WORKING WITH ME - THE WEDDING PHOTO & FILM EXPERIENCE
Photography & film for couples who care about how their wedding feels.
Your wedding isn’t a production.
It’s a day where real things happen, nerves in the morning,, friends laughing too loudly, music, movement, emotion.
My job isn’t to manufacture moments.
It’s to be there for the ones that are already unfolding, and to document them in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and true to you.
Its your story, that I tell in imagery or film.
This page explains what it’s like to work with me as your wedding photographer or filmmaker – from your first enquiry through to the delivery of your photographs and film.
What working together is actually like
Something couples often say to me after their wedding is that I didn’t feel like “the photographer.”
I felt like a friend who happened to be there with a camera.
Someone they were comfortable around.
Someone their guests naturally chatted to.
Someone who felt part of the day, without ever taking it over.
That matters to me, because the moments people invite you into, the quiet ones, the emotional ones, the unguarded ones, only happen when there’s trust and ease.
That’s always the space I try to create.
Your Experience, From First Message to Final Delivery
Before the Wedding
Initial Enquiry
Once you get in contact with me — whether that’s through my contact form, by email, via Instagram, or even (very old school) a letter through the post — I always aim to respond within 48 hours.
If you haven’t heard back from me within that time, please check your spam or junk folder. The best thing to do is to send me a quick message on my phone or leave a voicemail. I genuinely never ignore enquiries, and I always reply — even if I’m already booked for your wedding date.
If I’m not available, I won’t just leave you there.
I’ll check with my trusted circle of wedding professionals and send you details of photographers or filmmakers who may be available and who I genuinely believe would look after you well. Many couples have still found their photographer this way, and I’m always happy to help where I can..
That first chat
That first chat is really about you.
It’s a chance for you to ask questions, talk through your plans, and get a feel for whether I’m the right person to be part of your wedding.
We usually do this in person or over a video call, so you can relax at home and talk things through properly, rather than over emails and forms.
Yes, you’ll have seen my work. But this conversation is about how it feels to speak with me, and whether you can imagine having me around on such an important day with your favourite people.
I want you to feel comfortable. I want you to feel at ease. I want you to feel like you’re talking to someone you can be yourself with.
Someone who will be there as a friend who just happens to be very good at photographing or filming weddings.
So ask anything.
Ask about how I work on a wedding day. Ask about what support I offer while you’re planning. Ask about films, photos, or even why I hate apples.
There’s no script and no pressure — just a relaxed conversation to help you decide what feels right for you..
Getting to know you
That first conversation isn’t about ticking boxes.
It’s about me getting to know you.
How you met.
What makes you laugh.
What you care about.
What you want your wedding to feel like.
I’ll ask about the people who matter most to you and the kind of experience you want to create — because understanding you is what allows me to document your wedding in a way that actually reflects who you are.
Not a template.
Not a version of someone else’s day.
Yours.
So ask away...
So ask a bunch of questions, I am happy to answer anything from what my favourite movies is to why I hate apples. Ask me what I am like on a wedding day and how I work with my couples to capture that perfect day. .
So let’s chat.
Quote & Questionnaire
After our chat, I’ll send you two simple things.
The first is a short questionnaire.
This just covers the essentials — your names, wedding date, venue or venues, and the best contact details for you both. It helps me make sure everything is correct and that I’m holding the right information for your wedding.
The second is your personalised quote.
This will include the photography and/or film options we talked about, along with any add-ons we discussed. Everything is clearly laid out, so you can take your time, look through it properly, and talk it over together.
There’s no rush and no pressure.
If questions come up while you’re looking through everything, I’m always happy to talk them through with you.
When you’re ready, you can let me know how you’d like to move forward
Let’s Team Up
So you are ready to book! You are happy with the options you have chosen, and you are happy to have me in your life. The next step is to accept your quote and send back your completed questionnaire.. Once I have those, I can draw up your booking agreement/contract and send it over for you to read through and sign.
Now to officially book me, I need the contract signed & returned, and a 33% booking fee of your total fee.
