Speaking of timeline padding, if you have complicated undergarments or need to use body/boob tape, allow *at least* 30 minutes to get that sorted on the day of. And make sure you and whoever is helping you get dressed that day practice it ahead of time.
Whoever is helping you get dressed needs to be fully done with hair and makeup and dressed before you so keep that in mind when planning your hair and makeup schedule.
Send out your photo timeline to your wedding party and immediate family the week before your wedding so they know what to expect and when.
If a member of your wedding party has kids that'll be at the wedding, make sure they have a plan for someone to watch their kiddos while they get ready and during photo time.
Have your florist drop off your bouquets and styling flowers for detail photos in your getting ready room 1 hour prior to my official start time (I always arrive early to get set up)
getting ready
getting ready on time is key!
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!
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!
MARK THE CENTER WHERE YOU'LL STAND
If I had a nickel for every time I backed up at a ceremony and realized the couple was standing way off center from the arch or chuppah, I'd be rich at this point. Haha. But there's an easy solution! Ask your coordinator to lay down a small piece of tape or a rock that marks the center and just quickly glance down when you go to hold hands.
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.
CEREMONY + FAMILY PHOTO TIPS
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.
"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.
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 usually 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.
AT HOME TANS LOOK GREAT IN REAL LIFE, BUT NOT SO MUCH ON CAMERA
Pretty please, DO NOT DIY A FAKE TAN AT HOME FOR YOUR WEDDING. 😉 The color can read 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!
uncomfy situations
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.
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 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.
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 velvet 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! And if you’re including special silk or gauze table runners, I would love an extra piece to style with your details.
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!
DETAIL PHOTOS TIPS
DJS
SCE Event Group
Bring on the Bash
Pat and Sean Kelly
Silver Sound Entertainment
Remixologists
OFFICIANTS
Journeys of the Heart
Lehigh Valley Celebrants
Rev. Kelly Jo
Leeroy Williams aka “The BROfficiant”
Reenie Panzini
INVITES & LETTERING
Every Little Something
Stone Hill Paperie
Papertree Studio
Chez La Mariee
Ink and Press Co.
DECOR RENTALS
White Glove Rentals
Vision Furniture PHL
CAKES
The Sugary
The Master's Baker
Bredenbecks
Whipped Bakeshop
Nutmeg Cake Design
CATERING
John Serock Catering
Peachtree Catering
Feastivities
Sage Catering
BANDS
EBE Talent
BVT Live
York Street Hustle
Gypsy Wisdom
Cherry Crush Band
DOGSITTING
Furever and Fur Always
Smile 'N' Wag
LIVE PAINTING
Event Painting by Nicole
Andy Greenle Celebrations Painting
Kelly Lagaras
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Visual Rose Films
His and Hers Productions
Tag Visual
Little Kings Media
Converse Productions
Timothy Lebo Films
Paper Lantern Films
N.S.T. Pictures
PLANNERS
Arielle Fera
Your Sweetest Day Events
Spruce Events
Planned Perfection
House of Catherine
Shannon Wellington Weddings
KPW Productions
FLORISTS
Margaux St. Ledger
Petals with Style
Belovely Floral Co.
RAM Floral
The Bloemist
Twisted Willow Flowers
Fresh Designs Florist
Winsome Floral Co.
BEAUTY
True Beauty Marks
Alisha Nycole
Jackie Scully Beauty
MKUP the Beauty Studio
Daneene Jensen & Associates
Something You Onsite Beauty
