Planning your big day can be pretty stressful, but it's important that when that big day arrives that you are relaxed and able to enjoy it! Below are my top five tips for a relaxed wedding day.
1. Schedule Strategically
Your ceremony time will direct how the day will flow. If it's easy, great, you can do your photos in between that and cocktail hour, but if your ceremony flows into your cocktails, you might want to consider a first look. My goal is for everyone to be present for as much of cocktail hour as possible. It's one of the only times that you get to greet and be present with your guests! Let's work together and find out how long we need for certain things, schedule in travel time if needed, and add a little time cushion!
2. Prep Ahead of Time
When I first arrive, I check in with you and then get right to work. You can help me do this by getting prepared ahead of time. Prepare anything you want photographed like the dress, shoes, jewelry, and any other special details. When I start shooting, I begin with these details that help tell your wedding story. The more prepped you are, the better!
3. Communicate Clearly
Make sure you communicate the timeline clearly and that everyone who needs it, has it. I suggest making copies of your timeline and giving it to everyone in the wedding party and your parents. That way everyone knows where to be and when to be there! Photos move much faster when everyone is on the same page and when that happens we stay on track for the timeline and you're less stressed!
4. Make Time for Photos
I typically suggest to my couples to do a first look for multiple reasons. First, it gives you the chance to have a private moment together without a bunch of people around. Second, it allows us to knock out posed photos and if there is time, we can even get the wedding party portraits done all before the ceremony! This leaves only family formals for after the ceremony and then you're able to enjoy your cocktail hour. Lastly, this gives me a chance to sneak into the reception space while you're enjoying cocktail hour and photograph all those special details that you worked so hard for. If you really don't want a first look, don't fret, we can make it work without one!
5. Just Be Present
Believe it when everyone tells you that a wedding day is a total whirlwind! Take moments to just stop and soak it all in! Throughout the day, take little breaks away from the party together where you can just be. You won't regret that time!
Weddings are here and gone in the blink of an eye. It's important to set yourself up for success and ease any stress ahead of time so as you float through your day, you aren't focused on all the small details, but instead focused on that marriage that is beginning!
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