Wedding Day Tips

Hey Brides (and grooms, of course)! Here are some helpful tips to make your wedding day run smoothly and get fabulous images!

Don't forget the details.
You spent all this time picking out the details for your day so they should be beautifully represented in your photos! Set aside & unwrap/unpackage all details in the morning. Have everything together so you or your girls can simply point me in the right direction and continue with your hair/makeup process.
BONUS TIPS: I love to spend 30 minutes on details when possible, so try to work that into your schedule if you're a sucker for details like me. :) Include any paper details (invites, programs). Most of my brides will even include me in their mailing list!

Don't overthink locations for photos.
Beautiful images can be created pretty much anywhere! Some of my favorite images have been created in parking lots or next to garbage cans. Pick locations that aren't far out of the way so you don't spend precious time driving & run the risk of traffic issues! Don't be afraid to pick an out of the norm location. You are unique and your photos should reflect you!

Plan for rain, hope for sun.
You spend months and months planning your wedding day. From the moment you get engaged, wedding planning takes up quite a bit of head space and you do your best not to be 'that girl' constantly talking about centerpieces and first dance songs. ;) The wedding day FINALLY comes and it rains.  Have a backup plan and keep that smile on your face, it is still your day! Take a minute during those months of planning and pick a back up location for photos in case it downpours. Thankfully your super awesome photographer has a trunkful of umbrellas. :)

Unplug.
​Ask your guests to set down their phones during the ceremony and soak in every beautiful moment. Your guests will be fully present. Your photos won't be full of glowing screens. Enough said!

Consider a First Look.
I thought about not adding this point to the blog because it is your wedding day & I wouldn't want to dictate such an important decision. However, I feel strongly you consider it before dismissing it. I had a first look. It was special & private. I didn't have a hundred people watching so I felt free to react and enjoy the moment. I spent big bucks on photos and having a first look allowed extra time for creative portraits. My walk down the aisle was magical and one of the highlights of my wedding. My wedding schedule was stress free and most of the photo formalities were done before the ceremony so we were able to go right into party mode without missing a beat! All that being said, do what is right for you! 

Cushion Your Wedding Day Schedule.
Bathroom breaks, traffic jams, and that one great aunt you can't seem to locate for family pics. So many little things can add up and make your seemingly easy wedding schedule run behind. Add in some extra time! Plan to get to the ceremony site early to touch up and have a snack. Add an extra 20 minutes to photo time in case of a traffic jam. Find areas you can add a little time to so you don't have to stress if something comes up!

Follow the light.
Lighting makes a big difference on a wedding day! While you're getting ready, choose a room with a large window and don't be afraid to turn the overhead lighting off! If I get strangely excited and ask you to stand by a garbage can, its probably because the light is crazy beautiful not because the photographer's crazy. ;)

Get to the Reception Early.
You spent lots of time & money planning a beautiful evening. Arriving twenty minutes before guests will allow time to photograph all the lovely details before guests sit down. It gives you and your bridal party a breather before entertaining and partying! Plus, guests always appreciate not having to wait!

Don't Stress.
Let loose & have fun. Expect a few things to go wrong and shrug it off. Don't worry about Pintrest poses, weather, or that one groomsman that drank a little too much. Today is about marrying your dream guy and committing to life together.

Twinkle lights are magical.
Christmas lights, Cafe lights, uplighting - all photograph beautifully! If you want that extra sparkle in your reception photos, throw up some twinkle lights!

Sneak out for some Sunset Portraits.
Take five to ten minutes during the reception to sneak outside for extra portraits! The lighting is gorgeous in the evening & it can be a wonderful break to spend a few sweet moments alone (with your awesome photographer, of course)! :D

Trust me.
I got you. :)

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​ANYTHING ELSE? Feel free to comment with your own tips for a gorgeous, stress-free wedding day!