You’re freaking BOOKED.

Now the fun part begins!

You’re going to want to read this.

I cannot possibly tell you how excited I am that you made your way here, and how excited I am to be the one documenting the biggest days of your life!!

This guide is made up of three main parts: The Wedding Day, The Aesthetics, and The Experience. It's every main thing I can tell you about weddings, photography, and working with me crushed down into this one document, so you can benefit from more than just an email here-and-there from me! Instead of just dropping little breadcrumbs of my advice and expertise, I want to serve you everything I’ve got-- right here, right now.

Photography is far more than just showing up with a camera on wedding day and hoping for the best. Absolutely not. I take your experience with me, the actual moments of your wedding, and the photos I create for you VERY seriously!

If you’ve booked a shorter wedding day with me, a lot of this may not apply to you— but I still think you should read through it as the spirit is still important to capture here! You’ll come out understanding my expectations and knowing that I will do everything to meet yours.

This is everything I want to tell you..

..wrapped up into a web page that you can view any time and refer to during the planning process! I highly suggest you read the whole thing as it includes timeline advice, vendor recommendations, and tips that will just make your day run smoother!

The Wedding Day

Here is my creative and logistical experience that will take your day from frantic to chill AF

I don’t want to brag or anything but I know a lot about weddings— including the things that work best and the things that don’t.

As a photographer, I’ve happily attended and been a key part of so many weddings over the years! And not only did I attend them, but I learned and experienced each one from behind the scenes, from early in the morning to late at night. And as your friend, here’s the most honest thing I could tell you after all that experience: the quality of a photograph is dictated by three things: (1) the photographer, (2) what is being photographed, and (3) light. You might be like “why is she telling me this, she’s the photographer?” and yes, I’m going to get the best pictures that I can but I’m not the one controlling the environment or planning the aesthetics— you are! So I just want to make sure you understand fully all of the components so we can work together to get you what you want.

Let me explain: The photos with stunning lighting, not only had an incredible photographer to catch that lighting, but the actual stunning lighting was probably there. Photos with breathtaking backgrounds were likely shot in breathtaking locations. Relaxed, authentic photographs were likely shot at relaxed or authentic moments. Do you see what I mean? (And don’t worry, this has NOTHING to do with budget, or faking something, etc...)

Now, as your photographer, it's my job to create amazing photos no matter what! I'll make anything work! It's my job to make the moment look even better than it actually was, while still keeping the content and the atmosphere real! But these are all the things I would tell my best friend, because instead of sending you what I can "make work", I want to send you my best work.

I want your jaw to drop when I send you previews 24hrs after your wedding.

Everyone has a different idea of what to expect from wedding photos, and the easiest way for EVERYONE to love their photos is to make sure I can set expectations before the day. That being said, you can take into account all of this, or none of this-- it all just depends on what’s important to YOU. Some people expect the background of all of their photos to be free from clutter, trash and anything “ugly.” Some people think that’s part of the documentary charm and want to remember things how they actually were! Some people think it’s the photographer’s job to clean up the shot, some people would obsessively do it themselves, and some people wouldn’t even think about it at all! That’s why I’m handing this to you. From my experience with shooting weddings, here’s everything I’ve learned, everything that I can promise you works well and doesn’t, the things that make it hard and the things that make it easy, what to expect while working with me, and everything in-between! I want to send you the absolute BEST VERSION of my photography, and sometimes the best way to do that is to educate YOU on what makes GREAT wedding photos.

Let's start at The beginning of your day. it’s one of the most special moments of the entire wedding day.

I could make a list 3 pages long of all the things you may or may not want to include in your day or your timeline and have you pick and choose like a menu, but I’m not going to do that for one main reason: I don’t want to influence you in any way or give you ideas that will make you think you NEED to include something in your day just because I suggested it. I’m basically a stranger to you (but like a cool one who wants to be your friend in a really chill and not desperate way) and I don’t know what you like, what you find soul-giving and joyful-- these are things I want you to show me on your day by being authentic and having the best day of your life.

My advice: write out a dream list of all the events/moments you could have on your day. This is a list that you could have if your wedding was 4 days long and your budget was 3 million dollars. Cut that list in half, and then cut it in half again. The list should be 90% non-negotiables you cant live without and 10% trends or things you think are fun but wont make or break the day. Anything else will get you a stress-filled day worried about whether you’re staying “on track” and not LIVING. I promise the key moments and emotions will come through naturally during the day. You need to live and breathe and dance and love on your wedding day. This is the only way you’ll get to do that. The pared down list will be things you really value and will give you the freedom to enjoy your day the way it should be enjoyed.

Example of something you want on your timeline that is a genuine authentic moment/event you should prioritize: a first look, candid getting ready photos, first dance, toasts, etc. These are all things that kinda need to happen and will anyway, so make sure those are on your list. They might be a planned event, but the moments they inspire will be genuine and keep you in your happy feels.

Example of things that are fun to sprinkle in but aren’t as genuine and may take time away from more important things: bridesmaids on the couch laughing together in matching pajamas, a flatlay, a sparkler “exit”, taking a picture with every table at your reception, etc. (by the way-- this isn’t me shaming any of these things! I’m just being real with you-- you cannot fit them all in one day and these tend to be less genuine and more directed).

So go through this guide, pinterest, your saved TikToks and reels, and then make your list. Use your list to make the timeline (we can do this together, or you can do it yourself or with a planner and I can tweak it after. But it’s easier if I tell you some of this now so that my tweaking is actual tweaking and not me dashing your dreams a month before the big day, lol. Also please feel free to email me any time with questions or if you need to think something through! Always here for you and happy to lend some of my experience.

