Wedding Day Planning Guide

I have done my best to create this guide to help you in some planning and decision making on your day. Most of what you will ready in this will be helpful for not only making your photos look better but in also making your big days a bit less stressful.

Details

When we start any wedding day, the first thing we like to do is details. This just makes sure that those items are off my list and I can focus on the happy couple the whole rest of the day. We do our best to position and place all of your accessories to look like they are straight out of a magazine. These photos should be for the most important keepsakes. Please feel free to bring anything that you think would help elevate your photos, such as ribbons, stamps, little dishes for jewelry, fabric, etc. If you're still confused on what you should include, we have a list below that explains what you should include!

Tip: It helps to plan ahead for what you want in your photos and have those set aside in either a bag or box so we are not interrupting the getting ready process when we show up.

Some ideas of items to include:

• Any and all rings
• Shoes
• Stationary (Invites, save-the-dates, etc)
• Necklaces
• Flowers
• Ties / Bow ties
• Cufflinks
• Watches
• Gifts for bridesmaids / groomsmen
• Customized items
• Thank you gifts
• Something old, new, borrowed, blue

Getting Ready

Delegation is essential during this time. Ensure you’re not the only one making decisions. Your focus should be on relaxing and preparing for the biggest day of your life. Additionally, the more you plan ahead, the less stress you’ll experience, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable celebration. When dressing, put on all accessories last to prevent snagging or tearing on your dresses or suit. Occasionally, we might recreate a shot—such as the best man adjusting a tie or multiple people helping with the dress—because the real moments aren’t always as photogenic as they feel.

When doing hair and makeup, consider what will be in your photos. Try to avoid clutter such as plastic water bottles or dirty tissues. Think about location as well. Your makeup artist may have their own lighting but close to a window or away from any overhead harsh lights will help you a ton. Also think about the space and how it may look. Try to avoid small areas or areas with too much clutter. Don’t stress too much about it though! We can always move you somewhere for the touch ups.

first look

INTERESTED?

Here’s how it works: I will select a beautiful location and position the groom while the bride approaches quietly from behind. Once the bride is at a comfortable distance, they will then turn around to see each other for the first time. The photos captured in this moment are truly unparalleled—just the two of you, sharing an intimate, distraction-free moment. Emotions are genuine, reactions are heartfelt, and any pre-ceremony nerves are eased. Standing at the end of the aisle completely relaxed creates a more enjoyable and memorable ceremony experience. If you choose to include video, I highly recommend a first look. It adds incredible depth to your film and helps capture the pure emotions of that moment with greater vividness.

Doing a first look can also mean getting a lot of the photos done before the ceremony in some situations. This can often help reduce some stress for the bride and groom and in some situations, even allows the bride and groom to attend their own cocktail hour.

NOT INTERESTED?

If you decide against a first look before the ceremony, your first look will happen naturally down the aisle—an important and meaningful moment for many couples. This traditional moment is often cherished, as it captures the genuine emotions of both partners seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day shared with all loved ones in attendance. During the ceremony, I typically position myself at the end of the aisle to photograph the bride head-on as she walks down, while my second shooter captures the groom’s reaction from the back with a zoom lens.

Keep in mind, when you opt out of a first look, guests may try to take their own photos during this part of the ceremony. It’s a good idea to find a polite way to encourage them to keep their cameras and phones put away—whether through an announcement before the processional begins or a sign at the venue entrance. Ultimately, the choice of when and how to have your first look is entirely yours, and it will be a special, unforgettable moment no matter what you decide.

ceremony

Well, it's time! Your guests are arriving, make up is done, music is playing. Let's say some I dos! One thing to remember is to be aware where you're looking. Don't watch your feet as you come down the isle so that we can see your face when you're walking! Make sure your vows are ready, and don't get caught up in the decor, this is the first day as husband and wife! If you have the opportunity, make sure to mention to your bridal party to look straight ahead and smile during the processional. For those who have long hair, if it gets blown away outside, fix it! I’d rather you take two seconds to fix it rather than getting all your photos with your hair in your face.

Make sure you hold the kiss for a while. At least 3 seconds! We have nearly missed the kiss shot before because couples just give a peck. Don't be embarrassed, people are here to see you two get married! What else do they expect?

Reception

Ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing. Enim facilisis gravida neque convallis a cras semper. Ultrices sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget duis. Faucibus purus in massa tempor. Mauris pharetra et ultrices neque ornare aenean euismod elementum. Nulla porttitor massa id neque aliquam vestibulum. At tellus at urna condimentum mattis este.