Have you ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes with me on a typical wedding day? You’ve probably watched wedding photographers from a distance as a guest but you’re wondering what the experience is actually like as a bride. I’m taking you with me throughout the process of photographing a wedding and what you can expect when it’s your big day.
Details and Getting Ready
Aaron and I usually arrive as you’re finishing up with your hair and makeup. First, we’ll collect all your bridal details such as your dress, shoes, veil, jewelry, perfume, bouquet, and invitation suite. During this time we’ll also be in and out of your getting ready room capturing the final touches. The guys usually start getting ready later so Aaron will hang out with them once they arrive and go through the same process capturing the groom’s details and guys getting ready. After photographing ceremony decor, it’s time for you to get into your wedding dress and see your groom.
First Look
Doing a first look gives you a special time to see each other before the momentous moment of walking down the aisle. It also allows you to take all your formal bride and groom, bridal party, and family portraits beforehand that way it’s party time until your husband and wife sunset portraits during the reception.
Formal Portraits
Formal portraits tend to be the ones you’re dreading if you’re feeling anxious about wedding pictures. I don’t think it has to be this way though and Aaron and I work hard to make it a fast enjoyable process. Right after your first look we’ll transition directly into your bride and groom portraits followed by your bridal party and family pictures. I come from a large immediate and extended family so I’m very comfortable directing lots of people and entertaining children.
The Ceremony
It’s TIME! You’re about to be a married woman! You’ve spent months planning this special day and the moment you’ve waited for is about to go down. After your formal portraits, we take more of a laid back approach, capturing the events as they happen rather than the more directional approach used before. Our goal is to photograph the big moments like your first kiss as well as candids of guests and other little moments that might have gone unnoticed but tell the story of your day.
The Reception
The reception gets the same event photographer approach as we capture your grand entrance, dances, cake cutting, and speeches. I especially like to focus on not only getting photos of the one sharing the speech but yours and the guests reactions as well.
Husband and Wife Sunset Portraits
Setting aside 15 minutes during the reception to get some beautiful husband and wife portraits might sound like a lot of effort, I know, but hear me out. There’s something extra about those photos. I’m not sure if it’s that’s evening sunset haze or the extra glow as you realize “you’re actually married” but there’s a magic about it and I’m willing to bet those are the photos you’ll hang on your walls.
Grand Exit
Whether you’re a fireworks and smoke kinda couple or dreaming of a romantic sparkler tunnel exit, your guests love to send you off with a bang, (pun intended.) Even if it means staying longer, capturing your exit is an exhilarating, joyous event we wouldn’t miss.
Wrapping it Up
And that’s a wrap. The day you’ve dreamed about since you were a little girl, captured forever in tiny moments that together, tell the story of your wedding day and your love. From the detail shots all the way to your grand exit, we’re there with you, photographing it all.
If you enjoyed this post you might like this post: What It’s Like to Work with Me, which covers the client experience from first inquiry to delivery of your wedding gallery.
