Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography: How Jordan's Photography Can Capture Your Perfect Day

So, you're engaged! Congratulations! Between the champagne toasts and showing off that gorgeous ring, you've probably already started the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey of wedding planning. And if you're reading this, you're likely searching for "wedding photographers near me" or trying to figure out exactly what you need from your wedding photographer. Well, you've come to the right place.

I'm thrilled you're here, and I can't wait to tell you all about how Jordan's Photography can help you capture every laugh, every tear, and every spontaneous dance move on your big day. Based in Nottingham but covering the entire UK, we specialise in candid, fun wedding photography that tells your unique love story without all the stiff, awkward posing. Let's dive into everything you need to know about wedding photography and how we can make magic together.

Why Wedding Photography Matters More Than You Think

Your wedding day will fly by faster than you can imagine. One moment you're walking down the aisle, and the next, you're waving goodbye to your guests as you head off into married life. In between, there are hundreds of precious moments that deserve to be remembered exactly as they happened.

That's where professional wedding photography comes in. Your photos aren't just pretty pictures to hang on your wall (though they absolutely will be). They're time capsules that transport you back to the feeling of your partner's hand in yours during your first dance, your dad's emotional expression as he sees you in your wedding dress, or that hilarious moment when your best man forgot his speech cards.

When you're searching for "wedding photographers near me," you're not just looking for someone with a camera. You're looking for a storyteller, an artist, and someone who understands that your wedding day is about genuine emotion and authentic moments. That's exactly what Jordan's Photography delivers.

The Jordan's Photography Difference: Candid, Fun, and Utterly You

Let's be honest: traditional wedding photography can feel a bit... stuffy. You know the type, standing rigidly in straight lines, forcing awkward smiles, and spending half your reception away from your guests while you pose for endless formal shots.

That's not our style. At Jordan's Photography, we believe your wedding photos should reflect who you really are as a couple. If you're the type who laughs until you cry, dances like nobody's watching, and values authentic moments over perfection, we're going to get along brilliantly.

Our Candid Approach

Candid photography is all about capturing real moments as they naturally unfold. Instead of constantly directing and posing you, we blend into the background and document your day as it happens. That spontaneous kiss during cocktail hour? Captured. Your grandmother tearing up during the ceremony? We see it. Your friends absolutely losing it on the dance floor? Oh, we're ready.

This doesn't mean we won't guide you when needed. We absolutely will help you look your best and suggest flattering poses for couple portraits. But our priority is making sure you feel comfortable, natural, and free to enjoy every second of your celebration. The result? Photos that feel alive, emotional, and genuinely representative of your wedding day.

Fun is Our Middle Name

Life's too short for boring wedding photos. We encourage our couples to let loose, be themselves, and not take things too seriously. Want to have a champagne fight? Let's do it. Fancy taking photos in a quirky location that means something to you? We're there. Hoping to surprise your guests with a choreographed first dance? We'll capture every second and every reaction.

Your wedding should be one of the most joyful days of your life, and your photos should reflect that energy. We're not here to create stuffy, traditional images that look like everyone else's wedding album. We're here to create art that makes you smile, laugh, and maybe even happy-cry every time you look at it.

Covering the Entire UK from Our Nottingham Base

While Jordan's Photography is proudly based in Nottingham, we don't limit ourselves to local weddings. We cover the entire UK because love knows no boundaries, and neither should your photography options.

Whether you're getting married in a rustic barn in the Cotswolds, a grand castle in Scotland, a beachfront venue in Cornwall, or an urban warehouse in Manchester, we'll be there. We've photographed weddings in rolling countryside, historic estates, modern city venues, and everything in between. Each location brings its own charm and character, and we love exploring new places while doing what we love.

Why Location Flexibility Matters

When you search for "wedding photographers near me," you might assume you need someone local to your venue. While local knowledge can be helpful, what matters more is finding a photographer whose style matches your vision and personality. We've found that the best wedding photography comes from that perfect connection between photographer and couple, regardless of where the wedding takes place.

That said, being based in Nottingham puts us in an excellent position to serve the Midlands, and we're always excited to work with couples in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham, and throughout the region. But we genuinely love the adventure of destination weddings across the UK. Travel is included in our packages for UK weddings, so you never have to worry about surprise fees or location limitations.

Wedding Photography Packages That Work for Every Couple

Here's something that sets Jordan's Photography apart: we believe that every couple deserves exceptional wedding photography, regardless of their budget. We've designed our packages to be flexible and comprehensive because we never want you to feel like you're missing out on important coverage or precious moments.

