Picture Perfect

In recent years, the concept and popularity of a pre-wedding photoshoot has surged, especially amongst British Asian couples. Brides and Grooms-to-be looking for a wedding photographer are increasingly seeing a number of other services on offer, such as the chance to capture the romance of the engagement in casual and carefree settings well before the Big Day. This is a great idea on many levels:

1. It serves as a great 'test-run', allowing you to observe your chosen photographer at work and helping you shrug off any camera shyness. On the actual day, when you're distracted by loved ones who want your time and attention, the last thing you want is to be worrying if you're standing correctly or trying to interpret the photographer's directions.

2. Photos from a pre-wedding shoot are far less formal that the official wedding pics, so there's room for a little creative license. We've heard of couples having pre-wedding shoots in spectacular locations, from a weekend trip to the Côte d'Azur to the marbled palaces of India to something more casual, such as the university halls where they first met as students, or sharing milkshakes in a retro cafe. You can have a shoot pretty much anywhere you want, but if it's in an official building or private residences, make sure you get permission first. It's a brilliant chance to have pictures that encapsulate the bond between the two of you before tying the knot.

3. It's a chance to reconnect and reminisce with your fiance. The run-up to the wedding is notoriously stressful. Between dress fittings, creating seating plans and cake tastings, it can be difficult to find a moment for just the two of you. Think of a pre-wedding shoot as a date - and although your photographer will be there, a good one will be able to make him or herself invisible without you even noticing!

Photo Credit: Rima Darwash