes at sunset with dramatic orange clouds overhead.
A couple shares a romantic kiss at sunset in a mountainous field with dramatic orange and purple skies.

 


#2 - GOLDEN HOUR/SUNSET


When you envisage your wedding day photos, do you dream of a couples session at sunset? Sneaking off for half an hour to capture the two of you in the warm golden hour light is such a precious moment on a wedding day, and whilst nobody can guarantee the weather, or that there will be a spectacular sunset, you can absolutely plan around there being one and hope for the best. (Burying a sausage the night before the wedding is rumoured to bring good weather...so many brides have told me over the years!)


Think about the time of year you're getting married. The closer to summer solstice (June 21st) the longer the daylight hours, and later the sunset will be. If sunset is going to be at 9:30pm, you're going to want your photographer to stick around until then. If you're planning a spring/autumn/winter wedding, sunset will be much earlier and you can plan this into your wedding day timeline.



 

A couple dances together at a wedding reception, with the bride wearing a sparkly white dress and the groom in a plaid suit.
Two friends share a candid moment laughing together while holding drinks at a social gathering in black and white.
A candid black and white photo capturing joyful laughter at a dimly lit restaurant or bar with string lights in background.

 


#3 - dancefloor & party moments


Have you planned an unmissable wedding night with a live band or perhaps an epic DJ who's going to play banger after banger in their setlist? If your guests are guaranteed to be party animals on the night of your wedding, it's always a good idea to have your photographer stay a little further into the night to capture those tipsy dance floor moments!


Maybe you've opted to switch things up and instead of a cake-cut you're going for a champagne tower pour, or your venue has prepared a shot for each of your guests to get them truly into party mode. If you're going all out, I recommend booking The Extra Mile photography package which covers 10-12 hours of your wedding day.


If your style is more calm and considered and it's just the first dance you'd like captured, that can help decide how long you might want your photographer to stay. There is no right or wrong with planning your wedding day timeline or the events you decide to fill it with, so don't feel pressured to stick to a conventional wedding structure! But consider how much of it you would like your wedding photographer to be present for, for shorter days where less of the evening celebrations need to be captured, you could consider my Full Day photography package.



 

A series of black and white photos showing tender romantic moments between a couple in casual attire.
A romantic couple in casual attire sharing intimate moments in a sepia-toned photo series.
A sequence of blurred black and white photos showing two people dancing together in flowing motion.

 


#4 - IS A taster shoot INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?


Many photographers will include a taster shoot, pre-wedding shoot, or couples session in their wedding package pricing. You may be asking yourself if this is necessary, or if you need to have one?


Again, there is no right or wrong answer here! What you should consider is how comfortable you are in front of the camera. If the thought along fills you with dread, it is absolutely a good idea to consider a taster shoot. Whilst your nerves might tell you to shy away from a taster shoot, it is actually the most beneficial for awkward or shy couples.


Whether it's included in a photography package, such as the Extra Mile package or an optional extra, it's a wonderful opportunity to meet your photographer, get used to being in front of the camera and to settle any nerves you might have before the day.


Bonus: Of course you get some beautiful photos from the session! I've seen couples utilise their taster shoot photos for everything from wedding invites, to table decorations on the day, or even as part of a photo-book or photo-wall displays that tell the timeline of their unique love story.




 

Newlywed couple walking together through scenic hillside meadow in gray suit and white wedding dress with bouquet.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment on a dramatic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.
Close-up view of hands wearing wedding rings and engagement rings showing multiple angles of the jewelry.

 


#5 - CONSIDERING YOUR BUDGET


The obvious one and the elephant in the room. Of course, when it comes to the task of wedding planning, budgeting for everything is so important. Along with choosing a photographer that aligns with your core values, someone you can envisage spending your entire wedding day alongside and who you trust to capture all of these precious moments, there's no denying that your budget will play a huge role in which wedding photography package you choose.


I always offer my wedding couples the option of upgrading their wedding package at a later date. So, if you'd like to go ahead and secure your wedding date with a lower deposit, and find that you have more scope for extra hours later on, you can always enhance your wedding photography package after some time has passed.




 

Wedding reception guests seated at long tables in a white tent with colorful floral centerpieces and glowing candlelight.
Wedding reception table settings with mason jar flower centerpieces featuring pink and orange dahlias on a natural linen tablecloth.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate with napkins in the air at a joyful reception under a white tent.

 


#6 - OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS & EXTRAS


There's no one-size-fits-all for weddings. All of my packages are fully customisable and adaptable to your bespoke requirements and I'm always happy to tailor things to your unique ideas!


Whether you'd like to add a second shooter, a welcome night photoshoot to capture your guests the night before the wedding or just a couple of extra hours onto the wedding day itself, all of my wedding photography packages can be completely flexible and bespoke to your needs, so always ask!


Nothing is set in stone and I'm here to help you craft the wedding photography package of your dreams.

 

Close-up details of black dress and camera equipment in bright interior setting.

HELP & ADVICE


I'm always available for no-obligation phone & zoom calls to help you decide the right photography package for you.


Whether that's help with budgeting, discussing your wedding day timeline or your family shot-list, you can always come to me for guidance and support whilst you navigate your wedding planning journey.


If your'e almost ready to take the leap, you can find my enquiry form here.


Chat to you soon,

Joanna x

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