Thrilled to have our French Riveria wedding featured on premiere US bridal magazine and blog, Munaluchi Bride. It's been on my bucket list for a long time and this was the perfect wedding to be featured with.
Our fab bride Afooma shares everything from how she and Chukky met to her inspiration for the wedding. Visit the Munaluchi Bride Blog for the full feature.
Ooh it feels so good to be back photographing weddings! I am thrilled to start off with this gorgeous intimate wedding on the French Riviera at the breathtaking Bastide du Roy! #obsessed
When Afooma showed me pictures of the venue, I may have drooled a little! It literally is my Pinterest dream come through. And of course that meant, the pressure was on even more to perform but I'm pretty happy with what we came up with. #winning
One of my favourite things about photographing weddings for over a decade now is that I have a very clear idea of who my #wopcouple is. Fun, stylish, laid back, very much into each other & with excellent taste (ahem, #obviously). But most importantly, no stress, no drama, no bridezillas - just people who want to have a good time with their loved ones. And Afooma & Chukky are perfectly on brand! #weloveyou Thank you to #wopfave Gozie for the introduction! #wopbridesarethebestest
Afooma & Chukky's day was a complete love fest! There was laughter and a LOT of joyful tears! It was clear that Afooma and Chukky are 2 people who have made an indelible mark on people's hearts. I'm so honoured to have been able to document this part of their love story.
Afooma is a rockstar!!! She pretty much single handedly planned this wedding herself and we all know the stress of being a C-word bride! Her attention to detail & spreadsheets made my heart smile! #Iloveagoodspreadsheet #Afoomarocks
Chukky, on the other hand, is extremely laid back. He's such a good natured and relaxed guy. I love how they complement each other beautifully. #yingandyang
Good people have good friends and #CopperXGold was no different. Not only are the bridal party a good looking crew, they were really lovely when I had a little accident mid wedding. It's heartwarming to know that I get to work with such kind human beings. #luckygal
And the venue, ooh the venue. Honestly I felt like a kid in the candy store. So many places to photograph and I wanted to capture it all for Afooma (& Chukky)...but mostly Afooma. Sorry Chukky but I do have a soft spot for my #wopbrides.
A big shout out to my second shooter Beatrice who was a champ during the day. Lagos style weddings are much longer than UK weddings but she was the consummate professional all through. I couldn't have done it without her.
Also I have to mention Apolline, the wedding co-ordinator at Bastide du Roy. She ran a tight ship and all with a smile. Definitely recommend chatting with her if you love the idea of an intimate French Riviera wedding.
Afooma & Chukky - thank you so much for choosing WOP. I had an incredible time working with the both of you. You've been together a long time and I'm glad this day finally happened for you. May you continue to always be each other's rock and happy place. Wishing you all the happiness in the world on the next part of your journey together.
So finally the pictures. This was supposed to be a short sneak peek but like I said, I'm obsessed with this wedding. So you're welcome - lol!
Wedding Vendors (aka the Dream team):
Ceremony & Reception | Bastide du Roy
Wedding Planner | Bride
Wedding Co-ordinator | Apolline, Bastide du Roy
Decor | Laly Rose Decoration
Wedding Cake | Les filles du sud
Wedding Dress | Louvienne, Lovely Bride NYC
Brides's Second Dress | Crystal Design, Viero Bridal NY
Bridesmaids' Dresses | Jarlo London
Groom's Suit | The Bespoke Room
Bride's Makeup | GB Beats
Bride’s Hair | Jennifhairbeauty
Videographer | Axel Lanier
UK Wedding Photographer | Wani O. & Beatrice L. for Wani Olatunde Photography
The big day is almost here! After months of planning and waiting, you finally get to marry your partner in front of your friends and family and spend a day—or even a whole weekend—celebrating your love and commitment. But being the center of attention with a tonne of wedding photos being taken can be a little daunting, especially if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. That’s why I put together a few suggestions to help you feel more prepared for all the photos on your wedding day!
If you’re not super comfortable in front of the camera, you’re definitely not alone. But if you don’t feel comfortable, it will show in your photos. Take a deep breath and focus on your partner and how much the day means to both of you. The more comfortable you feel, the more natural your body language and smiles will be, and the better your photos will turn out.
