Welcome

Time for all the exciting planning to begin. I am so over the moon for you and I just know it’s going to be the most exciting adventure. Your wedding is all about you, your love, and your values as a couple - so get ready for this journey together. I am so honored to be your photographer. I can’t wait to get to know you better and work with you on one of the most special days of your lives! This day only happens one time, so let's make it all you want plus some.

I know that after the initial, “OMG we’re engaged!” moment, the reality sets in… “OMG, how on earth do we plan a wedding?” As someone who has photographed so many weddings, the feelings of overwhelm and stress are so normal among so many brides. You aren't alone!

To make things easier, I’ve created this comprehensive Wedding Guide. It’s jam-packed with helpful tips, suggestions, ideas, and everything you need to know about planning your wedding; and not just any wedding, but one that’s completely authentic to you and your relationship. This is meant to serve as a map to help you navigate this process in the best way while still keeping everything truly "you." Let’s dive right into my step-by-step guide to planning the best wedding ever. Ready? These pages are yours to go through as you please.

There is so much more behind this decision than just "hiring a photographer." You are hiring someone who is capturing the moments on the most important day of your life, and I put so much weight on that. You had many photographers to choose from and somehow we crossed paths; for that, I am so grateful.

A day like this is so important and as my clients, I want you to feel loved, heard, and valued.

Working with me you have a friend, a planner, and a troubleshooter. We are in it for the long haul together. From the second you book to years after your day, I am here! Thank you for investing in me. I treasure it more than anything.

The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour in length and by the end of it, you will be pros.

As to what to do during an engagement shoot, that’s completely up to you! While I’m happy to give suggestions, your shoot can be anything you want it to be. On the next page, we dive in a bit more about your session with activities to do and your outfit choices. Trust me, engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph, and although most of my couples feel the nerves at first, they always disappear within minutes.

So you’re planning a wedding?! How exciting!!

I know there can be a lot of nerves during this time.  There’s so much to do and so many details, both large and small, to keep track of. There may be a lot to accomplish before your wedding day, but I promise you we’ll have time to get it all done – and we’ll do it in style. I’ll be with you every step of the way so that you can let go of the stress, take deep breaths, and just enjoy the ride as you prepare for one of the happiest days of your life.

Don’t want to stress about a thing? Hire a planner. There are so many added benefits to hiring a planner! You can be as hands on or off as you’d like. They do this daily and know all the secrets of keeping things within the budget and make sure your day is exactly as imagined!

Get inspired and have a blast. Skip around this guide or take it page-to-page.  And as always, if questions arise, shoot them over to me via email or shoot me a text! Now to the fun stuff..

Choosing a Venue

Picking a wedding venue is so exciting! I know it can be a hard decision, so look around and take your time. Try to envision yourself getting married there, but trust me – when you know, you know! Look through their galleries and try to paint yourself the picture. If it’s hard to picture, it’s probably not right for you.  When you visit it in person, ask yourself, can I imagine getting married here with my friends and family?

And remember that it’s ok to not like a venue! Not every wedding space is for everyone, so browse their website gallery, give them a quick call, or pop by for a visit to see what you think about the potential space. Try not to rush yourself even though you may feel like you have to hurry up and lock in a venue. Breathe and just know that you’ll find one you absolutely love, guaranteed!

Photographers always love white walls and large windows. I do carry lighting with me for dark rooms without windows.

Enjoy the Process

While some couples love the wedding planning process, others sort of despise it… I know, it can seem a bit tedious and time-consuming, but I’m here to say, please don’t hate the process! Planning is actually such a fun part of getting married, because this is when you get to make all sorts of creative decisions about how your day will unfold. From tasting wedding cake to arranging table seating charts, planning your wedding is like working on a jigsaw and watching everything come into place – and seeing the final picture is so rewarding!

Believe it or not, you’ll miss this time when it’s over. Make sure you’re making the most out of your wedding planning adventure and savoring each moment! Just relax and focus on making the day completely your own. Let your imagination run wild and have a great time dreaming up the kind of wedding you’ve always imagined. I know it can seem stressful in the moment, but if you start thinking about the planning process as the fun and exciting process that it really is, you’ll notice your stress melting away and start really enjoying yourself!

Wedding Size

With wedding planning comes the size of it. Who's invited? Who do you want or envision there? How big is the venue and can it accommodate as many people as you are wanting? With all of this, it is important to ask yourself, "Are we going big, traditional wedding or a smaller, more intimate gathering?" It’s good to think about this early on so you can find the right-sized venue.

When it comes to size, and I can’t stress this enough, please don’t feel pressured to plan a huge wedding if it’s not what you want! Small weddings are just as special, so listen to your heart – if you want to plan a small destination wedding, or come up with something totally different, it is your special day. Don’t plan a big all-bells-and-whistles event if it’s just not who you are as a couple. When it comes to specific people to invite - take the pressure off. Close friends and family that have played a role in your relationship, they are your people. The size of your wedding will be perfect for you guys. Try to quiet the noise around you and feel confident picking those you want there.

