If possible, choose a space near large windows for the bride to get ready by. This makes for beautiful “getting ready” shots! You’ll likely start this process before I arrive so be sure to ask your hair + makeup artist if you can get all dolled up near the windows! This area will likely be where I also have you put on your dress, spray that perfume and read that sweet note from your groom so the cleaner we can keep this area, the better!
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
I spend the first 45 minutes to 1 hour of every wedding day capturing the details + dress. These are always some of my favorite images - I love getting to highlight all of those pretty little pieces that you chose to make your wedding day so special! The smoothest way I’ve seen this work is to have all the “details” boxed up for me when I arrive. Leave the box with your wedding planner or MOH (or I can get it from you when I arrive!)
What to include: the DRESS on a cute hanger + veil, those rings (his + hers), jewelry, your invitations w/ an envelope included, your shoes, that cute little perfume bottle, your bouquet (if it’s ready when I arrive), etc.
SHOW ME THAT SOFT SMILE
After a giant big hug the moment I walk in the bridal suite, you can pretty much count on me to be a fly on the wall the first 60-90 minutes of your day. I really want to be as least intrusive as possible when capturing the “getting-ready-fun” but also directing when needed to get the images you hired me for! I want to capture you and your gals the way YOU ARE, in your element on your wedding day. To ensure I’m not having to intrude too much while you get pampered + ready for the biggest day, if you see me pointing a camera from across the room at ya, don’t worry about looking at me, but do be sure to give me a peep of that soft smile! I promise it will make your getting ready images that much sweeter!
SMOOTH FAMILY PHOTOS
If you’re like me, you have family flying in from all over to celebrate you becoming ONE and getting everyone rallied up for photos after the ceremony CAN be smooth + easy. Here’s how:
Ask your officiant to make an announcement at the end of the ceremony (after you are pronounced HUSBAND and WIFE) to have family stay seated and stick around for photos. This ensures we aren’t spending lots of time tracking down G-ma and Aunt Suzy :)
Use the “family photo time” right after the ceremony for these photos: ONE big photo of all family related to the bride (immediate + extended), ONE big photo of all family related to the groom (immediate + extended), and lots of individuals of mom, dad, grandparents and siblings. Save photos of extended family units for the reception! You can come grab me or my second shooter for these photos at any point during the night!
REMEMBER YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED
I promise you this day is going to FLY by. Enjoy each and every moment and have SO much fun. Something I’ve done at every wedding is sneak away the bride + groom for 20 - 30 minutes before sunset for portraits. This is by far the prettiest, most flattering lighting for pictures. Sometimes it falls directly after the ceremony / before cocktail hour, and other times the bride + groom sneak out while everyone is eating / dancing / chatting. My husband and I did this on our wedding day and it 1. provided me with some of my favorite images that we now have hanging throughout our home and 2. it allowed us to take a step away from the crazy hustle and bustle of hundreds coming up to hug our necks and just be TOGETHER + MARRIED.
