On the wedding day

Who will be there? Neil Cowley will be the primary photographer at your wedding. Neil shoots every wedding that he books and never "hires out" so you can rest assured that he will be the person behind the lens. If you have chosen a package with a second shooter or the double package, they will also be at your wedding. Neil's most popular package is his single package and he works very well alone, so you need not be concerned about hiring him as the sole shooter. Liesl often assists Neil at weddings (even the smaller packages) unless family ties keep her with the kids. She will do anything from grabbing a drink for the beloved photographer to helping family through the group pictures to snapping some shots with one of the extra cameras.

Getting ready: Depending on your preference this can be as early as the salon visit that morning or as late as the boutonnières being put on. You may not feel comfortable at first, but some of the most precious moments occur as you're with your family and close friends in the hours and minutes before the ceremony begins. If you are uncertain about being photographed at this point, Neil encourages you to trust his experience and discretion and open up to allowing him into your life. Neil operates in an unobtrusive manner and blends into the background quietly observing and recording what is happening around you.

Ceremony: Your preferences for documenting the ceremony will be carefully observed by Neil. He deeply respects the religious and social importance of the marriage ceremony and tailors his coverage to your taste from extreme stealth to quiet exploration.

Formals: Working from the formals list you provided us before your wedding, we'll work quickly and efficiently to involve your family and wedding party in "formal" portraits. This is usually done within 20-30 minutes (a little longer with large families) to get you to your reception as quickly as possible. Still, we all have fun! It's not just a series of forced-smile, hands-at-the-side photos. Expect a variety of relaxed portraits and come with a few ideas that reflect memories together and the nature of your wedding party.

Planned events: Because Neil shoots documentary-style, he doesn't direct any of the action. Time for the cake cutting or first dance? Go for it. He will never ask you to "re-create" the moment so he can record it, as he will have typically already photographed it. You will become familiar with looking over your shoulder to see a tall guy with a camera to his face snapping here and there. Only rarely will Neil ask you to do anything, and everything he asks will just come naturally, anyway.