Within this time he was consistently investing time and effort in developing his style and building his brand Adam Alex Photography; he wanted to offer a style of photography that was vibrant and fashion- based. Adam’s ethic of Innovation is the key to keeping on top in the industry and keeping his clients fulfilled and coming back for more.

Adam Alex is also the principle photographer and director of XSiGHT UK, specializing in contemporary wedding photography. XSiGHT is the worlds most award winning image makers with 6 studios Internationally.

5 Star Weddings: Why did you become a wedding photographer?

Adam Alex: I got into wedding photography because opportunities arose at the time. But most importantly I love shooting people. I love the pressure on the day, the buzz, the atmosphere, the emotions and capturing moments.

5 Star Weddings: What is your style of photography?

Adam Alex: Vibrant and glamorous with classic elements

5 Star Weddings: What is your biggest achievement to date?

Adam Alex: Opening my new company XSiGHT ‘Photography and Video’, as well as running a string of very successful workshops and seminars. I also work very closely with Graphistudio as their UK ambassador.

5 Star Weddings: What was the coolest wedding you have shot?

Adam Alex: There is not a single wedding that stands out. All my clients are important and they all understand my vision and we all have a great relationship.

5 Star Weddings: What should a couple ask when choosing a photographer?

Adam Alex: A couple should just be clear about their investment i.e. products and services as well as the reputation and profile of their photographer

5 Star Weddings: How would you like to see wedding photography change in the industry?

Adam Alex: I’d like to see wedding photography increase in its quality and reputation. I’d like to see photographers respecting their trade and educating their clients on the importance of their wedding album and what sentimental value it holds. Brides should not believe everything that they read as many articles would undervalue wedding photography when it is in fact an art form and the most important element of their wedding day.

5 Star Weddings: What is the best image of a couple you have shot?

Adam Alex: There is not one particular image that I could say is better than any other, however I like to have fun when shooting my couples and for my couples to be completely relaxed and confident that their finished product would be amazing. It is my job as a photographer to deliver a product that the client will cherish for the rest of their lives. It is not about my needs but about my clients and our relationship.

5 Star Weddings: How far in advance should a couple book a photographer?

Adam Alex: It depends on the demands of the photographer, but I would say at least a year.

5 Star Weddings: What do you think makes a 5 Star Wedding?

Adam Alex: Love, passion, fun, ambiance, and a really cool couple!

5 Star Weddings: What do you predict couples will want from their photographs next year?

Adam Alex: What we continue to do – produce amazing wedding photography!

For more details see Adam Alex Photography

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Flowers: Gypsophila is back and it’s big! Often known as Babies Breath, this delicate flower is making a big come back when used en-masse for a vintage look that is all the rage, says florist Samantha Davis. It is perfect for the vintage look, lasts for a long time, and offers great value for money.

Other vintage trends, says Claudia of Purple Tiger Floral Design, are the use of personalised eclectic vases such as tea caddies, antique heirlooms, perfume bottles, snuff boxes, pill boxes, cigarette cases, and christening mugs to hold flowers. Alternatively collections of small, clear vases at different heights and shapes, look great when each is filled with a different type of flower in the same colour. Other clever vintage tricks include using unique centre pieces, such as jewellery boxes, bird cages, or shoes filed with blousy blooms, or a Grace Kelly inspired display using lace, satin, and pearls in iridescent colours.

Photography: vintage props. There are great accessories like old gramophones, and telephones for a vintage look, says wedding photographer Douglas Fry. There are several trends this year – particularly a 1920’s or 1950’s vintage look.

Cakes: the Will and Kate legacy has seen a return to royal iced piping and elaborate ornate features. The royal wedding and royal icing go hand in hand, says cake maker Nicola Hall of Hall of Cakes – think lots of Royal iced piping and ornate features, with beautiful sugar flowers and delicate blossoms.

Entertainment: get ready to go loopy. A loop pedal allows a single musician to layer tracks (either instruments or vocals) on top of each other live to create a full sounding piece of music. Acts like Ed Sheeran and Owen Pallett have been using loop pedals during their live performances in recent years and this idea is starting to filter into our auditions, says Alice Chorley of Sternberg Clarke. Acts like Next Big Thing winner Iona Thomas are using an electric harp, guitar and loop pedal to create music that’s more wedding friendly than a typical loop pedal user.

And now weddings are starting to benefit. The real draw is that it offers a host of options for people dealing with space or budget issues when booking wedding entertainment, allowing one person to do the job of many. Whole not a replacement for a full band, it’s an innovative and quirky touch for modern weddings

Dining: hit the street. Food trucks are the latest rage for late night snacks – everything from ice cream, donuts, tacos, to barbecue and more, says Chef Gary Devereaux from Ampersand Catering. And now the wedding scene is hitting the same trend. Street food has taken the UK by storm – with salt beef sliders, chorizo and mackerel burgers, Vietnamese Banh Mi, and sourdough doughnuts just some examples of the stunning food on sale in the capital at sensational prices. The common denominator is that they are all exceptionally high quality, sensational value for money and hugely versatile when it comes to serving large crowds. For the ultra-hip London food vibe, forget the formal dinner and get yourself a food truck.