You might be thinking “why does any of this matter? Is it really that big of a deal to try and fit in as much as I want, and to let you direct me towards what will look best?” and my answer is .. yes! This day IS a big deal, to you and to me. The minute that I start directing and telling you where to stand and where to look and to redo an action so that I can get it— that’s not you having a moment on your wedding day that you will remember forever, that’s ME creating it, and THAT is a photoshoot, not a wedding. I’m not saying that I’m going to lurk silently in the corner and never give you direction— I’m just letting you know that I’m going to be mindful about it, so that your day can be as authentic as possible. If you’re putting on shoes and I notice that if you shift to the left a little bit the light is better, I’ll tell you to do that. But if you’re having an emotional moment with someone you love and it isn’t in the best light, I’m not going to interrupt that moment so I can make better art. I’m prioritizing your experience and your memories, not my portfolio.

The long and short of it is this: adjust your expectations, and make them reasonable. If you expect to get a certain photo or moment on your wedding day, you’re gonna spend the day worried about it instead of just simply living the moment and letting me capture it. Does that make sense? The minute you expect something, it’s going to feel like a chore, like a to-do list; something to be behind on and stressed about when it doesn’t fit in the actual day. If your list is short, or simply has “whatever happens” written on it— you’re getting the right idea. When I ask past brides and grooms the things they regret about their wedding day, it’s never “I wish I had more pictures of x” but rather the wish that they’d stuck with their partner more, that they’d had more time, that they’d prioritized having fun instead of worrying about details that didn’t end up mattering.

Time is the most valuable resource on your wedding day, so we’re going to make sure we maximize it for you!

getting READY

A Disclaimer:

The start of the day..

There’s an episode of the TV show ‘30 Rock’ where Liz tells everyone to set the clocks ahead to make sure that Tracy, who is always late for everything, is on time. What eventually happens though is that everyone tells him a different time to the point where he is so confused that he tries to take his kid to his cello recital at 12AM. Basically what I’m saying is: we don’t need to gaslight people with clocks, but your communication of your timeline should be clear to everybody BEFORE the day even starts. Be annoying about it. Even if it feels like it’s not a big deal, or your day is chill, just set the expectation clearly: to wedding party members, family, friends and guests. You’ll want to create a conservative timeline that ASSUMES things will go wrong and that being early is on time and being on time is being late. Wedding days often start slow and a bit off schedule (seriously-- this happens so often it’s more of a rule than the exception). So give yourself time to let that happen without stressful time constraints! And setting those expectations beforehand with everyone involved in your wedding day is key. And when your hair and makeup artist tells you how long it’ll take for them to do their job-- add an hour onto that in your timeline. Tell the groomsman/ bridesmaids they need to be ready a half hour earlier than you really need them to be. Thank me later :) In terms of photos, depending on how many hours you’ve booked and your timeline, it would be ideal if YOUR hair and makeup is being done when I arrive or shortly after, so I can get some great pictures of that but also give you time to relax and have fun without rushing to the next thing.

And if things do run behind a little bit— relax! this is your wedding, you can be a little late. It’s not going to start without you.

Choosing a space

If you’re reading this, you’ve already chosen a venue, and that can sometimes limit your options for where to get ready, especially if it’s all happening at the venue. So to the best of your ability, try to choose a getting ready space that has as much natural light (windows) as possible. If mostly indoors, it’s ideal for it to be uncluttered, bright and neutral (white is best) walls! This is amazing for photos! Keep in mind that my photography style is very authentic and true to life-- if you’re getting ready in a dark room, the photos will look like they were taken in a dark room. This is not me saying that dark is bad, or that color is bad, just that you should adjust your expectations accordingly. I will encourage you to think outside the box for this-- if you’re getting ready at a house and it has a nice patio, why not drink mimosas outside while you put on your makeup in your pjs? If you’re getting ready in a hotel and the rooms are small and cramped, ask if there is an empty meeting room you could use. As much as possible, stay away from rooms with no windows, or tungsten/orange lighting, or small space/low ceilings. If it’s important to you, try to make sure that you and your bridal party members do their best to keep the space clean of messy makeup stations, tons of hair products (makeup is fine but sometimes empty Starbucks cups, wrappers from food or new makeup, or snacks just look really junky), etc… The cleaner the space is, the more YOU will stand out in your photos! I don’t know why, but bridesmaids so often bring lots of stuff with them and its always in old canvas bags with lots of patterns or used chipotle takeout bags (seriously I don’t know why but it’s a thing). If it bugs you, clearly communicate to whoever is in the room with you that you expect them to have things looking nice when I arrive. I won’t really touch anything unless you ask or unless I think it’s really not a good idea to have it in your picture. No space or vibe is off limits, I will make anything work! Again--this is just best case scenario, and things to consider if you want a specific vibe for your photos.

Pre-First Look

Do you want to do a first look with your wedding party? Or with your parents? DO IT! It’s so worth it. Even if it’s just them seeing you in your dress/suit for the first time. They can leave the room while you get buttoned/zipped/adjusted, and then we’ll call them in and I’ll capture their reactions! If you think this is stupid or unecessary-- don’t do it. If you think photos of bridesmaids laughing on a couch together before getting dressed is lame, don’t do it. If you love it, we’re gonna do it and it’s going to be the best. Are you sensing a pattern here? DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. Throw out the things you don’t really care about, because they are just going to crowd the things you do care about and make them more stressful and less enjoyable and authentic. If the formality of any of these things is a turn off for you, and you wanna just walk out into a room when you’re ready and have people see you when they see you, that’s fine too! I’m gonna get it, I promise.

