It feels like a lifetime ago since I photographed my first wedding for Scott and Jamie Lee. You might be wondering, how did it go? What was it like? To be honest, it was an incredible experience.

At the time, I had planned to photograph a friend’s wedding alongside a professional photographer to begin building my portfolio. However, due to date changes, Scott and Jamie Lee’s wedding ended up being my first. Before the big day, I made sure to be upfront with them about my lack of wedding photography experience, while also assuring them that I had a solid understanding of the process and would be well-prepared for any challenges.

I was booked for the full day, from bridal preparations to the first dance, with all the moments in between. The nerves I felt were unlike anything I had experienced before, but I knew this wedding would be a crucial test to see if I could handle the pressure of capturing these important memories.

During the bridal prep, I realised that the pace was slower than I anticipated, allowing me the opportunity to experiment with lighting and angles. I also learned that patience was key, as I had to wait for the hair stylist and makeup artist to complete their work before capturing the perfect shots. Beyond my role as a photographer, I found myself helping with various small tasks, alleviating some of the stress on the bride. This was a valuable lesson, and I now come fully prepared for any situation, carrying essentials like a small sewing kit, compact mirror, blotting tissues, eyelash glue, and feminine hygiene products. While I never expect to assist in these ways, I am always ready to help ensure the day runs smoothly.

During this time, I was also tasked with keeping the young children occupied by arranging a mini photoshoot with them while the bride worked on her final touches. Although I would have preferred to be with the bride, this allowed her day to unfold more smoothly, and I was able to capture some truly special moments with the children, particularly with her daughter.

The ceremony came with its own set of challenges. The lighting in the room was poor, and my flash didn’t have the range I needed. I adjusted the camera settings as best as I could, knowing I could fine-tune the images in post-production. When it was time for the first kiss, I relied on burst mode to ensure I captured the perfect shot. While I ended up with around 60 images of the kiss, in hindsight, I do regret this approach, but the pressure to get it right in the moment led me to take extra precaution.

Before starting the wedding portraits, I allowed the couple some time to themselves to relax and connect with their guests. Weddings can be overwhelming, so I wanted to make sure they had a moment of calm before we began. During this break, I took a moment to recharge myself and prepare for the next stage of the day.

When it was time for the portraits, I used a simple but effective method: I relied on the best man to help gather the bridal party while I photographed the couple’s family members. This allowed for a smooth flow, ensuring we captured all the key shots without interrupting the couple’s time with their loved ones.

The evening was much more relaxed, with the first dance, cake cutting, and a few more portraits, including some creative shots in low light. As the night came to an end, I reflected on how long the day had been—starting at 10am and wrapping up around 10pm. I was exhausted but exhilarated, having run on pure adrenaline throughout the day.

On my drive home, I realised that this was the career I wanted to pursue. It was challenging, rewarding, and like nothing I had done before.

A huge thank you to Scott and Jamie Lee, who took a risk by hiring me as their photographer with no prior wedding experience but a strong foundation of knowledge. Your trust meant the world to me.