The wedding Guide
Let's dive into planning!
I am so excited to be a part of your day!
These are tips that focus on the photography aspect of your wedding day, mostly lighting and timeline-related stuff. They are by no means hard rules, and if you don’t follow my suggestions everything will be just fine. These are just things that I have learned over the years after shooting 300+ weddings that can help make your day run more smoothly :)
Intimate weddings and elopements can be anything you want them to be. This guide covers a full wedding day from getting ready to reception. Some sections might not apply to your day so feel free to skip around to the sections that do via the links below!
Shortcuts
Getting Ready
Lighting
Lots of natural light is key to great getting-ready photos and window light is my favorite natural light! When thinking about where you will be getting ready try to find a location that does have lots of windows (light neutral-colored walls are a bonus if you want a brighter look). This will ensure a brightly lit space without color casts from the walls that are perfect for photos.
» There is a good chance that your hair and make-up artists will also be looking for spots with great natural light too so it’s a great idea to clear space in front of the windows in advance for them.
» Ambient light or artificial light, when mixed with natural light, can cause unflattering skin tones and weird colors in photos. You will probably notice me turn off ambient lights in a room before I start shooting to avoid mixed tones. I apologize in advance for turning off all of the lights when I arrive lol!
» BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR GETTING READY SPACE
Hotels don’t always provide the best option for light and space when getting ready. I definitely recommend checking out local AirBnB’s as a more unique getting-ready option too. You can find a space that you love and are comfortable in. You can even rent a whole house and have your family and friends all stay together comfortably!
» Clutter
Lots of people getting ready in what is usually a small space is going to get a bit messy. Clutter can be super distracting in photos though, so it’s best to straighten up a bit before I arrive. Even if it’s just tossing everything in the closet or a nearby room, it will make a huge difference in your photos. Try to have a designated clean space by a window since that is where we will probably be taking a lot of photos.
» Don’t be too far away
If you are not getting ready at your venue, make sure your Airbnb or hotel is nearby. Traveling on your wedding day adds stress to your timeline and you so the less time spent traveling the better. If you are getting married in the city make sure to factor in extra travel time for traffic and be aware of any concerts or sporting events that might be happening that day!
First Looks
What is a first look?
A first look it a private moment before the ceremony where you both see each other for the first time.
Why do a first look?
There are a few reasons first looks are popular.
Knock out all the formal photos so you don't have to be interrupted later - After a first look we will take all of your family/wedding party portraits, which means you can be done with formal photos for the day and you can go to your cocktail hour!
Calms the nerves - The anticipation and nerves on a wedding day can be a lot. Couples always say they feel so much better after finally seeing their partner, the anticipation/nerves turn to excitement and joy :)
Spend more time together - Seeing each other earlier in the day allows you to spend more of the day together enjoying the day as one.
A more flexible timeline - Your day feels less rushed since everything is spread out more. If you have a large family this gives us as much time as we need to get all the formal photos in that you want since we are not constrained by the cocktail hour.
Not doing a first look?
No problem! We will take all your formal photos during your cocktail hour. It may not be a bad idea to do an extended cocktail hour too! That way after your formal photos your can still go mingle with your guests!
In the end the decision is totally up to you and your priorities for you day!
» Share Private Vows
If you have things you want to share with your partner that you don't necessarily want to say in front of 100 guests private vows right after your first look is a great idea.
» KEeping it just us
Your first look will probably be the only time of your wedding day that you will be alone with your partner so keep it just us and soaking up the moment together.
» Do whats right for you
Don't let anyone pressure you to do a first look if you are not feeling it. I am happy to talk it through with you any answer any questions while you decide what it best for your day!
The Ceremony
Lighting
When thinking about your ceremony most people think about the backdrop and totally forget about the light! The light depends on the location of the sun and the time of year that your ceremony will take place. I don’t expect you to become an expert on light but it is something to keep in mind! The good news is most venue coordinators will have a good idea of where the sun will be setting on your ceremony space so make sure to ask. Many venues have a few ceremony location options too so depending on the time of day one location may be better than the other! If possible you want the sun to be behind you during your ceremony so you are backlit. If your ceremony is happening indoors or in the evening consider adding extra string lights to get that super romantic feel!
