Weddings are a lot of work - here’s what I’ve learned about them
There’s a lot that goes into weddings, they’re a lot to plan, expensive and are going to be the party of a lifetime and most likely the most memorable party of your life - and sometimes, you can’t know everything all at once, so, here’s what I’ve learned in my time as a wedding photographer and videographer.
This is YOUR day.
There are a lot of little details and you want everything to be perfect, but make sure your main focus is marrying the person that you love.
At the end of the day, that’s your goal - you’re going to get married, and it’s your day, don’t feel pressured into anything you and your soon to be spouse don’t want to do.
Fall in love, have a day that celebrates that and don’t let anyone tell you that you didn’t do it the right way.
The First Look
Your first look isn’t necessary but if you want to do it, then go for it!
As photographers the reason we recommend the first look is so that we can do the portraits and posed photos before the ceremony so you can have more time at your cocktail hour - but if your dream has always been to see each other at the isle - then go for it! This is YOUR DAY.
GET TO KNOW YOUR VENDORS
Make sure you know who you’'re hiring and make your style, your expectations and your dream known. This is your wedding, make sure that you have an open line to be able to communicate with your vendors - it may take a few days to get back to you - that’s because, well, this stuff takes a lot of time to create, which just means we’re doing it diligently, these are your life long memories and we don’t want to rush them - but make sure that you feel comfortable with all of your vendors. Your vendors should be making your day feel easier - not harder. You want to trust them as much as you trust your friends to be there for you on your day, weekend or however long you have them for - make sure that you love who you’ve hired and don’t settle for less.
LET THAT FIRST KISS LINGER
Look, PDA isn’t for everyone - but if ever there were a time for it….
Holding out that first kiss helps photographers get a few extra shots and angles that we can’t get in a quick kiss, it also allows the JOP to get out of the way so the focus is all on you.
YOU CAN WRITE-OFF SOME WEDDING EXPENSES
Disclaimer: I’m not a legal financial advisor.*
Certain wedding expenses can be written off if you donate them after.
Check to see if your wedding venue is a historical site, or how they file their taxes, if they are, you may be able to write off your deposit and venue fee as a donation.
Your flowers may be able to be donated to places like senior centers.
Your dresses or suits may be able to be donated to causes like Brides Against Breast Cancer, The Brides Project, Brides for a Cause, Brides Across America, Angel Gowns, and many more
Bring The Pups If The Venue Lets You
(and designate a friend to keep an eye on them)
I just like dogs….
And they’re your family too - and honestly, while they may step the show for a minute or two, they’re the most excited ones to be there. They share your bed, they’re there for all of your big days, bad days, good days, adventures - it’s only right they be there for the best day of your life - and you’re going to want that picture. Your pup is your best friend, protector, and baby - someone that close should always get to be involved whenever they can.
Have Your Style & Shot List
Everyone has a different style - that’s what taste is. Feel free to have the style that you like in mind when getting in touch.
Bright & Airy, Old School Timeless Hollywood, Moody? You choose.
If there are certain shots you really want to get, let us know, a list of family members & friends - posed or styled shots - that way we can make sure that we get everything we want to get!
MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR CONTRACT
Never sign anything that you don’t understand, consent to or agree with - contracts are legally binding and you want to get everything that you’re looking for out of your wedding day.
A Wedding Planner Helps The Day Run Smoothly
A lot of vendors offer wedding planning, but if they don’t - especially depending on the size of the party, having a planner helps everyone out - they keep your timeline and are the one who keeps all your vendors in line with it as well as helping you get to the places that you need to be.
ADD YOUR OWN DETAILS
I bring up the concept of this being your day A LOT.
There’s a reason for that.
These are YOUR lifelong memories - and this is YOUR party. Everyone else is just there to celebrate. So the music should be music that you love, the details should be made up of things that are meaningful to you. This is YOUR day. Make it yours.
