Things to consider on your wedding Day
Please feel free to always communicate your needs, whatever they may be.
On wedding days, I've helped cinch dresses and even button up hundreds of buttons using a crochet hook (or in a pinch a bobby pin works too) during getting ready and helped many a wedding party bustle dresses during reception. I’ve helped pin boutonnieres on suits and even looked up ways to fold a pocket square. Whatever the day brings, I’m ready, and I want you two to be ready too.
If I can't immediately help, or doing so would prevent me from photographing critical moments of your day, then I'm happy to find someone who can.
If you've spent a good amount of time on some of the details and these are important to you, such as your florals, invites, perfume, heirloom jewelry, gifts and the like - I'm happy to photograph these during the getting ready moments and it would make my time with them much easier if all of these things are in one place - like in your shoe box of the shoes you'll be wearing and also want photographed.
This way, I can get back to focusing on the other details that matter most to you - like the people surrounding you on your day.
Also - if there are any changes made to your timeline or new additions to your day, please keep me in the loop! (having a flash mob or a mid reception outfit change - AWESOME! Just let me know)
First Looks
If you two decided to have a first look where you two see each other before the ceremony - then remember to make the most of this time together.
Sure I’ll be there capturing the sweet moment too- but really take the time to savor it and each other. Ignore me ;)
This will be one of the last moments where time can stand still for the both of you, where the day is still just the two of you - before all the pieces come into play and you share in all the love and joy of this day with your family and friends and CELEBRATE.
Your Ceremony
When it comes to your ceremony - take your time! Soak it in. Take a deep breath. Cherish this moment. Make note of this when you share your first kiss as a married couple! TAKE YOUR TIME! When you get up there -take a look at your partner and also take a look at all the lovely people that are there for the two of you.
Don't be afraid to hold hands while you two are up there too and if you can’t quite reach for each other’s hands, then you need to scoot in a little closer to each other ;) You don't have to stand too far apart. Remember to also hand off your bouquet to your designated person - whether they are up there with you or seated in front of you.
After the ceremony, when you walk back down the aisle - feel free to stop at the last row of guests for a nice wide shot of the two of you and all your guests behind cheering you on!
Family Photos
If you two didn't have a first look, then immediately after the ceremony - if you two could walk off away from the crowd, and meet at the designated area for formal family photos. Please let your family members know ahead of time that we will need them to wait and do not go off to cocktail hour.. but we will get through the list efficietnly if we can have everyone know and be ready and most importanly - away from the crowd, because if not - you will spend the most time being hugged and loved and congratulated. While obviously this is awesome - it will take time away from the group photos and eat up more of your time away from guests during cocktail hour... I promise you we will get through the groupings quickly and effortlessly if you trust me so that I can get you back to celebrating with your loved ones at cocktail hour.
Feel free to ask me to shoot a special grouping during your cocktail hour or reception that you didn't previously consider
Taking a Break & remembering to eat
Be sure to take breaks during your reception to be with each other, hang out & especially dance. Having all your special people all in one place is so exciting and everyone will want to congratulate you and chat you two up and because of this, it will be easy to get separated. So just find each other now and again to reconnect and celebrate together- or just even locking eyes when you've scanned the room for each other to reconnect.. it is sure to light up your insides and show up on your faces - for me to photograph, hehe.
The best time for us to eat - your photographers and videographers - is when you two are eating since no one wants a photo of themselves eating, like ever.. ok maybe only when cutting cake and cheersing some oysters. If you are able to share this with your planner and catering team, I'd much appreciate it - as they often have their own ideas when to feed us, which sadly is usually after all guests have been fed, which ends up meaning we don't eat because when everyone else finishes eating - it's time for us to be documenting toasts and speeches and everything else again...(and yes, this has happened before, but luckily not much in recent years)
Golden Hour Portraits
Planning at least 30 minutes for your golden hour/sunset portraits is essential - even though I will do my absolute best to get you back to your reception within 20 mins...unless you have decided on a location we will need to drive to. If so, we will plan accordingly.
Grand Exits
If our coverage together is longer than 6 hours or we’ve customized your day and you’d like something planned like a sparkler exit (although in most places in California, this is probably a no-no) or some kind of lovely grand send off (whether real or staged), just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly with your wedding team AND your guests! And like all my insights - ENJOY THIS TIME!
