Traditional Weddings - Romantic UK Wedding Photography

How to Easily Prepare for Your Wedding Photos

Wani Olatunde — Tue, 11 May 2021 10:15:00 +0000

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!

Do your best to relax.

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.

Get a little closer.

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.

Spend some time at your venue.

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

Pause and be present.

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.

Be open with your photographer.

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.

10 Easy & Stylish Poses for Your Bridal Party

Wani Olatunde — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:29:29 +0000

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

Capture kiss reactions

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!

Form a V

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.

Form a W or an M

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!

Walk with style

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.

Show off in sunglasses

Another classic guy pose!

Want to amp up the #badboy vibes? Have everyone put on a pair of shades and channel their inner celebrity.

Boys will be boys

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!

The classic straight line

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.

Don't forget the morning bridal party shot

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.

Play with levels

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.

Pair up

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.

5 Heartwarming Mother Daughter (And Son!) Moments At Weddings

Wani Olatunde — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:25:49 +0000

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:

1. The "We Made It" 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

2. The Emotional Mother Son Dance

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

3. The "I Love You" Moments

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.

4. The Celebration Moments

A picture is worth a thousand words - what else is there to say? I'm here for the love, joy and celebration!!! #lovesit

5. The "Welcome to the Family" Moments

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

Bonus 1: The "I'm Not Sharing My Mother" Moment

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!

Bonus 2: The Moments with Grandma

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.

Yoruba / Idoma Traditional Wedding At DVenue | #HappilyEverAdah

Wani Olatunde — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 19:43:07 +0000

Whoop whoop - we made it, final shoot of the year! And I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple. #winning

Bolaji is quirky and fun, Ochechi is cool and charming and they complement each other perfectly. Looking through their pictures as I tried to decide on what to post for this mini sneak peek, I found myself smiling as it's easy to see how in tune they are with one another. I pray this love continues to grow and lasts them a lifetime together.

Bolaji & Ochechi - Thank you so much for having me be part of your love story. Wishing you both all the joy and happiness in the world and may your future together be as bright and sunny as you are. God bless you plenty plenty. xxx

A special shoutout to Kola of Marcus Smith Events who always delivers for his couples. #weloveMarcusSmith

Happy New Year in advance and enjoy the sneak peek. 🙂

Yay - ending 2018 on a high. Now booking for 2019 - get in touch right here if you think we'll be a good fit. Happy New Year. 🙂

Yoruba Traditional Wedding At Harbour Point | #AANovember

Wani Olatunde — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 02:33:11 +0000

I'm always nervous when I have to shoot people I haven't met in person. Will I like them? Will they like me? More importantly, will they listen to my instructions so we can get awesome pictures?!? I needn't have worried. Ayomide and Adeola are the sweetest pair. At first I thought they were a quiet lot but then I saw them on the dancefloor! #turndownforwhat!!! #myfavouritekindofcouple

Highlight of the day definitely has to be the camaraderie between Adeola and his squad - never seen a group of guys so ready to have a good time (I believe the current phrase is "turnt"?!? #howdoIusethisinasentence #showingmyagenow).

Anyway I had a great day with these two and super excited about the white wedding, which is gonna be fabulous. Enjoy the sneak peek. 🙂

Now booking fun and fabulous couples for 2019! Get in touch via the contact form right here or via wa**@**********de.com to check availability and start chatting about your big day. 🙂

#MeantTubi At Landmark Event Centre | Tiwa & Tolani

Wani Olatunde — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:12:47 +0000

No long essay today - #part2loading tomorrow.

All you need to know - Tiwa & Tolani are my kind of people. #lovethem and Timi, planner extraordinaire and #wopfave delivered a beautiful, elegant and fun event as always. #weloveTimi ?

A couple more spots available in 2018 for easy going, fun loving couples - contact me at wa**@**********de.com to check availability and start chatting.

Fun Traditional Yoruba Wedding At The Haven | Ayodeji & Mayowa #AYOWA18

Wani Olatunde — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:32:46 +0000

I love when bridesmaids from a #wopcouple's wedding get in touch because they've seen the way I work and they know what to expect so it makes the process much easier. So when Ayodeji who was one of the fabulous bridesmaids from this wedding last year got in touch and I met with her and Mayowa. I was like - yes please, sign me up! They are my kind of people - chilled, relaxed, no drama and ready to have a good time. 🙂

There are lots of things I love about Ayodeji and Mayowa - the way they are always kidding with each other and the way their smiles light up the room especially when they are together are just two. <3 Again, you can always tell a lot about a person by the company they keep and the #ayowa18 Bride Tribe and Yoruba Angels were out in full force to support these two this weekend for their traditional Yoruba ceremony, which was fantastic.