Whether you two are constantly snuggling or you’re anti-PDA, be sure to take some time before your wedding day to practice a little more affection. The best wedding portraits show the couple’s connection, whether it’s holding hands or wrapping your arms around each other. The more comfortable you are with getting close, the more natural these poses will look in your wedding photos. Plus, it never hurts to snuggle a little more! All my clients can attest that I'm always saying - get a little closer - it really does make for better photos.
As you’re planning and preparing for your wedding, take time to walk through your ceremony and reception venues and keep an eye out for scenic photo spots. Look for places both inside and outside, such as gorgeous trees, lush gardens, and cool archways and architectural details that would make great backdrops for your photos. And try to do this walk-through before you’re rushing to get everything set up—a leisurely stroll will allow you more time to really observe and see the best spots. This is part of the service I offer to my wedding clients - I do all the hard work in figuring out the most picturesque places to shoot so you always have the best wedding pictures. #fab
You’ve probably heard people say that your wedding day goes by in a blur, and that’s true. After all your planning, the day will just fly by, and you’ll find it hard to remember specific moments. Try to take time post-ceremony to just be with your partner and enjoy the moment. Find a space away from your guests and the busyness of the wedding to really take in the fact that you’re married—and to capture some intimate photos of the two of you. This downtime for you as a couple is the perfect time to have a breather and grab those bridal party photos. If you need posing ideas - then this is a great blog for you to check out.
If there’s something specific you want out of your photos, like certain shots or family portraits, be sure to talk to them ahead of time. Your photographer’s job is to create the wedding photos you want, photos you’ll love for years to come. That’s why it’s so essential to communicate your desires and expectations.
If you’re nervous about your wedding photos, take a little time to prepare so you can feel more comfortable and get the natural, gorgeous images of your dreams!
Need more tips for getting ready on your wedding day? Then check out this post where I share my top tips for a picture perfect wedding day. You may also like this one where I recommend 7 must have wedding photos for your big day.
I currently have limited availability for 2021 and booking for 2022. So get in touch right here to see how I can help you create wedding memories you will cherish forever.
Always love working with Engage Weddings - a fab resource for any bride planning a local Buckinghamshire wedding.Be sure to check out our latest article on our top tips to make your wedding day pictures magazine worthy over on the Engage wedding blog! Enjoy 🙂
Be sure to check out our latest article on our top tips to make your wedding day pictures magazine worthy
We’ve all seen the classic posed bridal party photos, everyone standing straight, bridesmaids with their bouquets held neatly in front of them. These images look good and are a great way to show off the people you and your partner have chosen to stand beside you on your wedding day! But maybe you want some different poses for your bridal party, something to show off everyone’s style and personalities.
Bridal party photos don’t have to be predictable and dull, but you also don’t have to scour Pinterest for new ideas. There are fun, simple ways to allow every groomsman and bridesmaid to express themselves while still looking good so you end up with wedding pictures you’ll love and cherish for years to come!
Now this comes with a disclaimer - a professional wedding photographer should have this all under control. An experienced photographer takes into consideration a number of factors to decide which poses would work best including your personalities, outfits, size of the group and environment. So like I always say - just hire a photographer you can trust and you can leave all the hard work to them! You can just focus on having a great time and channelling your inner celebrity! #winning
This is one of my favourite poses and I use it every wedding! It's a great way to get the wedding party to relax. Basically you share a quick kiss with your other half while your bridesmaids and groomsmen cheer in the background. Their expressions will give you something to laugh at and enjoy when you look at the photos later!
Have your wedding party form an upside-down V while you and / or your partner stand in the middle.
This always reminds me of one of my favourite childhood movies - the Flying Ducks. (90s baby!) I personally use this mostly with the groom and groomsmen but there's no reason you can't use it with a bride & bridesmaid or the whole bridal party.
Clearly we like our letters - lol. This is similar to the V but a little more dynamic. It works well with a larger group.
Mix up expressions - go for the GQ look or have smiles all around. I like to have a little bit of everything so we cover all our bases. Stylish and fun - always!
This is another great bridal party pose to loosen people up. It's very relaxed and you can just have fun with it. Works great for both the guys and the girls. With the ladies - you can hold hands to amp the #bridetribe vibe.
Another classic guy pose!
Want to amp up the #badboy vibes? Have everyone put on a pair of shades and channel their inner celebrity.