Our Philosophy on Packages

Too many wedding photographers offer rigid, one-size-fits-all packages that force you to choose between coverage and cost. Maybe you get four hours of photography but miss the evening celebrations. Or perhaps you get full-day coverage but have to sacrifice that second photographer you really wanted.

We think that's backwards. Your wedding photography shouldn't feel like a compromise. That's why we work with every couple to create a package that genuinely fits their needs, timeline, and vision. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a full-blown celebration with 200 guests, we've got you covered.

What's Typically Included

While every wedding is unique, our packages generally include:

Full-day coverage: From bridal preparations through to the evening party, we're there for all the important moments. Most weddings benefit from at least eight hours of coverage, but we can adjust based on your schedule.

Online gallery: After your wedding, you'll receive a private online gallery of all your edited images. You can share this with family and friends, download high-resolution files, and relive your day whenever you want.

Print rights: All your images come with full print rights, so you can create albums, prints, and keepsakes however you choose.

Engagement shoot: We include a pre-wedding engagement session with most packages. This is a fantastic opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, work out your best angles, and build a relationship with us before the big day.

Travel throughout the UK: No surprise travel fees for weddings anywhere in the UK.

Flexible Options

Beyond our standard inclusions, we offer various add-ons and modifications:

• Extended coverage for multi-day celebrations

• Additional photographers for very large weddings

• Wedding albums and prints

• Parent albums

• Drone photography (where permitted)

• Expedited editing for couples who can't wait to see their images

The beauty of our approach is that you're never locked into options you don't need, and you're never forced to skip coverage that matters to you. We have genuine conversations about your priorities and build packages accordingly.

Understanding Wedding Photography Pricing

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Wedding photography is often one of the larger investments couples make, and understanding why can help you make informed decisions.

What You're Really Paying For

When you hire Jordan's Photography, you're not just paying for someone to click a camera button on your wedding day. You're investing in:

Experience and skill: Years of photographing weddings have taught us how to anticipate moments before they happen, work in challenging lighting conditions, manage large groups efficiently, and create artistic images under pressure.

Professional equipment: We use professional-grade cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment, with backups of everything. This ensures we can handle any situation and that equipment failure never jeopardises your photos.

Time beyond the wedding day: For every hour we spend at your wedding, we spend several more on consultations, editing, culling, colour-correcting, and delivering your images. A typical wedding might involve 40-50 hours of work total.

Editing expertise: Every image is carefully edited to ensure consistent colour, correct exposure, and artistic polish. This meticulous post-production work is what transforms good photos into stunning ones.

Business overhead: Insurance, professional memberships, continued education, equipment maintenance, and all the behind-the-scenes costs of running a professional photography business.

Our Ideal Clients

We're specifically looking for fun-loving couples who value quality over price. This doesn't mean our services are exclusively for high-budget weddings; remember, we work with all budgets, but rather that our ideal clients prioritise their wedding photography as an important investment.

If you're the type of couple who would rather have incredible photos than elaborate centrepieces, who values authentic moments over perfection, and who wants a photographer that feels like a friend rather than a vendor, we're your people.

We love working with couples who:

• Have a sense of humour and don't take themselves too seriously

• Value creativity and artistic expression

• Want to be fully present on their wedding day rather than constantly posing

• Appreciate quality and professional expertise

• Are excited about the photography process

• Trust their photographer's creative vision

  
  

The Wedding Photography Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the typical wedding day timeline helps ensure we capture all the important moments without feeling rushed or stressed.

Pre-Ceremony Coverage

We usually begin coverage during bridal preparations, typically 2-3 hours before the ceremony. This is such a special time, the anticipation, the excitement, the little details like your dress, shoes, and jewellery. We love capturing those quiet moments with your bridesmaids, the finishing touches on hair and makeup, and your first look in the mirror.

Meanwhile, our second photographer is with the groom and groomsmen, documenting their preparations, pre-ceremony nerves, and the groom's arrival at the venue.

Ceremony Coverage

The ceremony itself is the heart of your wedding day. We position ourselves to capture your entrance, the exchange of vows and rings, the kiss, and your joyful exit. We're also documenting the reactions, your parents' emotions, your guests' tears of joy, and that moment when your partner first sees you.

Throughout the ceremony, we work discreetly and respectfully, never disrupting the proceedings but ensuring every important moment is preserved.

Post-Ceremony Portraits

After the ceremony, we typically spend 30-45 minutes on couple portraits and formal group photos. This is where our efficiency really shines. We know you want to get back to your guests, so we work quickly to get all the family combinations you need, plus those romantic couple shots you'll treasure forever.