» An Unplugged Ceremony
A lot of couples don’t even think about this until they get their photos back and see the swarms of phones in all their ceremony photos. It doesn’t look great in photos but also having your guests focused on their phones makes them miss the reason that they are there, your marriage! Consider having your officiant make an announcement letting your guests know that you are having an unplugged ceremony.
» Aisle Space
Make sure your aisle is wide enough for the amount of people you want to have walk down with you. Most aisles are wide enough for two people but if one of you is planning on having both parents walk you down the aisle you will need an extra wide aisle so that you don't get all scrunched together. If you or your partner is wearing a fuller dress you will also need additional aisle space.
» Mark the center of your Altar
If you are having an altar or centerpiece for your ceremony it is a good idea to mark the ground where you want to stand so you are centered! You can use a piece of tape or a dab of spray paint on the grass. Most people are so excited that the last thing they think about is being centered for their ceremony but they definitely notice it later in the photos.
» Consider a ceremony exit
Love all of those sparkler exit photos but your venue won’t allow one! Do a ceremony exit instead! Have your guests toss biodegradable confetti, flower petals, blow bubbles, or wave ribbons as you walk back down the aisle after your first kiss as a married couple. They make for amazing photos, require no extra time in your timeline, are during the day so the light is better, and are much safer than sparkler exits.
» Ditch the Mic stand
A lapel microphone worn by your officiant works way better and is not a distracting object between you both during your ceremony.
The Formal Photos
Lighting
Everyone looks best when they are lit with natural light so I always try to take formal photos outdoors if possible. Formal photos are best when they are evenly lit, so there is a good chance I will be looking for a nice shady spot to photograph your family and your wedding party! If we are indoors due to bad weather I will still be looking for a location that has some natural light to work with, like a large window, and then supplement with flash if needed.
Timing and Common Groupings : The time needed for formal photos adds up quickly. I recommend planning for 3 minutes per grouping during our formal photo time. That is about 10-12 family photo groupings and 3-5 wedding party groupings. So if you have 10 family groupings and 5 wedding party groupings, that would take about 45 minutes total to complete. If we are done early that's great, but it’s better to have buffer time if we are running behind which weddings often do! If you are doing a first look we have more flexibility in your formal photo timing. If you have a traditional wedding timeline (formal photos during cocktail hour) then the number of family/wedding party photos can really impact your couple photo time, so that is something to keep in mind.
I kindly request that you limit your formal photo time to immediate family, grandparents, wedding party, and other extremely important people, and save the rest of your group photos for the cocktail hour/reception. The reception is great for photos of coworkers, extended family, and college friends!
» Make sure Everyone Knows Where to MEet
The number one thing that slows down formal photo time is hunting for missing family members. Make sure everyone who needs to be present for formal photos knows when and where they need to be before your wedding day.
» Don't go overboard with the groupings
I don’t recommend going crazy with the family formal combinations. Not only will they take up a lot of time but it gets exhausting for you and for your family to stand and smile at the camera for too long. Anything over 45 minutes (for family and wedding party) is usually too long and people start to get antsy and smiles start to look fake and no one wants that! Keep it simple and we will get everyone to the party faster!
» Have a Photo Wrangler
It is a great idea to have a close friend or family member be the official photo wrangler. It’s common for people to wander off, especially if we are taking family photos during cocktail hour! It’s your photo wranglers’ job to make sure that we don’t lose anyone and go find any family members who may escape to cocktail hour.
Couple Photos
Lighting
The ideal lighting for couple photos is in the hour before the sunsets! In the photography world, this is known as the golden hour, when the lighting is soft and golden, and the colors are vibrant! This is when I recommend taking the bulk of your couple photos. Depending on what time the sunsets this time may fall during dinner at your reception or as early as right after your ceremony in winter. It is important that you check what time the sunset is on your wedding day and plan to sneak away in the hour before for 15-20 minutes for those lovely sunset photos. It is always worth it, I promise!
» Just relax and focus on each other
Seriously! I will take care of the rest! As long as you guys are laughing and interacting with each other the photos will be great. It’s hard to get out of the stiff-posed traditional photo mindset but when you do, that’s when all the photo magic happens! Don’t be afraid to be silly and mess around, to move, dance, and spin. The more you can relax and the more fun you are having the better your photos will be!
