WEDDING DAY TIPS
because weddings are a team sport
01.
HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
Work with a stellar wedding planner. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events filled with all the feels and moments. Entrust your vision to a skilled wedding planner so you can focus on spending time with your friends and family, marrying your partner, and getting down on that dance floor.
I’m always happy to share a list of wedding planners I love working with because the make my couples lives so much easier — drop me a line.
02.
BOOK A COUPLES SESSION
Booking a couples session beforehand can work wonders in calming any nerves you may have in front of the camera. Plus, it gives us a chance to build rapport before the wedding day.
It's not just about easing nerves; it's also an opportunity to have fun and create images that truly reflect your personality as a couple and your life together. Without the constraints of a wedding timeline, we can explore different locations and creative ideas to make the session authentic to you.
03.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SUN
I encourage my couples to know the sunset time for their wedding to aid them in selecting the optimal time for their ceremony and portraits. This can help ensure they are both in equal lighting during the ceremony and there is plenty of natural light for portraits.
If possible, visit your wedding venue a year prior to your wedding to see the lighting conditions. If this is not possible, download Sun Surveyor on your smartphone to check the sun's position on-site at the date and time of your wedding. If available, I am always happy to join my couples for a venue scout to discuss the placement of the ceremony and locations for portraits.
04.
PORTRAITS FIRST
If it works for you, I highly recommend taking the bulk of your portraits and family/wedding party photos before the ceremony.
This will allow us more time to create beautiful portraits without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. It gives the two of you some alone time together—it might be some of the only alone time you have all day. It also allows us to take advantage of the venue without guests.
Sometimes, we may need to take larger group family photos immediately after the ceremony, but I promise those will only take 10-15 minutes tops.
Bonus: You get to join your cocktail hour!
05.
GETTING READY LOCATION
During the first part of your wedding coverage, I will capture the moments as you get ready. Whether you choose a bridal suite, hotel room, or other location, consider the look and feel of this setting. If possible, pick a spot with ample natural light and space.
Additionally, select a place whose interior design complements that of your wedding venue so the images flow together seamlessly.
Finally, if the location is off-site from your venue, consider transportation time and traffic for yourself, family, wedding party and vendors. I suggest you pick a spot within a 10-15 minute drive from your wedding day venue for a stress-free move.
06.
A REALISTIC WEDDING TIMELINE
The wedding timeline is at the center of maintaining a relaxing and fun wedding day, I promise. I reference my wedding timeline more than anything to move my couples seamlessly through the day with their planner - making sure everything they wanted is covered.
I'll work with your planner to ensure we build in buffer time in case of delays and tuck you away before any of your guests arrive. Relaxing and enjoying a glass of champagne before the ceremony is always better than stressing about finishing the family photos.
If we do run behind, don’t stress. I’ll work with your planner to get us back on track smoothly, and remember, nothing can start without you on your wedding day.
Here are some timeline tips:
Book a trial for your hair and makeup team before the wedding day. Email me for a list of my favorite people!
Tell your family and wedding party to arrive 15 minutes earlier to ensure they’re on time. Adjust to 30 minutes if they’re notoriously late.
07.
A CELL-PHONE-FREE CEREMONY
Ask your guests to be fully present to bear witness at your ceremony. You’ve hired someone to handle the photos to give them the gift of being fully in this moment with you.
Ask your officiant to make an announcement just before the processional starts, requesting guests to put away their cameras and devices for the ceremony.
Also, I suggest leaving your smart watches at home and encouraging your family and wedding party to do the same. They’re boring black rectangles in photos and you’re day is better than boring black rectangles.
08.
ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE THINGS
Upon my arrival, I'll photograph your personal details to help tell the story of your wedding day. To make these photos even more meaningful, consider including family heirlooms, jewelry, fabric, and other items that hold sentimental value to you.
Not everyone has a lot of details to include, so we’ll chat beforehand to determine what items you would like to incorporate.
Here are some things you might want to prepare: two full invitation suites addressed with stamps, a welcome bag, favors, any paper products, all wedding rings, engagement ring, additional jewelry, perfume, veil, dress, shoes, suit jacket/vest, tie, pocket square, cufflinks, watch, tie clip, and anything else meaningful to you.
09.
HAVE A BLAST AT YOUR BASH!
I'll tell you a few little secrets—that will help you get the best photos on your wedding day.
—Have the most fun humanly possible and be fully present in every moment. It will all go by in the blink of an eye, so soak it all in. The more fun you have, the better the photos and memories will be—I promise.
—If you get nervous while I'm taking your photo, just look at your partner, exchange banter, laugh with them, steal a kiss, and ignore me — immerse yourselves in each other.
—Should you find yourself at a loss regarding what to do with your hand in photos… I suggest naturally touching your partner—it adds a genuine sense of connection and intimacy to your photos. Alternatively, you can always slip your hands into your pockets. And if you've got a bouquet, this will occupy your hands.