You're not Alone

Although the planning process can sometimes feel stressful or confusing, you’re never alone! I’m always here to help with any questions that arise, but this guide is also jam-packed with helpful tips to help you feel confident and empowered in the planning process.

Weddings can get overwhelming pretty fast, so it’s always nice to have someone with a lot of experience by your side to guide you through it all. That’s where I come in! Think of me as your go-to resource for all things wedding related. You can count on me to be by your side every step of the way. I’m not just here to snap photos (though that’s certainly going to be one of my top priorities!), I'm also here to help you manage what can sometimes be a crazy process. Just remember that I’m in your corner from the first step to the last, and together we’re going to make sure that you end up with the wedding of your dreams – and with plenty of beautiful photos to commemorate the day!

It's also great to recruit a friend. Recruit a friend to bounce ideas off of or just vent. Who doesn't love a good vent sesh? Choose a friend or a close family member to plan it up together. Pick a day of the week specifically for wedding planning where you grab a coffee, start up a Pinterest board, and have a blast. It can be way more enjoyable to have someone just as excited planning with you. Your partner may not exactly meet planning this thing with the same level of excitement as you - which is okay! All the more reason to recruit that one other special person to share in this journey!

Inspiration

There is nothing wrong with getting inspired on the internet, but don't feel like you have to follow a trend. Social media is full of tugs and pulls. Which style do you go with? What vibes are "in?" Should my wedding dress be more fitted or flowy? And well, the list continues. Remember that inspiration is just that - inspiration! Let the ideas you see online and hear from friends inspire you but ultimately you should lean into what you love and ditch what you don't. At the end of the day, the decision is completely up to you on how to mold your wedding into the happiest day of your life.

Make a Vision Board! Vision Boards are a great way to bring in all your ideas and see it all laid out in front of you. Your ring, the colors, the location, honeymoon outfits, ALL OF IT. Print out some inspiration photos, and attach them to a posterboard and watch the details of your day come together in a tangible form. Sometimes all we need is to envision it all at once to really see it come together!

Pinterest

If you’re searching for wedding inspiration, I have one word for you: Pinterest. This social media platform is free and super simple to use, and you can easily create your own wedding-planning boards to gather ideas about Dresses, Décor, Invites, and more. It will serve as a digital Vision Board to always have (and share) at the click of a button.

Bridal magazines are great too, but Pinterest has so much variety in the content you will find. You can use it as a starting point and then brainstorm ways to make your wedding unique to you as a couple.

Tip: Share your board with your vendors! We love to see your vision and help you make it come to life

Dig into Your Relationship

OK, so I know I just said Pinterest is awesome, but it’s not your only wedding-planning tool. I also really recommend just spending some quality time together as a couple and considering your own relationship when planning. What do you love about each other? Where are your favorite places? What do you value most? What are your love languages?

The answers to these questions are more valuable than any image you find on a web page when it comes to planning an authentic and meaningful wedding. Use these conversations to come up with ideas about the ceremony, guest list, location, and maybe even ways to celebrate after on your honeymoon!

Book your Dream Team

Now that we have the location, vision boards complete, and your special date locked in, you’ll need to hire some wedding vendors. The main vendors (besides the photographer) to keep in mind are your officiant, florist, stationery designer, and hair and makeup artist.

If you hire a planner they can do all of this for you.

If not, you can begin your search on Google and social media, using local keywords to find someone near you. I’m also happy to give you some recommendations if you feel stuck! Don't worry, we will get more into this in a few pages!

When hiring vendors, it’s essential to choose people you can connect with and trust. Read reviews, do your homework, and trust your instincts. All of your vendors are going to play an integral role in one of the biggest days of your life, so take time to find the people that fit you best. Yes, you want vendors that are talented; however, their personality and values should make you say, "I see a friend in them."

Vendors to Think About

When it comes time to book more vendors, it may seem hard. There are so many options, so which ones do you even start with? How do you know you are picking the right ones for you? What are the necessary vendors you need/want? How much do certain vendors typically charge for different sized weddings? Where do you find these people?

I hear your questions/concerns and I am here to answer those for you. We will dive more in depth on some of the top vendors to check out and check off your to do list next.

Vendor Tip: Don't wait to book those vendors you really, really want! Odds are that they book out far in advance and might be booked on your date. It is never too early to just reach out and start the conversation. The sooner is always better.

Ring up your Vendors

One of my top tips: don’t be afraid to call your vendors throughout the planning process! Yes, I know texting and emailing is easier, but talking on the phone helps you connect and establish a good working relationship in advance. It’s also a quick and easy way to make sure everything is on track and that your needs are being met.

When you speak to a vendor on the phone, you can ask any question that pops into your head and really get a sense of that particular vendor’s personal style. You will also know for certain that you’re on the same page and that nothing will get lost in the craziness of sending emails and texts back and forth over the course of multiple days. You’ll know exactly what to expect! Over the course of just a few phone calls, you’ll find that you’ll form a bond with the vendors you work with. The stress of hiring a stranger will be gone! Instead, you’ll be working closely with a trusted friend.