I believe weddings are all about documenting all the different relationships. It's not just about your love story but also the great relationship you have with your friends and loved ones too.
This isn't so much a pose - more an opportunity for some really great moments. It works well for a playful bridal party. I love this interaction because it really shows the camaraderie between the groom and the groomsmen. It always makes me smile!
It's popular because it works. The key to the straight line pose is not to have every standing shoulder to shoulder like footballers. Mix up directions and expressions and we are on to Vanity Fair type posing. Works well for both the guys and the ladies. This bridal party pose is especially pretty if you have a beautiful backdrop.
Always leave enough time in the morning to grab some robe shots with your ladies. This is probably a once in a lifetime shot and a good reminder of your favourite people who were there to support you through the whole day. Keep it casual or stay fierce - all depends on your personal style.
The key to a fierce group shot is to have everyone look great individually and then bring it all together. Use stairs and sofas to mix things up. The options are endless on this one.
This is a classic WOP pose! I always channel Annie Liebowitz Vanity Fair spread on this one! This is a fabulous pose which can be serious or playful depending on what you are aiming for.
Have each bridesmaid and groomsman pair up and capture a shot of everyone with their partners, including you with your spouse. If you have an uneven number, change pairs into groups of three.
And that's it! Hope you've found this list of poses for the bridal party helpful. But like I said - if looking stylish and fierce is important to you, then hire a photographer who can do that for you. Your only focus should be on having fun with your bestie and loved ones.
I love working with modern romantics! If this sounds like you and you are getting married in 2021 or 2022, then get in touch for a complimentary consultation to see if we are a good match. You can also find me over on Instagram.
Weddings are all about creating memories and having fun, but they also give families the opportunity to come together and spend some quality time with one another. The wedding day is special for the bride and groom, of course, but also for their parents who have spent many years raising them into adulthood! #babiesallgrownup In honour of Mother's Day just gone past, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite mother daughter and son moments to date!
I love documenting all those heartfelt moments that happen between mamas and their babies at weddings! But I confess that as a mother of two boys, I do have a soft spot for those really special moments between mothers and their sons. Let's jump straight in to some beautiful mother daughter and son moments:
Honestly sometimes I can't tell who's happier at these weddings - the couple or the parents! Everyone has a different journey to marriage. Some love stories are short and straightforward like a Hallmark movie while others have more twists and turns than a Shonda Rhimes drama. Whatever the process, there is no doubt that celebrations on a wedding day are not just for the couple! Mamas have a vested interest in their babies' happiness and I'm here for ALL OF IT!!! #blessed
Ooh, this gets me every time! Most people look forward to the father daughter dance. But whenever it's time for the mother son dance, I imagine my babies all grown up and me dancing with them at their wedding and the waterworks begin immediately! Mums and their boys always have a strong bond but when you're the only son - well that just takes it to another level! These pictures years apart still make me smile so much! I know the families continue to cherish these memories. #thankful
A mother's love is usually our very first experience of love and often shapes the way we see and experience love in our personal lives. So the way I see it, the wedding day is a celebration of more than one love story! I just love documenting these intimate moments between mothers and their daughters and sons.
A picture is worth a thousand words - what else is there to say? I'm here for the love, joy and celebration!!! #lovesit
If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times. You aren't just marrying your partner, you are marrying their family. Having a good relationship with your in-laws is one of the quickest ways to peace and contentment in your married life. #thankmelater
Ok this doesn't happen often but it's too funny not to share! A comical moment when Mr O didn't want to share his mum with new brother-in-law! But luckily there's plenty of mam's love to go around!
Grandmothers are often the matriarchs of the family but not everyone is lucky enough to have their grandma at their wedding. So I always cherish these moments! If mums feel emotional, I can only imagine just how grandmas feel watching the little person whose diapers they used to change start to build a family of their own. Life and love are such beautiful things and I'm here for all of it!!!
Hope you enjoyed the series. If you are getting married in 2021 or 2022 and looking for the right wedding photographer for you? Get in touch with Wani for a complimentary consultation to see if we are a good match.
When choosing the vendors for your wedding day, it’s essential to find people you feel comfortable with and trust. It’s especially important when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer. Unlike the rest of your vendors, your photographer will be with you all day and the memories they capture will be lifelong ones!
