WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

You are planning your dream wedding, thinking extensively of every minor details and putting thought and effort into everything.  It’s going to be a day to remember for the rest of your life. But years from your wedding day, all that remains are the moments, emotions and memories captured by your photographer.
Aside from hiring a quality photographer, there are numerous steps you can take as a bride to guarantee incredible photos. From incorporating a first look to picking that long flowy veil in the bridal shop, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 wedding photography tips you should follow to great fantastic wedding photos!

1. Create A Pinterest Story Board
​In order to deliver personalized photography, it is important for your photographers to understand your personalities, preferences, and relationship. To help your creative team get to know you, it is best to create a Pinterest Style Board. This mood board is on Pinterest, where you can save images that you like and even images you don’t like. This is a way for you to visually communicate the style of photos you love for your engagement and/or wedding day photos. 

2. Schedule Enough Time For Each Section Of The Day
​It is crucial that you create a timeline for your wedding day, something your wedding planner can assist you with organizing. There should be an estimated start and end time for hair, makeup, reception setup, etc. Within that timeline should include all your photo sessions such as the first look, bridal party photos, and couple’s session.

3. Minimize Your Locations
In order to maximize photo time on your wedding day, we recommend minimizing the number of photoshoot locations. You don’t want to spend more time traveling from point A to point B than actually taking pictures. A great photographer should be able to make almost any location work.  Even if you don’t love ALL the background options of your venue, trust in the creative abilities of your photographer.

​4. Plan Enough Time for Hair & Make-up
​Delays with hair and makeup can set the whole day behind.  Plan to finish the process well ahead of schedule, too often do we see brides rushing because of unexpected delays. Many great hair and makeup artists will create a schedule to follow during wedding preparations.
Your creative team will typically ask for one hour in order to document final touch-ups, detail shots, and candid moments with your closest friends and family.

​5. Wear a Long Veil
​There is something about putting on that wispy piece of fabric that makes you finally feel like a bride. That beautiful long veil makes for some of the best pictures, this is why we encourage brides to choose a long veil on their wedding day. The veil can be incorporated in numerous ways during bridal portraits and the couples session.

​6. Include Toss Items (eco-friendly)
​Whether it’s in your group photos, during your first dance or your grand exit, toss items add that extra touch to your photos.  Eco-friendly confetti, flower petals, paper planes, dried flowers, the list can go on and on! These pictures radiate bliss, excitement, and results in genuine smiles and laughter from you and your guests. Just remember to have an eco-friendly option to protect our land and oceans!

​7. Incorporate a First Look Session
​One of the most memorable events of a wedding day is when the bride and groom see each other.  Suddenly all the jitters and anticipation fades away and just the two get the chance to enjoy this remarkable moment. The first look makes for some of the most heartfelt photos, a tradition you can’t forget on your wedding day.

8. Schedule The Couples Session During The Best Lighting
​If you booked your venue because of the spectacular view of the water or the gorgeous greenery, it’s essential to schedule your couple’s session 30-45 minutes before sunset. The romantic hues during Golden Hour makes it our favorite time of day to capture the new Mr. and Mrs.

9. Include A Sneak Away Session
​The beauty of twinkling stars and dark skies makes for a great photo backdrop. The Sneak Away session lasts no more than 20-30 minutes and is typically scheduled during your reception and after dinner. 

​10. Incorporate A Sparkler Exit
​You’ve planned your grand entrance, but have you thought about a grand exit? Sparkler exits are a great way to end a day of celebrations. Not only are sparkler exits unique and exciting, but it makes for stunning photos. We’ve seen nothing but smiles from guests as they send off the newlyweds.
Although many venues allow the sparkler exit, others may not. Confetti, bubbles, and flower petals are alternative options to include in your grand exit and will still look great in photos.