TO REITERATE:

All of this is up to you, but I want to reiterate one more thing which is that this advice I’m giving you is great but regardless of how much you choose to implement, make sure you share expectations before the wedding day! In general people learn and absorb things with repetition, so if they hear it from you a couple times before the day, it’s gonna be ingrained in their head and they’re not gonna be confused or forget on the day. Plus-- to give yourself the peace you need for the day, you gotta put the work in ahead of time. Don’t spend your morning trying to tell people when to be ready or reminding them to not be messy or worried that YOU are gonna forget to do any of those things! Imagine how relaxed you’ll be being confident that everyone knows their unique role and their timeline; all you do is show up, mimosa in hand, ready to have the best day! And definitely appoint someone (a friend, a maid of honor/best man, a family member) to be the person who enforces all these things and is a point of contact on your wedding day so you don’t have to deal with any of the stress. It’s your day, let’s make it as fantastic as we can!

the DETAILS

Est. Time: 15- 20 mins

When I arrive, I’m not just going to be taking pictures of you and your bridal parties-- I’m also going to be taking pictures of the building, the scene and other little details that you may have put effort into. Let’s have a conversation about what is important to you for me to photograph before I get there! Here are a few things you may want to think about including before we talk:

• Both wedding bands, and engagement ring.

• Wedding bouquet.

• Official wedding invitation + Save the Date.

• Both pairs of shoes.

• Tie, socks, belt, watch etc…

• Wedding Dress/Veil

• Anything else for desired photographs.

I personally am not a huge fan of photographing details in any inorganic way-- for example maybe you don’t need your dress photographed when it’s not on your body, or maybe you aren’t keeping your rings in a box and would rather have them photographed on your hands where they normally live. Things like flatlays and dress photos and curated shots like this can take a long time to set up, so again-- you have a budgeted amount of time, so please use that time in ways that are actually important to you. Spending more than 20 minutes on this will be too stressful for all of us.

If you do decide you really want a beautiful flatlay, or a picture of your wedding dress in a meaningful location, I’d be so happy to do that for you! We are going to make sure those things are ready BEFORE I ask for them, to keep things rolling along! (If you want a nice shot of your dress, the plastic hanger the shop gives you doesn’t look good in pictures, so it’s best to have a nicer one— even if it’s just plain wood!).

Semi-relatedly: If you have a Save the Date or an extra invitation, I’d love for you to send me one! I might be able to use it for detail shots, and it’s always handy to have. My address is in your contract :)

the First Look

& PORTRAITS

Est. Time: 1-1.5 hrs

First Look ideas and tips

Im going to tell you the story of how a “first look” became a very specific moment and plotted point in a wedding day (or at least this is how it happened in my head): at some point, a photographer realized that moments that evoked really intense emotion were some of the most loved on a wedding day and, as we do, they thought “how can I make these photos even more dynamic and pleasing to look at?” And the answer is… by controlling the environment in which they happen. Then other photographers saw that and thought “hey that looks great, I’m going to do that too!” So instead of just walking down a set of stairs and happening upon your partner, or getting out of a car in a parking lot and letting them see you from across the way, these moments have become staged so that missing this moment or letting it happen in a place with an ‘ugly’ backdrop doesn’t happen, thus ruining your chances of the perfect Instagram post that gets 8,000 likes.

At this point I feel like you may already know where I’m going with this but I’m just gonna be clear about it: while I think it’s important to make space for this moment on a wedding day and think about where and how it might happen, I also encourage you to think about how you can go about it more organically. I don’t think this should be as big of a deal as some people make it out to be, aesthetically. I am not going to coach and direct you through each step, tell you where to look, which direction to turn in so that the light hits your face a certain way etc etc— because don’t you see how that would ruin a moment? You’re not on stage and this isn’t a movie, this is a real moment and I want it to be as private and as intimate as possible for you.

I do advocate that you see each other as early as possible in your day, only because you get to spend more time with your person (why would you want to spend most of your day WITHOUT them?!), and because it opens up your timeline so much! I also just want to throw out that I’ve had partners get ready together, walk down the aisle together, walk down the aisle alone with no escort— there’s no script and the world is your wedding oyster so get crazy, dig deep and think about what you really want from the day!

Some people opt to not see each other at all before the ceremony and if you do decide to go this route, make sure it isn’t because you want to maximize the emotions for a photo; it’s just not a good reason, and trust me, there’s plenty of emotion in a first look and it can be a really special, private moment if either of you are feeling nervous and want to cut the tension of the day! I have observed couples that wait and unless you both have endless amount of chill, I think it just adds way too much anxiety, logistics issues and unnecessary emotional overflow.

If you or your partner are the kind of person who is uncomfortable showing emotion in front of other people, I’m going to strongly urge you to do a first look. This has nothing to do with photos, I just want you to feel as comfortable as possible on such an important day!

Another thing to keep in mind: maybe you don’t know what kind of person you are or whether a first look is right for you or not. Maybe you think you’re the kind of person who wants to wait for the ceremony, but then the nerves of the day are getting to you and on the day of you’ll want to change your mind-- and I’m here to tell you that that’s ok! The best thing you can do is listen to how you’re feeling on the day and not be afraid to stray from the plan. We can always whip up a quick first look to settle those nerves! I’m here for you whatever you decide to do.

Choosing a location

Maybe you already have it planned out in your head, or maybe you’d like some help-- if needed, I will be sure and scout the best place for a first look, couple photos, and bridal party photos on wedding day, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with these! If you don;t like what your wedding venue provides, look at what is near that location! Maybe there is a gorgeous open field nearby! Maybe there is a beach just 10 minutes away! Maybe the prettiest forest is a 10 minute walk down the road! Or ask me for ideas! Don’t worry - we will easily fit the travel time in if it’s important! This is also a great time for both of you to share a quiet couple of minutes together and enjoy each other’s company.

Timing

This is going to depend heavily on several factors: Are you getting ready at your venue or somewhere else? Will we have to drive somewhere to do the portaits? If you can think of a fun location it might be worth it to do so as long as you budget the time! An actual first look itself is going to take anywhere from 5-10 minutes (depending on if you’re exchanging gifts/reading vows/ etc). I would conservatively give yourself 20 min for a first look (including getting to the right spot, making sure you’re ready, having time to decompress, etc).

