The day is quickly arriving (eeeek) and it is my job as your photographer (and friend) to prepare you in the best way that I can. The big decisions have been made and all of the small details are coming together - but now what? It's time to sit back and watch all of your magical planning and dreaming come to life. But first... a few things to go over to make you feel like you can really take a deep breath and relax!

 

 

A few months before your wedding, I will send you a Wedding Day Timeline Questionnaire. This questionnaire will help me develop a timeline that will best fit your needs, as well as a realistic time frame for photos. The key is to always incorporate extra time and not to cram too many expectations in a tight schedule. Always leave some wiggle room, because we will need it! Wedding days rarely go perfectly according to plan, and that's okay! This is to be expected, so let's plan for it. This way, everyone will feel relaxed and not rushed or stressed on one of the most important days of your life.

 

We will meet up in person or chat over the phone prior to the big day to go over the timeline and I can answer any questions that you may have. Once the timeline is finalized and everyone feels great about it, we will make sure that all of the important people have it - event coordinator, maid of honor, videographer, your mom, etc.

 

 

 

The very first thing I am going to do when I arrive (after giving you a giant squeeze and saying hi) is taking your detail shots. Please have all of your pretty things ready for me. Hot TIP: while packing the night before, place all of these things in a shoe box and tell your maid of honor that this box is VERY important and to help you keep eyes on it. If you are getting ready at separate locations, please keep ALL the rings with the bride's items - including the groom's ring. The grooms can have their own special detail box as well!

 

Here are some ideas of what the BRIDE can bring:

 

• Wedding bands & engagement ring
• Shoes
• Flowers (Hot TIP: ask your florist to provide any left over flowers/greenery that didn't make it in the bouquet for the photographer)
• Invitation, envelope, save the date, special stamps
• Necklace, bracelet, earrings, or other jewelry
• Perfume
• Garter
• Your 'something blue'
• Ring box
• Vow books
• Hair clip/decorative piece
• Veil
• Lipstick
• Clutch/purse

 

Here are some ideas of what the GROOM can bring:

 

• Shoes
• Tie & tie clip
• Pocket square
• Vow book
• Socks
• Watch
• Cuff links
• Cologne

 

If there are any other sentimental details that you love - bring them! I love photographing textured items and making layered detail shots. If you have interesting items that you would like to include in the detail shots, put them in the box! This can include lace, velvet, satin - anything!

 

After your detail shots, I will get a few photos of your dress. Please have your dress out of the garment bag and on the hanger that you would like it photographed on. You do not need to get a special hanger - a nice, simple, wooden hanger will do just fine!

 

 

Once I am done photographing your details and dress, I will start taking candid photos of you and the girls! I typically try not to take photos of anyone who isn't almost completely ready. Let's be honest, no one wants photos of themselves with their hair half curled or no make up on.

 

Speaking of getting ready, let's talk getting ready attire. Most brides opt for a robe or silky pajamas...but whatever it is, make sure that you are comfortable with being photographed in it. I'm going to be taking photos of you walking around, hanging with your girlies, and of course I will pull you aside for some solo bridal portraits in your getting ready outfit. Please also remind your bridal party to have all tags off of their robes and to be mindful of wrinkle removal (if necessary) BEFORE the wedding day -ya know how silk and that soft pj material always does us dirty.

 

With that being said, please also be mindful of your getting ready area. If possible, keep the food and mimosa station in one area, keep bags in the corner of the room, and throw away garbage as it comes. You don't have to go crazy over this - it's a lot of ladies getting ready in a tight area, things are bound to get messy! Getting ready photos are documentary in nature, so there will be objects in the background (I kind of like that) but we also don't need to get your bestie's big gulp in every picture : )

 

 

As for the getting ready space - this is your time to get beautiful and enjoy the process. Set the tone of the atmosphere and make it exactly how you want to feel. Play some music that you enjoy, bring your essential oil diffuser, tell your mom you don't want kids running in and out (if she can help you avoid it). Set the vibes! This time really sets the tone of the day and I want it to be completely centered around your wishes and desires.

 

 

 

Right after the ceremony I will start taking your formal family photos. It is so important that family members stay put after the ceremony ends! At our timeline meeting, we will hopefully nail down a location where you want your family photos done. If you are not sure, I will find the perfect spot and let you know before the ceremony begins. This time can get a little chaotic - but don't worry, I might be short, but I have a loud voice!

 

This is when your family shot list comes in handy. I usually will ask a sibling or maid of honor for help identifying the family members but you might also catch me yelling out "aunt Mildred, where are you?" I know you are going to be so excited to finally be married and all you can think about is a fresh cocktail in your hand, but these portraits are important! Really think about your shot list and family photos you cannot live without. Here is any example of what I am looking for:

 

 

Please get your detailed family photo shot list to me as soon as you can, but at least one month before the big day. Try your best not to leave it till the last minute. This can be provided in a word document or e-mail - whatever is easiest for you! This allows for family photos to run as smoothly as possible. Please include actual names (instead of just 'my stepmom') so I can more accurately get everyone's attention and also maintain my professionalism and keep good graces with the family : ) Nothing like screaming out "where is Jimmy's favorite uncle?!?"

 

Once we finish up with family photos, we will bring in the whole wedding party for group photos. If you are doing a first look, full wedding party photos might happen before the ceremony. If not, we will do those here.

 

Lastly, bride and groom portraits! I like to get at least a few of you two in the ceremony space and maybe a few traditional shots. But at this point, you will need a photo break and hopefully you can join your friends and family for the last bit of cocktail hour. I HEAVILY suggest then later (around sunset) we sneak out and get more shots of you two. These are my absolute favorite and this is when the magic really happens. We will make a point to work this time in the schedule. When the time comes, it is hard to leave your party - but I guarantee it, these are the photos that you will be printing and showing your kids one day.

 

This is when I capture candid, fun loving photos of the best party of your life! I will photograph your special dances, cake cutting, and speeches. Since no one wants photos of themselves eating, I like to eat at the same time as you. If possible, I like to still be close to you and in the reception area so I can see if anything important happens that I need to photograph. Some venues like to put the vendors (photographer, videographer, DJ) in a back room or hallway. I get it - but just put me at the singles table or wherever you have a random open seat! That way, I can pick up my camera and snap quick photos of something hilarious that might happen - like this guy drinking his champagne out of his prosthetic leg HAHA!

 

 

 

 

And that's about it, girlfriend! Now all you have to do is dance the night away and enjoy your newlywed life! I will likely be on the dance floor in arms reach taking photos and dancing simultaneously. I do use flash during the reception, but I try my hardest to not be annoying or disruptive to your guests. You might even catch me on a chair to get a few wide, dancing shots. By the end of the day, I am going to to feel like your honorary bridesmaid. I always check in with my couples before I leave and ask if you have any last minute photo requests and to let you know my time has come to head out.

 

It's an honor to be a part of your wedding day. It is all about the moments in between and the LOVE you two share. Don't get held up on the schedule, the expectations, or even talking to every single guest there. This day is all about you and your soon to be spouse. Soak it all in. Enjoy every single second. I am there for you every step of the way - and it's going to be absolutely amazing!