BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME
If you have any questions or need to update me about your wedding plans/ideas, email is always best! I like to keep all of your important info in one place. If you want to send me a hot photo of Harry Styles or a wedding planning meme, feel free to DM me on instagram. 😎
FALL + WINTER TIMELINES
Keep in mind sunset time for portraits! If you’re getting married in late fall or winter, you may need to have an earlier ceremony or first look to ensure we have an hour and a half of portrait time before the sun goes down.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
Everyone loves taking photos and videos of the two of you on your wedding day! And that’s super awesome every other time apart from the ceremony. If you don’t have the officiant or a sign announce that you would like your ceremony to be unplugged, your photos will be filled with a sea of phones/tablets and your guests will experience your wedding through a screen. If you’d like to have an unplugged ceremony, simply let your officiant know to make the announcement and/or have a cute little sign made for the ceremony.
FIRST KISS AND RECESSIONAL
Don’t be afraid to take your time during your first kiss! If you linger longer than a peck, it gives me ample time to get a close up and wider shot. And if you stop three quarters of the way down the aisle and go for another kiss, well that’s just a bonus for everyone!
FAMILY FORMALS
It’s super important to tell your family members that will be in the photos where they need to be and when.
99% of the time they’ll take place right after your ceremony at the ceremony site so having your officiant also make an announcement at the end to let family know to stay put is also super helpful. And if there’s an extra grouping you think of while at dinner, please grab me or my second photographer. We’re there for you!!
CHOOSING A VEIL
We can get beautiful veil shots with any length but if you want it to flutter in the wind, fingertip to cathedral lengths work the best! Also make sure you choose a veil that isn't pure white. It reads as blue/purple in natural light. Diamond white, ivory, or champagne photograph beautifully!
YOUR DRESS/PANTS MIGHT GET A BIT DIRTY AND I PROMISE THAT'S 100% NORMAL
I know it’s scary to think of the most expensive outfit you’ll ever wear getting dirty on your wedding day. But I promise you, even in rain, even in mud, you will have a much better time if you don’t worry about it. If you’re wearing a long gown, we’ll of course take care to pick up your train when you’re moving as much as possible, but if we’re taking photos outside, there will inevitably be some dirt. It’s totally fine!! And if you decide to get your outfit preserved or dry cleaned, they can totally take care of any stains.
YOUR DJ/VENUE OFFERS EXTRA PHOTOGRAPHERS - JUST SAY NO
Oof this is an awkward one. I have in my contract that I will be the sole professional photographer at your event and here’s why:
I would love to just say sure, the more the merrier! But because they’re not professionals, I’ll spend the day chasing them out of the background of key shots and not be able to 100% focus on capturing your day. I’ve had them step in during the ceremony processional, first dance, cake cutting, you name it! And your guests will assume they’re with me and if they’re not the most professional people, things can get hairy. So if they offer that, just politely decline and blame it on me. 🙂
YOUR PORTRAIT TIME IS JUST FOR THE TWO OF YOU (AND US OF COURSE)
Well-meaning family members or friends will sometimes try to tag along with us during your wedding day portraits and take phone pictures over my shoulder or offer commentary. I typically have a small window of time to capture the most important pictures you’re going to hang on your wall for the rest of your life.
My brain is going a million miles an hour and I need to be 100% focused. I’ve also had some people shout some not so helpful advice or criticism at couples during portraits and my protective mama bear side wants to come out. So if someone is trying to come with us, just let them know that it’s time for them to go party so we can have the best time during portraits.
"YOU CAN PHOTOSHOP THAT RIGHT?"
If you have an obvious breakout or cut/injury, I will gladly digitally airbrush those out on close up images where they’re visible. I do not alter bodies/faces or remove tattoos, scars, or anything else that makes you YOU. I am always learning and working on body neutrality and acceptance and want to bring positive energy and love to every session and wedding.
Flyaway hairs are also sometimes actually impossible to edit out so if your day is looking windy, either embrace it (I mean, Beyonce has a wind fan at shoots for a reason), or have your hairstylist pin up tendrils because otherwise they’ll be flying in your face all day.
SPRAY TANS LOOK GREAT IN REAL LIFE, BUT NOT SO MUCH ON CAMERA
First things first, for the love of all that’s holy, DO NOT DIY A FAKE TAN AT HOME FOR YOUR WEDDING. 😉 The color, even when done by a pro, always reads as too saturated and unnatural on camera.
Editing uneven or patchy skin is really difficult and time-consuming and is not included in my editing. I would need to outsource that which would incur an extra cost to you and take longer to deliver your images which obviously no one wants. Please also be mindful of tans and sunburns before your wedding because if there are tan lines or peeling skin, they’re here to stay in your photos!
BUGS REALLY LOVE WHITE
Just to warn you, anyone wearing white or pastels is like catnip to bugs. It happens at every wedding and honestly, trying to pick them out while you’re outside is a losing battle. They won’t show up in photos and you’ll have plenty of downtime before your ceremony to shake those little suckers out.
PAMPER YOUR TOOTSIES
If you’re wearing shoes that aren’t super comfortable for your ceremony, make sure to bring an extra pair just in case you need to switch them out before portraits or the reception so you can get your dance on!
DJS
Mixed Up Productions
Bring on the Bash
3WEST Productions
DJ Mast Productions
OFFICIANTS
Journeys of the Heart
Rev. Kelly Jo
Leeroy Williams aka “The BROfficiant”
Reenie Panzini
INVITES & LETTERING
Cork and Chambers
Ink and Press Co.