If you’re going to want to take portraits right after your first look, I’d budget an extra 45 minutes for that. And if you’re doing a bridal session with me, it’ll take even less than that! I usually only spend about 10 minutes doing some quick portraits for couples who have scheduled a bridal session with me. More time for mingling, drinking and dancing for you!

Write your partner a sweet note and/or get them a gift, and then give it to them at your first look! If it’s a note, bring it, and then read it aloud to them! Or, some couples read their vows aloud to each other at their first look! It’s always so sweet to bring something to exchange or read to each other during this moment, and it creates truly meaningful photos.

Personal tip:

For bridal party photos, don't forget to take it all in! This is one of those rare moments where you are with your best friends, and not just one of them, but all of them in one place at the same time! Instead of getting caught up in the typical "boring" bridal party photos, take a second to enjoy the company, and just be your fun selves! Also, you’d be surprised how often people start crying during these photos- it’s when everything starts to feel real!

bridal PARTY 

Est. Time: 30-40 mins

Logistics and Aesthetics

It's super important to make sure your entire bridal party knows where they need to be, and when they need to be there. Often something that can be forgotten at this point is the bouquets or the boutonnieres, so it’s good to remind everyone to have their personal florals with them/on them.

It’s also helpful to me if you can have some idea of what you want for your bridal party photos if you want something unique! Otherwise, my standard go-to bridal party shots are: formal shots, fun/candid shots, and individual shots (example: Bride with each bridesmaid). I would highly recommend individual shots with each person standing up on your side. We can make it quick and these are so nice to have for the future, for posting on social media, and just for having a solid shot of you and each friend that you have!

We are going to try to keep these photos outside of the 11am to 1pm harsh lighting of the day, if possible! Especially with that many faces, it’s hard to keep unflattering shadows and backlighting to a minimum during that time of day. Also, shade is GREAT! If your venue or shooting location has lots of shade, that is so helpful!

If you’re going to want very specific looks (aka no smart watches or phones in pockets) let everyone know this ahead of time! If you don’t mind them being in photos, then we are going to make sure that anyone who looks at these pictures in 2082 asks you what they are (because maybe we’ll all just be wearing holographic glasses that send text messages for you by that time).

family PHOTOS

Est. Time: 30 mins

These might not be the most “artistic” part of the day, but for most people, they are usually still very important! So let's talk about them...

Prepare beforehand

It helps me greatly if you know, in advance, exactly the photo combinations you want for your family photos. I always recommend that you write out a list of all your desired photographs with combinations of family members, and send it to me before the wedding day! I will bring that list with me! Write down their names (instead of relationships, sister, mom, etc) because I will just be yelling them out as we cycle through.

If certain family members are desired in photographs, make sure each one of them is informed of exactly where they need to be and when they need to be there for family photos. Remind them also about smart watches and phones in pockets.

Personal recommendation: Try to emphasize the family (and friends) that mean the most to you for these photos. Feel free to take the photo all alone with your Grandma! Take the photo with your mom! And then don’t feel pressured to take photos with your entire extended family if it’s probably not something that is going to get used. Whatever photos and people mean the most to you - get THOSE photos! If you try to do too many, we could be there all afternoon. I’d say no more than 15 total groups to keep it reasonable.

the CEREMONY 

Est. Time: 30-40 mins

The moment we've been waiting for! Here's a tip: Before the ceremony is a great time to just calm down, and find some peace and quiet before the ceremony and reception. So, keep your favorite people close, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment

Before, during and after

If it’s important to you that no one see you before the ceremony starts, you will want to block off 30 minutes of "do-nothing" time before the ceremony for you and your bridal party to hide away while guests arrive and the music starts. If you are visible to everyone, they are all going to want to talk to you forever and you just don’t have time for that!

Most ceremonies take around 20-30 minutes, and some religious services can take up to a full hour! So, just make sure you allocate enough time to that part of the day, and keep your officiant informed on how much time they are given to perform the ceremony. You should always, always communicate with your officiant about how long you want the ceremony to be. Ask them to time themselves in a practice run (especially if it’s a family member or friend who doesn’t do this a lot— it could be wayy longer or way shorter than you want it to be and it will throw off your timeline). I once was photographing a wedding where the officiant read four different biblical passages, but the bride and groom had given them 4 to choose from, not to read from, so the ceremony ended up 3x longer than it should have been. Communication is key!

Directly after the ceremony, have a nice designated room or outdoor space where you and your partner (and then your bridal party) can go right after the ceremony is finished. This moment is probably one of the most special and emotional of the entire day! You just got MARRIED and you’re sharing your first moments together as a married couple! So, don’t hide yourselves in a random dusty, dark room! I would highly recommend making intentional time and space for this moment!

If your ceremony is indoor

If you are holding your ceremony at an indoor venue, natural lighting (windows) is going to be your best friend! I can work with any lighting, but if I have to depend on my artificial light (camera flash) for the lighting, the photos of your ceremony will not totally match my “normal” style that you have seen from my work! Try to avoid incandescent lighting directly above your head on the ceiling, as this creates harsh, unflattering shadows on the face while you’re walking down the aisle or saying your vows. Avoid at all costs any sort of fluorescent lighting. Indoor ceremonies can be beautiful, but natural lighting is highly important! Work with your venue on this-- they know better than anything what is possible and many will help if you ask about it specifically! This picture on the right is an example of a wedding where there was ZERO natural lighting. The one good thing I can say about this is that the entire room was white, which is helpful when using flash (and the picture isn’t “bad” by any means— it’s just not going to pop like it would with natural light). If you have the choice, always prioritize natural lighting.

