This is a question a lot of couples ask!  Some photographers include albums in their packages, some others don't.  I provide a variation, giving couples the option as all weddings are unique... right? I met up today with one my recent brides, Charlotte, where we shared memories of her Bardney Hall wedding day as she now looks to invest in her own Wedding Album!

Charlotte & Terence got married on Saturday 10th June 2023 in Barton-upon-Humber at the stunningly beautiful Bardney Hall.

"We used to live in Barton but never knew Bardney existed," Charlotte told me, but as Barton held so much meaning to them, as soon as they visited Bardney Hall, they knew it was the venue for them.  They wanted somewhere that was all inclusive; from getting ready to the ceremony, the catering to the evening party so there were no worries travelling around on their special day and having to seek countless suppliers.

THE PROPOSAL

Now, Charlotte & Terence booked me way back in 2021 and so when I asked her about her proposal, I wasn't expecting the answer I got!

"It was at home, Christmas Day, on Margo's birthday!"

December 2022!!!

"We booked our wedding before we got engaged," Charlotte said, "as I was worried about COVID and wanted to get it done!"

She knew Terence had the ring she chose, but didn't know when he was going to pop the question, and so on Christmas Day, as she was coming back from the bathroom, he was on one knee in the living room, with a stunning rose-gold ring, personally engraved, with a purple diamond, which would set the tone of the day.

THEME & COLOURS

There were countless personal touches throughout their special day; Charlotte's Dad made their wedding cake, with her Auntie Sharon covering table decorations, dogs collars (yes!!) and their gorgeous letterbox, alongside Auntie Shell who created the most stunning bouquets and buttonholes, with bride's Nana's mother's brooch entwined within.

Lavender, greenery, lilac and white featured throughout with all the colours coming together perfectly on their sunny wedding day.

Such a crafty family, Charlotte made the most stunning "welcome" sign too along with all their wedding stationery.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

When it came to choosing their Wedding Photographer, Charlotte confessed budget played a part in their decision making.

"We spoke to three photographers in total but only The Jasmine Cottage Studio had a reduced hour package we were looking for but was still able to cover everything that you would normally experience later on a wedding day.  Nothing felt compromised.  Lindsay's photos were bright and beautiful too and she was so easy to talk to and so friendly; our correspondence right from the beginning was so nice in comparison to the other photographers we spoke to."

Charlotte & Terence chose the Saying 'I Do' Package and because everything flowed seamlessly on the day, I was also able to cover a little bit of bridal prep (due to Charlotte already being at the venue) and we made sure we got a mock cake-cutting in and a private first dance too. Not forgetting all the key moments of their ceremony, group photos and couple portraits - amazing that so much could be achieved in just three hours!

The word "amazing" was used again for the booking process right through to the consultation stage and on the day; "every step was a breeze", Charlotte said, which is what I hope is the case for all my couples!

"On the day, everyone commented on how good she was and got everyone to do what they needed to do and where they needed to be."

AFTER THE WEDDING

"I can't believe how quick everything was sent!"

In each of my Wedding Photography Packages, couples will receive a little Mobile Phone App; a taster of their wedding day, usually a day or so after the special event, along with a social media taster too should they wish.  As I was only with them for a few hours, Charlotte & Terence received their app the day of their wedding but decided to wait until they got home so they could put their photos on the big screen.

When I got a teary eyed Charlotte calling me up, I am not going to lie, I did go into panic mode when I received her voice message but I can assure you they were happy tears when I did speak to her, as more happy tears flowed from both parties!

WHY HAVE A WEDDING ALBUM

With the Saying 'I Do' package, couples receive a downloadable gallery (as you do with all my packages) however, Charlotte confessed that she'd love to have an album;

"Even though I have all our photos digitally, I want an album that I can pass down and easily look back on our special day."

Albums are so precious.  We have no idea how technology will move forward in the coming years.  We don't even know if USB Memory Sticks will stand the test of time but with an album, it is something you can keep and treasure for years and years to come.  I have my parents wedding album and my husband has his, with both being keepsakes that we love and hold dear to our hearts.

Curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and being able to look back on your special day is a wonderful feeling.  We have our wedding album displayed proudly in our home and, even though we had hundreds of photos of our day, I cannot remember the last time we went through them all, but with our album, we do so regularly and love showing it to our family and friends.

Your wedding day will also be treasured long after you are gone, as it becomes a family heirloom and a true reflection of all those beautiful moments in time.

I have spent a lot of time sourcing high-quality photo items for The Jasmine Cottage Studio and the albums I provide my couples are most definitely that; beautiful linen covers with satin finish board pages that you can easily wipe down, they are the perfect addition to your home, showcasing your love story in pictures.

Yes, I will confess, they may sound pricey to some, especially with how expensive the world seems to be at the moment which I fully appreciate, but I can assure you, they are worth every single penny because they will be here for life and will remain in your family long into your, and their, future.  Family is everything and this will be your family history legacy.

Not only are you investing in album for you as a married couple, but you are investing in an album for your close family members, your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and so on.

Some of the albums I provide also come with a USB Memory Stick too, which will showcase all your photos from your wedding day.  You get to choose what photos you would like to see in your album too; some holding up to 80 precious memories.

Prints and Fine Art prints are available also, all at reasonable prices, and of the most gorgeous quality.

CHARLOTTE

It was so wonderful catching up with Charlotte today!  She even showed me some of the little videos she received from guests on her wedding day - it was wonderful reliving so many special moments, but I am lucky, as I get to do that every single day with each of my fabulous couples!  It is what being a photographer is all about!

Everyone deserves to have magical photos of their magical day.  Choosing your photographer is SO important!  Not only should you love their work, but feel completely at ease with them too;

"When you turned up on the day, I was so pleased to see you!"

And when you receive a response like that... it is just priceless!

CHARLOTTE & TERENCE'S BARDNEY HALL, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE WEDDING

Here are a collection of suppliers and "special mentions" from Charlotte & Terence's big day!

Venue & Garden Games - Bardney Hall

Dress - Wed2b, Rotherham

Suit - Suits Marie at Retford

Catering - Paddock Events

Bouncy Castle - Beverley Events Company

Cake - Bride's Dad

MUA - Bride

Hair - Bride's Auntie

Florist - Bride's family friend

Stationery - Bride

Favours - Etsy

Rings - Ernest Jones

Confetti - Dried flowers from bride's Mother's Day & Valentine's Day bouquets

Will you look to have an album for you to treasure for years to come?  If you are a past or existing couple looking to invest in your love story, I would love to hear from you!

Lots of Love,

Lindsay xxx