I’ve photographed weddings for over 4 years—here’s the advice I wish every couple heard before their big day.
After spending the last 4 years photographing celebrations big and small, there are a few things I wish more couples would take heed of before their big day.
Yes, your venue or location chosen will have a direct impact on the photos you receive.
You compile loads of inspo on Pinterest of these clean, editorial looking weddings. But if you’re on a small barn property in a busy area, you’re not going to achieve the same aesthetic that you see on your feeds.
Stop using Pinterest to plan your wedding day
Yes, we all want these stunning shots we see on social media. I get it, you’ve invested in a great photographer in hopes you can have these amazing photos for yourself. But the thing is, everyone’s wedding is different. Again, your wedding shouldn’t look the same as everyone else’s. You can admire a shot, but trust and allow your photographer to capture it in their own style and fashion.
Get organized. Having a wedding timeline will make all the difference.
Have you ever tried to write a paper without an outline? Build a Lego without a blueprint? If you have no idea how your day will flow, I can almost guarantee you will struggle and run into issues. But you don’t have to do it alone. Hire a photographer that has the experience and knowledge to help you create a day that flows, and will look amazing in photos.
One of my biggest tips for clients would be to do a first look. This opens up before your ceremony for formals, allowing you to enjoy later parts of the day. You’ll have the intimacy to greet each other in a closed setting, and exchange heartfelt words before getting in front of your guests.
Focus on activities. Stop treating your day like one big photoshoot. Be true to you.
The pictures will happen. You should spent more of your time creating a day that sounds genuinely enjoyable, instead of thinking of ways to cram the most photos into the smallest timeframe.
By focusing on things that “fill your cup”, you’ll be genuinely enjoying yourselves, which will translate to your photos.
Stop rushing everything! Give yourself time to actually soak in the moment with your partner.
You don’t have to be doing things all day. Give yourselves time to decompress. Relax on the beach, in a hammock, on the summit. This is a great time to have your photographer back up and get those far away shots (you know, the ones where you’re the size of an ant).
Don’t sweat the small stuff, seriously.
Mistakes will be made, things will be forgotten, but the show goes on. Try to remember the reason you’re getting married. Is it for amazing photos, or the start of the rest of your life with your amazing partner?
Food for thought.