I know it's tempting to just compare on pricing. But if wedding photography is a priority for you, while budget is a consideration, there are more important factors to consider. So as you’re interviewing potential photographers, take time to determine not just their prices, but also the style and quality of their images and whether their personality would be a good fit for you and your wedding day. Not sure what to ask? Check out these seven essential questions to help get you started!
Every photographer has a different style for their photos. Some like to observe and take documentary style photos of the day, while others specialise in carefully choreographed images. Ask your photographer not only to describe their style but also to show examples from previous weddings they’ve shot to give you a better idea of what to expect. You can also start to get a sense of their approach by looking through their Instagram feed, stories and website portfolio.
It often helps to have a photographer who is familiar with your venue and knows the best spots nearby for photos. However, if they’ve never shot a wedding at your venue before, that isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Ask if they’ll be checking out the venue before the wedding to find the perfect photo backdrops. For my couples, I always like to do an online or in person walk through ahead of the event to help me better prepare for the day. This also means I avoid wasting time searching for locations on the day. Plus I'm able to get my couple back to the cocktail hour that much quicker. #winning
Most photographers have standard packages or collections as well as extras you can add on for an additional fee. Be sure to ask what’s included in the packages, like the number of hours and prints or digital files, and be aware of any fees for travel or other costs.
Be sure to ask any potential photographer about their backup plan in case they’re ill or unable to photograph your wedding because of an emergency. This may feel like an awkward question, but it’s important to know there’s a solid Plan B in place so you’ll get the wedding photos you want, regardless of unexpected circumstances. I have a network of photographers I can reach out to in the worst case scenario. But in over 10 years of doing this, I haven't had to use them yet! <knock on wood>
You might have fallen in love with a photographer’s work when you saw it on their website, but a full gallery from a previous wedding can give you a better idea of the photographer’s style and skill. A complete gallery will also help you see if the photographer is consistent with the quality of their images. Looking through sample wedding albums is a great way to start to envision what your wedding pictures may look like.
It’s a great idea to ask about your potential photographer’s experience level, as well as their workload. You don’t want to hire someone who’s never photographed a wedding before to captures images of your big day. More experienced photographers are better able to cope with different lighting conditions and unexpected issues which always crop up. If your wedding photography is a priority - you probably don't want to be the guinea pig as a newbie is still trying to figure it all out.
This question may sound like small talk, but it’s an excellent way to get a better understanding of a photographer’s personality and how they’ll approach your wedding day. After all, you want a photographer who’s (almost) as excited about your wedding as you are!
Taking time to interview potential photographers gives you a chance to ask all these important questions and address any concerns you have about your wedding day. Before speaking with a photographer, be sure to write down a list of questions you have and any other details you want to know, to ensure that you’re prepared.
If you still need some more inspiration - you can click right here to check out this list over here for finding your perfect wedding photographer. If you don't have it already, you can also download a short guide on mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer.
Hope you found this helpful. And if you are a laid back stylish bride looking for some great editorial portraits and heartfelt wedding photography, then I'd love to hear from you to start chatting about how I can help you document the wedding of your dreams. x
For more tips and pretty pictures - come connect on Instagram right here.
You’ve spent months planning your wedding day, and now FINALLY, it’s almost here! Your guests have RSVPed, your vendors are all lined up, and you’ve chosen the dress. You’ve hired the perfect photographer to capture your day, but what do you want them to capture? I thought I would share some of my must have wedding photos with you.
Now let me preface this by saying - in no way am I advocating a shot list! Nope nope! #notafan If you've hired a professional wedding photographer (as opposed to a friend with a camera), then you can be rest assured that your photographer will capture all the important moments and details of your ceremony and reception.
This list is more a reminder for you as you decide on the number of hours of coverage you need to make sure you are covering all your bases. If you have any unique details or shots you want covered - always be sure to let your wedding photographer know.
After all, you want to remember every part of your wedding day, and once everything is said and done, your photos will be one of the few things you’ll have left.
Whether you plan to decorate your home with your wedding photos or create an album, or both, I've put together a list of some images you may not think of but you don’t want to miss out on, on your wedding day!
This may seem like an odd thing to photograph, but think about how much thought and planning you’ve put into the details of your wedding day. Your save-the-date cards, invitations, and RSVP responses all match and look great together, but after they’re all mailed off, you won’t see them again. Set aside a set to have your photographer snap a photo of on the wedding day, so you can appreciate how they matched your color scheme. It also makes for a nice spread in your wedding album.