• To find out more about their London wedding venues, the experts they work with, or any of the trends they describe see It’s The Agency.

Is this the future for a wedding and video capture, using the all in one Apple IPad. Such a strange thing to bring to a wedding….what do you think and do you think this will catch on?

These tips are intended to help you to choose the right photographer and make sure that you get the best out of them on the day.

Your photographer is the one area that I would not compromise with.  Capturing the essence and happiness behind a wedding day in pictures is a fine art; if you get the right photographer, you will love looking through your album and be transported back to the day for years to come.

1. Do your research

The key to finding the right wedding photographer for you is research.  If you don’t have a wedding planner to do this for you, you need to start by scouring the internet and local area for photographers that you like.

All good photographers will have online galleries and examples of their work.  Think about the that you are seeing, do they ‘talk’ to you?  Have they captured the essence of the day?  Do they have the attention to detail that you are looking for?  If you love what you see, shortlist them.

Once you have a list of five, go back through the galleries and arrange to meet the three that you like the best.  Do bear in mind that the online galleries will be their best work, so make sure that you ask to see full albums when you meet up.

2. Pre-wedding shoot

I would highly recommend having a pre-wedding shoot.  This is where the bride and groom meet with the photographer prior to the big day for a photoshoot.

It’s a brilliant way of getting to know your photographer and ensures that the taken on the day are perfect.  Your photographer can learn about what shots you like and don’t like and won’t waste time on the wedding day.  In addition it gives great confidence to people who are a little more conscious about having their photograph taken.

Many photographers offer this as standard now because of the superb results.

3. Personalities

Their work may be brilliant, but if you don’t gel with them when you meet, don’t be tempted to book them.  It is imperative that you get on with your photographer, you will be spending a lot of time with them and need to be relaxed for them to get the best shots.

It’s also important that they are able to interpret what you want and understand your ideas.

4. Style

Know what you like and don’t be talked into having something that you don’t.  Make sure that you understand the differences between different photographic styles so that you can have a meaningful discussion with the photographer.

5. The Brief

Be precise. If you absolutely have to have a close up of your shoes or cake, make sure that you say so – photographers are not psychic!  Provide a list of all the you want, but allow them some artistic license throughout the day to get the best results.

6. The Disc

How important is it to you that you have a copy of the disc containing all of your wedding photos?  Check with the photographer whether this is part of the package – some photographers still hold onto the disc, as they expect to get more print orders that way.

7. How many shooters?

Is it important to you that the preparation is photographed?  Do you want the bride getting ready with her bridesmaids?  Do you also want to capture the Groom and his Ushers tying their cravats and arriving at the venue?  If so you might need two shooters.

Make sure that you think about what you want captured and talk to the photographer about how best to achieve this.  Some firms provide two shooters as standard; others will bring in a second shooter if required.

8. Timescales

How long will they be there on the day?  Make sure that this is agreed well in advance.  If you absolutely must have shots of your ‘first dance’, make sure your photographer is planning on being around for it.

They will have been working a very long day, please make sure that you feed your photographer.  It doesn’t have to be the wedding breakfast, just ask the venue for an additional plate of hot food.

9. Travel Expenses

Make sure that you know what is covered in the costs.  The last thing you want is a final bill after the wedding for travel expenses.

10. Insurance

Are they insured? All professional photographers should have public liability and professional indemnity insurance, but I would suggest that you ask to see it.  If they have any assistance on the day they are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance so make sure of this too.

Enjoy the search and don’t forget…….  the difference between ordinary and extraordinary photographs lies with you; allow your personalities to shine through.

SMILE!

For more wedding planning advice see I Do Designer Weddings

On the memorable date of July 7, 2007, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker celebrated their union in the romantic city of Paris.

The ceremony, which saw the “Desperate Housewives” star and the renowned basketball player exchange vows, was attended by 250 guests and took place at the Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois—a location steeped in history.

Eva Longoria was the epitome of bridal elegance, dressed in a bespoke Angel Sanchez creation. The mermaid-style gown was crafted from silk wool, adorned with metallic silk gazar embroidery, and featured a gracefully scooped back alongside an impressive train.

The date 07.07.07, which occurs once every century, is considered uniquely auspicious. Some believe that to ward off misfortune, weddings should be completed before 11:30 a.m. on such a singular date.

Looking ahead, it’s anticipated that the dates 08.08.08 and 09.09.09 will also attract couples looking to add an extra layer of significance to their wedding day. Those planning to marry on these dates should prepare early to secure their special day.