Love and Lightning
DECOR RENTALS
Shumaker PDT
SWOON Vintage Rentals
Lilac and Lace Co.
CAKES
Flouretta Sweet
Kyrsten’s Sweet Designs
The Master's Baker
Bredenbecks
CATERING
Feastivities
Mountain Laurel Catering
Weddings by JDK
The Scarlet Runner
Rettew’s Catering
Sage Catering
BANDS
The Bachelor Boys
Gypsy Wisdom
Philadelphia Funk Authority
The Uptown Band
DOGSITTING
Furever and Fur Always
VIDEOGRAPHERS
His and Hers Productions
Tag Visual
Converse Productions
Timothy Lebo Films
Bamboo Shoots Media
PLANNERS
Spruce Weddings
Weddings by JDK
Planned Perfection
Your Sweetest Day Events
FLORISTS
Petals with Style
Belovely Floral Co.
RAM Floral
BEAUTY
Vero Leigh
Jackie Scully Beauty
MKUP the Beauty Studio
Daneene Jensen & Associates
Something You Onsite Beauty
PROS
• It’s a classic and will make more traditional families happy
• You get to spend the morning and afternoon with your wedding party getting pumped up
CONS
• Because there’s typically only one hour between the ceremony and reception, we have to get family photos, wedding party, and your portraits done in that time. It’s definitely doable, but to reduce stress on everyone, I highly recommend extending your cocktail hour by 15 minutes. (no one will notice, I promise!)
• You unfortunately have to miss out on cocktail hour and not get quite as many candids from then because my second photographer will be with me for your wedding party and couples portraits
aisle reveals
PROS
• Your photos are done ahead of time
• You spend more time with your spouse on your wedding day
• You get to experience cocktail hour or take a private break in between
• You might be more comfortable showing emotion during the first time you see each other since it’s private
CONS
• Your family and friends don’t get a front row seat to the first time you see each other (depending on your personality, this might be a pro – lol)
FIRST LOOKS
I will absolutely not push you to do either, it’s your wedding! If you’re having trouble deciding, I put together a pros and cons list that might help you out.
YOUR INVITATION SUITE AND ENVELOPE
I recommend including two copies so that I can photograph any pieces that are two-sided and to ensure I always have clean and wrinkle free paper to work with. If your envelope was custom addressed, ask your calligrapher or printing company to create one with your venue’s address on it or a fake address so that your home address isn’t in the photos shared online. And if you go with a custom envelope liner on the inside, I’ll definitely want two of them so I can showcase both sides.
If you are using custom stamps and/or a wax seal, feel free to include a few of those as well! I also have some vintage stamps on hand just in case. I would love for you to mail me a copy of your invitation or send me a photo so I can plan my layout ahead of time. Note: The copy you mail to me won't be used on your actual day. Those are for planning purposes only because they often get a little wrinkled or warped in the mail.
YOUR RINGS
No matter where each of you are getting ready, always include all rings for detail photos with me including engagement rings and wedding bands. I have a plethora of Mrs. Box ring boxes in all kinds of colors to display your rings in your details, but if you have a custom ring box or dish, feel free to bring that along!
ADDITIONAL PAPER GOODS AND LINENS
If you have a custom menu, ceremony program, vow books, table cards or other small paper goods, feel free to include these! If you’re working with a calligrapher, something unique and beautiful you might want to add is your custom vows or a poem/verse read at your ceremony handwritten on antique paper. It’ll make for beautiful detail photos and you can frame it in your home after your wedding.
And if you’re including special silk or gauze table runners, I would love an extra piece to style with your details.
FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY FROM YOUR FLORIST
These take a good detail image and make it great. They add life, dimension, texture and best of all – they match your decor and the colors for the day. Most florists are used to this request so just add it in when you finalize your order. And if you have ribbon tied on your bouquet/boutonnière, I’d love to include that in your details as well so have your florist include some extra.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When scheduling drop off times with your florist, please make sure they arrive with your flowers at least 30-60 minutes before my start time and drop them off in or near where you’re getting ready. They always put them in water, so don’t worry about them wilting before the ceremony.
YOUR PARTNER'S DETAILS
I’ll photograph the invitation suite and details of the person I’ll be with in the morning, but if your partner wants theirs photographed as well, they can make a box or bag for my second photographer when they arrive. This includes shoes/socks, jewelry, accessories, fragrance, watch, etc.
SHOE TIPS
If you’re planning to use gel inserts or taping a penny to the inside of your shoe for luck, I would wait until after I’m done shooting details for a cleaner look in the photos. And if you want to spring for beautiful shoes but they aren’t the most comfortable, you can always wear them for the ceremony and switch to more comfortable ones for photos and the reception.
I always start wedding days photographing all of the little details you spent months planning that deserve a moment in the spotlight. I’ll happily create magic out of just your invitation card and rings, but if you want to go the extra mile, read on!
HEIRLOOM VOW BOOKS
Seniman Calligraphy
Claire Magnolia
Paper Lace Boutique
RIBBONS
Frou Frou Chic
Silk and Willow
WEDDING JEWELRY
Olive and Piper
BHLDN
BRIDAL SHOES
Bella Belle Shoes
Badgley Mischka
Something Bleu Shoes
BHLDN
CALLIGRAPHY
Just Write Studios
Kara Hill Calligraphy
Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Caitlin Jane Calligraphy
GROOM'S SHOES
Grimentin
Aldo
Taft
TIES AND MEN'S ACCESSORIES
The Tie Bar
Beau Ties
Moss Bros