Jesse of J Lawrence Photography has a passion for showing you how beautiful you are on your wedding day! With a focus on inclusivity, Jesse is the ideal photographer if one, or both of you hate posing for photos.

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

I am based on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, and have become known around the country as the perfect photographer for couples where one or both really hate having their photo taken! I have a way of working with people, whether they like having their photo taken or not, which means that the key focus is the couple enjoying their special day.

As an extremely open-minded and welcoming person, I make a special effort to be inclusive. And as an animal lover, I particularly love couples with pets; especially if they are involved with the big day! I focus on being quite relaxed in style; there are always lots of natural smiles and laughter in my work, rather than lots of posed shots.

WHY DID YOU START YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS?

I had been photographing for a long time but was asked to photograph a big charity ball, and so decided to take things more seriously! I, like many photographers, started by doing a bit of everything, but I ended up loving weddings so much that they became my main focus.

”I make a special effort to be inclusive.”

WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN WEDDINGS?

I love the individuality of weddings – we are moving further and further away from “you must” and “you have to” mindset, allowing couples to really personalise their experience. Couples tend to build a great rapport with me, as I tend to be someone for them to rely on during the day, which leads to a lot of friendships with them and their families. Done well, weddings are such positive and joyous occasions, and I love it!

WHAT KIND OF COUPLE DO YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?

I love working with a couple that wants luxury – to really treat themselves on their wedding day, but still having a relaxed style.

”Done well, weddings are such positive and joyous occasions, and I love it!”

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE BOOK YOU FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

People should book me if they would like stunning images of their wedding day, with a high level of professionalism, whilst remaining relaxed so that they can enjoy their special day.

WHAT QUESTION DO YOU GET ASKED ALL THE TIME BY COUPLES AND WHAT’S THE ANSWER TO IT?

“Can you Photoshop me to look thinner?” The simple answer is I can Photoshop you into a purple alien if you really want! But I believe in promoting a positive body image. So, I will not change the size you are, but make sure that I show how beautiful you are with the shape that you have. Of course, if there is something specific in particular pictures, I will work with you on those, but normally customers are surprised at how amazing they look without the need to modify the images.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE PIECE OF WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE?

I always advise couples to think about what they want, not what tradition or other people say they should do. It is your perfect day.

A cheeky second piece of advice is to make sure you hear your wedding music on the sound system wherever you are getting married. I have worked at stunning venues with awful speakers where you can hardly hear the music that you have chosen for walking down the aisle to. Best to know in advance and make alternative arrangements!

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM WEDDING VENUE, LOCATION OR WEDDING THEME THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO WORK AT?

I am hoping to do more weddings at some of the grand estates around Hampshire, such as Sopley Mill, Carey’s Manor and the Elvetham. But in general, I am hoping to see an increase in LGBTQ+ weddings, as these are still few and far between.

IF WE WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT OUR WEDDING DAY WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

Contact me through my website, social media or phone – I am easy to get hold of!

To feel relaxed on your wedding day, speak with Jesse.
https://www.jlawrence-photography.co.uk/
Facebook: @jesselawrencephoto | Instagram: @jlawrence_photo