1.     Timeline of Events:

-This single handedly may be the most important FREAKING advice that we give you today, so pay attention. Your timeline is the back bone of your day. Everyone should be on the same page with what is supposed to happen, where it’s supposed to happen and when it is supposed to happen. The day of is the absolute worst day to inform every one of all of these details.  Your photographer is supposed to be someone you can bounce planning ideas off of, to ensure you get the best photos to capture your special day. Please do not assume that it only take 2 minutes for formal photos when it takes grandma at least 3 minutes to walk to the alter. Click Here to see one of our favorite gifts we would recommend to keep our brides organized.

2.     Having a Second Shooter or 2 photographers:

-Second shooter or 2 photographers are a must, especially if you and your significant other are getting ready in two different locations.  There is no way one photographer will be able to capture all of the angles, details and unique moments of both parties if there is only one photographer. Make sure at least you have 2 photographers to capture your day and all of its uniqueness.

3.     You Don’t Need a Shot List!:

- *Warning …Passive Aggressive Message Ahead* I know this sounds taboo, especially when so many wedding planners and blogs suggest otherwise but really, you hire professional photographers for a reason.  If you love their style and appreciate their art than you will give them creative freedom to authentically capture your day. Sure, you can make a list of family members to round up for formal family photos but you can leave the “Bride getting ready” off the list. No worries, we’ve got you covered!

4.     Build a Relationship with your photographer:

- While your photographer is there to capture your most treasured moments it’s comforting that you and your bridal party know that you can trust your photographers. The best way your bridal part will trust your photographers is if they see how relaxed and calm you are with you photographers. An engagement session and continued communication between you and your photographers builds that trust that can’t be faked.  It’s like a continuous domino effect. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your bridal party is, the more relaxed your photographers will be and the more EPIC your photos will be!

5.     Its OK not to smile 100% of the time:

-This may seem like a weird tip, but I promise you it is worth telling you.  From the beginning of time when Dinosaurs roamed the earth……ok maybe not that far in time….but pretty close…. we are told to smile at the camera.  That is great for walking down the aisle and posing for formals but that is not the only reason you hire professional photographers.  For those couples that want candid photographs you have to know that it is ok to embrace the moment and not stare and smile at the camera. It is ok to just hold each other and let your love take over for a few moments. Those are the best kind of photos that will last the test of time.

6.     Bonus Tip: Waiting too long to book your photographer:

Guys, please realize something….the average bride/groom who love their photographer’s style and personalities book their photographers 1.5 to 1 year in advance. We can’t tell you how many times have we met a bride 1.5 years ago and said they wanted to book with us but waited too late and they had to book another photographer. If you have your date but the budget isn’t together, tell your photographer see if they can book you with a deposit and you can be on a monthly/quarter payment plan.  We hate seeing our potential couple’s date get booked by someone else. Good luck and happy hunting!

Thanks for reading and have a Fantastic day! =D

M & G