Your wedding bands and engagement ring are a symbol of your love for and commitment to each other. Capturing this detail, especially if you have engraved bands, is the perfect memento of your wedding day.
From jewelry to shoes to the garter, the details of your wedding are things others may not see and you may forget. After all the planning you’ve put into the details of your day, you’ll want images of each little thing that made your wedding extra special.
One of the joys of your wedding day is getting all dolled up and looking your best. Why not capture those moments as you prepare to walk down the aisle? From makeup to hair, it will be fun to look back on the photos of your transformation into a bride.
While the first look is beautiful, intimate moment between you and your soon-to-be-spouse, there’s something especially sweet about the moments before that look. Whether you’re sneaking up on your partner or peering around a doorway, those feelings of anticipation and joy are ones you’ll definitely want captured.
Just like the details and invitations, photos of your ceremony space are a perfect way to capture all your hard work. Whether you’re getting married in a gorgeous venue or with a stunning natural backdrop, photos of the space before the ceremony will give you a chance to look back on your décor and venue choices in the years to come.
After all your planning, you’ll want photos of your reception details just as much as your ceremony details. From the dessert table to the party favors, be sure to have your photographer capture all the little things that delight your guests.
Of course, you want images of all the big moments of your wedding day: the ceremony, the first kiss, your first dance, and everyone partying the night away. But don’t forget all the little moments you’ll also want to look back on in the years to come!
Hope you've found this helpful. If you are currently planning your wedding and would like to find out more about what it's like to work with Wani Olatunde Photography - you can do so right here.
You can also grab my 5 top tips I share with all my clients to help them have a picture perfect day by filling out the form below! Enjoy! 🙂
It's been an interesting 12 months. 2020 was the first time - in over 10 YEARS - that I didn't photograph a wedding! And that's with 2 pregnancies along the way!!! It felt strange and a little sad. I really do miss my brides! But with weddings capped at between 6 to 15 guests in the UK, it's not hard to see why a lot of brides are postponing their weddings until they are able to celebrate with all their loved ones. I can't wait until we can look back and shake our heads at how strange these times were! #betterdaysarecoming
Anyway, I'm super excited to share this beautiful wedding dress inspiration photoshoot from a few months ago. When hair and makeup artist, Blessing of Adunni Belle Beauty suggested a bridal shoot - I jumped at the chance. And once we met with Hannah & Tina of the Ellia Bridal Boutique in Milton Keynes and I saw their gorgeous selection of dresses, I was sold! #ooh #Isoloveprettythings
I can't tell you how good it felt to be able to photograph a "bride" again. I actually got a little emotional directing the gorgeous Ayobami! For a moment, I felt like I was back photographing my #wopbrides. I really really can't wait for the world to get back to "normal"!!! But till then, we have styled shoots! 🙂
The inspiration behind the photoshoot was simple! We wanted to help provide some wedding dress inspiration for brides who were still in the early wedding planning stages. We narrowed it down to 3 different bridal personalities with 3 very different wedding dresses! There's definitely something for everyone!
For our Elegant Bride, I'm obsessed with this classic number from Louise Bentley with the statement bow.
The Romantic Bride has her Cinderella moment with a gorgeous tulle dress from the Ladybird Collection.
And then our Hollywood Glamour bride is non-traditional in a sequinned party dress from White Rose Bridal.
A big thank you to everyone who made this wedding dress inspiration shoot possible. I love that my portrait studio is in such a picturesque location, so we were able to head outside to the Furtho Manor Farm grounds for the final look.
Vendor List:
Wedding Dresses: Ellia Bridal Boutique
Website: https://www.elliabridal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliabridalboutique/
Hair & Makeup Artist: Adunni Belle Beauty
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adunni_belle_beauty/
Outdoor Location: Furtho Manor Farm
Website: https://www.furthomanorfarm.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furthomanorfarm/
Model: Ayobami
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adunolaa_
Photography: Wani Olatunde Photography
Website: https://waniolatunde.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waniolatundephotog/
Also excited to have this shoot featured at the fab Engage Weddings right here. You can check out that post for more information about the dress designers and the inspiration behind the shoot.
Currently taking wedding bookings for 2021 and 2022. Click this link to get in touch and book your no obligation consultation.