We always scout venues beforehand or arrive early to identify the best locations for portraits, considering lighting, backgrounds, and privacy. If you're up for a short adventure, we might suggest a brief jaunt to a particularly beautiful spot nearby.

Reception Coverage

Once the reception begins, we shift back into candid mode. We're capturing the room details, guest interactions, cocktail hour, grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, and all the other traditional reception moments.

But we're also watching for the unexpected gems, the spontaneous hugs, the laughter during speeches, children dancing, grandparents on the dance floor, and all those authentic moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.

Evening Celebrations

As the evening progresses and the dance floor heats up, some of our favourite photos happen. Inhibitions drop, energy peaks, and people are having the time of their lives. These high-energy, joyful images perfectly capture the spirit of celebration.

We typically stay through the first few hours of open dancing, capturing those wild dance moves, group celebrations, and the sheer joy of your party in full swing.

The Art of Candid Wedding Photography

Our candid approach is central to what makes Jordan's Photography special, so let's dive deeper into what this really means and why it matters.

The Documentary Style

Candid photography, also called documentary or photojournalistic wedding photography, focuses on capturing authentic moments as they naturally occur. Instead of constantly staging and directing, we observe, anticipate, and respond to the moments unfolding around us.

This approach creates images with genuine emotion and energy. That unguarded laugh, that tender glance, that spontaneous dance move—these are the moments that tell your real story. Years from now, these authentic images will transport you back to exactly how your wedding felt.

When We Do Direct

While we primarily work in a documentary style, there are definitely times when gentle direction is helpful. During couple portraits, we'll suggest poses and positioning that flatter you both. For family formals, we'll efficiently organise groups and ensure everyone looks their best.

The difference is in how we direct. Rather than creating stiff, formal poses, we give you prompts that encourage natural interaction. "Walk towards me and tell her a joke." "Whisper something that makes her laugh." "Dip her like you're in a movie." These prompts create movement, genuine expressions, and images that look natural rather than posed.

The Technical Skill Behind Candid Photography

Capturing great candid photos requires more technical skill than many people realise. We need to anticipate moments before they happen, react instantly when they do, and nail the exposure, focus, and composition in a split second, all while being unobtrusive.

We're constantly reading the room, watching for emotional moments, and positioning ourselves to capture the best angles. During speeches, we're watching both the speaker and the guests' reactions. During the ceremony, we're anticipating the kiss, the ring exchange, and your expressions throughout.

This hyper-awareness and quick reflexes come from years of experience and thousands of weddings photographed. It's what separates professional wedding photographers from talented amateurs.

Engagement Sessions: The Secret to Better Wedding Photos

We mentioned that engagement sessions are included with most of our packages, but let's talk about why they're so valuable.

Getting Comfortable on Camera

Let's be real: most people aren't naturally comfortable being photographed. You might love selfies, but feel awkward when a professional photographer is focusing on you. The engagement session is your opportunity to get past that initial discomfort in a low-pressure environment.

During your engagement shoot, you'll learn how you photograph best, discover what feels natural versus awkward, and build confidence in front of the camera. By the time your wedding day arrives, you'll be pros.

Building Our Relationship

The engagement session is also when we really get to know each other. We'll chat about your relationship, your vision for the wedding, and what matters most to you. This connection makes a huge difference on your wedding day. Instead of feeling like you're being photographed by a stranger, you're spending time with someone who knows you, gets your humour, and understands your dynamic as a couple.

Beautiful Images to Use Now

Beyond the practical benefits, your engagement photos are simply beautiful images you can use immediately. They're perfect for save-the-date cards, wedding websites, guest book displays, and social media. Many couples also frame an engagement photo to display at their wedding reception.

Location and Style

For engagement sessions, we can shoot anywhere that's meaningful to you, the spot where you got engaged, your favourite coffee shop, a beautiful park, or even your home with your pets. We want these images to reflect your personality and story.

The session is typically 1-2 hours, relaxed and fun, with no pressure or rush. We'll explore different locations and scenarios, capturing both posed portraits and candid moments.

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer: What to Consider

When you're searching for "wedding photographers near me" and comparing your options, here are the crucial factors to consider:

Style Compatibility

Photography styles vary enormously. Some photographers specialise in dark and moody images, others in bright and airy. Some love dramatic artistic shots, while others prefer classic and timeless. Make sure your photographer's portfolio matches your aesthetic vision.

At Jordan's Photography, our style is candid, fun, natural, and full of authentic emotion. If that resonates with you, we're likely a great match.

