We start shooting about 2 hours before the ceremony is sheduled to start, so we can do the make-up, getting ready, garter and other pre-wedding shots. How long we stay for depends on which package you've decided on, but it's not less than 8 hours (Ruby package) and in general it's about 10 - 12 hours. We make sure that all the 'official' items have been done, ie. garter & bouquet toss, cutting the cake and, of course also the first dance.

Tip Nr.1 Try on your wedding dress at least 4 to 5 times before the wedding, so you will feel a lot more comfortable in the dress on the wedding day.

On average we take anything from 1200 to over 2000 photographs at a wedding. These will then be screened and will normally end up at somewhere around 800 to 1100 photographs. You are then going to choose from those the images you want printed according to what your package allows you. The disc you use to choose your images from will be watermarked for our protection, and once you have made your list and returned it to us we will then edit those images, print them and hand them over to you, together with a disc containing the originals in high resolution jpeg format.

So, for example, if you have taken the Diamond package you are entitled to a total of 259 images (printed and on disc). Should you wish to purchase more than the 259 alloted images you may do so at the going rate per image. This is because every image that is sold has to be edited first and this is a time consuming and specialized task for which we have to charge a fee. Only the 'Ultimate' package includes edited versions of ALL the photographs taken at the wedding. We usually make some arrangement with the couple, if they want all their images, to pay the amount off over a period of 3 to 6 months.

So to re-cap: You get the photos that are in your package, but not ALL the photographs taken (except for the Ultimate package, of course), but you will have the option of buying more photos if you want to.

Tip Nr.2 Avoid using dark make-up, especially around the eyes. While it may look great on studio photos, on your wedding day there is no time to set up tons of lighting, so use a light shade of eye shadow. Also, avoid at all costs the use of glitter on your face and neck, it's a distraction on the photographs and does nothing to improve the image.

Yes, you should. Photographers are good at reading the light conditions, but we are terrible at reading minds...so if there are certain photos that you really want taken at the wedding, it's a good idea to give him a list, so you know you'll get what you want.

Tip Nr.3 The couple should spend some time before the wedding looking at bridal magazines for inspiration and also to find out what they like, and should then communicate this to the photographer on the day of the wedding. Just show him the magazine pictures you like and he will have a much better idea of what he can do for you.

The photographer will invariably have an assistant, and your contract will usually specify that food and drink be supplied to them, as well as seating, which should be set up apart from the guests, so as not to interfere with the proceedings and the guests. Wedding photographers work very hard and should be treated with kindness.

Tip Nr.4 Do not tick off your photographer! At least not until after he has delivered all your photographs. Treat him as the professional that he is.The reason for this should be obvious, but let's just say that photography and editing of photos is impacted by the emotional state of the person doing it, so negative emotions will have a negative impact on your photographs.

Try your utmost to be dressed an hour before you are due to leave. Remember, you will never look as good again as you do on your wedding day, even more so before the ceremony, so make the most of it, give the photographer at least an hour to do the formal portraits as well as the more candid shots, and give him the chance to get the best photographs of you when you're looking your best.

Tip Nr.5 Avoid driving to different locations for your photo session. Your time is severly limited and the extra 10 minutes there and another 10 min back mean 20 minutes have been wasted. Any wedding photographer worth his salt won't have to depend on location to make good wedding photos. A professional can take photographs at any location.

If the distance between the brides location and the grooms location is no more than 10 minutes drive, then the answer is "ÿes". If that is not possible ask the best man to take some photos and give them to the photographer to edit and use.

Tip Nr.6 It's natural that you want to see the photos as soon as possible, but try to avoid rushing the photographer, as he will do a better job if you let him be. It might take longer but it will be worth the wait.

You pay 50% up front to secure your booking, and the rest is payable on or before the actual wedding day.

Tip Nr.7 Have fun!! It's your wedding day and you should be having the time of your life, so let the professional do what he does best while you get on with partying!