RELAXED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
photography that fits around you
FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T LIKE HAVING THEIR PHOTO TAKEN
If the thought of being in front of a camera makes you cringe a little, you’re exactly the kind of people I love photographing.
I’m Rachael, the camera-shy photographer behind As You Are Photography. I photograph relaxed weddings across Hertfordshire and beyond, helping couples forget about the camera so they can enjoy the people they love and the day they’ve spent so long planning.
Your wedding wasn’t planned around a camera. It was planned around the people you love. My job is to fit photography around your day – not the other way around. I’ll step in when I’m needed, quietly disappear when I’m not, and leave you with photographs that remind you how it all felt.
From booking to gallery delivery, here’s exactly what it’s like to have me as your wedding photographer. Have a scroll, see if my approach feels like a good fit, and if it does, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Lizzie&Joe
Rachael captured so many natural, candid moments which produced photos we will treasure forever.
Grace&Cameron
Rachael has a gift for capturing moments as they naturally unfold. The photos perfectly reflect the joy and emotions of the day.
Kristin&Simon
We aren’t naturally comfortable in front of a camera, but Rachael made us feel completely at ease
So What Does Relaxed Wedding Photography Mean?
Relaxed wedding photography means your wedding stays exactly that – a wedding, not a photoshoot.
Most of the day, you’ll barely notice I’m there. I’ll quietly photograph the day as it unfolds, capturing real moments as they happen.
When I do step in, it’s because you need me. I’ll organise your group photos quickly, and help you enjoy your couple portraits.
The aim isn’t to spend your day having photographs taken. It’s to help you enjoy your day now, and remember what mattered later.
How It All Works
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. Booking your photographer shouldn’t.
Before Booking
Take a look around my website, browse a few real weddings, and if you think we’d be a good fit, get in touch by filling out my enquiry form with as much info as you know at this stage. We’ll have a relaxed chat where we can talk about your plans and I can answer any questions.
The Booking Process
If you decide you’d like me there on your wedding day, a signed contract and a 20% deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due one month before your wedding day. We can set up a payment plan to get things out the way earlier if you want to.
After Booking
Once you’ve booked with me, you’ll get my wedding planning guide to help you plan a relaxed wedding day. If you’d like, we can also plan a pre-wedding shoot. It’s a lovely way to help you realise being photographed really isn’t as scary as you thought.
Most of the time
For most of the day, you’ll barely notice I’m there. I’ll quietly be there, photographing your day as it unfolds while you spend time with the people you’ve invited to celebrate with you. There’s no staging, posing, or interruptions.
Couple Portraits
This is time for the two of you – a chance to spend a few moments alone together. Most couples say this ends up being one of their favourite parts of the day because it’s often the first chance they’ve had to pause and take it all in together.
Group Photos
A wedding is one of the few times everyone you love is together in one place, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to remember it, and I will step in and capture those all-important group photos. I make sure it’s fun for all, and done quickly, so everyone can get back to celebrating.
Gallery Delivery
The confetti has settled, your dress is at the dry cleaners, and you’re wondering how the day went by so quickly. That’s where the photographs come in.
I’ll carefully edit every image before sending you a little preview within a week, because I know you’ll be desperate to relive it all. Your full gallery will be ready in 6–8 weeks, giving you hundreds of moments to look back on for years to come.
Wedding Albums
Your online gallery makes it easy to order prints, frames and wall art, but if you’re anything like me, there’s something special about holding your wedding day in your hands.
That’s why I offer beautifully designed wedding albums – so your favourite moments become something you can come back to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is relaxed photography?
Relaxed wedding photography focuses on capturing your day as it genuinely unfolds, without staged poses or forced smiles. I focus on capturing real moments as they happen, with just a few beautiful portraits here and there.
Why choose a relaxed wedding photographer?
If you want photos that reflect genuine laughter, real connections and the way your day felt, not how it looked in a photoshoot, this style of wedding photography is for you. It’s ideal for couples who prefer an easy-going approach and want to enjoy their day rather then spend hours in front of the camera.
Do you travel for weddings?
I cover Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and London. I am happy to travel further afield so do get in touch and we can work out a small travel fee. As a general rule, if a journey is going to take me more than 90 minutes I may need to stay overnight the night before, depending on your wedding start times. I’m more than happy to chat about this before booking, as each wedding is so unique and different.
How long before the wedding should we book you?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially for popular wedding seasons. I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, so get in touch sooner rather than later to lock in your date! 9-18 months out from your date is ideal.
Will you direct us during the day?
I prefer to keep things natural, but yes — I’ll offer gentle guidance when needed to make sure your photos look their best – think subtle encouragement and direction that feels relaxed and comfortable.
Can we do a payment plan?
Yes! I offer flexible payment plans to make things easier. I offer monthly or 6 monthly paymenr plans, depending on how far in advance you book. The final balance is due one month before your wedding.
How many pictures will we get?
The answer is always quality over quantity! This really depends on your package, as each wedding is different and unique, but if you have booked for for a full day it will ususally be between 450-750 photos. I always shoot to cover the whole of your wedding story and you’ll get a mix of candid shots, portraits, and details.
Can we do an engagement or pre-wedding shoot?
Absolutely — I’d love that! You can add these on to your package at any time. Engagement shoots are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and have some fun together before the big day. Plus, you get some beautiful photos to cherish!
What if you are ill?
It’s super rare, but if something unexpected happens, I have a network of talented photographers I trust who can step in. I’ll always make sure you’re covered, no worries!
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Don’t worry! Rain can actually create some amazing photos. We’ll work together to find indoor spots or use umbrellas for a fun vibe. Plus, I always come prepared with backup plans!
Are you insured?
Yes I am. I hold full insureance, including Public Liability with Photoshield.
When will we receive our photos?
You’ll get a bunch of lovely highlights within a week of your wedding (because I can’t wait to share them!). Your full gallery will be ready within 6-8 weeks, but I promise, it’ll be worth the wait!
Can we get our photos in digital and print form?
Absolutely! I’m a big believer in the magic of printed photos, so while you can definitely just get digital images, I also offer beautiful prints, frames, and wedding albums. I think every couple deserves to hold their memories in their hands!
Do you offer wedding albums?
Yes! I absolutely love designing custom wedding albums. They’re a beautiful way to relive your day, and I work with top-tier printers to create something unique for you.
How long does it take to receive our wedding album?
After you’ve selected your images for the album, it usually takes about 3-4 weeks to design, print, and deliver the final product. But don’t worry, it’s totally worth the wait!