A ‘Must Have’ Photo Guide From Wedding Venue In Somerset
A ‘Must Have’ Photo Guide From Wedding Venue In Somerset
Putting Together Your Wedding Photo Short List? Here Are Some Pretty Picture Ideas You Might Want To Include To Make Sure You Capture Every Special Moment At Your Wedding Venue In Bristol.
When it comes to your special day and the photos, as a general rule, anything really does go! Whether your style is natural or whether you prefer a more formal approach – as long as you have a plan then your already one step ahead.
Choosing your photographer is one of the most important decisions (after the wedding venue of course) in the wedding planning process. After all, we all know that these photos create memories that you’ll cherish forever so it is important to get it right. That is why you want a wedding photographer that will nail every photo opportunity, starting from the getting ready photos all the way through to the final hours…
Step one to checking off this to-do list is to book a wedding photographer that you are excited about – and put your trust in the professional. There are so many amazing photographers out there who will already have an idea of the must-have wedding shots, but even so it is nice to have some general knowledge of wedding photography yourself. To help, we have put together a list of our ‘must-have’ moments to capture here at Coombe Lodge, the most beautiful of wedding venues in Bristol!
The Wedding Venue - Coombe Lodge, Bristol
It is safe to say that at Coombe Lodge, which is near Bristol in North Somerset you are never short of photo opportunities. Both the house and our 20 acres of exclusive gardens create the perfect back drop to any photo captured.
We love watching our couples take a few minutes to explore their wedding venue and take in all the details. Here are a couple of our must-have recorded moments of the venue!
Outside Shots
Before everyone arrives get some outdoor shots of your wedding venue. Your photographer will have free reign to explore the grounds and scout out the perfect photoshoot location. The end results are always breath taking. With our combination of grand vistas, tree lined pathways, secret gardens and far-reaching views across the countryside, Coombe Lodge very quickly becomes a photographer’s paradise.
Top Tip – Don’t Forget To Get The Detailed Shots Inside! Our Chandeliers And Oak Panelling Isn't To Be Missed!
The Wedding Ceremony
Once your wedding ceremony space is set up, ask your photographer to grab some shots before your guests arrive. Whether you choose to exchange your wedding vows underneath our picturesque stoned archway in the courtyard, our romantic Billiard Room or in our magnificent Music Room make sure to get the before shot.
Hidden Gems At Coombe Lodge, Wedding Venue Near Bristol
Alongside the 20 acres of gardens, we also have our greenhouses and fairy lit archway which will leave you with amazing photos to treasure. Not to mention our panoramic views of Blagdon Lake, the Yeo and Chew Valley and over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales. Simply breathtaking!
The Getting Ready Shots
These precious, nervous, excited pre-wedding moments are so special. If having your wedding party captured while getting ready is important to you then make sure to get the timings coordinated with your photographer, hair & make-up artist and of course yourselves.
Top Tip – To Make These Moments As Photogenic As Possible, Consider Investing In Matching Robes For You And Your Bridal Party, Just To Add That Extra Fabulousness!
The Wedding Dress
Whether you are having your mum do it or one of your bridesmaids, make sure that your photographer captures the moment that you get zipped, buttoned or laced into your gown. It is a sweet moment and you’ll be glad you have it to look back on.
Top Tip - Shoes Are Usually The Last Accessory To Be Donned In Your Wedding-Day Ensemble, Making That Moment The Perfect Photo-Op... Always A Bonus If You’ve Got A Stylish Chair To Sit In While You Do It (Don’t Worry We Have You Covered!)
Your Bride Tribe
Now you may be completely anti group shots, but don’t forget these images will be all you have to remember your day by. Group shots don’t have to be cheesy or staged – be with your go-to girls, be normal and sip on that champagne and the photographer will do their work!
The Groomsmen
It's all well and good capturing snaps of the bridal party getting ready, but what about the groom? Tying ties and clinking crystal glasses make for great shots of the gents getting ready for the big day. Make sure to arrange timings beforehand so that they don’t miss any vital getting ready shots of either of you.
The First Looks
This is by far one of our favourite moments of the day and the reactions are simply priceless – so make sure to get it on camera! It is always worth mentioning that these moments can be quite emotional, so make sure your makeup artist is on hand for any touch-ups!
Parents First Look
Seeing a mother or father see their daughter in her wedding dress for the first time is always one of those moments that melt our hearts, so have the camera at the ready!
Bridesmaids First Look
The first time your girls see you in your gown is always a sweet moment (especially if you have kept the dress a secret – well done if you managed to pull this off!).
The First Look
This isn't for everyone but for those couples that would rather steal a quiet moment with each other before tying the knot makes for the sweetest collection of photos.
The Ceremony
This is the most critical moment to document, the reason you, your family and friends are all together to celebrate...the wedding ceremony! We have to admit, for our wedding venue team it's one of our favourite bits!