If your ceremony is outdoors

I love outdoor ceremonies! If you’re holding your ceremony outdoors, keep in mind the possibility that it may rain, and try to have some sort of back-up plan in mind (even if that simply means bringing umbrellas). As far as lighting goes, it is CRUCIAL to hold your ceremony in the early-morning, or late-afternoon/evening hours. Once again, 11AM-1PM is the time frame you want to stay away from at all costs! Ideally, make sure the the sunlight is coming in from behind the altar of the ceremony, not in front of it. Or, if there are many trees nearby, place the ceremony space under the shade of the trees. This will avoid harsh shadows on people's faces and unflattering image tones from direct sun!

One last thing:

If you have anything special or surprising for your guests happening during the ceremony— please tell me in advance! It helps me plan out a good place to be while it happens so I can get the right angle or the right person in frame. Also if you have any rules or direction from your venue (especially churches) let me know as soon as you can— sometimes there are restrictions about how close I can to the both of you or what I can take pictures of and this helps to know in advance.

…and then we PARTY

Time to breathe deeper, smile harder, and dance the night away (if that’s your thing).

the RECEPTION

Est. Time: 3-5 hours

This part of the day can and should look very different from other receptions you’ve been to, if you’re planning it right. Let’s find out what you value most and make that the center of this party time— this is YOUR day, we’re doing it YOUR way.

Logistics and tips

Try to set a time for your reception to officially begin (which usually starts with some sort of entrance. If you want it to be grand, fine. If you want to slink in, that’s fine too!), and then stick to it! This will ensure that your reception doesn't feel like it's "delayed" for your guests, and it won't keep them waiting around longer than they expected, so they will be more likely to stay for the whole thing!

Personal Tip: there are so many different parts of a reception that you can formally plan out (speeches, first dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.) This is the part where I again want you to think about what’s really important to you. If you’ve dreamed of cutting your cake forever, make sure you include it! However, if you hate cake and you want donuts or cupcakes and you think pictures of you both shoving food in each other’s faces is lame, feel free to skip it! Guests tend to feel more comfortable when things are structured (because they’ve been to other weddings and are expecting it), but if you want to do things a little differently, communicate that to them! Give them a starting time in an invitation, tell them things are going to be different or a little more relaxed-- this is your day and I promise they’ll be flexible for you.

Here’s is an example of why having a conversation with your dj about lighting is important. If this orange/red cast on their faces in the picture of the bride and groom cutting cake bothers you, then you’ll have to tell your dj no party lights until all formal events and dances are done. White LED lights are great though! And if you like the funky look, let the crazy colors ride!

Be mindful of light sources

If you want your gallery to look cohesive, natural light is going to be so important for reception photos as well! If you have a big barn you’re getting married in, make sure and open those barn doors and windows! If it’s an indoor venue, make sure the curtains or blinds are open. If possible, try to have the head table facing the light as opposed to having the light shine in from behind so your faces are bright and not backlit. Having your reception out in the open air or under a tent is perfect!

Quick tip: if it’s important to you, you could request your DJ only use neutral white lights on the dance floor (or at least during first dances + speeches, etc)! Don't worry, this is NOT an odd request! Many DJs will use multi-colored lights, and it tends to create really funky-colored dancing photos (think: random red or blue or green spots on people's faces and outfits). The neutral white lights make such a difference to create stunning, timeless, share-worthy dancing photos! If you like the color, let’s embrace it! Just be aware that the dancing photos are going to look a little less consistent than the rest of your gallery.

Also: glow wands, silly glasses, and other party favors are FUN and people like them, so don’t be afraid of busting out the toys. If you can make it fit the theme of your wedding, even better!

Crash course in reception lighting

Remember how I said light is one of three things that dictates a great photo? Well, it’s kind of the most important thing. I could have the best camera, with the chicest models and still take terrible photos if there’s terrible light, or NO light. Every reception space is different, and I can’t guarantee your photos will look like all the other ones you’ve seen from me, but the good news is that I’m really good at figuring what’s best for what space/situation. I’m mentioning this mostly just because MOST of my work is done in natural light, and the compliments I get on my work are mainly based in the fact that it looks natural, organic and real. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page with expectations: so if it’s something you’re worried about, lets talk about it! But here’s a little info that’ll maybe be fun to know or help you feel better about what I do and how I do it.

In any scenario, there’s 3 options for lighting. You can use a direct flash, where the light from my flash is pointed directly AT you and the light hits you directly. This creates dramatic shadows and is really a whole vibe of it’s own. I actually generally carry a point and shoot film camera with me that gets these shots during the reception and it’s so much fun! If I have to use direct flash it’s going to look good and capture the moment-- it’s just not going to look natural or organic. The second option is that you can bounce the light from the flash onto something else (a wall or ceiling). The light bounces off of a surface and is scattered throughout the room, mimicking sunlight. There aren’t as many harsh shadows and it feels more natural. This is the best option if you’re in a room with white walls and ceilings that doesn’t have enough light to capture moving subjects. The last option is to not use flash at all, and this scares a lot of people because they think it’s going to make their photos blurry or grainy, but it’s actually my favorite and if I can make this work for your wedding, it’s really my preferred method. If you’re in a dark space with walls and ceilings that aren’t white, you can’t bounce flash because 1. that’s not how light works and 2. if the lights bounces at all, it will cast whatever color that was on the wall onto your skin and it’s impossible to correct in photoshop. So if your venue is really dark, we’re either going to embrace the direct flash look, or we’re going to crank up the sensitivity on my camera and get you some moody photos that will be true to life. But the important thing to remember is that I’ve got you covered!

  • Example 1 - Bounce Flash

    This is a good example of how to have your lighting for a first dance if you want that classic look. There’s ambient lighting in the room, and I can bounce the flash off the ceiling, which creates a perfect, natural-light look.

  • Example 2 - No Flash

    This photo is an example of a venue that is REALLY dark, and a bad place to bounce lighting, so I turned up the sensitivity of the camera to just use the ambient lighting available. I actually prefer this over using any flash if I can get away with it because it most accurately represents what the day actually looked like.

