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Local experts on what’s hot for weddings in 2022

BEHIND THE LENS

Suffolk-based photographer Allen Blasdell has shot hundreds of weddings during his career and after the restrictions of the last couple of years, he is looking forward to capturing many more magical moments in 2022. Here he shares his industry insight into emerging trends in the world of wedding photography.

❤ In the moment

In the past we’ve seen photos involving the use of flashlights, assistants holding reflectors, shots where the couple have had to travel to a special location, and so on. The trend for weddings now though is for more authenticity. Often the couple will have no idea a shot is even being taken or, at most, a few minutes may be spent at the venue to get some ‘created’ but not posed photos. Even these will be simple using maybe just a single flash or reflector. This puts the photographer to the test as it requires efficiency and speed, combined with creativity and artistry, to be able to get these kind of shots. ❤ Monochrome revival

Of all the couples I’ve met for this year’s upcoming weddings almost all have expressed a wish for black and white photos – not the whole gallery but a decent proportion, which is great. There are often images that simply shout out for it – they have a particular emotion and character that simply doesn’t need colour, which can be a distraction from the essence of the shot. ❤ Engagement shoots

Personally, I’ve done way more engagement shoots than ever in recent months for couples getting married in 2022.

It’s a good way to become familiar with being in front of the camera and to feel relaxed. It also marks the beginning of their wedding story. ❤ Bridal boudoir

During the getting-ready shots on the wedding day, time is almost always tight and things are simply too pressured for anything approaching the personal and intimate boudoir photos possible at a dedicated shoot. Many brides want to give these photos as a surprise gift to their other half and for some it’s more to boost their confidence in front of the camera. ❤ Old-school film

Many brides are loving the vintage look of photos from the ’50s and ’60s. Not the old stiff, posed shots but the soft and gentle effect that film photographs have compared to today’s modern digital camera shots which are often too sharp, contrasty and can lack character. Although I won’t be digging out my film camera any day soon, it is possible to use lenses and process images to get an effect that harks back to those days. Allen Blasdell | Photographer www.creativepixelphotos.com

❤I feel there’s been a big shift away from the Insta influencers, as more people are getting fed up with staged content and want real, authentic, individual beauty. Instead of the highly contoured look that we’ve seen for a while, a soft sculpting, more natural, less defined effect is proving popular, using cream products which blend beautifully. ❤ Brows will still be big business but not the heavily drawn in ones.

Lamination will continue to dominate to help lift brows and open up your eyes, great for correction techniques and fuller, fluffier brows. ❤ Renown make-up artist Lisa Eldridge predicts soft kitten eyeliner instead of heavy cat’s eyes for a youthful, less heavy effect and I agree. Drawn from the middle of the eye outwards with a slight kick to create a natural lift, it’s again a nod to more authentic make-up. ❤ There’s a glossy lip trend emerging but for brides it’s best avoided as loose strands of hair can get stuck to it if there’s a breeze. Go for a touch of pigmented gloss in the middle over your chosen lip colour instead. ❤ There’s growing demand for sustainable products and packaging.

Charlotte Tilbury has made great strides toward this with refillable lipsticks and brow pencils, and glass bottles instead of plastic. Also there are some amazing companies offering vegan make-up and brushes like KVD, Hourglass, Cover FX and e.l.f. Some of my personal favourite products include Tarte Shape Tape Concealer and I wouldn’t be without my Urban Decay Setting Spray. The Illamasqua brand also provides high-performance, colour-intense make-up that’s ethically conscious and 100 per cent vegan-friendly. Victoria Bradfield | Make-up artist | www.victoriabradfield.co.uk

THE ‘I DOS’

Rob Head of Oaktree Ceremonies celebrated his first year as a celebrant at the end of October 2021. He has helped many couples create their own personal and bespoke wedding ceremony and is looking forward to the 2022 season and what lies ahead. He says:

With Covid making a lasting impression on 2020/2021 and impacting on so many couples wanting to celebrate their nuptials, this year will see increased demand for a more personal service. Intimate weddings became popular last year, with many newlyweds-to-be opting for a celebrant-led service, allowing them to be more creative and involved with the planning, which looks set to continue.

We’re likely to see more sequel weddings too as, rather than cancel their big day altogether, many couples chose to scale it down and host a big party or reception this year on their first anniversary.

Ultimately, the wedding day itself will always come down to the couple’s preferences and budget but I think the ethos of couples wanting to support small, independent businesses will carry on. Robert Head | Celebrant | www.oaktreeceremonies.co.uk

www.cherylannephotography.co.uk