» Don't sweat the small stuff
Is there a tiny stain on your tie? A small rip in your veil? Don’t stress about it. 99.9% percent of the time those little tiny imperfections are not noticeable in photos. If I do happen to see them they are easy enough to clean up in post-production (aka good old photoshop).
» Don't worry about the WEATHER
Dry cleaners will get all of the mud, grass stains, and food stains out of your outfits! If you want fun natural-looking photos don’t be afraid to just let your dress blow in the wind or drag on the ground. Have fun with it and roll with it! It is always worth it to adventure, especially when the weather isnt cooperating. Clothing can be cleaned but you can't relive the day again.
The RECeption
Not all intimate weddings have a reception but if you are here are are few tips for a great party!
Lighting
There are so many variations when it comes to receptions but my vote is always for warm, natural-looking light! The best way to get this is lots of string lights! Be aware the Christmas lights (the tiny bulb ones) don’t give off enough light, you need the outdoor Italian string lights to really light up a space, and the more the better! Think about it this way, the more you can light up your reception space with string lights, candles, or other neutral lighting; the better your photos will be. Dimly lit reception spaces make it hard for even the best cameras to focus and will result in extra grainy photos or me having to use flash. I try to avoid using flash unless it’s absolutely necessary or we are breakin’ it down on the dance floor. Flash kills the mood and the atmosphere of your photos and makes creative shots more difficult. I really want to try and capture the feel of your day and I want the photos to reflect that so string up those lights and embrace the soft romantic light from them!
» Garden PArty Vibes
Don't feel the need to conform to standard reception events if that is not how you envision your day! Everyone loves a mingling garden party! I have seen lots of couples switch to a cocktail style reception. No assigned seats, tables scattered about, food available for when guests want it. It is a very welcoming more casual style reception that your family and best friends will love.
» Tents
If you will be tenting your reception space and have the wiggle room in your budget go for a pole tent or a clear roof tent its a great idea. Pole tents have a great aesthetic is way better then your standard outdoor tent. Clear roof tents let tons of light into your reception space which makes for better photos and makes everything brighter.
» Windy Days
You probably have a rain plan but do you have a wind plan? If your reception or dinner is outdoors or under an outdoor tent make sure you think about how your decor will hold up on a windy day! Talk to your florist about weighted centerpieces if needed, have sandbags or tent stakes available to weigh or tie down any signs or larger decor that might might not want to stay put on a windy day.
Rainy Day Tips
The weather is weather.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who lives in Maryland but our weather can be a bit wacky! Having a good rain plan and preparing for rain can help make your day go smoothly if it happens. The number one thing I always tell my couples when it comes to rain is to just roll with it. You can not control the weather so don’t stress about it! If you are not stressing then your family and friends will be ready to roll with the punches too. Everyone takes a hint from you guys, if they see you having a great time despite the weather then they will be more likely to have a great time too!
» Rainboots
If it looks like rainy weather is in the forecast for your day and you have a bridal party go out and get some cheap rain boots for your girls to wear. Not only will they be more comfortable with dry feet but they will be able to walk around much easier if we are taking photos out in the grass. If they are wearing long dresses no one will even know, if they have short dresses you can pick cute rain boots that match your wedding party colors for a fun touch.
» Lots of Umbrellas
Clear umbrellas are best for photos because they let light through but solid white, black, are other options. Have enough so every two people in your wedding party can share an umbrella. I always have a few clear umbrellas in my car too just in case!
»Layering for cool damp days
If it looks like it’s going to be cold and wet then consider wearing leggings under a dress for any outdoor photos and events. They won’t be visible in the photos (especially if you wear a skin toned color) and you will be so much more comfortable. They can be taken off later when the outdoor events are over. Don’t forget to tell any wedding party or family members too since they will likely be with you outside for longer than your guests will.
Local Vendors We Love
Other Fun Vendors
Officiant : Ceremony by Rachel
Custom Stickers & Sticker Machine : Created to Heal
Espresso Cart : Franceschini's Mobile Coffee Cart
Ice Sculpture / Ice Luge : Ice Lab
Caricature Artist : Caricature Artist Group