Supplier Q&A featuring Erin May Photography

Can you give me some more information about your business (where you are based, exactly what you do and how long you have been doing it?)

I am a photographer living in Great Dunmow in Essex, specialising in weddings and child portraits. I started up Erin May Photography in December 2009, my web address is www.erinmay.co.uk.

For weddings, I am available in the UK and Europe, and for Portraits I operate in the South East and from time to time in West Yorkshire (originally from Leeds).

What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry and why?

Everything! What’s not to like?! I love taking pictures. When I photograph a wedding I capture the memories that have been planned by the bride down to every last detail. A story in photographs which, when delivered, can bring such visible happiness it just lights you up inside. Everyone in the wedding industry (that I have come across) is friendly, helpful and generally quite lovely. An inspirational community ... and they are all happy! Great industry to work in!

What do you think makes a wedding stand out?

Natural, genuine happiness. Simplistic vintage style weddings are my favourite!

Oh, and the dress and the flowers are key for me too

What do you feel a bride should be asking a supplier when booking?

I think every bride is different and they probably have a million questions to ask, there are never too many so don’t be afraid to ask them all! Plus it helps the supplier gain a good understanding of what the client really wants. Personally, I think it’s equally important to “get a feel” for your supplier.

When you have a wedding booking, how do you get yourself ready and prepare for it?

I always visit my venues prior to any event, more than once if possible. Thorough investigating when you have the time pays dividends on the day as you can prepare many of your shots before the event saving time on the day and ensuring you don’t miss what could be a superb shot. I have a good chat with the bride and groom in the initial consultation to find out colour schemes, numbers, arrangements etc as this also helps me prepare some of the shots ahead of the event. And I will happily throw ideas backwards and forwards with my clients on the run up to the big day.

Do you have any pre-wedding, on the day or post-wedding tips that you would like to share?

Get to know your clients. It’s as important to them as it is to you that everyone is relaxed on the day.

Can you tell us one of your best wedding moments?

Depends how you define best? I had a heart stopping moment when the bride (on her way up the path to the church) noticed a bit of frayed cotton on the hem of her dress and her dad whipped out his lighter from his suit pocket!!!

Have you noticed any innovative or unique ideas at a wedding recently?

I saw a desert wedding on a blog recently which I thought was pretty cool. Effortless beauty.

What piece of advice would you give a bride (or groom) prior to their day?

Just to enjoy planning it as well as living it. You can have so much fun and be as creative as you want. Don’t let the little things get you down and remember it’s your day, do what you want!!!

What do you think the next wedding trend will be?

Vintage is popping up everywhere at the minute, and I LOVE IT!