  • Example 3 - Direct Flash

    This is an example of direct flash. It kind of gives old school disposable camera vibes, which are super cool! But we’re going to use that as a last resort and try to always capture the look and feel of the room we’re in so that it feels as natural as possible. It’ll also save your eyeballs from feeling assaulted all night.

Golden hour couple portraits

I know we maybe already did these with the first look or maybe you scheduled the bridal session-- however if the sun is hittin’ just right I might grab you and give you the option of doing a few portraits at golden hour. Or you can choose to enjoy your reception and your guests- it’s up to you!

Depending on when the sunset is on your wedding day, this moment of the day is the hour or half-hour before the sun officially sets on the horizon. We'll have to be mindful that, if there are tall trees nearby, the sun will "set" behind those trees about a half hour before it sets on the actual horizon. I'll keep my eye on it!

It is so nice to take photos at this time of day, not only because of the lighting, but because the responsibilities of the day are over, you both are far more relaxed, and all that’s left is the love and the joy!

Maybe you will welcome the break and maybe you will not-- I find it’s about half and half, the people who on the day say “let’s do it!” and those who say “I’m having the best time and I just want to hang out with my guests.” There’s no requirement and no right or wrong answer-- you get to decide!

We’re going to come up with a timeline that will give you a stress free experience on your wedding day — here are some sample ones to mull over before we begin the conversation!

Keep in mind— If you booked a bridal session with me, or if you booked a package that came with it, this will loosen up a lot of time that you can use for more getting ready photos, more candids, more dancing, etc!

let’s look at some

SAMPLE TIMELINES

Sample Timeline 1 (7 hrs)

3:00 PM - Getting Ready

3:30 PM - First Look + Couple Portraits

4:15 PM - Bridal Party Photos

4:45 PM - Family Photos

5:15 PM - Pre-Ceremony Hideaway

5:45PM - Ceremony

6:15PM - Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM - Reception begins: Dinner, Dances, Cake, etc.

8:00PM - Open Dancing (Golden hour photos?)

10:00PM - Karly Leaves

1:00 PM - Getting Ready, Detail Shots, Travel time, etc.

3:00 PM - First Look

3:25 PM - Bridal Party Photos

4:05 PM - Family Photos

5:00 PM - Pre-Ceremony Hideaway

5:30PM - Ceremony

6:00PM - Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM - Reception begins: Dinner, Dances, Cake, etc.

8:00PM - Open Dancing (Golden hour photos?)

11:00PM - Karly Leaves

Sample Timeline 2

(10 hrs w/ bridal session)

The Aesthetics

Now that' we’ve talked about the logistics and the feel of the day, let’s talk about the look!

When it comes to aesthetics, styling, and colors, I want to be careful not to impose too much opinion, because it’s YOUR day! Above anything, above trends, above Pinterest or Instagram telling you what to do with your day, the most important tip I can give is to make this day feel like you. And based on what feels like you, this section is how I can guide you best with those fundamental stylistic choices you've probably already made!

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, confused and just kinda over it, put your phone down and stop thinking about it for a while. Look at old wedding photos from your parents/grandparents. Think about the real spirit of the day, and the things that you normally love and try to think, without outside influence, what that might look like for you.

true to YOU

Location, season and style

My main advice is, try to choose selections that blend well with three main things: (1) location of your wedding (2) season of the year (3) style and vibe you've chosen for your wedding as a whole.

Location Specifics

Think about the location when you think about colors-- if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors for both the wedding and reception, keep in mind everything will be green ( in Michigan summer, anyway). Neutrals always look good in nature and if you like color throw in some pops of color that look good with the surrounding landscape! If you like LOTS of color, make sure you’re seeking out lots of inspo to help you get it right-- Maximalism is awesome but it can definitely go wrong, lol.

If your wedding is more indoor, I would say the same thing for colors, but I would be mindful of the main colors or neutrals (if any) of your indoor venue, and then select colors/neutrals that blend well with it! Maybe look at blogs or instagram photos from other brides for examples of what they did in the same space.

Season Specifics

If your wedding is in the later Spring, Summer, or Fall, you have a bit more freedom with color! Obviously, you want the colors to make some sense with the season in which your wedding falls. So especially for autumn, it might be best to look at the autumn colors and choose something that would blend well with autumn color!

If your wedding falls between the months of November-March, I would be extra mindful of your color selections. Oftentimes, winter landscapes are naturally more dull (color-wise) during those months, so it’s AMAZING to add some pops of color if your wedding is within that time of year!

Quick tip: brides, make sure you and your bridesmaids come prepared with coats or shoulder coverings for winter weddings!

Style specifics, examples & special tips

Firstly, let’s talk about making it cohesive. This probably goes without saying, but it’s best if all the decor, venue, outfits, etc. all look like they flow well together! Don’t overthink this too much, but I’ll try to give some quick examples:

Tip/example for bridal party wardrobe: if your bridesmaids are all in highly boho dresses, it’s best to not have your groomsmen wearing classic tuxedos. Instead, I would try putting your groomsmen in something like leather suspenders, or textured suits, etc… something that matches the vibe/style of the bridesmaid dresses!

Tip/example for florals: let’s say your wedding dress was very boho or classic-elegant. What I would do is, grab some inspiration or expertise from Pinterest (or even better, your florist in this case) as to what boho florals look like, or what classic-elegant florals look like, and then make your selections from there based on what fits your dress!

Tip/example for brides: if you are holding your wedding outdoors, or at a natural-esque venue, be mindful to choose a dress, jewelry, and hairstyle that matches that style. Flowy hair worn down or half-up-half-down always pairs well with those more natural spaces instead of a tight up-do.

