#2. Do a “first look” & all the portraits before the ceremony.

You’ve probably heard this a lot, (the choice is yours and I’ve done it successfully both ways) but here are the reasons why I suggest it.

Especially if your ceremony and reception are at the same location, when we do a “first look,” we can pick a pretty spot at your venue either inside or outdoors, so it’s not just an emotional moment for you, it looks great in pictures!
We can plan it into the schedule so we have ample time to make creative portraits with the two of you, add the wedding party, and be ready for formal family portraits, too. We can take advantage of more of your venue’s scenic locations and the daytime sunlight. And after your ceremony, you get to be with your guests and enjoy cocktail hour!

#3. Hire professional hair and make-up artists.

Having an artist dedicated to making you look exactly how you want makes you feel really good. Feeling really good make for the best pictures. And professionals know how to handle the timing of a wedding day. I’ve seen photo time get cut short or eliminated because the bride had a friend do her hair and/or the wedding party. Her hair looked great, but the schedule was thrown off by 45 minutes or more. A pro knows how to deliver what you need and get the job done on time.

Bonus tip: be sure to tell your hair and make-up artists how many people to expect and please do not add other moms, friends, or flower girls last minute. This can add pressure and make things run behind, too.

#4. Book an engagement shoot with your photographer.

This gives you the opportunity to experience working together before the wedding. You’ll get a feel for how your photographer approaches giving directions, how they see the light, how their process flows, how creative they are… Having this experience builds trust and creates a comfort zone that is more important than you can imagine for looking your best. When the wedding day comes, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your photographer and you won’t worry about any surprises or discomfort.

PLUS you get amazing photos of the two of you during one of the sweetest times in your relationship – your engagement.

PLUS all of your friends and family will see the engagement photos, too, and they will be excited to be photographed at your wedding, too. I love it when I arrive at the hotel where the bride is getting ready and the bridesmaids and moms say to me: “Are you the photographer who made their AMAZING engagement photos?!” That sets us all up for success on your wedding day. Everyone will have a level of trust in the process that is so valuable.

#5. Relax, have fun and trust your photographer.

There are so many moving parts on a wedding day. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as you plan or something doesn’t live up to your expectations. Maybe it’s looking like it might rain. Your little nephew isn’t feeling well and it’s making your sister’s family run late. Uncle Johnny decided last minute to bring his new girlfriend.

If you are stressing out about the details, you’ll be able to see it in your face. You won’t be able to relax and that is not the way to look your natural best. Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. Roll with it and let the little things go.

I always tell my clients, “As long as we are having fun, we’ll be making great pictures.” Just let yourself have fun. The day goes so fast!

No matter what happens, I keep a smile on my face and tell my clients that everything is perfect. And I’m with them through the whole perfect day, making great pictures.

Want to learn more about working with us for your wedding?

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