And that’s it, you can relax, you’ve got me, we are a team.
Before the Big Day
From here on, I’m in your corner — supporting you, helping where I can, and getting to know what you’re planning so that when your wedding day arrives, everything feels natural, familiar, and unforced.
In the months leading up to your wedding, I’m always here if you need another perspective.
If you want help with any aspect of your planning, just ask. Over the years I’ve built a trusted network of wedding professionals — from florists and planners to venues and stylists across the UK and Europe — and I’m always happy to point you in the direction of people I genuinely believe in.
If questions come up, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’ve been part of a lot of weddings, and I’ve seen a lot. If you want ideas, advice, or small tips that can help your day flow more smoothly, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned..
One month before the wedding
Around a month before your wedding day, the remaining balance is due.
At this point, I’ll also send you a more detailed questionnaire so I can start shaping your coverage properly. This helps me understand how your day is coming together and make sure nothing important is missed.
I’ll ask for details such as
morning preparations
ceremony time and location
dinner and evening plans
timings throughout the day
group photos you’d like
speakers during the ceremony or speeches
The more detail you’re able to give, the better I can prepare and support you.
The week of the wedding
In the week leading up to your wedding, I’ll check in with you one last time.
Usually this is a quick call or email, just to confirm final timings, locations, and any last-minute changes. It’s also a nice moment to touch base, answer anything that’s come up, and share in that final wave of excitement before the day arrives.
The Big Day
The Morning
It’s here.
And the first thing to know is this — I’m already there.
I always aim to arrive at the first location earlier than we’ve agreed. The last thing I ever want is for you to be wondering where I am. I would much rather be sitting nearby having a coffee and getting my kit ready than rushing in stressed because of traffic or trains.
If your wedding is more than three hours from my home in Stourbridge, West Midlands, I’ll usually stay locally the night before. It removes any risk of delays and means I arrive fresh, focused, and ready for your day.
From the very start, my role is to create a calm presence — so you can stay exactly where you should be: in the moment.
Time for the ceremony
I’m not someone who turns up with a mountain of equipment.
You won’t see me filling the space with tripods, bags, and cameras everywhere.
If I’m filming, I’ll usually set up one or two small cameras (depending on the space), and keep one on me. I’ll discreetly mic the registrar or celebrant, and usually one or both of you, along with anyone doing a reading or speaking.
Everything is kept minimal and considered.
Because the ceremony isn’t a production.
It’s one of the most important parts of your wedding.
The worst thing I can do in that moment is become a distraction — walking around, making noise, or pulling attention away from what’s actually happening.
This is one of the times where you’ll feel me the least.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Now you see me, Now you don’t…
The way I photograph and film weddings is about being in the right place at the right time.
I don’t believe in the idea of being “invisible.”
I want you and your guests to feel completely comfortable around me.
I’m there. I’m present. I’m approachable.
But I’m never there to get in the way, pull focus, or make the day about me.
Sometimes you’ll be very aware of me — helping, guiding gently, chatting with guests, moving with what’s happening.
Sometimes you won’t notice me at all.
Both matter.
Because the aim is always the same: for your day to flow naturally, and for the moments that matter to be captured without being broken.
The In-Between time
Sometimes it’s called the drinks reception. Sometimes cocktail hour. Sometimes just the time between the ceremony and sitting down. Whatever you call it, this is usually one of the most relaxed parts of the day.
You finally get to breathe.
Have a drink.
And properly spend time with your guests.
I’ll be around capturing what’s really happening — the conversations, the laughter, the hugs, the small moments and big reactions that unfold when everyone starts to settle into the day.
This is also when I’ll organise any group photos. I always encourage couples to keep these to a minimum. The more time spent lining people up, the less time you have actually being with them.
I’ll also usually take the two of you away for some portraits. Again, I keep this relaxed and short. This isn’t a fashion shoot. It’s simply a bit of space for you to be together, while I create some images that reflect how the day feels.
Dinner & Speeches
Once you sit down to eat, this is usually the moment I take a breath too — backing up images, recharging batteries, and getting ready for the evening.
