What your wedding photographer loves about humanist wedding ceremonies, with Gabrielle Masterson

In an interview with wedding photographer Gabrielle Masterson, she shares her insights on the unique aspects of humanist wedding ceremonies that make them special from a photographer's perspective.

Note from JBQ: In my 8 years of celebranting, I have gathered invaluable information, top tips and best practices (along with some juicy behind the scenes stories but that's for another blog!). What I have also gathered however, is the most incredible and genuine friendships and working relationships with some of the best wedding suppliers on the island of Ireland and dare I say, the world. I could ramble on all day and night waxing lyrical about humanist wedding ceremonies and why they are soooo amaaaaaaaaaaaaazing! Instead, I decided to ask some of my most respected and deeply cherished supplier pals to share some of their insights.

I would like to introduce the incomparable Gabrielle Masterson from Pop Photography. Gabi is an award winning wedding photographer from Belfast who I admire and respect deeply. (You may have spotted her on my recommended suppliers list.) This wonder human has an exquisite eye that captures the essence of whomever is in front of her. She's the best photographer Vogue has never had....yet (but watch this space as it's just a matter of time imo) She is your hype woman, your vibe checker, your enabler to let that inner radiance shine. 

After working with countless couples who chose to celebrate their love with a humanist wedding ceremony (many we have shared together), Gabi shared her expert insight into what she loves about humanist wedding ceremonies!

Hey! It’s me Gabiiii (she/her)

I’m a Belfast based wedding photographer with 13 years behind the camera, never in front of it. I work calmly (even though my mind is busy), unobtrusively and with a documentary focus. Very little staging and always real moments. My mission is to create enough ease and a safe space where people forget they’re being photographed.

Gabi, what inspires you about weddings? 

My couples. I love how every wedding is completely different as no two couples are the same, which in turn brings out something new in me each time. I adore that discovery, the newness that will come through from each pair. 

What details do you love to capture during a ceremony?

I loveeee a ring warming, there is something really magical about including your guests in your ceremony, they become more than just observers! But my absolute favourite is during the signing of the marriage certificate. This is the first time our couple really get to catch up and to see them melt into each other with no reservations is a beautiful moment to capture.

How can a wedding celebrant help you on the day?

I feel that celebrants already care really deeply about photography. Stepping back for important moments and checking in with us about seating/styling in the ceremony area is incredibly kind and thoughtful. It's not something they really have to do at all, but it's a quality of service that is rare. To have an officiant who cares about everyone's contribution really gives the couple a gorgeous experience they truly deserve.

What do you love about humanist wedding ceremonies?

The personal touches. To hear the couples story and the journey they took that brought them to this moment even brings me closer to them as a photographer. That insight could be the difference between a nervous portrait session post ceremony or pure madness because I can use the info as ammo to make them laugh! It's invaluable.

Caoimhe and Ciaran's idyllic ceremony at The Palace Ruins nestle in the forest at Ballyscullion Park

Vows during a 'First look' or after the ceremony? How does that work if the couple want privacy yet want the moment captured?

Guests have zero expectations for wedding vows these days because we are seeing so many incredible variations all the time. Vows during a first look are beautiful for many reasons but you can do this and then proceed to have your ceremony (if not slightly shortened) with your guests none the wiser.

Charlotte and Rachael chose to share their vows privately before their ceremony at The Moon Garden in Drenagh Estate

How do you work best with other suppliers such as (videogs/photogs/content creators etc). What is your version best practice during the ceremony.

I'm quite lucky because my wife is a videographer 'She Makes Movies' so we mostly always work together. It's a great combo as we know how the other works so we have this beautiful choreography where we move around the room in sync. I love how she shoots the opposite of me so two different scenes are being captured simultaneously. For or those days when we get to meet new vendors, it's great to have a quick chat about our shooting plans so the couple get the best from each of us.

The 'She' (aka Dearbhaile) from 'She Makes Movies'

What would you like every couple to know?

Timings/nerves/expectations.

You will have the dreamiest morning if you plan to be ready at least two hrs before your ceremony time. I have seen it in action and I can say with absolute certainty that those couples who do... have a more relaxed day and get so much more from their photography when they make the morning count. It's often overlooked. But on the days where it just isn't possible, I always find the humanist ceremonies have a little more leeway, we get to have a pre ceremony debrief and put a new plan in place for our couple at the last min.

Clare and Leon's ceremony at Bellingham Castle was packed full of love, laughs, tears and plenty of guest involvement.

What magic moments of a ceremony can you recall?

Definitely the personal stories before the vows. This is the moment during the ceremony where I can take my focus off our couple for a little bit and capture guests reactions, they have no idea what's coming and I adore just how personal some of these stories can be. It's so heart warming.

Luke and Becca's story was full of little anecdotes, moments of connection and the celebration of their family and friends at The Wool Tower

Note from JBQ: Thank you so much for your valuable insight!

Gabi and her wife Dearbhaile celebrated their 10 year civil partnership with a vow renewal in 2023 written and conducted by me. Photo by Kat Mervyn

I care deeply about the couples I work with so to get feedback like this from a past bride, friend and supplier like Gabi is everything:

“I met Jean for the first time when she was officiating at a humanist wedding in Belfast, where I was taking the photos. She was so cool – not like any officiant I’d even seen before, certainly not like a priest. (JBQ:lol!!) We didn’t even know each other then, but I thought if Dearbhaile and I ever did get married, I’d want her to do it. This was six years ago, before same-sex marriage was possible in Northern Ireland. Jean was always using her voice for everyone. She’s an incredible person and such an ally for LGBTQ+ rights, it felt like she had the real essence of humanism."

Note from JBQ: I am so looking forward to many, many more POP X JBQ collab couples in the future! All photos featured above are by Pop Photography. Check out Pop Photography on Instagram for the most up to date and awesome weddings captured by Gabi.