Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera-shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?
Let's face it, most of us stay clear of the camera and I completely understand why couples feel unsure or nervous. But I can honestly tell you that having a pre-shoot or engagement shoot will only benefit! They will in fact, have a positive impact on your wedding photos, as the photographer has already got to know you and the style you're looking for. I believe in the power of a pre-shoot so much that I frequently provide one when booking (free of charge).
A pre-shoot will help you get to know what you feel comfortable with, how you interact with one another, and understand the love story you're trying to share. It also provides a great opportunity to gain confidence in front of the camera and have some fun, romantic moments. The bonus is you get a set of gorgeous images to keep, and memories to look back on. All of this results in beautifully relaxed wedding photos, having gained confidence and a deeper relationship with your photographer.
Q - How do I create a fresh-faced dewy finish for my summer wedding this August?
A - The key to a fresh, dewy finish starts with a good skincare routine – ensuring your skin is hydrated ready for the products. Once your skin is prepped and glowing the make-up will sit beautifully. I start with a hydrating primer, usually something with light-reflecting properties (the Saie glowy super gel is my favourite at the moment!).
On to the base, I love NARS' Light-reflecting Foundation or Armani's Illuminous Foundation; this offers a light coverage and when topped off with Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter, you're guaranteed a glow. A creamy blush by Patrick TA or Hourglass will give a fresh dewy finish; I like to lock this into place with the Dior Glow Palette - I also add this to the brow bone and cheek bone for the ultimate glow from within look.
Use a hydrating setting spray to maintain the glow without your make-up slipping (make sure you use one that is designed to illuminate). Avoid over powdering and lightly dust the T-Zone where you may need mattifying. Finish off with a lip liner and a gloss to achieve that radiant look for your special day.
It's believed that those who are meant to be in your life are attached to you by an invisible string, and when the time is right, fate will pull that string and bring you together – this is very much the case for Jack and Julie's relationship. They both went to the same primary school, but it wasn't until they were in their twenties that Jack messaged Julie on social media; they later bumped into each other at the pub and the rest is history!
Julie recalls the day Jack popped the question: “Jack proposed on Christmas Day. It was the fi rst time we had hosted Christmas in our new home, and I had an inkling he was going to propose but wasn't certain.” She goes on to say, “we had been at my parents' the night before, and my dad was pouring strong glasses of gin, and I ended up being sick! I was still rough in the morning and when we opened our presents, Jack hadn't proposed. I thought I'd ruined the whole thing! I had gone to get ready for the day, and when I came back downstairs, I saw Jack on one knee in front of the Christmas Tree.”
