As Bride: The Wedding Show at Westpoint Arena in Exeter draws closer, here’s a look at some spectacular first dance shots from photographers exhibiting on October 8 and 9.
Twisty Focus, Stand number: 336
“All eyes focused on the happy couple while they swayed side to side, holding each other in their arms while staring into each other’s eyes. This, amongst others, is such a magical moment to capture as a wedding photographer. You usually have around 2-3 minutes to deal with the various things such as low light, other guests who are watching the couple intently and to make sure you do this moment justice. Being a wedding photographer is challenging, but capturing moments like this is why we love what we do.”
Focus Weddings, Stand number: 902
“It is not possible to go into wedding photography and stick to a photographic style. I say this because a wedding gives you all the different types of photography in the day. From romantic to elbowing the father of the bride out of the way to get the best shot of his daughter on the dance floor… You need to be very quick and presume what the next step will be and in what direction they will take. In the picture below I needed to work fast to capture the atmosphere and energy of the couple and make sure I could capture the band to bring the shot together, while deciding whether to use the lights of the DJ or guitar of the band member. You must always remember the little details and also not to get in the way of the father, as he will always win.”
Little Red Book Photography, Stand number: 233
“When you walk into the Great Hall at The Alverton Hotel in Truro, you can’t fail to be impressed by the grandeur of the room. It’s a great place for us to work as wedding photographers and with a perfectly placed balcony, we were able to shoot this lovely moody first dance of Chelsea and Liam Barnett. We kept the lighting very simple, so as not to spoil the heart-warming ambience of the moment they joined each other on the dance floor in front of their guests.”
Nina Dodd Photography, Stand number: 231
“Here is a photo which was taken in Dunster in June 2015. It is a funny shot, which really depicts the time we are living in. The wedding couple are having their first dance and both the mother and the daughter of the groom have been caught playing with their phones, when they should have been watching the dance. This photo has made a lot of people laugh and gasp at the same time.”
Little Phat Dog Photographic, Stand number: 329
“The first dance is one of the most personal parts of a wedding for me. It’s probably because in my eyes it’s one of the first times during the day that the couple have got a proper chance to be alone. This photo, in particular, is my favourite first dance photo; it depicts Sarah and Vince Cort at their wedding at Deer Park Hotel. It instantly makes me get that warm fuzzy feeling and I want to grab the nearest person to me and hug them. The little secret smiles and looks caught on camera are always the best.”
Photography by Marion Frances, Stand number: 835
“I love photographing the first dance, as it is a precious few minutes in a packed day when the newly married couple can completely focus on each other and get lost in the moment. Using different angles and viewpoints gives the couple a great variety of shots to treasure. I love to use the lighting from the DJ booth and always make sure to include the guests in some of the shots. With my relaxed style and friendly nature I soon blend in to the shadows allowing everyone, including the couple, to focus on the romance of their dance.”
Maxi Photography, Stand number: 665
“The photo is of Nicholas and Stephen’s first dance at Huntsham Court. Claudia Patrice was flown in from Dubai especially to kick start the evening party, singing the boys’ first dance song. Unbeknown to us, they had a dance routine in mind and after a few ‘sways’, Stephen dropped Nicholas over his knee, much to the delight of the watching wedding guests! It was a perfect moment and they looked so happy, it really moved me.”
Love Day Photography, Stand number: 219
“Gemma and Karl had their wedding reception at The Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon. I love this image as it clearly shows how much in love the couple are. At Love Day Photography we consider it a huge honour and privilege to be asked to capture such intimate moments during a wedding day.”
Nick Pearce Photography, Stand number: 341
“Vicki and Phil’s July 2016 wedding was a delight to capture. This happy couple involved me in their day from the early stages of planning. We met at a stately home wedding fair in Cornwall last year and simply clicked. This first dance image is simple, their day was truly special, their love for each other was soul-stirring.”
Other photographers at Bride: The Wedding Show at Westpoint Arena:
Ben Lee Photoimagery, 509
Pristine Photography, 518
Photo Lesk, 647
Find your photographer and plan the rest of your wedding under one roof at Bride: The Wedding Show at Westpoint Arena which is open from 10am to 4pm on October 8 and 9. There will be professional, choreographed catwalk shows three times daily, live music, a dedicated vintage inspiration area, a champagne bar, competitions to enter and the first 100 brides through the doors each day will get a goody bag.
Tickets are £5 each or £15 for a group of four in advance here. Tickets are £7.50 on the day.