I do ask that a hot meal is provided. If that isn’t possible, just let me know in advance so I can make arrangements.
I genuinely love speeches. They’re often one of the most emotional and entertaining parts of the day.
One small piece of advice: if you can, try to plan speeches either before the meal is served or after it’s finished. Speeches between courses can be tricky — it’s often the only real pause in the day for suppliers, and it also means setting up and clearing equipment while guests are eating.
And one very important thing you should know about me at this point in the wedding…
I am very fond of a canapé or three — so feel free to tell your caterer to save me a few. (Mostly joking. Mostly.)
Party time
The food’s finished.
The tables are cleared.
The band or DJ is ready to go.
This is where the energy really shifts.
I’ll be right there in it — capturing the movement, the chaos, the hugs, the dancing, and the moments that only happen once people stop thinking and start feeling.
I don’t disappear after the first song. I stay until we’re both happy that the story of your day has been properly told.
And if that means I’m still there when the lights come on, then that’s where I’ll be.
Afters
The Comedown
Your wedding day has been and gone.
And suddenly you’re trying to replay it all in your head — the moments, the people, the little things you didn’t even realise were happening at the time.
A few days after your wedding, I’ll usually send you a small preview: a handful of images, or a short 30–60 second highlight film. Just something to bring you back into it while everything is still fresh.
With your permission, I sometimes share these previews on my social channels too.
The Delivery of your Wedding
Your full wedding gallery is usually ready to view, share, and download in around 8 weeks, and your wedding film in around 12 weeks.
These timeframes are an estimate.
The summer months are my busiest period, and I can often be away photographing or filming weddings three to four days a week, which naturally slows editing compared to quieter months. If anything is ever likely to take longer than expected, I’ll always communicate that clearly with you.
I personally edit all of my weddings.
Nothing is outsourced.
Nothing is batch processed.
Nothing is treated as “one size fits all.”
Every wedding is different, and I approach editing in the same way I approach the day itself — carefully, thoughtfully, and with feeling. My aim is always to reflect the emotion, atmosphere, and story of your wedding through both your photographs and your film.
Everything is delivered through your own private online gallery.
This is where you’ll be able to view, download, and share your images and films with family and friends. If you’ve booked both photography and film, everything lives together in the same place — almost like your own personal wedding website.
If you’d like to see an example of how this looks and works, I’m always happy to show you.
And if delivery ever takes a little longer than usual, you’ll never be left wondering. I’ll always keep you informed.
I would always rather take a little more time and deliver something meaningful, than rush and deliver something average.
Any Sides with your Mains
If you’ve ordered any extras — such as prints, a USB with a presentation box, or additional film coverage like a full ceremony or full speeches — these are prepared and sent out shortly after your main gallery and film have been delivered.
You can also order albums, photo books, and large wall art directly through me.
These can be ordered either before your wedding or at any time up to one year after your wedding day.
If you’re thinking about albums or print products, just get in touch. I’m always happy to talk through the options, the process, pricing, and any special offers that might be available at the time.
Feedback, Reviews & Recommendation
Feedback genuinely matters to me.
I always want to be the best photographer or filmmaker a couple can choose, and the only way to keep improving is by listening — to what you felt, what you loved, and what your experience was like before, during, and after your wedding.
If you ever feel happy to leave a review on Google or Facebook, or to send a few words over that I can share on my website, it honestly means a great deal. Reviews not only support my work, they also really help future couples who are looking for someone they can trust.
Another huge compliment is recommending me to others.
Friends, family, work colleagues — or even someone you overhear on a train talking about getting married.
Most of my work comes through recommendation, and it never stops being special to photograph the weddings of people who are connected to couples I’ve already worked with.
Finally…
I hope this page has helped give you a clear sense of how I work and what the experience is like when you’re considering booking me as your wedding photographer or filmmaker.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, or anything you’d like me to explain properly, please just ask. I’m always happy to talk things through.
Speak soon,
Jay
Contact me
Phone - 07818 108949
Email - togandhat@jayanderson.co.uk
Instagram @jayandersonweddings