So I’ve been photographing weddings for a little while, from Manchester to Cushendall, Stockport Town Hall to the Shropshire countryside, in churches and barns, big back gardens and teeny tiny registry offices, in bright sunshine and pouring rain. Mr Cobane and I also celebrate being married for ten years this year, so I like to think I’ve learned a little bit about what really matters and what really doesn’t… what’s my advice?

• Write your guestlist first

Your wedding is likely to be the one time in your whole life where everyone you both love will be in the same room together. Do not let your budget or your venue dictate who you get to spend your day with. Write your guest list and then build your wedding around it. That might mean feeding pizza to 180 of your nearest and dearest or forking out for a gorgeous six course meal for 20 close family because that’s who you love. Ten years later no one will remember what they ate, but they will remember being there with you.

• Do away with bridesmaids and best men

As lovely as they can be, it’s sometimes hard to select your best of the best. If you fancy saving yourself the hassle (and the cash on outfits and flowers) then why not do away with this tradition? You can still give people important roles on the day (and people do like to be involved!) but they don’t have to be so formal. And to be honest, there is something very cool about a bride or groom saying “I’ve got this" and I love it when it happens.

• Prioritise having fun above all else

In these social media days it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everything must look impressive and Vogue worthy. In the end the styling, cars, food, invites, shoes, dresses, favours, fireworks all disappear and what’s left? A couple joined together, fantastic memories of laughing and dancing, kissing and hugging and hopefully some beautiful photographs to look back on. So book the band, provide some wine if you can and show your loved ones how to have a good time ; )

Mr & Mrs Cobane