Family Photos

If you are doing a first look, you have the option to do your family photos before the ceremony. I would only recommend this options if your family photo list is short and if you can coordinate and trust that everyone will be there before the ceremony. Otherwise, we can do family photos immediately following the ceremony. Make sure your family knows to stick around for photos! Trying to find them if they have gone off to cocktail hour is like herding cats. You can also have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins to remind them.

Make a list

I will request a list of the family photos you want about 2 weeks before the wedding. Having a list ensures we don't miss anything! Please use everyones names on this list rather than their relationship to you. For example, instead of saying photo of bride with sister, write out your sisters name.  Expect each grouping to take 3-5 minutes.

Have a helper

Please have a friend or family member there to help locate family members as I have no idea who's who! 

Talk to your family

I always recommend talking with your parents before the wedding about which family photos you plan on taking. If you don't get their input ahead of time, they will often request photos that are not on the list, which can throw us off with the timeline. 

Wedding Party Photos

If you are doing a first look, I recommend doing wedding party photos before the ceremony. Again, more time for cocktail hour!

Communication

Let me know what is important to you so we can make a timeline that reflects that. If you want lots of photos with your wedding party in different locations we can do that. If you want just a couple with the same backdrop, that's great too. I would recommend at least 30 minutes for these photos, more time if you want to go to different locations and if your wedding party is large.

Footware 

If we plan to do your wedding party and portrait photos on the beach, in the forest, out on rocks etc, please have the girls bring along flip flops to walk to and from the locations. 

Portraits

Portraits don't have to be "smile and look at me" I like to give direction that gets the two of you to interact and be present with each other. I always suggest breaking up your portraits into two sessions. The first being during your first look or directly after the ceremony and the final session being at sunset. Most of the images I love to share and create happen during sunset. The light is warm and I can create soft, dreamy imagery. Allowing at least an hour total for these two session is perfect. 

Ceremony

Put the sun behind you!

If there is any advice I can give you for getting the best photos this is it! For an outdoor ceremony, it's best to place the sun behind you. Otherwise there will be lots of harsh shadows and unflattering light. Whenever possible, getting married later in the day is ideal for lighting. If you are getting married in the early afternoon, definitely be backlit or even better, pick a spot in the shade. 

SLOW down

When you're nervous, you often walk fast. Take a deep breath and walk down the aisle slowly! 

Unplug

This one is up to you but I recommend having an unplugged ceremony. Often times, people will stand in the aisle with their cell phone and instead of getting a photo of the two of you, I get a photo of them.

Reception

Details

I really love shooting detail shots and consider them to be a big part of the story of your day. Allow at least 25 minutes for me to capture these and have someone make sure the reception space is unaccessible to guests before the reception so that there are no coats, purses or cell phones on the tables. 

Say no to flash

I really gravitate towards ambient light, especially once it gets dark. When possible, try to light up your receptions with lots of candles or bistro lights. This gives off an intimate and warm light that I really enjoy shooting in. 

I eat when you Eat

Please allow my vendor meal to be ready at the same time as guests so that I am done with my meal when toasts and dances begin. I don't want to miss anything! 

Dancing

Dancing photos are tons of fun but they begin to all look the same after about 30 minutes. I usually suggest wrapping up my coverage about 30 minutes after the dance floor opens. 

Ask me anything!

I am here to work with you to create a timeline that reflects what is important to you while trying to get the best images I can. Feel free to email me with any questions and remember, things almost always take longer than expected. Create a timeline with lots of wiggle room.