See this image below? That’s how I want you to feel on your wedding day.

I put this guide together because, above all else – you should ENJOY your wedding.

Tip # 1 – Location

The best advice for coordinating your day and making sure things go smoothly is to plan everything as close to or at the same venue. Now, I understand that you can’t have your entire wedding at the church but try to keep in mind your travel time between your venues. The same rules apply to planning out your getting ready locations. Having the guys get ready 40 minutes away from the girls may make for a hectic timeline and can result in a lack of quality photographs. Consider the ambient lighting of these locations, design elements, and what type of backdrops to your photographs they will provide. Have your photographer come for a site to help with ideas if they have never shot there before.

Tip # 2 – Communication is Key

Open and clear communication with your vendors, bridal party and family is so important. Discuss with your vendors your vision and preferences. Share your must-have moments, such as first looks and candid shots with your photographer. Let family know what the plan for their photos are so that they know what to expect. Have your photographer print out a family portrait timeline or guide for them.

Tip # 3 – Embrace the Unplanned Moments

Some of the most authentic moments happen on their own. Allow room in your day for these moments to happen so that your photographer/videographers can capture them as they unfold naturally. A genuine laugh or a heartfelt glance can result in breathtaking photographs. Trust your photographer will capture these moments and be there in the moment. Not everything will go as planned and that’s ok, in 5 years it won’t matter that the cake started to melt before you cut it. If you’re running late don’t rush through the important moments because everyone else will be waiting for you so take your time.

Tip # 4 – The Beauty of Light

Did you know that lighting is the biggest key in a photograph? It gives the photograph depth, life and can create an emotion just off the lighting. While most photographs have lights/flashes to enhance scenes that they photography in they also rely on the sun for the most flattering photographs. Nothing beats natural light for wedding day photographs. What you see on my website and social media is all with natural light. During indoor photos windows are your best friend… face towards them and you will have the most flattering skin tones. When it comes to reception capturing that ambient light is done with off camera (sometimes on camera) flashes or video lighting. If you plan to have candles or battery candles make sure that you designate someone to start those before the photos begin to really create the tone for your photographs.

Tip # 5 – You do you

Wedding days are about all your guests and their opinions, right? No sorry… it’s about celebrating your love and connection to each other. When you make a decision about something you want (or don’t) for your day, don’t let anyone else’s opinion get in your way. If you want to give up the outdoor photo location to go get photos with your grandma at the nursing home, do it. If you want to stop by a location where you two had your first date for couple only photos, do it. If you don’t want to get ready at a hotel because you’re proud of your new home, go for it! Plan the day of YOUR dreams because then you will truly enjoy every part of that day.

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. I have found that most of the stress on a wedding day comes from poorly planned timelines, unrealistic expectations, and lack of back up plans. My commitment to my couples is that I am there to help with anything I can to make sure that you are present and enjoy your wedding day. Let’s slow it down, plan it right and enjoy the moments.