We still have the final part to go, so I shall effuse more about these 2 then but before I head out, I really have to give a shout out to Ayodeji for actually sticking to our timeline, which meant we had enough time for portraits!!! #amazing #neverhappens I adore the bridal party portraits we got - some of my favourite to date and couldn't have happened without Ayodeji's gorgeous & oh so fabulous #bridetribe #toomuchsauce 🙂

It was also a super emotional day, which you will see. So enjoy and we'll see you next week for part 2. #cantwait

Contact Wani right here if you are an easy going, relaxed bride who is planning to have an amazing day with your bestie and loved ones on your wedding day. 3 more spots available for 2018. xxx

A Nigerian-Canadian Romance at Grace Garden Event Place, Lekki | Kunbi & Paul

Wani Olatunde — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 15:56:28 +0000

The reason I love photographing weddings is because I'm a ~~hopeless~~ hopeful romantic and I am absolutely in love with LOVE. Every time I am fortunate to photograph a couple in love - my heart wells with joy, excitement and a prayer that they will always remember why they chose to get married in the first place. Love is truly a beautiful gift and I believe the luckiest people in the world get to fall in love with their best friend over and over again.

Enter Kunbi and Paul, who are pretty much my perfect kind of couple. The way they feel about each other is written all over their faces and honestly I felt blessed to be part of their special day. Paul looks at Kunbi like she's the answer to a question he's been searching for and the way Kunbi beamed at Paul all day long, there's no doubt that she found who she was looking for. #blessed

Paul and his family are Canadian, so the whole #naijawedding scene is pretty new to them but they were such great sports completely throwing themselves into the Yoruba traditional wedding ceremony and it was an awesome day with lots of love, joy and of course dancing. #weliketoparty Actually, I think Kunbi may win the WOP #DancingQueen award this year - this was one bride who came to have a great time and she truly was an absolute joy to photograph. #weloveussomeKunbi

Kunbi and Paul - thank you sooooo much for choosing me to document this chapter of your love story. I pray you continue to laugh, love and grow together and that married life is everything you want it to be and more. One down, one to go! God bless you lots. xxx

Wedding Vendors (aka the Dream team):

Ceremony | Grace Garden Event Place
Wedding Co-ordinator | Sike, Etal Events
Bride’s Makeup | Beauty by Queen
Lagos Wedding Photographer | Wani Olatunde & Jokotade Shonowo wani olatundephotography

p.s: I have to mention that when Kunbi reached out initially, she told me she had been a fan of mine for years, which is always very humbling. I am absolutely thrilled that we finally got a chance to work together. Thanks again Kunbi. 🙂

I love celebrating love stories and working with couples in love. If you are a fun, relaxed couple ready to have a great time at your wedding, I would love to connect with you and find out how I can help with your wedding photography needs. If you are interested in working with me, then please do get in touch right here. Ciao. xxx

Chilled Yoruba Traditional Wedding at Havilah Event Centre | Toun & Lumi

Wani Olatunde — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:24:49 +0000

There is always a little more pressure when shooting a photographer and yesterday, we got to photograph 2 of them! Toun is an amazing children's event photographer - like seriously ask anyone for a kid's photographer and Toun's name will always come up! #boss #industryleader Lumi, as you know is my favourite partner in crime, he balances out my frenetic energy on a wedding day and he's a fantastic wedding photographer in his own right - very cool and collected guy...umm, except when it comes to a certain lady - lol. These 2 had a bit of a whirlwind romance or at least it seemed like it, one day we were teasing them about dating on the dL and the next undying declarations of love were being pronounced. #whenyouknowyouknow #whywastetime #lovehasitsownschedule

I get pretty emotional at weddings as it is but it was especially hard to hold back the tears yesterday when Lumi arrived with the widest grin ready to claim his bride. It's so special when 2 people you care about, find each other and I honestly couldn't be happier for these 2 amazing friends and human beings. #blessed

Here’s a sneak peek of what we got up to yesterday – part 2 loading. #cantwait #waitandget2017loading #insidejoke #dontask

p.s: Don't you just love Toun's customised clutch by the multitalented Clutched by Dami - playful and pretty. Love it!

Still have a couple more dates available for the second half of 2017. If you are fun, easy going bride who is head over heels in love with your best friend, have great taste in shoes and plan to leave it all on the dance floor – then we should definitely talk. head here to see if we’ll be a good fit (totally like online dating) and then get in touch right here, so we can start talking about your big day. Also come hang out with me on instagram so you can stay updated on all things pretty. Ciao. xxx