Congratulations, You’re Getting Married!
Here are some quick tips I like to share with brides to ensure a smooth wedding day and great photos.
Do your research, not only for your venue, celebrant or priest and photographer, but also for the style of photos you would like. If you’re not sure, create your own mood board. Collect photos you love and work with your photographer to make sure your photos capture your vision.
Consider an engagement shoot with the photographer you choose. This gives you the opportunity to meet the photographer before your big day. This will also help if you or your groom are nervous about being in front of the camera. Also a good way to see whether you gel with the photographer.
Plan your wedding day carefully. Allow enough time in your schedule to ensure you are not rushed and can enjoy the day whilst ensuring plenty of time to capture images that you will be happy with. If you are planning to move between locations factor in travel time, traffic and the unexpected.
Consider you overall schedule and allow enough time at the right time of day to capture the images you want. Photographers love golden hour as this gives us amazing light, but it might not work with your vision day, work with you photography to allow the right amount of time at the right time on the day.
Location, location, location. Just like in real estate location matters. A great venue will not only leave great memories but will also provide a backdrop to your photos. Select a venue that not only suits your style, fits your budget, but also makes you feel excited.
Create a shot list. This is a list of all the people you would like photos with on the day or special moments you would like captured. Preparing this in advance will ensure no important photos aren’t missed. This is includes a list of photos with family, extended family and close friends as well as important details such as family heirlooms you have incorporated into the day.
More on the shot list. In addition to photos of you getting ready, the ceremony, bridal portraits, cutting the cake and first dance, what other parts of the day would you like captured? Groom getting ready? do you want the whole reception covered or just to the first dance.
Consider a first look. If your schedule is looking tight, a first look is a great way for you and you husband to spend a few moments together before the ceremony and ensures he gets to see you first.
Have a back up plan. Whilst I am sure you will have lovely weather on your big day, having a back up of where you would like your photos in the event it rains is prudent and will lower the stress levels on the day.
Ask the photographer plenty of questions. As the saying goes there are no silly questions, the goal is to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the lead up to and on your wedding day.
Put one someone in charge of handling the little things that may pop up on they day, such as making sure you have plenty of water available or who will handle any issues that arise unexpectedly.
Lastly, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the day.
Whilst you are probably early on in your search for a photographer, here are some of the next steps should you select me to capture your day. We will have a have consultation early on so I can meet you and your fiance to discuss your plans as they currently stand, as we get closer to you big day we will also meet again to ensure we cover all the bases and go through the finer details such as a shot list.
Some other questions you may have is around pricing and how and when you will you will receive your photos. I will give you a link to high resolution edited photos that you can download and print as you please. I will also share some photos on the day for your to share family and friends who wont be there on the day. I am not being cryptic on pricing, but location, hours of coverage and other factors play into this, once I understand what you are looking for I am more that happy to discuss your budget and my price.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Congratulations again and I look forward to speaking with you.
