Planning Your'e Wedding.

First things first - congratulations. You’re engaged. Now that you’re officially in wedding planning mode, you might be feeling a mix of joy and “where do we even start?”

As someone who’s spent years documenting weddings, I’ve watched hundreds of couples move from that first “yes” to the final walk back up the aisle — and I’ve

learned a few things along the way.

So, here’s my honest advice as your friendly neighbourhood photographer — the stuff I wish every couple knew before diving into wedding planning.

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1. Start With What Actually Matters to You

Forget what the internet says you “should” do.

Before anything else, sit down together and talk about what matters most — not the colour palette or the napkin fold, but the feeling you want for your day.

Do you want an all-night dance party with everyone you love, or an intimate backyard dinner with your closest friends? When you start from that truth, every decision after becomes so much easier — and the day ends up feeling more like you.

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2. Your Venue Shapes the Story

From a East Sussex wedding photographer’s point of view, your venue is more than just a backdrop — it’s a character in your story.

It affects the light, the flow, the energy of the day.

If you love natural, unposed images, look for spaces with room to move, soft light, and a sense of atmosphere. I always tell my couples: pick a place that feels good to be in — because when you’re comfortable, it shows in your photos.

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3. Trust Your Team (We’ve Got Your Back)

When you hire professionals — photographers, planners, florists — you’re not just hiring for their skill, but their experience.

We’ve seen hundreds of wedding days unfold. We know how to read the room, anticipate the next moment, and keep things calm when timelines shift (and they always do).

So once you’ve built a team you trust, let go a little. You deserve to just be present.

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4. Light Is Everything

Documentary photography is all about storytelling through natural moments — and light plays a huge part in that.

If you can, schedule your portraits close to sunset (that warm golden hour glow is unbeatable).

And during your ceremony or dinner, think about how the space will feel — string lights, candles, or even soft window light can transform the mood of your photos without changing a thing about your plans.

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5. Leave Space for the In-Between Moments

The best photos almost always happen in the moments you don’t plan.

The laughter during your vows, your mom fixing your boutonnière, your friends tearing up the dance floor barefoot at the end of the night — those are the frames that tell your real story.

So when building your timeline, don’t pack it too tight. Give yourself breathing room for those organic, unposed moments to unfold. That’s where the magic lives.

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6. Don’t Try to Do Everything

Pinterest is inspiring, but it can also be a trap.

You don’t have to DIY every single detail. You don’t need 20 matching signs. You just need a day that feels like you two.

Some of my favourite weddings have been the simplest — heartfelt vows under a tree, dinner on long wooden tables, laughter echoing across a field. The simplicity lets the story shine.

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7. Let Go of Perfect

Here’s the truth: no wedding day ever goes exactly as planned.

And that’s okay — because real life is what makes your photos beautiful. The wind might blow your veil the wrong way, your nephew might photobomb your ceremony shot, or you might spill champagne on your dress — and those moments? They’re gold.

They remind you that this day was real.

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8. Stay Present

More than anything, be there for it — really be there.

The day goes by fast, but when you slow down and take it in, it lingers.

Hold your partner’s hand a little longer. Look around at the people who showed up for you. Dance like no one’s watching. Those are the moments that turn into the kind of photos you’ll feel decades from now.

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A Little About Me 📷

I’m Matthew of Burst Photos — a documentary wedding photographer based in East Sussex.

My approach is simple: I tell your story as it truly happens. No forced poses, no stiff smiles — just honest, emotional storytelling through thoughtful imagery.

If you’re at the start of your planning journey (or knee-deep in the chaos) and want photos that capture how your day felt, not just how it looked, I’d love to connect.

You can reach out to me here at https://www.burstphotos.co.uk/contact-us, or follow along on Instagram @burstphotosphotography to see the stories I’ve been lucky enough to document lately.

Here’s to planning a wedding that feels true to you — and to every beautiful, imperfect, unforgettable moment along the way.

Matthew