WELCOME
In this guide, I’m going to give you a little more info on what to expect when working with me as well as share a few tips to make your wedding day look and feel like the day you’re dreaming of.
I’m absolutely delighted to be working with you and as always, I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have about any part of the day.
You’ve booked!
Here are the next steps
Immediately after booking
After booking, I’ll ask you to send Pinterest boards, confirmed vendor lists, and any details you’ve nailed down. I love hearing all the little details and this gives me a good idea of how to start envisioning your wedding! I will also go over some advice on how to build your timeline during our initial call. I’ll be available anytime between now and your wedding to consult on your day-of timeline.
One month before the wedding
One month before your wedding date I’ll send out your final invoice which will be due two weeks before your wedding. I’ll also email you to get some last minute wedding details and to schedule our final phone call.
One week before the wedding
One week before your wedding, we’ll set up a phone call to chat about any last minute changes or details we need to know. I’ll confirm my start time and location and go over my timeline for your wedding day.
The wedding day
Your wedding day is here! I’ll show up as scheduled and document the day as it unfolds. When I get home from the day, I’ll transfer all your images to two external hard drives and a cloud backup so you can rest assured your images are safe.
Image delivery
After your wedding day, the editing process begins. You should have all your images delivered via an online gallery in 8-10 weeks after your day. From here you can view, share, and purchase high-resolution prints immediately.
General Lighting Tips for getting
the most out of your wedding
Getting ready photos are sometimes my very favorite images of the day and a bright room, free of clutter makes all the difference. If you’re not getting married at a venue with rooms provided, consider renting an Airbnb in the area with interesting decor. Some big windows and great furniture can provide the perfect backdrop for that sweet photo of you mom zipping up your dress or tieing your bowtie.
If you’re able to choose the location of your ceremony, pick a shaded area! This will prevent shadows on faces and squinting eyes as you try and look out at your guests. If your wedding location has a predetermined spot for the ceremonies, plan to have it after 4pm when the shadows are less harsh! Light is everything so these little considerations will make all the difference.
Golden hour is the hour right before sunset when the light is soft and warm and romantic. This is my favorite time to shoot! When we go through your timeline together, I’ll mention it, but plan to escape your party for about twenty minutes so we can take advantage of this magical time!
Without a doubt, the best way to create a romantic, warm feeling during your reception is copious amounts of tapered candles and bistro lights. The more ambient light I have to work with, the less I’ll need to use my flash which can be distracting. I love the look of candles reflecting off of faces and wine glasses and the extra light allows me to capture your guests sitting and chatting while the room lights are dimmed for dancing.
Other general wedding day tips
Ask your officiant and any readers to read off of paper instead of phones or tablets. The light reflected can create a tint on their faces, and it’s just so much more romantic and less distracting to read from paper or a book!
Consider having a phone free ceremony. Generally guests are courteous and their phone usage doesn’t affect my job too much, but from a documentary perspective, I’m sure you’d rather see (and have photos of) the faces of your guests rather than the glow of iPhone screens dotting the crowds!
Think about seating arrangements from a photo perspective. If the two of you sit alone at a head table, it’s harder to photograph the intimate interactions that happen amongst your family during dinner and speeches. My favorite moments happen when your best friend leans her head on your shoulder during an especially touching speech, or when you stand near your new father-in-law to watch your spouse dance with their mom. These are the images you’ll cherish years down the road.
Steam your linens! If you have a wedding planner, they will be on this. But if not, designate someone to be in charge of this or ask your venue if they are able to do it. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the evening.