Secondly, let’s talk about movement and texture! I promise you, movement and textures are going to serve you well! Especially in the wardrobe selections, the softer and more flowy the fabrics and designs (especially for the girls), the better! This creates movement and depth to photos that stiff fabrics or cuts just don’t provide.

vendors I Recommend:

Videographers

Corey Presley Video

Instagram: @cpresleyvideo https://www.instagram.com/cpresleyvideo/

Website: https://www.cpresleyvideo.com/

Hair and Makeup Artists

Kaitlyn Rose

Instagram: @kaitlinroseartistry https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinroseartistry/

Primp Beauty

Instagram: @primpmeup https://www.instagram.com/primpmeup/

Website: https://www.primpmeup.com/

DJs

Lufru Entertainment

Instagram: @lufruentertainment https://www.instagram.com/lufruentertainment

Website: https://lufru.com/

I recommend Justin

Mike Staff Productions

Instagram: @mikestaffproductions https://www.instagram.com/mikestaffproductions

Website: https://mikestaff.com/lp/detroit-wedding-dj/

I recommend Alex

Florists

Fleur and Bloom

Alyxandra Conyers

Instagram: @fleurandbloom https://www.instagram.com/fleurandbloom/

The Experience

From start to finish, here’s what it will be like working together!

Booking day!

Your date is officially BOOOOKED on my calendar and I’m probably bopping to some unoriginal pop song in celebration as you read this.

Now Until Wedding Day

Listen. This time is fair game for you to come to me with ANYTHING about your wedding. Send me the colors you’re thinking, send me shots of the dress, ask me for vendor recommendations, see if I can look up some locations near your venue to take photos… I’m here for ya!

Engagement Photos

Booked an engagement shoot with me? Let’s get that date on the books and we’ll get started on your vision, location, and wardrobe for the shoot!

Booking Payments

2nd payment due 3 months before wedding day! (you will get an auto-reminder email.) Final payment due 1 week before wedding day (you will get an auto-reminder email.)

1 Month from Wedding Day

I will schedule a meeting with you, either in-person or video (whichever you prefer), to talk your wedding details, expectations, and then talk timeline with you!

Wedding Day

I will text you the morning of, just to let you know that I am ready and excited out of my mind to finally be headed to your wedding!! Then, we have a blast creating the most beautiful photos of your dreams!

Day After Wedding

I send you the first previews from your wedding day gallery so you already have something to enjoy from the day before. Bring tissues.

Gallery Delivery Day

AHHH it’s finally time! I send you the FULL gallery of all your wedding photos! I will be SO excited for you to see these, and I promise to pour my heart into them!

engagement SESSION

Did you book an engagement shoot with me? If you haven't yet, I couldn't recommend it more! Engagement photos are one of the best ways to get to know each other, get comfortable with my shooting style, and it makes the wedding day photos SO much less intimidating. Also, these are just so much fun!

Your vision & my input

One of the first things I ask my couples before an engagement shoot is: "Do you have a vision for this shoot?" Basically, do you have something in mind that you'd like to make a reality? Or do you have something small that you'd like to build off of?

Either way is great! The greatest thing you can do for me is to just let me know where you are at! And the good news is, you get ME as much or as little as you'd like with my creative input! (I’m going to insist on timing though-- we will not be shooting your engagement photos at noon when the sun is high in the sky and ready to make you look like a bridge troll! Early morning or late evening is crucial) If you have very little creative vision for your shoot, don't feel bad about that at all! I love helping guide you through the process of finding and picking a location, any thematic elements, and your outfit choices!

What feels most like you

My biggest piece of advice is just to make it feel like YOU. With a wedding, there is obviously going to be so many "bells and whistles" and formal-wear, so with the engagement shoot, I always like to get my couples completely in their element where they feel and look most comfortable and true to themselves. Feel free to think outside the box with this! Let's get creative! Let’s find a beach, let’s drive to Lake Superior-- I’m down to be as wild as you are.

bridal SESSION

Thinking you should be able to wear that dress more than just one day? I agree. Wanting to majorly take the pressure off of the wedding day photography? I gotchu. Thinking that you want some photos taken in a completely different location than your wedding venue? Let's make it happen!!

“What are bridal photos?”

Great question! At some point, you may have thought to yourself: "I just wish I could wear that dress more than just one day." or "I really want to take photos at our actual wedding, but I don't want the pressure of making sure we get everything on wedding day, and I'd like to take more photos at a completely different location!"

Well, let me introduce to you: The Bridal Photoshoot.

It's a photoshoot with you and your spouse on a completely separate day from your wedding, in a hand-selected location of your choice, wearing the exact same (or similar) thing as your wedding day attire.

A bridal photoshoot will give you a more relaxed, intimate, and creative experience with taking photos, and I promise you, the shots we get on this shoot will absolutely blow you away!

It’s also just so much fun.

“How do I book?”

If you booked a 10+ hour package with me, you’re already getting a bridal session with your package, so now it’s time to figure out how you want to use it! If you don’t have one as a part of your package but decide later you want to add one, we can do that! And there’s a discount in it for you too! Shoot me an email and let’s get it on the books.

 FAQs

  • If it rains on your wedding day, I’m not scared at all! The worst thing that could happen is if YOU let the rain get you down. We can’t control the weather, but we can embrace and be flexible and remember the point of the day. Don’t worry, I’m not saying you have to be willing to get soaked! But, if you come prepared with some pretty umbrellas (I have clear ones you can use), or you’re willing to put up with a light rain on your hair, or you’re willing to duck under some trees and all the while you stay positive--then there is nothing to worry about!!

    I say this truthfully: rainy wedding days are some of my favorites. Rain is so incredibly romantic and sweet if you stay positive! And hey...if you ARE ready to get fully soaked? I am SO down. Rain photos are so stunning, I’ll prove it to you!

