You've done all the planning and now the big day is here! Below are a few tips I've come up with that will help make your life easier and ensure you end up with stunning images at the end of the day.
Getting Ready
Be sure to choose a well-lit room for getting ready. Think the two w's if possible - white and windows. White walls or ceiling will be most beautiful if we're using flash.
I often see bride's going last to keep their hair & makeup freshest on the wedding day, but I would recommend the opposite. Bride's would typically prefer to have their look complete for the photos they're in. Even if it's just you in your robe hanging out with your girls, you'd probably prefer to have the shot with your hair and makeup complete than a messy bun. What this also does is give me time to get your detail shots while you're in the beginning stages of hair/makeup. Once I'm done with details, I'll come in to get the final glam touches being done. Then you're ready for the shots of you just hanging out with your girls, you and your dress, etc.
Details First
The best time to capture detail shots is typically while the bride is getting ready (this applies to the Groom's goodies too). Make sure you have anything special to your day in one spot so it's easy to gather, move to the prettiest light and then style.
Some things you may want to have wrangled and ready ahead of time are your
- dress
- suit
- jewelry
- accessories
- shoes
- invitation suite (Please note: if you are using any special details like a wax stamp that you would like photographed, seal the envelope without stuffing it and then put all of the suite in a larger envelope, so that I won't have to ruin the seal to get the invitation out.)
- perfume/cologne
- cuff links
- tie
- bouquets
- socks
- any other special elements that are special to your day (gift/letter/vows/etc.).
On that note, if you and your other half are exchanging something like a gift or letter make sure to let me know how that will go down so I can capture each of you opening it.
Include photographers on your guest list
This will accomplish three things for us.
- You'll send me an invitation like everyone else.
- If I'm on the guest list, I'll be seated with the guests. This will ensure I don't miss a moment of your reception.
- This also ensures we are fed in a timely matter (and not a protein bar in the coat closet while speeches are happening 😆). Generally, most couples aren't interested in shots of them chowing down. This is why I try to eat really quick while you're eating so that I'm ready to jump back in when you are.
Smoochy Smoochy
Hold the first kiss. This is such a special moment between the two of you but it's very difficult to capture a quick peck, so go for it and hold that kiss for at least three seconds (bonus points for more😘). And soak it in!
Family Formals
If you plan to have family formal pictures taken, please have a list of the groupings you would like. We'd hate to leave someone out! This is also where I see so much unexpected time used on a wedding day. These are typically done before the couple even has a chance to do any of their photos of just the two of them or their wedding party, so we want to make things as efficient as possible so you're not burnt out before any of those. To help things run smoothly, create a list of each of the groupings you would like a picture of and maybe even run it by your parents to make sure they're on your page.
Since I probably won't know all the faces to the names on your list, it's also helpful if you have someone who knows the people on the list to designate as a coordinator for these. A lot of times it's one person per side of family. This way they can get the next people ready to step in or grab someone's attention if needed.
Drink lots of water this week
Did you know staying hydrated makes your skin glow, the whites of your eyes pop, clears acne and can cure a sunburn?! Drink 👏 your 👏water 👏
Make a shot list
This one isn't necessary. BUT if you've been pinning ideas longer than you've been engaged, it might be a good idea to narrow it down to five MUST HAVE shots.
Hear me out.
I LOVE when couples have a vision in mind and I get to help carry that through. Just remember, when you're perusing Pinterest for ideas, you're looking at thousands (?...a lot anyway) of weddings, not just one complete wedding. So it's easy to have the misconception that we'll have time for a bigger variety of shots than we really do (remember, wedding days go by FAST and you have other things to do than pose the whole time). Having your top shots saved and shared with me will ensure we get ones that are most important to you and give us the space to create special and unique shots in addition to those that are true to you and your wedding day.
Planning Your Exit
If you're planning on doing a grand exit and want it photographed, let me know your plans and what time that will be. In most cases, we'll need to schedule your coverage to make sure it lines up with your exit.
A special note for sparkler exits:
- Go big on the sparklers. The regular sized sparklers burn out very fast, and by the time the end of the line gets theirs lit, the start of the line has already burned out. This means way less light for me to shoot in, and way less excitement, no bueno!
- Take your time, enjoy the moment, and don't rush it. If you run through like a flash and disappear into the night, my camera won’t have enough time to focus and shoot.
- Instead of just rushing through the fire tunnel, a few options would be to:
- Dance through it together so you're moving constantly but not moving forward at a rapid speed
- Stop at the middle and end to kiss, to hug and dip, to bow, to clap and scream, to pick her up and celebrate, etc.
- If you're loving the moment and the sparklers still have some life to them, go through twice!
Two become one
It's so easy to get pulled in a million different directions during your reception. Try to stick together as much as you can. Mostly because YOU'RE MARRIED NOW, YAY! But also, the candid shots of the two of you together will be so sweet to look back on, they're just hard to get when you're not well, together.
Embrace the unexpected
Most of the time it's something you can't change anyway, and it's a part of your story! And will probably make for a great picture too. If you go into the day ready to roll with the punches and focused on marrying the love of your life, the little things won't matter so much and it will be a huge weight off your shoulders!
Enjoy
If you're going to choose one suggestion to stick with, please make it this one. Just decide to enjoy your day and your new husband/wife. If you want a hands down guarantee on how to get beautiful wedding images, this is it. Your joy will translate through the images and the rest will take care of itself.
I hope this was helpful and makes you feel ready for your wedding day. I can't wait!