WEDDING TIPS
GETTING READY
We often take a photo of the dress hanging before the bride puts it on. Any photogenic hanger that is wooden, floral, etc. will work if this is a shot you want.
If we are capturing “getting ready” photos as well as detail photos please make sure the dress, accessories, shoes, BOTH rings, bouquet, or any other important details will be present at the getting ready location so they can be photographed during this time. If you'd like photos of the program and invitation, please also have them ready with your accessories.
Some of our very favorite, authentic moments to photograph take place during the getting ready portion of the day. There’s nothing like seeing everything coming together for the first time and feeling like a bride/ groom officially! It can be a pretty emotional moment. Please be mindful of the space you’ll be getting ready in. If a photogenic bridal suite is included with your venue… great! If not, try to look for a space with no clutter and great window light. Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to use their house or establishment if you are having trouble finding a good space. Airbnbs work great as well. Also, please designate an area for the bridal party's belongings to be kept; otherwise, there will be a lot of clutter in the background of your pictures. This is something we often enlist your bridal party to help us with before it’s time to get that dress on.
While getting ready, you and your bridal party can feel free to wear whatever you’d like! …Just know we’ll be there documenting everything. The ladies sometimes order robes or loungewear for the occasion, although it is not necessary. We generally start taking pictures of the bridal party getting ready when they are more than half way ready since these are the most flattering moments on camera.
You’ll want to make sure whoever is helping the bride get in her dress is already dressed and ready before that time. The bridesmaids will want to be ready before the bride gets her dress on as well. We normally kick everyone out except for the bride and whoever is helping her get in her dress so they can have a more private, quiet moment.
POSED PICTURES
We almost always take larger extended family pictures directly after the ceremony. The wedding officiant can make an announcement at the end of the ceremony asking family to stick around for photos. This helps with mobility issues with any older family members and is incredibly helpful having everyone already together in one place. Otherwise, it can take a very long time trying to gather everyone. If you are doing a first look, immediate family can meet before the ceremony and take those photos ahead of time. If you choose to do this, just make sure they are there and ready at the time we have planned before the ceremony. We have a list of family groupings below. Most people don't use or print group shot arrangements other than the ones we have listed below, but please let us know if there is anything you want to modify or any other arrangement you’d like to add. We do our best directing these, but it does help us if you assign a family member to help us identify who is who on your list.
Next, we take bridal party photos. Depending on the ceremony location we will either take them there or somewhere nearby, or a little of both. (If you are doing a first look and these are to be taken before the ceremony, make sure the guys have their boutonnieres and the ladies have their bouquets by this time).
These are our recommendations for picture arrangements when planning out your day:
35 min. - portraits of bride and bridesmaids (We'll take group shots and individuals of you with each bridesmaid before the ceremony if your schedule allows).
20 min. - portraits of groom and groomsmen (Same as above)
35 min. - family portraits (if you're doing a first look, it would be best to take most of these before the ceremony). Here is an example of what we normally take for family photos:
1) Bride/ groom and bride's side (Every family member you want to be in a group portrait, it can be as big or small as you want. If you're doing a first look, you can save this one for right after the ceremony).
2) Bride/groom and bride's parents (and Bride with each parent)
3) Bride/groom and bride's parents and siblings (and spouses, if any)
4) Bride/groom and bride's parents and grandparents
5) Bride/ groom with groom's side (This can also be taken right after the ceremony if it's a big group).
6) Bride/groom and groom's parents (and Groom with each parent)
7) Bride/groom and groom's parents and siblings (and spouses, if any)
8) Bride/groom and groom's parents and grandparents.
Please let us know if you'd like to add (or subtract) arrangements to this list. Most people don't use or print group shot arrangements other than the ones we have listed above.
15 min. - group bridal party portraits (before ceremony, if you do a first look)
30-45 min. - portraits of just the two of you (just the two of you and us, please). Even if you do a first look, we recommend saving this for in between the ceremony & reception when you are newly married, and you can reflect on what just happened (and the groom is wearing that brand new, shiny ring).
Depending on your venue, we could take your couple photos right there on the premises or we could drive to a nearby dune, body of water, park, etc. These are the pictures you will cherish from the moment we take them and for the rest of your lives. Many couples have told us that getting away from the hustle and bustle was their favorite memory of their whole wedding day.
Most often golden hour + the sunset takes place during the reception. Yes… we’d LOVE to sneak out for 15 minutes or so if you’d like those gorgeous photos as well. We can let you know the best time for it on your day to help you plan for it if you’d like.
*Please let everyone know when they are expected to be ready & in pictures. This awareness helps SO MUCH. Also keep in mind that the time we listed is the actual time of us shooting portraits. This will only work if everyone is where they need to be. To be on the safe side, I would factor in more time so you don’t have to feel like you’re in a rush.
RECEPTION
To ensure that we're ready to take pictures as quickly as possible after you're done eating, please make sure we are released for food or served directly after the bridal party and immediate family if possible. We don’t like to miss a thing!
Your friends and family are important. After all, they are the reason you are having a reception. If you want to capture the guests as much as possible there are a few things you can do:
-Polaroids for guests to take of themselves
-A photo booth (with someone responsible for taking the photos) and announcing it so that all guests participate.
-The “freeze frame” game: Play the Freeze Frame song, the couple sits in chairs on the dance floor, and each table takes turns posing for pictures with the couple and we try to photograph everyone before the song runs out.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Please let us know of anything special or sentimental we could photograph. Do you have a locket with pictures of loved ones in it, a gift, or a letter that means the world to you? On my wedding day I brought my grandmother and my mother’s wedding dresses, and my photographer got a picture with all three hanging up. It’s one of my favorite pictures, not just because of how beautiful it is but because of what it represented. Let us know what’s most special to you so we’ll give it the attention you desire!
We are not looking for a printout of your Pinterest board, BUT we would love for you to talk to us about anything that is important to you or you have been dreaming about.
If you want, now is the time to tell us anything you’re either self-conscious or concerned about when it comes to being photographed. We want to calm your nerves, inform you, and be aware of ways we can help while capturing you and the love of your life.
While planning out your wedding day schedule (especially everything pre-ceremony!), always leave MORE TIME than you think you’ll need for things. Because it is such a special day, you want to leave enough time to calm your nerves and let every moment be special by not having to be in a rush.
One of the biggest pieces of advice we can give you is that something is bound to go not as planned, but it doesn’t have to take away from your day at all. You’ve spent countless hours, months (at least) planning your special day, and then you get to experience it as it unfolds (and surprise you at times). If you wake up knowing all that matters is that you marry the love of your life, then you will have THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE, guaranteed!
We can’t wait to share it with you!
Kaity & Stephen