The Aisle Walk
Whether you are walking on the arm of your father, mother, brother, sister or best friend, you’ll treasure this moment forever (Try not to step on the dress).
The Reaction
Ask your photographer to get a photograph of the groom as he waits for his partner to walk down the aisle. A picture really does say a thousand words.
After all ladies, we secretly want to see them shed a tear don't we?
The Vows & Signing Of The Register
Now to the important stuff! Your photographer will make sure to take plenty of photos of the wedding ceremony in action. You’ve got to get a snap of the moment you make it all legal!
The Kiss
This is probably the most iconic wedding photo you will take, so take your time and make sure you give your photographer a few seconds to snap the winning shot.
The "Just Married" Exit
Whether you're choosing confetti or any other type of creative exit, make sure it is captured – you have just got married!
The Drinks Reception
With drinks in their hands and the party getting started, have your photographer capture your guests in action enjoy the surroundings of the wedding venue, sipping their cocktails….game of Jenga anyone?
Just The Two Of You
For these photos, you will likely move to several different locations around the venue while your guests enjoy the drinks reception. Consider asking a family member or someone in your wedding party to come with you to help hold bouquets, trains, etc. as you two pose for your photos.
One-On-Ones
Whether it's the bride with her mum, the couple with both sets of parents or the couple with the groom’s parents, make sure you get plenty of pics with the people who have helped you the most.
The Group Shots
Now that you've gotten all of the one-on-one photos out of the way, make sure to get a few group photos with your bridal party, groomsmen, friends, work colleagues etc. Candid’s or walking shots are great for these!
Top Tip – You Can Get The Perfect Group Shot Of All Your Guests Together From The Balcony From One Of Our Rooms In The House. This Is A Must-Have At Our Very Special Wedding Venue!
The Details
You spend so much time and money getting all of the details just right, so make sure you document them!
The Stationery
When you have taken the time to make all the details just right, it is always worth getting a shot of all your stationery.
The Tables
You have spent so long organising your day down to all the little details so make sure you have some photos to remember it all by. Whether this is a room shot of the wedding breakfast laid up to the favours chosen and the floral centerpieces. It will surprise you how much you will love and appreciate these photos!
Top Tip: Ask Your Photographer To Capture A Long-Shot Of Your Wedding Breakfast Room Before Your Guests Sit Down.
The Rings
Probably the most important close-up of the day–your rings! We recommend investing in pretty ring boxes that complement the rest of your wedding decor. Don’t forget to get close-ups of the rings on your hands as well.
The Cake
Who doesn't love a photo of a wedding cake? Get close-ups of that masterpiece from every angle!
Top Tip – Make Sure Your Photographer Gets A Photo Before You Cut Into It!
The Florals
These will make for the prettiest wedding photos. Remember to have your photographer document all of the florals. Coombe Lodge is one of those wedding venues that really does speak for itself - it has an elegant simplicity about it and so don't feel daunted in thinking you need to spend thousands on flowers.
The Bridal Bouquet & Button Holes
Sadly you'll probably only get a week or so of life from your fresh flower bouquet, so make sure to have lots of lovely images of it.
The Speeches
These sweet moments make for great treasured images of the people that you’re closest to. Your reactions to the speeches are also often priceless so expect the photographer to turn the camera your way!
The Evening Reception
The First Dance
This moment makes for some of the most frameable photos from the entire wedding. We totally appreciate that the thought of dancing in front of all your guests can be a daunting task let alone being photographed. Don’t Panic we guarantee that you’ll be so full of joy that you’ll want to dance your socks off all night. And your first dance can always include the wedding party and your guests too! It doesn’t have to be just the two of you on the dance floor.
Cutting The Cake
Whether you are cutting a traditional wedding cake or a cheese tower it is always a great photo opportunity.
Throwing The Bouquet & Sparklers
Starting to come back into fashion - throwing the bouquet allows for some fun photos! Sparklers, particularly in the winter months make for excellent photo opportunities. Get your guests to make an arch with the sparklers to allow for the perfect shot. After this it's time to let loose on that dancefloor! If your photographer is still around at this point make sure they capture these fun moments.
Top Tip – Make Sure To Get Your Guests To Share Their Moments Captured With You After The Day As Sometimes These Photos Truly Complete The Full Picture Of Your Special Day!
We totally agree that each couple is different so make sure to create your own mental checklist, openly chat with your photographer about your 'must have' moments and then simply leave it with them - they are the professional after all. Your wedding day flies by in a beautiful blur so have fun, treasure every moment and trust that your photographer will make sure every detail is captured so you don’t miss a single thing!
For any more information about our wedding venue in Bristol, Coombe Lodge, please contact one of the team on 01761 463355 and we would be more than happy to help.
Originally published:
Wedding Brochure
If you are getting married we have a beautiful wedding brochure that we would just love to pop in the post to you.
