Hello Bride!
Let the day begin!
This portion of The Wedding Experience really sets the stage for the entire wedding day. As you keep scrolling I will share tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless day of bridal preparation and beautiful portraits!
You may not realize this but every photographer has parts of the wedding day that they favor! Our favorite moments of the day stem from some of our experiences as a bride and also the experience we've have had photographing several weddings each year. We look forward to these specific parts of the day every time I’m shooting!
Wedding Day Favorites
florals
When our couples invest in florals we go nuts. It's like a photographer's playground. Your wedding will get that editorial look when you have lots of florals.
bridal details
We love starting off the day with beautiful details! We consider this our “warm up” time. These details allow us to be creative from the moment we begin capturing on your wedding.We love finding this to connect with other elements in your day.
the First look
The first few moments the groom sees his bride. This is when the couple gets to hug, laugh and cry in a private intimate setting. It’s emotional and it’s so very special! Emotions are high and it’s a part of the day when you will feel excited and relieved that the pressure is off and you’ll be looking forward to having a few moments alone together.
bride + groom portraits
Portrait time with the bride and groom is hands down our favorite part of the day! This is when we produce our best work and when our couples really get to enjoy being together on their wedding day.
just married
hands down our most favorite. When you begin celebrating and get excited after they pronounce you man and wife!
It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time to hand them over to someone else. Delegation is a key part of a stress-free wedding day. I know it’s hard to hand over the decorating duties and all of the last minute things that need to be done, but it really is important to relax the morning of your wedding. The rest of the day is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emotions! Take advantage of this down time! There are a few things to consider about the “getting ready” portion of the day. Do you want to share a “first look” with your dad or any other person who plays a huge role in your life?
Getting Ready
Will you and your groom be exchanging gifts during this time? If so, who would you like to deliver them? Are there certain women in your life who would appreciate seeing you get into your gown? Some brides want very few people around for this moment. Other brides love having aunts and grandmas present! It’s totally up to you! A few other things to consider...as you get ready to put your dress on, refrain from putting any jewelry on. We love shooting all of those final steps once you’re in your gown! Speaking of the gown, if your gown is on a plastic hanger, try to make a note to bring a pretty hanger along for picture sake. If you forget, no big deal! I’m a pro at finding alternative options! Keep reading along for more “getting ready” tips to help you prepare!
The whole day begins with the DETAILS! This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day, because it allows me to prepare and get my creative side warmed up for the rest of the day! I photograph a bride’s details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the entire wedding day. So, in some ways, the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding and I love having ample time to stylize, and shoot everything from the dress, to the jewelry, to grandma’s handkerchief! Below, you’ll find a list of the most common details that I shoot. I ask brides to gather any details they have before I arrive so that I can walk in, say hello, give you a big hug and then begin with all the goodies! (Please assure your mom that we will take GREAT care of the dress, promise!)
Gather The Details
dress
veil / hair pieces
rings (all three)
shoes
bouquet & bout
jewelry
perfume
invitation suite
borrowed & blue
This is something that will make a dramatic impact on your pre-ceremony photos. By having just a simple window in the bridal prep area, I am able to create beautiful portraits with soft light. If there are no windows or natural light in the getting-ready area, I will more than likely have you do some faux "getting dressed" shots somewhere on the property where we can access natural light. This may be another room or just a simple doorway. Without natural light, my style of photos that you have come to love are nearly impossible. So natural light is very much a necessity. If you don't have any control over your bridal suite location, don't worry, I will work some magic to ensure that you still have detail shots and getting-in-the-dress shots that are photographed in natural light!
The Window Effect
What
fly
Makes
A Veil
As your wedding photographer, I feel that it’s my duty to let you know that not all veils have equal flying power! It’s true! Some veils do not fly! It’s actually very disappointing for a bride to realize on her wedding day that it’s impossible to capture the “flying veil” shot she always dreamed of because she selected a veil that has too much detail and is too heavy to fly! So, if a flying veil shot is very important to you, here are some tips for selecting a veil that can easily go airborne and is extra photogenic! :
1. Avoid heavy beading: and detail that weighs down your veil.
2. One layer is best! Multiple layers of tulle can be hard to toss.
3. Off-white is best. Some veils can actually photograph “blue” if they are a pure white and that is very hard to hide in editing! This is true for stark white dresses as well. Off-white, light ivories and creams are actually better for pictures!
4. Fine tulle flies more freely. Stiff tulle is a little more rigid.