  • That's up to you! But brides, I say this with your absolute best in mind... DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET THAT DRESS A LITTLE DIRTY! Here’s the truth: it’s probably the one day of your life that you get to wear this stunning gown! So, don’t be afraid to get that crazy shot, or walk through the sand, or trek through the tall grass! Almost always, people are never looking directly at the bottom of your dress, and the dress never gets as dirty as you think it might! Want to know one of the best ways you can help me as a photographer capture the type of photos that are going to BLOW YOU AWAY? Be willing to let the dress get a little dirty. :) We are going to take stunning pictures of it before it gets dirty, and then you’re going to LIVE.

  • For every wedding venue I haven't yet seen, I show up early to scout the best shooting locations on-site. That said, I truly have worked with so many different types of venues, I know fairly quickly where the best shooting locations are after a short scouting walk! Also- I’m often way more inspired at new venues so I’m actually putting in more work and heart to make sure your photos are s t u n n i n g.

  • I will honestly be so impressed with you if you reject all my tips. It means you know what you want, and at the end of the day my tips are just that. Not requirements -- you know what’s best for you! I’m just here to educated and set expectations-- you get to call the shots.

  • Absolutely! I would be happy to add a second shooter to the wedding package. Just let me know, and I will add it! Hopefully this is happening in enough time for me to find one-- but I will do everything I can with the notice I’m given.

  • YES. I don't know how "expensive" became synonymous with "beauty." Some of the most stunning weddings I've ever been to were "low-budget" weddings (whatever that means). Creative intentionality, effort, and heart will always always always create the most stunning wedding days. The best way for you to make your pictures beautiful is for you to be happy in them (sounds cliche but it’s true.)

  • If theres any kind of imperfection on your clothing that you can’t fix quickly, I promise it will be ok! What I’ll do is just make sure we are on the same page with how you’d like it handled. If you want the memories to be sealed just the way they are and let it show in every picture, I’m totally down with that. If you want me to try and edit it out on some of the really important pictures, that’s an easy fix in the editing room.

    From a non photo perspective— no one is going to care if things on your wedding day don’t look like a styled shoot for a magazine. I promise you will be so happy all day you’ll barely think about it, and you’ll probably laugh about it later when you finally see the pictures! It’ll just be a unique part of your story that you’ll be able to tell when you recount your wedding day years from now.

  • It is easier and more mentally relaxing for me to be seated at a separate vendor table, or if there are no other vendors present, I can totally sit at a table alone! I'm fully willing to sit at a table with other wedding guests as well, I just prefer to sit away from wedding guests as I will be coming and going throughout the reception and probably stuffing in food at random times, and I don't want to come off rude to others!

Homework

I know, know no one likes homework. But I promise this will help you! I’m going to insist that before our 1 month check-in/planning meeting, you actually do 2 things and bring them with you:

  1. write your list of things that are important. It could be anything from “I literally don’t care, I just want to be present and let you capture whatever happens naturally” to a more curated list of specific things you feel like you would regret not having in your wedding gallery. But you should actually write it down, on a piece of paper or a word document because we are going to talk about it in our meeting.

  2. bring a full working timeline for the day or at least a partial one of the things you’re limited to because of your venue/caterers (like what time the ceremony + dinner is). It can be a full list you are confident in as well! Just be prepared to talk about it in our meeting, because I’m going to go over it and give my 2 cents. I’d love it if you sent it over before the meeting to give me some time to think about it and have some thoughts ready.

  3. It’s super helpful for me to have a list of your vendors, so once they are all finalized, it’s awesome if you can send it to me via email! When I post on social media I like to give them credit for all their hard work, and this helps me do that!

I’m so excited to see this day come together, and I hope this guide has been really helpful in making it happen!

Last couple thoughts..

If at any point throughout the planning process you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, confused, or unhappy— please take some time to relax and think about how you can unburden yourself. I would love to be a resource for you— someone to listen if you need to rant, someone to give advice or a recommendation if you feel stuck, but ultimately I’m going to remind you that there’s a reason you’re doing this in the first place and it’s not so that your floral arrangements can be perfect or that your catered dinner is the best thing you’ve ever eaten. Your marriage and your person is the most important thing here, so let’s talk about it and get you back on track. Whatever it is that’s getting you down and stressing you out, there is a solution I promise! I know I’m a photographer but I’m also a human being who is really good at listening and at giving advice— and I’m here if you need it!

I see a lot of people getting discouraged about money; about parents pressuring brides and grooms to make the wedding into something that doesn’t really feel like them; about one partner not helping enough with the planning; about someone in the bridal party causing distress or drama. And most of the time the answer to these problems can simply be traced back to the fact that there are so many expectations around weddings and if those expectations don’t match reality, it’s going to cause issues. What if your mom expects you to invite all her college friends that you barely know but it’s going to burden you financially or make you feel like your wedding isn’t your own? What if you feel obligated to make a friend a bridesmaid even if you aren’t that close anymore? What if you expect your guests to RSVP on time but they don’t and you’ve got to give final numbers to the venue and you’re just too stressed to even deal with it?

My blanket answer for all of these things is: you can’t control other people in real life, and you can’t control them on your wedding day either. So be real with yourself and be very clear with other people what you will tolerate and won’t tolerate from them on the day or leading up to it. I’m not saying to be an emotional terrorist, but be firm, be intentional, and protect your peace.

This day is about the both of you. By asserting to your loved ones and friends what you want and expect, you aren’t being selfish, you’re just setting very specific expectations that might seem weird to other people but that will make your wedding day even better. Let go of anyone else’s feelings, because everyone’s feelings are valid but they aren’t yours to fix. For this one day, you’re the boss— and you get to decide what happens so that you can enjoy it in peace.

As someone who used to work a stressful, thankless job that I hated, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for appreciating my art; for trusting me with such an important time in your life; for reading this super long guide (if you made it this far); I really just am so happy to be working with you and I can’t wait to provide you with images that you will love for a lifetime. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with anything that you might need from here on out— I’ll be involved as little or as much as you need!

Let’s get you MARRIED.

thank

YOU.