RW Photography Bridal Guide
I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE HERE!
lets dive in.
you're getting married... now what?
There are probably a million things running through your head right now, but don't worry, I'm here to help in anyway I can.
LET'S START AT THE BEGINNING
he put a ring on it!
HERE'S A CHECKLIST FOR WHAT'S NEXT.
+ Chat with your partner and decide what your dream wedding day looks like. Traditional? Elopement? Focus on what is most important to the two of you.
+ Pick a date and lock down your desired vendors. (Venue, Photographer, Florist, etc.)
+ Start planning your engagement session! YAY!
(These are included in each of my wedding packages)
DEBATING ON IF YOU SHOULD DO AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
yes, you should!
It gives you a chance to get to know your photographer before the big day. It allows you get comfortable and experience being in front of the camera.
and... IT'S FUN!
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
the morning of...
THE BIGGEST QUESTION I GET FROM BRIDES ABOUT THE GETTING READY PROCESS IS...
HOW DO I PREPARE?
lets talk details
Upon arriving to your wedding, the first thing I will do is photograph your dress and other detail shots.
It is easiest if all of these things are in the same place so I suggest putting them all together in a bag.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE?
Both Bride's and Groom's rings, ring box, invitations, jewelry/hair piece, shoes, vow books, heirlooms, etc.
PRO TIP:
Ask your florist for some loose blooms or petals to add texture and wedding colors to your detail shots.
now the focus is on you!
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS TO LEVEL UP YOUR GETTING READY EXPERIENCE
+ give yourself an extra hour to get ready.
+ consider the space you are getting ready in, if possible look for an open area with lots of natural light.
+ keep your area clean.
+ DONT wear a bra or anything that will leave lines/indentions that will be visible once your dress is on
+ if your dress has lots of tiny buttons, have a crochet hook handy to help with buttoning.
+ hydrate and don't forget to eat or grab a snack.
the ceremony...
WELCOME TO THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
the start of your marraige.
THERE ARE NO RULES.
The way you get married should represent your love.
Here are a few things to consider when planning your ceremony.
consider the lighting
Most ceremonies start about 2 to 3 hours before sunset, so knowing how the light will effect your photos is important.
Look for an area with even light that won't cast harsh shadows on your face (especially if your man will be wearing a cowboy hat).
Scope out your space before hand at the same time that you plan to have your ceremony.
during the ceremony
Designate someone (Wedding Planner, Bridesmaid, etc.) to ensure rings, vows, and any other special objects are where they need to be before starting.
Ask your officiant to remind guests to silence/turn off/or put away their phones.
During the first kiss, ask your officiant to step to the side so they don't photobomb your moment.
When it's all over, walk slowly back down the aisle and really take in the moment.
romantics
AND OTHER PHOTOS...
REMEMBER, THESE ARE THE IMAGES YOU WILL BE SHOWING OFF FOR YEARS TO COME
make time for them!
PHOTOS WITH YOU AND YOUR HONEY SHOULD BE FUN AND RELAXING.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP RELIEVE SOME OF THE WEDDING DAY STRESS.
+ talk with your photographer about a timeline and set aside about 45 minutes for photos of just the two of you.
+ bring your personalities and make the photos unique to you.
+ don't be afraid to include things you both love.
+ trust your photographer on the best time for these (usually right around sunset).
group photos
WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Although these can be stressful, they are so important!
These are moments you will never get back, so embrace them.
Here are some ways to cut back on the chaos...
+ create a list of must have photos with names/relationships of the family members in these photos.
+ ensure these family members know when and where to be.
+ designate a bridesmaid or groomsmen to help gather family members that may have strayed after the reception.
reception
NOW IT'S
party time!
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No matter where or how you are planning on celebrating, don't be afraid to make it you.
Don't like cake? Cool. Eat ice cream.
The point is, celebrate however the hell you want. I'll be there right next to ya!
a few tips
TO HELP YOUR PARTY RUN SMOOTHLY.
Do all of the traditional events like cake cutting and speeches early on in the night, following dinner.
Have a list of people giving toasts before hand, this will help you avoid those drunken embarrassing speeches.
Let your photographer know about anything special you may be doing, so they can be aware and ready to capture the moment.
lets talk about exits
LATELY, THEY HAVE BEEN ALL THE RAGE.
Exits are another trend making a comeback during wedding receptions. But why stop the party?
Consider doing a cool entrance for the photo-op instead. Whether it be sparkers, bubbles, glitter, or some other fun thing, these can make for some epic photos.
Why should you do them earlier on in the night?
More guest participation!
