The Wedding Guide should be helpful in planning the details and covers many of the main photography questions about your big day.  Keep in mind not everything on this might apply to your wedding. Every wedding is special and unique in it’s own way! For example, if you already planned on not having a first look you don’t have to, it’s your wedding these are just some ideas and suggestions. 

 

Take your time with this Wedding Guide. If you fill it out sooner that gives us time to talk about any questions concerns, or ideas that may arise and will give you time to plan and think about these things.

​

 Keep in mind that things might change the closer your wedding gets and I'll ask you to go over this again a couple weeks before your big day! I like to be on top of things and want to keep in good communication with you before your wedding in order to keep things as smooth as possible. The more little details I know about your big day, the better I will be able to capture your story! Before filling out the wedding guide please look over these tips for a successful fun filled day.

​

​

​

5 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

​

​

​

TIP #1 YOUR SCHEDULE 

Think about your timeline plan for your wedding? Is there going to be a first look for the

bride and groom? When filling out the Wedding Guide remember that the more detailed the timeline is, the easier it will be for me to be prepared.

THINK ABOUT A FIRST LOOK: Think about taking a private moment to see each other before the ceremony in a first look. This is encouraged because this will make for an even tighter connection between the bride and groom, which can shine through in the couple photos. The wedding day passes by so quickly (especially the walk down the aisle); you don’t want to regret not spending any time alone with your spouse together on your wedding day. The “first look” is one easy way to cherish a special moment just between the two of you before your guests arrive.  At least 30 minutes would give you enough time to work through a few scenarios for couple sessions, and 30 minutes for group photos with the bridal party. In a pinch, though, I can come up with something in less time if needed but it is always better to plan for more time then to cut things short. Also let me know if you have any specific couples photos that you would like so I can plan for it. Maybe you want romantic photos at sunset, or maybe you want fun and goofy photos that show off your fun personality.

​

​

TIP#2 LIGHT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Looking into a photographers mind! LIGHTING IS HUGE! IT CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRY TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING TO GIVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER THE GOOD STUFF. OUTSIDE PHOTOS ARE YOUR BEST OPTION!

 

Inside photos will be best if there is natural light that can come in through windows but there are limits for your photographer with indoor photography. If you want a candlelight ceremony or reception with limited light, keep in mind that this limits your photographer and these photos will have a grainy style to them. Early or late in the day is best for your wedding photos. My favorite lighting, what photographers call golden hour, will be about 30-40 minutes before sunset, if you have a choice when to photograph you two as a couple this time is recommended. Just keep in mind that noon and early afternoon are the worst time for photos unless there is plenty of shade. 

 

Also keep in mind if you are doing photos getting ready for the big day, to try find a place with windows so that the natural light can shine in. This is your best friend when it comes to
getting ready! Not only will it be easier for makeup and hair, this light will enhance your beauty for your photos!

​

TIP #3 CRUCIAL FOR STRESS FREE AND A SMOOTH FLOW OF FAMILY PHOTOS

​

If you want to make the best use of time on your wedding day it's important to have a list of family photos and different combinations that you want, especially if you have a large family.  On your big day, assign a representative from both the bride’s side and the groom’s side to help your photographer identify who’s who and help gather everyone during photo time. 

 

Family and group pictures will go much faster if you can create a list of the number of groups you would like photographed and the people who you want in each group. With so much going on this will also help us not forget anyone! Stragglers slow down the group shots more than anything else so having someone help make sure the next group is present will make things go smooth. You can expect average times of between three and five minutes per group depending on how organized and cooperative everyone is.

​

TIP #4 Creativity

Don’t be afraid to come up with creative posed ideas! These are your photos and one of the best things to do is collaborate with the photographer. If you have ideas, let the photographer know!

​

TIP #5 Relax, Enjoy the Day, and Be Yourself!  

Weddings are stressful, and some brides have planned for their big day their whole lives.
But when the day arrives, don’t sweat the details. Things will go wrong – they always do. Your task now is not to stress over minutiae, but to enjoy the day as it unfolds. Enjoy your day – your photos depend on it. My FAVORITE type of photography are the documentary photos that capture your special day. Some of the best photos show true emotion and when couples are themselves! Be happy. Smile. Slow things down and enjoy all the moments. But mostly, enjoy the company of your new husband/wife.

 

​

Happiness = Radiance = Beautiful wedding photos.

​

​

​