Wedding Tips

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Wedding Tips

Below are a few ideas we've learned along the way that might help you plan for the biggest party of your life.

EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

Allow your wedding day to simply be what it is. Whether that means inclement weather, forgetting that bracelet you wanted to wear, or events running way off schedule. Keeping an open mind will allow spontaneity and magic to surprise and delight you, and make your wedding uniquely yours.

TRANSPORTATION

When it makes sense have your second photographer ride with you when possible. In the car on the way to the ceremony; in the limo on the way to the reception. You will get some of the most intimate moments captured this way, and also some of the wildest.

CREATIVE PORTRAITS

One of the most important parts of your wedding day is taking the time to make creative portraits of the two of you. Make sure to carve out an hour to an hour and a half for this. We will guide you through everything, but it's important to remember these portraits require patience and tenacity, and occasionally an adventurous endeavor or two.

HAIR&MAKEUP

As you're fleshing out your wedding-day schedule, ask your hair/makeup artist for an estimated time on how long this process will take, and then add at least 30 minutes as a buffer.

GETTING READY

Decide early on whether you want a quieter morning of getting ready alone; getting ready with just a couple of your closest friends; or having a room full of people around. Each arrangement provides a very different energy and environment. And it's important to know ahead of time how your own demeanor and personal needs will mix with each situation.

FAMILY GROUP SHOTS

We recommend doing immediate family only right after the ceremony, or right before ceremony in case a reveal/first look happens before (parents, siblings, grandparents, wedding party). If you have large groups, do them at the reception right after the cake cutting. Just have the DJ or band make an announcement.

INDOOR RECEPTIONS

The more lighting you can bring in, the better! We love uplighting (orange, red, purple and pink look the best; stay away from green); candles, chandeliers and twinkle lights.

TENT RECEPTIONS

We love tent receptions, because the white canvas works really well with the way we use our flashes. To make it even prettier, add some sparkly chandeliers or lanterns, and lots of candles on the tables.

OUTDOOR RECEPTION LIGHTING

If you're having a completely open-air reception, under the stars, we recommend adding as much extra lighting as possible, such as strands of twinkle lights and candles in hurricane vases. The extra lighting will help warm up your photos and add a prettier, more dynamic dimension.

CHURCH CEREMONIES

Before you book your church, please be sure to ask whether photography is allowed and if there are any restrictions. We are happy to work with anything, but it's important for your own peace of mind to have realistic expectations in advance.

OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

Generally, the best time for an outdoor ceremony is 2-3 hours before sunset. The later time ensures the sunlight falls more evenly on the skin tones (no harsh shadows), and is consistent for both the bride and groom (so you don't have one person in the light, and the other in shadow).