TIPS & IDEAS

Please note that you are responsible for scheduling your wedding. I do not take any responsibility for shots that were not captured due to time constraints, delays or a lack of organization. I do however provide you with resources such as this planning document to ensure you and/or your wedding planner create an itinerary that balances your priorities for your wedding :) I have shot numerous of weddings and have put together my best tips and tricks for planning your day

Think about photo permits early
Many locations may require a photography permit. You have your dream spot for pictures in mind? Amazing! Make sure you get the permits as soon as possible as there are generally only a few permits per time slot

Prioritize natural light
The more natural light you have where you get ready, the better the photos will be. Prioritize big windows, or even a pretty outdoor spot. Borrow a friend’s place or switch the hotel with an awesome loft on AirBnb!

Keep a clean environment
Make sure you keep everything you need in a corner. The last thing you will want is a messy background in your beautiful getting ready shots!

Keep the guys busy
I strongly encourage the groom(s) and his groomsmen to do something fun in the morning. I can capture the getting ready photos relatively quickly and then the guys get to do something fun that allows me to capture great candid shots.

Have the guys looking sharp when I arrive

I have a lot of photos to get at the bride's location in the morning. 
The ideal set up is that the makeup & hair is finished by the time I arrive. Please avoid having the bride(s) get ready last in case of any delays. I can also get a few shots of the wedding dress. Then you can put the wedding dress on and do any reveals with the parents or bridesmaids, followed by shots of the bride alone, then with the bridesmaids. If you are only allowing 45 minutes for this segment then the bridesmaids should already be dressed by the time I arrive. If you allow more time then I can get more

Glasses
If you wear glasses, please be advised that it is very likely you will have reflections in your glasses throughout the day. If this is a concern for you, please consider wearing contacts for the day

Tips for Makeup
I always recommend hiring a professional make-up artist that has an understanding of the types of makeup to use for photos. This will keep you camera ready all day. It is best to use a high-definition foundation and matte powders / eye shadows (especially if you have oily skin.) It is best to avoid glossy lipstick, high glimmer eye shadows / blushes and mineral makeup as they can cause unflattering effects with flash

Be prepared for your photoshoot

• For the bride(s) and bridesmaids, if the shoot location is a distance to walk, I recommend bringing flats

• If there is a chance of rain, I have clear umbrellas that I can bring

• If its a hot summer day, stay hydrated and bring dabbing papers to absorb any perspiration

• I want you to be/feel comfortable, if you are not comfortable in your outfit, it will show in the pictures

Get your detail shots ready
Providing sophisticated detail shots is a lot easier when I have everything in hand. Keep an invitation, jewelry, rings, flowers, shoes and any other significant item nearby. If you would like detail shots of things like the rings, flowers, etc. make sure you add at least 15 minutes

Discuss with your officiant
Some places have extremely strict rules that make my job very difficult. Example: some churches don't allow me to move during the ceremony. This is rare but it does happen. Others let me move but not close to the front of the altar (where you happen to be), some don't allow flash, etc. If you are having a non-denominational ceremony I strongly encourage you to find an easygoing officiant

Consider a technology free ceremony
If you would like ceremony photos that aren't cluttered with your guests taking photos with their phones, consider having your officiant request that technology not be used during the ceremony before it begins. It keeps everyone fully engaged on your special day and allows me to get the perfect shots

The aisle is your runway
Take your time, smile, look around. Enjoy every second of it

For your first kiss, make it count! I've had couples in the past do a quick peck on the cheek/lips that only lasted a few milliseconds which makes it extremely difficult to get a beautiful shot. I recommend kissing for a few seconds. Not telling you how to kiss, just a recommendation :)

Create a shot list for the family photos
That includes the combination of the photos you want. Example: Bride(s)/Groom(s), Bride's Mother & Father. Assign a person from your bridal party who knows everyone from both sides. This helps to avoid forgetting anyone important to you

Take a break
After I am finished with the bridal party photos, consider scheduling a 10 minute break for yourselves before we continue taking photos of just the two of you. You get some time alone to get refreshed

If you want detail shots of the venue and set up, please make sure that guests aren't already seated when I arrive at the reception

For your first dance
Please make sure you use the full version of the song to make sure I have enough time to get all of the shots. Also, consider having a spotlight on yourselves or keeping the room slightly brighter. If it is too dark and there is no light on you, the photos will not look as good

Lighting for speeches
I need either a spotlight or brighter venue lights. If it is too dark, the photos will not look as good. Alternatively I can bring some of my supplementary lights to help with the quality of the final product

Unfortunate Weather Conditions (or very behind schedule)
In the event that the weather is not cooperating, I recommend having an indoor backup location. The option of having an indoor location as a backup plan will require you to have a second permit on standby just in case you need to use it and there are very limited indoor location options

What I don’t generally capture:

• Food

• People Eating during dinner service

• Messages from guests (Let me know if this is something you want)

• Dinner games/Kissing Games/Centrepiece games in its entirety

• I do my best to capture candid shots of guests but cannot guarantee shots of every guest in attendance

ENGAGEMENT SESSION (if applicable)

Engagement sessions are about two hours
You may choose up to two locations
One location could be in your home and another location outside
Or you could have both locations outside, totally up to you! 
In-home sessions are great for couples who already live together, the pictures make for really cute memories, it captures the early stage of your relationship and where you spent most of your time together
Feel free to bring a couple of outfits to change into, this will add variety to your album
If you have pets, please include them!
Pictures will be delivered electronically within 3 weeks and you will be notified by email as soon as they are available