You are getting married!! Yay! And you have chosen me to be a part of your best day ever. Yayyyy!!!
Thank you so much for entrusting me with capturing the magic. I have some tips to share that will help me to create the best images possible and also help your day run a lot smoother so you can just focus on each other.
Getting Ready
Avoid Chain Hotels
Chain hotels are impersonal, awkwardly set up and almost never have good light. Instead think about renting an airbnb. They look more natural, give you all more room and you have so many more options. It can even save you money. If you can not find an airbnb consider staying at an inn.
All. The. Windows.
The importance of natural light can not be overstated. Look for lots of windows.
Life is Messy
Getting ready can be a messy process. I get it. But try to keep the clutter, bags, old food containers to one area. This is another time where an airbnb can come in handy. Designate one room as the catch all so you can keep the areas we will be using clean-ish. Trust me you will feel calmer.
DETAILS
Remember to have things like your invitation, any jewelry or any other meaningful items you may want photographed together in one spot. You don't want to be searching for things that morning or worse forget about them entirely.
First Look
This is a big one and generally elicits strong opinions.
If you are on the fence- DO IT!
If you are one hundred percent sure a first look is not for you and it is very important for you to not see each other before the ceremony then don't. That is totally fine and there is no pressure. Keep in mind you will miss a significant portion of your cocktail hour or build time in between the ceremony and cocktail hour. Also consider the time of day of your ceremony and if it will be dark when the ceremony is over. Trust me you do not want all of your pictures in the dark.
First looks create some space in the timeline and lengthen your day a bit so there is more to enjoy. The day goes by so fast and a first look is a great way to slow things down a bit. They also help ease the nerves so if you, like me, don't love the idea of being the center of attention, being together will make you feel a bit more relaxed.
This is a moment for the two of you so let your family and friends know ahead of time they can watch from afar or you will fill them in after you have seen each other. I can photograph the moment or it can be just you and I can join you both right after for some images.
Family Portraits
It is possible to get all of the shots you want and not take up too much time getting every combination imaginable. Here are some tips:
Make a list ahead of time
There is space on the form I send you to list your final decisions.
Keep it simple
You don't need to reconfigure the same people over and over.
Designate a point person
This person should know the key players so if someone goes missing they can locate them quickly and bring them back while we continue with the list.
Group photos don't have to be static. Some of my favorite include something as simple as walking : )
Ceremony
Think Ahead
If at all possible put the sun behind you so you aren't squinting when you look toward your guests.
If you have a large bridal party make sure you have enough room for them to stand and for me to move around.
When saying your vows make sure your officiant will not be standing in front of you.
Try to hide mic stands or audio equipment.
UNPLUG. UNPLUG. UNPLUG. UNPLUGGGGGGGGGG.
When you walk into your ceremony you want to be greeted with a sea of smiling faces not a sea of cell phones. For me, there is no better way to ruin your entrance than not being able to see around a bunch of outstretched arms angling their phones, or worse, their iPads to get the shot. Have your officiant or a friend make an announcement BEFORE anyone walks in - a sign is almost always not enough- asking your guests to please put their phones away during your ceremony and just focus on you. Let them know there will be plenty of opportunities for pictures the rest of the day.
STOP. KISS. TAKE A MOMENT.
You have just said I do and kissed and y’all are so pumped you want to run right down that aisle. You have also painstakingly packed up the coolest confetti, flower petals, leaves, bird seed, (insert literally anything) into the cutest little packages for your guests to throw at you as you walk down. The only problem is you ran so quick no one remembered they had been holding that cute little confetti. The post wedding walk down the aisle is one of my absolute favorite parts of the day and your guests showering you with something cute makes for a killer pic! So if you plan to have some petals thrown make sure you have your officiant remind your guests it’s time AND stop and take a moment. The day goes by fast. Kiss your person and then just look out at all your favorite people before you start running : )
Reception
If you want your guests to dance you must lead by example. Dance your heart out. Your guests want to see you happy not going around table to table. So just dance and have fun.
Should you do toasts during dinner service/between courses etc? Short answer: NO
Toasts during dinner may seem like a great idea… it is not. When toasts are done while people are eating everyone (including the bride and groom themselves) are chewing or sitting with half eaten food on their plates. It is noisy. Utsensils are clacking on plates. Waitstaff is moving around. This does not make for beautiful photographs of a meaningful moment nor does it make for a relaxed meal. It’s a lose lose situation. So when should you have toasts? One amazing option is at the end of cocktail hour. Everyone has a drink and is happy and laughing and much more relaxed. Another great time is when you first sit down before any food is served. Lastly, you can do them AFTER plates have been cleared before the dance floor is reopened.
Other reception advice:
Make a plan to stay together and have some friends be on the lookout for when you get trapped in a conversation and need a rescue. You don’t want to get to the end of the evening and realize you have not seen your new spouse all evening and now know all the details of Aunt Irma’s bridge club.
There is not a thing you HAVE to do at your reception. There are no rules you must follow. Do the things that make you both feel joyful and forget the rest.
