Wedding Day Wisdom: Making Your Day Picture Perfect
You ever notice how weddings are like a beautiful whirlwind? The day flies by in a blur of laughter, happy tears, and cake crumbs, and before you know it, you’re reliving it all through your photos. If you want those photos to capture not just the moments but also the magic, a little preparation can go a long way. Over the years, I’ve picked up more than a few tricks of the trade to help couples enjoy their day and look amazing doing it. Here’s the ultimate guide to making your wedding day smooth, stress-free, and oh-so-photogenic.
Trust the Pros
You hired the best—now let them do their thing! Trust is the secret ingredient to a stress-free wedding day. Whether it’s your planner, florist, or yours truly as your photographer, we’re here to guide you with expert advice and make your day unforgettable. Follow our lead, and you’ll be amazed at how much easier (and more fun) everything feels.
Be on Time
Being fashionably late is great for parties, but not so much on your wedding day. Trust me, when you’re on time (or better yet, a little early), we can take our time capturing those dreamy shots before the day gets too hectic. Running behind can mean we’ll have to rush through important moments and we definitely don’t want that! So, keep an eye on the clock, and let’s get the day started on the right foot.
First Look Perks
A first look is more than just a sweet, private moment between you and your partner—it’s a chance to calm those pre-ceremony nerves. You’ll get to see each other, take a deep breath, and share an intimate moment before the day’s whirlwind begins. Not only does it help shake off the jitters, but it also gives us time to capture lots of beautiful photos while your hair and makeup are still fresh. Plus, with so many pictures done before the ceremony, you’ll be able to jump into the reception sooner and maybe even squeeze in a few more newlywed shots during golden hour. Couples who choose a first look often end up with more photos and a smoother, more relaxed wedding day overall.
Gather Detail Items
Before I arrive, have all your detail items—rings (all three of them), shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc.—gathered and ready for me to photograph. Bonus points if the dresses are already on custom hangers. I usually start with these details, so having them ready makes the day go much smoother.
Book an Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are so much more than just a chance to snap some cute photos. It’s the perfect way for us to get to know each other and for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. We’ll spend a few minutes practicing poses that look natural, so by the time the wedding rolls around, you’ll feel like pros. Plus, you’ll have stunning pictures to show off at your reception!
Skip the Spray Tan
I get it—spray tans can be tempting for that sun-kissed glow. But even the most professional spray tans can show up a little orange in photos. To keep your pictures looking timeless and natural, embrace your gorgeous skin tone as it is. You’ll thank yourself later when your photos come out looking effortlessly beautiful.
Let the Hair and Makeup Pros Know
Your glam squad needs to know the timeline so everyone stays on track. Trust me, staying on schedule here makes everything else flow smoothly.
Prepare a Timeline
I’m here to help make sure everything runs like clockwork! I’ll help you create a timeline that keeps your day organized, but still relaxed. We don’t need to plan every minute but knowing when and where key moments will happen ensures we capture all the best parts. I’ll send you a quick questionnaire to help us build your timeline, and if you have a wedding planner, they can combine it with their master plan. Be sure to share it with family and vendors so everyone is on the same page.
Boutonniere Boss
Designate someone to handle the boutonnieres! Trust me, you don’t want the groom and groomsmen trying to figure this out at the last minute. Save yourself the headache and ask someone ahead of time to step in and get those flowers pinned and ready to go.
Master the Pocket Square
Pocket squares may be small, but they cause big confusion! There are tons of ways to fold them, so hop online before the big day, pick a style you like, and get some practice in. You’ll probably end up helping the rest of the guys fold theirs too—just call it part of your groom duties!
Golden Hour Magic
If you can, schedule your ceremony to finish up about an hour before sunset. This “golden hour” is hands down the best time for romantic, sun-drenched newlywed portraits. If you aren’t doing a first look, plan an earlier ceremony so we can get in all those dreamy shots before the sun sets. Trust me, the light during this time is pure magic.
Signature Images
If you love those dramatic evening shots I’m known for, there’s a sweet spot for capturing them—just before the sky turns fully dark, when it’s a deep, rich blue. These photos take just a few minutes, so you won’t miss much of your reception, and you’ll walk away with some truly unique, show-stopping images.
Create a Family Formals List
Family pictures can easily feel like herding cats, but a little preparation goes a long way! Write a list of the specific combinations of family members you’d like photos with and be sure to use names (people respond much faster when they hear their name). Keep it simple and remember that each combo takes about two minutes to photograph. If you have a long list, it can stretch on, so stick to the most important people such as parents, siblings, and grandparents. This list doesn’t need to include the wedding party except for those who are family members. There will be plenty of time for casual snaps with everyone else at the reception! Send me the list beforehand, and I’ll have it printed out to check off as we go.
Sample List:
Bride with…
– Ashley and John
– Ashley
– John
– Ashley, John, Mary Jane, and Sam
Groom with…
– Mike and Suzanne
– Mike
– Suzanne
– Mike, Suzanne, Mike Jr., and Linda
Bride & Groom with…
– Ashley and John
– Mike and Suzanne
– Ashley, John, Mike, Suzanne, Mike Jr., Linda, Mary Jane, and Sam
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. With a little planning and trust in your dream team, you’ll have a day that’s as effortless as it is beautiful. And when you look back on your photos, you’ll see not just the moments but the magic that made it all unforgettable.
Let’s make your wedding day the stuff of dreams—and pictures to match!