Personality Connection

You'll spend your entire wedding day with your photographer. They need to be someone you genuinely like and feel comfortable around. During consultations, pay attention to how you feel. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they understand your vision? Does their energy match yours?

We always offer consultations (in person or virtual) before booking because this personal connection matters so much. If we're not the right fit for you, we'll happily recommend other talented photographers who might be better suited to your needs.

Experience and Professionalism

Wedding photography is uniquely challenging. Things go wrong, timelines shift, lighting is difficult, and there's enormous pressure to capture unrepeatable moments perfectly. Experience matters enormously.

Look for photographers who have substantial wedding experience, professional equipment with backups, liability insurance, and a track record of happy clients. Read reviews, ask for references, and ensure they're a legitimate, established business.

Investment and Value

Price will always be a consideration, but the cheapest option is rarely the best value. Consider what's included in each package, the photographer's experience level, and the overall quality of their work.

Remember that your photos are what remain after your wedding day. The flowers will wilt, the cake will be eaten, but your photos are forever. Investing in quality photography is investing in your memories.

Availability and Logistics

Ensure your preferred photographer is available on your wedding date and willing to travel to your venue. Discuss their backup plan if they become ill or have an emergency. Ask about the turnaround time for receiving your images.

At Jordan's Photography, we only book one wedding per day to ensure we're fresh, focused, and fully present for your celebration. We typically deliver your full gallery within 6-8 weeks after your wedding, though sneak peeks come much sooner.

Real Wedding Moments We Love to Capture

Let's talk about some of our favourite moments from weddings we've photographed. These are the images that make our job so incredibly rewarding:

The First Look

Whether it's the traditional first look down the aisle or a private moment before the ceremony, capturing that first glimpse is always emotional. We love photographing the anticipation beforehand and then that pure, unfiltered reaction.

Parents' Reactions

Parents seeing their children on their wedding day is consistently one of the most emotional moments. Dads tearing up, mums fussing over final details with misty eyes, these tender moments are incredibly special.

Unexpected Weather

While couples often worry about rain, some of our most dramatic and beautiful images happen in unexpected weather. Dancing in the rain, dramatic storm clouds, golden light breaking through, nature can create incredible photographic opportunities.

Crazy Dance Floor Moments

When the dance floor is packed and everyone's having an absolute blast, the energy is electric. These high-energy images burst with joy and perfectly capture the celebration.

Quiet Moments Between Chaos

Sometimes our favourite images are the quiet in-between moments, a couple stealing a private moment during cocktail hour, grandparents holding hands during the reception, or children playing while adults celebrate.

Pets in Weddings

When couples include their dogs or cats in their wedding day, magic happens. Pets bring such joy and personality, and photographing them is always entertaining.

Cultural Traditions

Every cultural tradition brings unique moments to capture, whether it's a traditional tea ceremony, a hora at a Jewish wedding, or a jumping the broom ceremony. We love learning about and documenting these meaningful traditions.

Golden Hour Portraits

That magical hour before sunset creates the most stunning light for romantic couple portraits. When timing allows, we always try to steal away with couples during golden hour for some breathtaking images.

Working with Jordan's Photography: The Process

If you're interested in working with us, here's what the process looks like from initial inquiry to receiving your final images:

Initial Inquiry and Consultation

Reach out to us through our website, phone, or email with your wedding date and venue. We'll respond quickly to let you know if we're available and to schedule a consultation.

During the consultation, whether in person over coffee, via video call, or by phone, we'll discuss your wedding plans, photography expectations, our packages, and answer all your questions. This is also when we'll get to know each other and determine if we're the right fit.

Booking and Contracts

If you decide to book Jordan's Photography, we'll send you a contract and invoice for your deposit. Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, your date is officially reserved, and we won't book any other weddings that day.

Pre-Wedding Planning

In the months leading up to your wedding, we'll stay in touch about your plans. A few weeks before the wedding, we'll have a detailed planning conversation to discuss your timeline, family photos you want, venue details, and any special requests or considerations.

This is also when we'll schedule your engagement session if you haven't done it already.

Engagement Session

Your engagement shoot happens at a time and location that works for you. We'll spend 1-2 hours together creating beautiful images and getting to know each other better. You'll receive your edited engagement photos within 2-3 weeks.

The Wedding Day

On your wedding day, we arrive prepared, professional, and excited to document your celebration. We work efficiently, unobtrusively, and with genuine care for you and your guests. Our goal is to capture comprehensive coverage while allowing you to be fully present and enjoy every moment.

After the Wedding

Following your wedding, we begin the careful process of culling and editing your images. We review every photo, select the best shots, and edit them to our high standards. This process typically takes 6-8 weeks, though we know you're eager to see your photos, so we usually provide a sneak peek of 10-15 images within a week.

