Scheduling Tips

Getting Ready: Close and Personal

I highly recommend for my couples to get ready as close to each other as possible! When couples are far apart—say, over 30 minutes away—it can create challenges for the timeline, resulting in more time spent driving than capturing precious moments.

Hotel vs. Home: The Pros and Cons

Getting Ready at a Hotel

One of the significant advantages of getting ready at a hotel is the minimal clutter. Less clutter means it’s easier to find good, clean light, which is crucial for stunning photographs. In a hotel, moving a chair to get the perfect shot is simple compared to moving a chair, decor, and multiple picture frames in a home. Additionally, having everyone in one location allows me to easily move between groups, capturing more moments.

Getting Ready at Home

While a home setting might be more cluttered, it offers a personal and intimate environment that can add a unique touch to your photos. Homes can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort that hotels might lack. However, the logistical challenges, such as distance and lighting, should be considered when deciding where to get ready.

Navigating Receiving Lines

Receiving lines can unexpectedly consume a significant chunk of time. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 15 seconds per guest. For a wedding with 100 guests, that’s 20-30 minutes just standing in line. Instead, consider alternatives like visiting guests at their tables during the reception or dismissing guests by row at the ceremony. This approach can save time and still allow you to greet each guest personally.

Embracing Natural Light

Lighting is the cornerstone of photography. Natural light is not only flattering but also adds a unique, beautiful quality to photos. For the most important day of your life, incorporate as much natural light as possible into your schedule. Wedding party, family, and couple portraits are best taken in natural light. This ensures the aesthetic quality you love in my photos. You can still enjoy a candlelight dinner reception or a sunset ceremony; we just need to plan the schedule to allow plenty of time for important photos in natural light.

Letters and Gifts: A Personal Touch

Handwritten letters and personal gifts are timeless gestures that can add a deeply personal touch to your wedding day. In an era dominated by digital communication, taking the time to express your love and appreciation in a handwritten letter can be incredibly meaningful. This is not a requirement but a beautiful way to connect with the people who matter most to you on your special day.

First Looks with Special People

If you love the idea of a first look but want to save that moment for the aisle, consider doing a first look with your bridesmaids, parents, or anyone else who holds a special place in your heart. This can be an emotional and memorable moment, providing a beautiful start to your wedding day.

Be Adventurous, Be You!

Your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple. When you look back at your wedding album, I want you to feel a deep connection to the story it tells. If getting ready at home is meaningful to you, let’s make it happen. If skipping a creative session to visit a loved one is important, let’s do it. If your first date was at a quaint ice cream shop that means the world to you, let’s capture that. Think about the locations that hold significance for you and let’s create a plan that tells your unique story.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. While it’s not productive to live in constant fear of bad luck, it’s essential to recognize that some things are beyond your control. On your wedding day, this mindset is even more important. Whether it’s a late cake arrival, a tardy relative, or a broken dress button, these issues might seem significant in the moment but will feel minor in hindsight. Remember, the day is about you and your partner. Everything else is secondary. If something goes awry, just remind yourself not to let it ruin your day—there will be so many other great parts.

Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding can be a mix of excitement and stress, but remember that this day is about celebrating your love and commitment. Whether you opt for getting ready at a hotel or home, decide to have a receiving line or not, or choose to write letters and gifts, the most important thing is to stay true to what feels right for you. Embrace the unexpected, cherish the moments, and know that the essence of your wedding day is the love you share.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in planning your perfect day, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help make your wedding day as beautiful and stress-free as possible.