HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

We have photographed hundreds of weddings over the past 9 years and we have pretty much seen it all. When talking to our brides about their wedding day - these little things come up often so we thought we should share them.

1. Minimize Stress - hire a day of wedding coordinator, allow plenty of time for hair and makeup, drink water and eat something, build extra time in your day for some down time, have an emergency kit, let your bridal party work "for" you, tell everyone your expectations for timeliness, don't stay out too late after the rehearsal dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Allow time for photos prior to the ceremony - Don't rush this! Remember tip #1. The ideal schedule will allow 90 minutes for photos before the ceremony. 30 minutes of getting ready, 30 minutes with the bride and her girls and 30 minutes for the groom and his men. BTW, make sure the florist knows your timeline and has the flowers delivered in plenty of time.

3. Keep the "getting ready room" picked up - Most brides want a couple getting ready pictures in their album. Pictures with trash, food wrappers, hangers, and bags all around will not make the cut for your album. Make your room look as pretty as you do.

4. Bring the details - Have shoes, wedding gown, the jewelry, both sets of rings, the garter, your grandmother’s hanky, the invitation, marriage license, the bouquet all gathered in the room where you are getting ready. Before we begin taking getting ready pictures, we will start with photographing all these things to begin your story. And be nice to your dress...take it off the cardboard form, cut off the price tag, and put it on a pretty hanger. Your gown deserves it.

5. The Magic Hour - The hour before sunset is known as magic hour and gives some of the best photo results. Consider taking 15 minutes, with your groom, to step away from everything and just be together. Nothing shows love like nice, soft, warm light!

6. Light your reception - Candles, up lighting, chandeliers, and dance floor lighting will add beautiful light, but DO NOT let anyone turn your lights down too low. Dim the lights but too dark may cause problems for your photographer.

7. Hire a professional hair and make-up artist - Professional hair & make-up artists understand the difference between an everyday look and what you’ll want and need on your wedding day from longevity to how it shows in photos. You’ll have these photos for the rest of your life and you want to look your absolute best! We love airbrush and you won't believe how long your makeup will last!