weddings
Relaxed, unobstrusive storytelling
Hello!
I'm Stephanie, a Hampshire based wedding photographer, a wife to my tall, very blonde husband and a mama to our two wild girls.
Firstly...... I LOVE weddings. I want to be there to not only capture your beautiful memories but also to enhance your day.
I often refer to myself as a professional bridesmaid (holding a camera). I will be there to help keep things on track, do up dresses, fit button holes, tie up shoes, lint roll suits, play with the kids, pick up rubbish....no job is too small or too big. My aim is to seamlessly blend in, make friends, dance on the dance floor and ultimately, provide you with some gorgeous images and memories to last a lifetime.
I want to capture the moments you didn't see, the little smile from one to another, your partner's face just before you arrive, the bride's excited face in the morning, the wedding guests laughing and enjoying the big day you planned and the look you have when you can't take your eyes off your new wife/husband.
Stephanie Atkins Photography
“Stephanie was amazing on the day, providing more than just the photography, she also helped us girls get organised in the morning and great at keeping us on schedule throughout out the day, whilst making sure we got all the photos we wanted. We received the photos really quickly and we absolutely love them. We would highly recommend Stephanie. She is an amazing photographer and great with people".
Dani & John (Bournemouth)
What to expect
Choose me and you not only get a photographer, but a friend for the day........You also get
* Complimentary pre-wedding shoot with the full day wedding package.
* Regular communication leading up to your big day.
* 600+ high quality images, fully edited to my own personal style.
* Images are delivered in a private online gallery which can easily be shared with family and friends.
* Print credit to ensure your walls are covered in happy memories.
Packages start at £1800. Contact me for a brochure
Kind words....
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Stephanie was beyond fantastic on our Wedding Day. Nothing was too much trouble. She stayed later than expected for us to catch the sun set and chatted to all our guests and made them feel at ease.
Our photos are lovely, and Stephanie captured every special moment. I would highly recommend Stephanie she has an amazing sense of humour and made us all feel very relaxed on the day.
Mr & Mrs T- Beaulieu Domus, New Forest Hampshire
Your day from start to finish......
Wedding Prep
Capturing the morning of your wedding, often referred to as wedding prep, is such a lovely part of the day. I love capturing all the details, your wedding party and getting to know everyone before the main event. I usually start 2 hours before the ceremony start time (depending on travel between venues). If you choose to add on a 2nd photographer, they will capture the other half of the wedding party. It's great to be able to see what the other person was doing when you get your images back.
Your Ceremony
Couples often underestimate how much they'll enjoy their ceremony. yes it can be nerve wrecking, but it can also be wonderful.
While much attention is often focused on the reception and the festivities that follow, the ceremony itself can be so emotional and symbolic. It's the moment where you publicly declare your love and commitment to each other surrounded by your closest friends and family. The vows, readings and rituals performed during the ceremony create lasting memories to last a lifetime.
My only advice is, 'you do you'. Make it personal, do the legal thing one day and an outdoor ceremony with a celebrant the next. Whatever it is you want, do it.
Confetti
I LOVE confetti photos. Depending on the light and location, I will organise your guests and instruct you and them to ensure that we get the BEST photos.
I highly recommend large, biodegradable paper discs to get the best photos. Check with your venue as to what you're allowed. Dried flowers are lovely but fall quite quickly and often don't show up that well in photos. Whatever you do, buy LOADS!
Confetti top tips:
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Ignore the camera - look at each other & your guests
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Don't look down
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Smile don't grimace
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Walk slowly
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Stop half way for a kiss
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A 2nd photographer is advised for large parties
Drinks Reception
This is where all the candid fun happens. I love going around your friends and family getting a variety of photos for you to look back on so that you can see what they were all up to.
Top tips for your drinks reception;
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Leave enough time between ceremony and sitting down to eat. I advise a minimum of 1.5 hours for candids, details and group shots.
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Canapes always go down well.
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Some garden games are fun for guests and good for photos.
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If you're planning to be outside make sure there is shade or a plan B for rain.
Speeches
I always cry at the speeches. I love photographing all the reactions, laughs and tear wiping.
Top tips:
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Do not do the speeches in-between courses. Caterers hate it and so do photographers.
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Brides- do the speech if you want, break tradition, say how you feel.
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Make sure you don't just rip all the jokes off the internet.
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Read the crowd (I've heard some cringey speeches).
Group Shots
I always recommend you have some group photos. These photos form a part of your family history. However, how many you have is up to you. I recommend no more than 10. It takes about 4 mins per photo so this would be about 40 minutes of group photos and I want you to get back to your party. I always try to incorporate a mixture of formal and informal group photos as you can see below.
First Dance
Lots of people dread the first dance but it is a great way to get the party started, bring everyone together and then get some great dance floor pics.
Dance Floor Fun
I love to dance, so I will get right in there to get all the action shots.
Dance floor tips:
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A good DJ & band make all the difference
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Your guests will feed of your energy
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First dances don't have to be cringey or long.......they really do help get the party started.
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The 2nd song is crucial, choose one that you know all your guests will love.
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Choose a great last song too.