Image Delivery

Your complete gallery is delivered through a beautiful online platform where you can view, share, and download all your high-resolution images. You'll have unlimited downloads and full print rights. Many couples order albums or prints through us, but you're free to use any printing service you prefer.

Common Wedding Photography Questions Answered

Let's address some questions we frequently receive:

How many photos will we receive?

This varies by wedding length and package, but typically, couples receive 500-800+ fully edited images for full-day coverage. We don't arbitrarily limit numbers; you receive every great image from your wedding.

Can we request specific photos or moments?

Absolutely! We'll discuss your must-have shots during our planning conversation. While we can't guarantee spontaneous moments (like a specific guest doing something funny), we can absolutely ensure we cover all your important people and moments.

What happens if you're ill or have an emergency?

We have a network of trusted professional photographers who can step in if absolutely necessary. While this is extremely rare, having a backup plan ensures your wedding is covered no matter what. This is also why professional liability insurance matters.

Do you edit all the photos?

Yes, every image you receive has been professionally edited for colour correction, exposure, and artistic polish. We don't deliver raw, unedited files.

Can we have the raw files?

We don't typically provide raw files because they're unfinished and don't represent our work accurately. However, if this is important to you, we can discuss it.

Will you photograph our destination wedding?

We focus on UK weddings, but we occasionally travel internationally for the right couples. Get in touch and let's discuss your destination wedding plans!

What if our timeline runs late?

Weddings rarely stick perfectly to schedule, and that's fine! We build buffer time into our coverage and work flexibly with your actual timeline rather than the planned one.

Can family members take photos too?

Of course! We just ask that during the ceremony and formal portions, guests allow us to work without obstruction. Phones and cameras in the aisle can block key shots and sometimes prevent guests from being fully present.

Why Nottingham Couples (and Beyond) Choose Jordan's Photography

Being based in Nottingham has given us incredible opportunities to work with amazing couples throughout the Midlands and beyond. There's something special about the wedding community here: couples who value authenticity, celebration, and creating meaningful experiences.

Local Knowledge

For Nottingham weddings and those nearby, we know the venues, understand the local vibe, and can recommend suppliers if helpful. We've photographed weddings at some of the area's most beautiful venues and hidden gems.

Midlands Coverage

We're perfectly positioned to cover weddings throughout the Midlands without excessive travel. Whether you're marrying in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham, or anywhere in between, we're nearby and ready.

UK-Wide Availability

That said, some of our most memorable weddings have been adventures to other parts of the UK. We've photographed weddings in the Scottish Highlands, on Cornish beaches, in Yorkshire barns, and in London's elegant venues. Every location offers new inspiration and beauty.

The Investment in Your Memories

Let's circle back to something important: your wedding photos are an investment in your memories. Long after the decorations are packed away and the thank-you notes are sent, your photos remain.

They become more precious with time. On your first anniversary, you'll look through them and relive every moment. On your tenth anniversary, you'll see how young you looked. When you're showing them to your children someday, you'll be so grateful you invested in quality photography.

At Jordan's Photography, we take this responsibility seriously. We're not just capturing images; we're preserving your history, your love story, and one of life's most important celebrations.

Let's Create Something Beautiful Together

If you've read this far, thank you! Whether you found us by searching "wedding photographers near me" or through a friend's recommendation, we're honoured you're considering Jordan's Photography for your wedding.

We genuinely love what we do. There's something magical about being invited into people's most important moments, being trusted to preserve their memories, and creating art that couples will treasure forever.

If our approach resonates with you, if you want candid, fun photography that captures the real you, we'd love to hear from you. Let's have a conversation about your wedding plans, your vision, and how we can help make your day even more special.

Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, tears of joy, and countless precious moments. Let's make sure they're preserved beautifully, authentically, and artistically. That's what we do best at Jordan's Photography, and we can't wait to do it for you.

Getting in Touch with Jordan's Photography

Ready to chat about your wedding photography? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're just starting your search or ready to book, reach out and let's start a conversation.

Based in Nottingham and covering the entire UK, we're here to create stunning, authentic wedding photography that tells your unique story. Your search for "wedding photographers near me" ends here. Let's create something beautiful together.

Contact Jordan's Photography today to check our availability and schedule your consultation. Your perfect wedding photos are waiting to be captured, and we can't wait to be part of your celebration.

Here's to love, laughter, and beautiful photographs that last forever. We'll see you soon!

Jordan's Photography - Candid, Fun Wedding Photography Throughout the UK

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