It’s hard to believe that I have captured over 100+ weddings. Sometimes, we as photographers forget that normal people don’t attend over 20 weddings a year. Trends change, individual styles differ, and every single wedding day is different. There is no right or wrong answer, style or feeling. My biggest piece of advice to those planning a wedding is this. BE YOURSELVES, and do what YOU want. If you have pressures to stay traditional, and do things the way grandma and grandpa did, know this: You can intertwine traditional with modern, you can add vintage flare to a funky trendy wedding. The most important take home is your wedding day should reflect your style, personality, and LOVE for one another. Here are some tips for you to help plan your perfect wedding.
Communication:
This is key. Make sure everyone, and I mean everyone knows the details and timeline. I promise, this will make your days leading up to the wedding, and the big day go so much smoother.
Maids: Tell them your expectations. Designate each person to bring something, or do something that will lend a helpful hand to your day. Use them! They didn’t receive this special title all because they are pretty. They have your back, and they will be happy to help.
Vendors: Send all of us a timeline once you have it finalized, and let everyone know if you plan on leaving the reception in a hot air balloon, believe me, we have a love/ hate relationship with surprises.
Guests: If you are having a backyard wedding in the middle of spring, suggest on your wedding website that stilettos are probably not a great idea, and neither is a ball gown. I promise, they will thank you later!
Family: Immediate family will be needed for family photos usually right after the ceremony. Let everyone you desire for photos know this, so they stick around and we aren’t scrambling to find everyone. If you want one big group photo of family, I recommend doing this during the reception.
Preparation:
This is one of my favorite parts of the day. Do you remember getting ready for your prom? It’s like that on steroids, with lots of champagne and 90’s hip hop. If you have the option, choose a large, well lit space to get ready. Consider a family members home, or an airbnb instead of a typical hotel room. This will add character to your photos, and make for a more unique experience. Make a list of what you know you will need, and send it to everyone so they are also prepared. Order food, bring ample snacks, water, coffee and of course spirits. And for the love of god, don’t forget a pair of scissors.
Wedding planner: If it fits in the budget, and you click with a planner, OMG yes. They are invaluable to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. They take the stress out and handle all of the nitty gritty things that you don’t have time for. They also set up, and often tear down which is huge.
Timeline:
Okay, if you’re anything like me… you rarely know what time it is, and you like to be fashionably late to social events. Not today. Be sure to leave lots of extra time in your timeline. 9 times out of 10, hair and makeup runs over, girls take 30 minutes to get into a dress when you only allowed for 10 minutes. There are so many moving parts and people to consider. Running late does nothing but stress everyone out. Be ahead of the clock and add ample cushion time, because this allows more time for selfies, hugs, snacks, and zen.
Lighting:
This is something that no one thinks about, besides the photographer. And to us, it’s almost all we think about. It is so important to schedule your day based on light.
Getting ready: lots of morning window light is key (Ideally to your side, or front - avoid being placed with your back to a window.)
Ceremony: especially if it is outside is 3-4pm. The earlier in the day, the higher the sun is in the sky. I know we all love the sun, especially here in Buffalo, but it creates some pretty harsh shadows when it’s right above you, and then groomsmen get cranky when you tell them they can’t wear sunglasses.
Portraits: Sunset “Golden Hour” is such a beautiful time to do some bridal portraits. It is the most flattering, yummy light and you will want photos during that time, If we have already done a portion of your photos, still set aside 10-15 minutes to do some more portraits. This often happens during the final 10 minutes of cocktail hour, or after dinner depending on time of year.
Reception: Typically by the time the party starts, the natural light has dissipated and its pretty dark and moody in the venue. Consider ambient light at this time. Lots of candles, string lights, lamps, uplighting if it fits in the budget, neon signs, whatever floats your boat.
First Look:
YES! I absolutely love when couples choose to do a first look. So many reasons…
1. You get to see your love sometimes 2 hours before you would if you didn’t do this. The day goes so quickly, and every minute counts.
2. It’s more intimate, and easier to be yourself and live in the moment. If you’re anything like me, nerves can get the best of you and put a cloud of anxiety over any situation.
3. Photos. These can be done after the first look, and before the ceremony. This means that you can get all of your bridal portraits, group photos, family photos done, which means you can enjoy your cocktail hour and get right to the party.
Typical photo times:
Detail photos during prep - 20 minutes ( Have all of your details set aside together)
First look with parents - 10 minutes
First look with each other - 15 minutes
Bridal party photos - 20 minutes
Family photos - 20 minutes
Bride + groom photos - 30 minutes
Sunset photos - 10-15 minutes
Reception:
Less is more. Try not to include too many planned events during your reception. This causes stress, and makes you live by a timeline all night. Do all of your special moments consecutively. Save your first dances until after dinner, this helps get the party started. Decor is great, but don’t clash your style with the venue. Choose a venue that you love and you can simply decorate without overdoing it.
Food: Consider heavy hors d'oeuvres, food stations, or a buffet. These options help your guests not over eat, and ensure that they are not sitting for 2 hours straight and getting sleepy.
Additional photo-worthy moments:
Exchanging a note, or gift with your partner during the getting ready process. This helps ground you and remember why you are getting married. It’s so special to keep later as well.
First look with parents or bridesmaids: designate 1 or 2 people to help you get into your dress, when all bridesmaids are surrounding you, it’s overwhelming and crowded. Let them see you once you’re all ready so you can get that super excited reaction. Have a special moment alone with your parents or siblings. The day can get crazy, but sharing a moment with the people who brought you into this world is really nice.
If you decide not to do a first look, consider having a special moment together. Just hearing each others voices, or touching hands for an amazing photo op, and it helps calm the nerves before walking down the aisle.
