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I absolutely love putting together my fabulous photographer features, as the professionals that I choose to work with here on Brides Up North really need no introduction. Melissa Kay Photography is one of those whose work absolutely speaks for itself, and after a period abroad, she is now back home in the North East.
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If you are looking for your wedding photographer, I’d be snapping her up quick. With work like this, her diary is going to be very full, very soon. Plus, anyone booking an album collection before the end of July and quoting ‘Brides up North’ will receive a free brag book worth £150 to show off their beautiful images on the go!
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Let’s say hello…
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How did you get into wedding photography?
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I suppose you could say that photography runs in my veins- both my Mum and my Gran were photographers! Contrary to what you may assume though, this did not mean that I was naturally encouraged to get into photography- quite the opposite in fact! My Mum found wedding photography in particular extremely stressful and often made herself physically ill with stress about how her wedding images would turn out (she needn’t have ever worried- her work was always beautiful!) This of course gave her just cause to try to put me off following in her footsteps and she was not at all impressed when I announced that I had been shooting in secret throughout my teenage years and planned to follow the very same career which had caused her so many hours of stress in her working life! But, I was adamant, and after finishing a degree in media technology, began working in a prestigious portrait studio in Kent. Since then, I have been lucky enough to work all over the world capturing my very favourite thing in life – people and the love they share.
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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
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Oh my word! Where to start?! I consider it the greatest honour to be entrusted with capturing one of the most important days in a couples life, and I don’t take that lightly! I love to capture that twinkle in a brides eye as she steps into her dress, and the pride exuding from Dad as he walks her down the aisle. That look of absolute awe and excitement when the groom sees his bride for the first time and the love, oh so much love between two people meant for each other… how can I not get excited about that?!
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Also, I love to travel and shoot in new places, and photography has allowed me to do that- I have shot all over the world and I’ve just come back from two years living and shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve been so lucky that my work gives me a reason to travel, although I must say, there is always a special place in my heart for the North East!
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How do you get couples to relax on the day?
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I find that the more time I have spent with a couple before the big day, the better the experience is for all of us, which is why I include a ‘Love Story’ or engagement shoot with each wedding package. When the couple has had the chance to experience what it’s like to have their picture taken by me and when I have been able to gauge how best to work with them, it takes away any anxiety from the couple in terms of what I’m doing, and they can simply relax and enjoy each other and their wedding day.
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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
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Make sure you have a shoot with your photographer prior to your wedding day! Honestly- I can’t tell you enough how much it helps to have worked with your photographer before the big day. Everyone is different and if you give your photographer the opportunity to see how you react to the camera- they should be able to put you at ease in any situation. Most brides who aren’t keen on posing for the camera will likely opt for a more documentary or candid style of photographer, which takes away that awkward posed feeling which is what most are uncomfortable with. But any photographer worth their salt should be able to capture you at your best and make you look and feel great.
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What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
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It depends on the bride! Some women love to rock the bold lipstick or smouldering eyes, while some are much more comfortable with the more natural, neutral palette. I would say the best bet is to stay true to your own style- you don’t want your groom to be wondering "Who’s that girl?" when you lift your veil! It’s definitely a must to practice your make-up look before the big day- most of my brides take the opportunity to go for their make-up trial on the day of their love story shoot- that way they have great make-up for the shoot and they can see what the make-up will turn out like in the images. Really though, as long as a bride feels like her very best self and is happy and relaxed she will look fantastic in her wedding pictures.
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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
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The happy couple can expect to enjoy their day without interference! Their wedding day is just that- Theirs! and I want them to enjoy every moment. I often have a few meetings with the couple before the wedding day, and also the love story shoot, so that we all are on the same page and I am more of a friend at their wedding than a random stranger. I’ve been told many times by my clients how relaxed they felt during their love story and wedding shoots, and that really is important to me- I want my clients to be relaxed and have fun so that I can capture them at their very best!
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What is included in your "package"?
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With all of my wedding collections, I cover the entire day, from the bride getting ready, right up to the dancing at the evening reception, so the whole day is captured with love. All of my clients will receive a copyright -free disk of edited images, and I offer the most beautiful range of albums. I do have set collections as a guide but I am also happy to tailor a package to my client’s needs.
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Can you give us an idea on price?
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The ‘Sweet and Simple’ collection, which is my starting collection, is £985.
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Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
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Anyone booking an album collection before the end of July and quoting ‘Brides up North’ will receive a free brag book worth £150 to show off their beautiful images on the go!
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
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Come and check out my website or my blog, like Melissa Kay Photography on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
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Alternatively if you would like to see something specific or you have any questions please feel free to drop me a line at Kay@melissakayphotography.com or give me a call on 07592924200.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 Melissa Kay Photography
Melissa Kay Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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On some courses I have attended before, this simple operation was met with loads of equations and formulas which you simplified to a tee. You put things over so the average Joe Bloggs like me can understand and use efficiently” (Gary Skerratt Photography)
A pre-wedding/engagement photo-shoot. 
The photographer and assistant for the whole wedding day. 
Private, password protected online gallery for you and your guests to view your images. 
A high resolution disc of your images (approx. 500) with licence to print. All images will be fully edited and post-produced.
Go to 
Follow the instructions on-screen to take you to the competition page. 
Click on ‘Enter’ and fill in your details. 
Enter your answer to the question and post your creative image. 
Get everyone to vote for you!
Go to 
Follow the instructions on-screen to take you to the competition page. 
Click on ‘View and Vote for Entries’.
Vote for your favourite wedding!
