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It’s fantastic to be recommended by other people and we love it when our clients ask us for recommendations and we are always confident that the wedding suppliers we’ve worked with and recommended are of the highest standard to match our own. In the second of our “Awesome suppliers” series, we popped some questions to one of our favourite award winning makeup artists, Katy Pheiffer. We wanted to catch her perspective on the experience of a wedding day.

We like to ensure that our couples work with the best suppliers. If we get asked for recommendations we are confident that we are referring suppliers that can match our standards. For me consistency is an obsession so to give our couples the best experience we only recommend suppliers that are at the top of their game. We start the series with Ido Wedding Films

..or Gibbs & Vet

I love a challenge so when Lara suggested we meet at the water tower on the downs in Bristol I agreed, unaware that The Downs is essentially open playing fields. So the challenge – Make an open field on a cloudy day look interesting.

Sometimes in the winter months to keep myself amused and to work with some amazingly talented people I arrange styled shoots. Here are some of the results –

When I started out I decided that one way to be unique would be to shoot in all colour, no black & white. That lasted probably one wedding.

In our blurb on the website it says – “Carol is there to capture alternative angles on the ceremony and candid shots of the guests.” You might wonder what that means so today I thought I would share some of her images. It also helps me to have a female presence, someone who can go ahead into the bridal prep and check that everyone is decent – or at least if they aren’t, that they don’t mind me coming in. She also carries a survival kit with hairspray, lippy and a sewing kit which has come in handy on many occasions (and not always for sewing). On the right we see Ed’s best man Pete having a button sewn back on to his waistcoat before the ceremony. We’re not just there for the photography, neither of us mind getting stuck in and helping out.

Sometimes we get asked who that other one is standing next to the bride. That, dear friends, is the groom.

We always try to include the bridal prep into the wedding day but it’s rare that we shoot the groom getting ready. Why? Because usually he jumps into the shower, has a shave, a quick swoosh of the hair and he’s off.

A fitting suit

I love the unique, the adventurous, the individual. A lot of grooms go for the tails, waistcoat and cravat combo – maybe a top hat – and that’s fine. However, I do love it when people go their own way.

When we first met, David asked if I could photograph his morning at the tailor, with his best man Matt, having their suits fitted. Of course I would – This is a rare request and I loved the idea.

This is my favourite image from that morning. It’s about the light. It’s not the sharpest image but the light on Matt’s face is perfect, especially the catchlight in his eye. It really highlights the seriousness of the situation. Standing perfectly still while the tailor – Phil – adjusts the collar. The shirt and collar were separate with studs used to attach them. It was a lovely detail and the kind of thing that makes you feel good because you know that you are buying quality.

This image is perfect for Black and White,it wouldn’t have the same impact in colour. In the uncropped image below you can see Phil’s watch and hands at work which add texture and context. You can see Matt’s concentration and thoughtfulness – even if it’s fleeting – in that moment.

Because it was a unique shoot Love My Dress picked it up. They didn’t include this image but they did a really great interview with David about the decision between off the peg, tailored and bespoke suits. They also ponder why when such a big fuss is made about choosing the dress, a groom’s sartorial choices are more low key.

If you click here You can see the full wedding at St Mary’s in Tetbury followed by a reception and black tie ball at Kingscote Barn. Which does feature some excellence award winning images.

If you are getting married, we would love to hear from you. See the contact page for details on how to get in touch.

Canon 5DmkII f/2.8 1/250sec ISO 1600