I know their wedding is going to be great fun from what they have told me about the day and I’m looking forward to it. Here are a few of my favourites:

“Go for a radiant natural look, so that you’ll look like yourself – just a slightly more glamorous version!
Start with a good base – I recommend using a primer first followed by Mac Face & Body foundation for a sheer/dewy look that will last all day, apply this with a foundation brush and finish with a sheer mineral powder to control shine and keep make-up in place.
For a classic bridal look, create soft smokey eyes using light browns, taupes or soft bronzes. To define your eyes use a brown or black pencil or liquid eyeliner on the top lash line and then follow with waterproof mascara (A must for the big day!)
Don’t forget blusher – this will give you a radiant glow and bring the whole look together. I recommend soft pink/peach tones blended well on the cheekbones.
Using a natural lip liner, complete the look with a brown/pink lip gloss or a nude lipstick – make sure you have this to hand throughout the day and always take time out during the day for a retouch!”

For more information on bridal make-up and hair to your home or venue on the big day contact www.chicbrides.co.uk

To view Julia’s recent work and on-line portfolio see www.juliajeckell.co.uk

A couple of points which I thought were good:

• Fake it till you make it. People are often photogenic because they like having their picture taken. They are therefore relaxed and happy when the camera appears. If you cannot muster up genuine love of the camera, pretend you like the camera. Imagine the camera is someone you love, a long lost friend, an old flame, your child at age three, or whatever you need to look at the camera lovingly. Try it—it really does work.
• Maintain your posture. Listen to your mother — remember how she always told you not to slouch? Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance in pictures. Sitting or standing up straight will make you look healthier and more alert and, if in a group setting, more attractive than your slouching companions. Just remember to breathe normally and relax your shoulders. Especially if you usually have bad posture, it may be difficult to stand up straight and not look stiff, so practice this in the mirror.

Theres plenty more advice so have a read..

Pre wedding photoshoot’s can be a bit strange for couples I think as most people aren’t used to having their picture taken. It’s different from shooting a wedding as most of the time the bride & groom are mostly preoccupied with the day and that enables me to capture lovely reportage images that I love shooting. Nick & Paula were very relaxed though, even though it was one of those very hot days that us brit’s aren’t used to! (As i write this it’s raining outside with a nice bit of thunder & lightening! back to the normal british summer..) Pre wedding or engagement photoshoots are one of the things I always offer, although not every couple takes me up on it, but it’s a good opportunity to spend some time with the couple and go over the arrangements and also get a feel for what they are like in front of the camera.

Hanbury Manor in Ware is a lovely venue and it is where Nick & Paula are getting married and having their reception. I believe it’s called the summer house the part where they are having the wedding and it has a fantastic walled garden which is perfect for a wedding reception.

Here are a couple of images from the shoot: