If you are looking for magical photos on your wedding day then prioritize when the sun sets.  Look up when the sun sets and work backward from there when scheduling your wedding day.  All photographers need is 20 -30 minutes of your time during that hour of glistening golden light.  If you are getting married in a location with many tall trees and mountains the sun disappears earlier behind the trees.  Be sure and take that into consideration when planning your day.  We usually take sunset photos during the reception when everyone is eating. Our goal is to get you back to all of your guests without them even noticing you are gone.  You will not regret sneaking away to capture yourself with the sunset as your backdrop!

Exits are full of energy and real smiles! Celebrate your day in style with sparklers, iPhone lights, bubbles, light sabers, or even frosted mini wheats. We have been known to fake exits just to get the photo and to pump everyone up before dancing the night away.  Make your day one of a kind.

Take the time to gather all of your significant items to photograph in one place.  This ensures no time is wasted.  We usually capture your shoes, jewelry, wedding dress, rings, invites, garter, flowers, and memorable items in the first half hour of arrival.  If everything is set up when we arrive even better.  We love staying on schedule so that we don’t miss any important items or moments of the day.

If you can visit your venue (close to your wedding date) at the actual time you plan on having your ceremony, it will give you a better feel for your day’s schedule.  You will see where there is shade for family photos, cake table, gifts table etc.  You will hopefully feel the order of your day through to sunset.  The goal is to ease the stress of your day as you have physically walked it through.  I would encourage you to write down ideas and concerns as you walk around the property as to not forget important concerns or items to bring.  Remind yourself often how great your day is going to be!

Your job as a bride and groom is to soak in every moment together on your wedding day. If you don’t have a wedding planner, pass the details of paying the vendors, showing the DJ where to set up, directing the bridal party, and details about decoration on to someone outside of your wedding party.  Use your Maid of Honor and Best Man to keep track of your wedding rings, make sure you eat, attach your veil, keep you hydrated, and make sure you go to the bathroom before putting on your wedding dress.  Having those who know you best by your side is so helpful in preparing your mind and heart for walking down the aisle.  I will always ask for your Maid of Honor and Best Man’s phone numbers so that if I have a question about anything I am talking to them rather than you on your big day.  Let go and enjoy!

We show up 1/2 hour early to scope out the locations – Don’t stress that we are early. We will come and connect with you at our starting time and begin at our scheduled time.

For the First 1/2 hour, we photograph significant items –  Have all items in a box available for us to carry outside.

We start with the Bride – 20 min –  Getting Ready, girls in robes, cheers shot, giving gifts, flower girl, we bring silk rose peddles to throw over the bride

Groomsmen  –  20 min – tie, putting on jackets, tieing shoes, toast, group shots walking, roughing groom up

Bride in Wedding Dress – 30 min – bride with mom, button up dress, putting on jewelry and shoes, bride alone

First Look – 30 min – move to the designated location,  allow for time to soak in moment, photos of bride and groom

Ceremony – candid shots of guests arriving and decorations, ceremony, first exit

Family Photos – 30 min for family photos and wedding party

Bride and Groom – 20 min for Bride and Groom fun shots

Reception – 15 min grand entrance / 1 – 1.5 hr hour dinner – sunset photos / first dance, cutting cake, mother and father dances, bouquet toss, garter toss, dancing, toasts

Fun Exit – 30 min – it usually takes 30 minutes to get everyone outside and lined up for a fun exit.  We sometimes have you exit two times just for fun guaranteeing the photos,

Final Payment is Due on Your Wedding Day  Most have a parent hand us an envelope with a check or cash during the reception.