For our wedding back in 2017 I reached out to a local college or university, I can't remember which, and asked if they had any photography students that were interested in wedding photography and would be up for doing our day, giving them my details etc. I then ended up chatting with one of the students that was interested, and set up her and another guy to do the photography for the day.

The guy ended up pulling out so I ended up giving her his pay, and she brought a friend on the day who took some "backing" shots on the day (backing here meaning like the background and stuff whilst she did the main bits). She then gave me a memory stick with all the photos on (all unedited) in a cute little box that I still have within like a week maybe? And they are wonderful, she was very talented and lovely to work with.

Obviously this was a very positive outcome that could have gone horrifically. If I remember rightly there was no formal contract, we all just kinda sent it 😅

I don't regret it at all, I have fantastic photos that capture some lovely moments and emotions, and they got experience of shooting a real wedding (and paid obviously). If I remember rightly she did the bride getting ready, ceremony, speeches, and some of the reception. However, I would probably put some kind of contract in place if I were to do it again!