People often talk about suppliers going the extra mile as though it's something exceptional. A little bonus. Something extra that only happens when there's time.
The truth is, I don't see it that way.
For me, going the extra mile has never been about doing more than my job. It's about recognising that every couple is different, and that not everybody experiences wedding planning, or their wedding day itself, in the same way.
What feels simple and straightforward for one couple can feel overwhelming, inaccessible or stressful for another. That's why I've always believed that being a wedding photographer is about far more than taking photographs. It's about creating an experience where people feel safe, supported and able to be themselves.
Because One Size Doesn't Fit All
One of the biggest things I've learned from working with so many different couples over the years is that there is no such thing as a "normal" wedding experience. Every couple brings their own personalities, relationships, backgrounds, priorities, challenges and needs to the table. What makes one person feel excited and relaxed might leave somebody else feeling completely overwhelmed, and that's okay.
The wedding industry can sometimes fall into the trap of treating couples as though they all fit into the same mould. The same planning process. The same communication style. The same expectations. The same idea of what a wedding should look like. But people simply don't work that way.
Some of my couples love jumping on a video call and chatting through every detail. Others would much rather communicate by email because it's less stressful and gives them time to process information at their own pace. Some couples thrive on a packed wedding day full of activity and socialising, whilst others need quiet moments built into their timeline so they can recharge and actually enjoy the experience.
I've worked with neurodivergent couples, couples managing chronic illnesses, couples navigating complex family dynamics, LGBTQIA+ couples who have spent years feeling unseen by parts of the wedding industry and couples who simply want to celebrate their relationship in a way that feels authentic to them.
What all of them have in common is that they deserve an experience that works for them.
That's why I don't believe in a rigid approach to wedding photography. Instead, I try to get to know my couples as individuals and adapt wherever I can. Sometimes that means changing how we communicate. Sometimes it means adjusting timelines, finding quieter portrait locations, providing extra guidance, or simply taking the time to understand what will help somebody feel comfortable and supported.
Because the goal isn't to fit people into a process. The goal is to create a process that works for the people.
