I first came across Andri when I saw a feature about her in a magazine (to be honest I can’t remember which one now but it was enough to make me interested in what she did). I had not long started photographing weddings and thought it would be great to get in touch with a planner whos work I admired.
Not long after we first chatted I realised that Andri lived only about 10 minutes away, we met for coffee and that was the start of it! Last year we worked together on a styled shoot and I can honestly say she was a complete pleasure to work with. Organised, efficient, friendly and such an amazing eye for detail and creative ideas. The shoot was so much fun and I can’t wait to get the chance to work with her again. Some of the shots we created are highlighted below. Before we get to that here is the lady herself with a bit more about her business and how it all began…
I initially trained in theatre design at the Nottingham Trent University before going on to do a post-grad at drama school, where I met my husband. After three years freelancing as a theatre designer, I got married and considered changing career into wedding and events, since there were obvious parallels between designing a stage show and a wedding. The sense of spectacle is inherent in both!
At the time however, I was working for the BBC Costume Store as head of the costume department responsible for uniforms, bridal wear and jewellery. I absolutely loved working with the uniforms as the briefs were so specific and required a good deal of research.
In their ultimate wisdom, the BBC shut down the costume department and in the face of redundancy I signed up for some skill-building outgoing workshops they organised, including how to become a sole trader. It was then I had the light bulb moment that inspired me to pursue my earlier ambition of taking a side step into weddings, so I underwent a wedding planning course with UKAWP and launched Always Andri in 2009.
I’m based in London, around the corner from Fiona it happens! I cover London and the southeast, including Surrey, Kent and Sussex but can travel further a field if necessary.
My focus is on a full wedding planning service, from extrapolating couples’ initial ideas to being there on the day to oversee the smooth running of their event. From choosing the venue to sorting out all of the paperwork, I offer an overseeing and supportive eye to every element of planning for the big day.
I also offer a bespoke partial planning service to give couples the option of having me come in at any point during their planning and an on-the-day coordination service. This is never really just one day’s work but does mean that once everything has been handed over to me in the weeks prior to the wedding then the couple can be a guest at their own wedding, safe in the knowledge that I’m on hand to look after everything.
I firmly believe that whilst most wedding planners offer similar services, we all have different strengths. I personally love the balance of design and creativity with the science of logistics, so I feel like I offer the best of both worlds. It’s very important to me that my couples enjoy the planning process as well which is why I endeavour to create a personal relationship with them and try to be as much of a calming influence as possible.
Below is a selection of photos that are from a styled shoot I worked with Andri on, as you will see her attention to detail is amazing.
Website: www.alwaysandri.co.uk
Contact no: 020 3149 7919
Email: weddings@alwaysandri.co.uk
All the details for Always Andri Wedding Design are on my ‘favourite people’ page and will be on there permanently.
Thanks for popping by
Fiona x
Hi, Im Fiona. I specialise in photographing weddings in a way that tells a little story of that moment in time and something about the people in the photos. Its all about you, your story and those important moments! I live in London and work throughout London, Surrey, Kent and am happy to travel throughout the UK to record your special day.