If you don’t want to worry about any of this, a planner can do it all for you. When you hire a planner, you only have to talk to one person and that person can do all the talking to the other vendors to ensure you’re all on the same page.

Officiant

The more legal side of things. Officiants, for some reason, may seem a little daunting to find or talk to. Where do you look? How do you find someone who is able to do this? If you do not have a religious leader or a friend that has their license, Google is your BFF. Still stuck? I can also jump in and help you search if you'd like. Once you hire the Officiant, expect them to answer any and all questions you have regarding the marriage license and other legal aspects of the ceremony. They can even take care of your paperwork and name change so you don't have to worry about mailing it in!

Florist

Those dream florals. In your dream gown,  Expect your florist to be one of the more expensive investments of your wedding. The price may, however, change depending on your personal style and expectations. I recommend searching across Pinterest for the dream florals you love and sending these ideas to florists to see if they can make it a reality! Checking the bouquet and boutonniere off your to-do list is such a fun step, so don't wait as your florist may get booked up quickly.

Quick Tip: Don't be scared to get a "faux bouquet," which means artificial or dried floral arrangements. They can be absolutely stunning if done right and can save some money! You can also do real flowers for the wedding party and faux for the decor.

Fun Tip: You don’t all have to have the same bouquet. Each bridesmaid can have a bouquet of a different flower in the bridal bouquet and the bridal bouquet can be a mixture of all of them!

Don’t want to throw the bouquet? You can dedicate it to someone that helped you plan (mother, sister, best friend) during the speeches for another sweet moment that will have everyone talking.

Colors based on season:

Spring - lavender, pale pink, soft yellow, and baby blue - Pastels

Summer - bold, bright colors -  orange, blue, red, pink, yellow and green

Fall - earthy, muted colors like gold with burgundy, mango with ivory, chocolate brown with pink and mustard, or deep blue with bright orange

Winter - jewel tones of winter like navy, plum, emerald, and burgundy as well as metallics like gold, silver, and bronze

Stationary Design

Finding a designer. Stationery is personally one of my favorite aspects of a wedding day! The little details can really pull together your whole vision. When you hear the word stationery, think of invites/announcements you'll be sending in the mail. If there will be no family present at your wedding, sending out little announcements can be a fun touch to include everyone in the day. Not sure what to say on your stationery pieces? Again, Pinterest will save the day. Etsy is a great resource as well.

Hair & Make up

Time to get pampered!! Find a makeup artist whose work you believe would bring your vision to life. Don't take the one-size-fits-all approach here. Choose a HMUA with the exact style of makeup and hair you love. There is also the alternative of doing your own hair and makeup, which is certainly an option; however, in my opinion, hiring an HMUA is the best decision ever. Relax, sip your coffee, and get pampered on the day you most deserve it. It will take so much stress off of you. If there is one time to splurge on yourself, it would be now.

Pro tip: Do a trial HMU before the wedding and make it a date night! You could even schedule your wedding formals after that so you don’t have to worry about them on the wedding day!

Choosing to Forego a Videographer or Not

If it’s within your budget, I highly recommend hiring a videographer! Video footage provides an entirely different way to remember your special day than still photos can, and watching it back you will be so glad you decided to hire someone to capture it.

You’ll smile, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll get to relive your wedding forever through film. Since video can capture some of the little moments that photos may not, That is absolutely a personal choice.

I’ll be glad to suggest some uber-talented videographers in your area! Doesn't hurt to just search around and see if it could be a potential option for you guys. Again, get on the phone with your potential videographer. Make sure their personality is right fit along with the gorgeous work they may do! If you do move forward with a videographer, I promise you that you won't regret it.

The Search is On

Searching for vendors has never been simpler with the use of social media at your fingertips. Using certain keywords can make the process even easier. Examples include, "Fargo Florist," and "Minneapolis  Videographer." You can also use Google to easily search for vendors, but I think sites like The Knot are the best. Read reviews, check out their websites and before you know it, you will be one step closer to checking every little box on your wedding checklist.

Booking your vendors is a huge priority, but don't rush it JUST to book someone. Again, you want to make sure they are perfect for you individually, so take your time and do your research.

Preferred Vendors

What is this? A "preferred vendor" is someone that I have personally worked with in the past whose quality of work I can vouch for, and that I would recommend in a heartbeat. As a photographer who has been able to work with quite a few vendors, I feel confident that if you ever get stuck during your search, I can help you by referring you to those that I personally know would be a great fit for your special day. Even if I don't have a certain person in mind for that position, I will still help you look. Never hesitate to reach out it you need help; we will work together to find you someone you will love!

Details

When we dream of the day we get married, we often focus on the grand moments - the venue, the first look, the vows. However, it is the fine details imprinted on each part of the day that really bind the moments together to tell its story. These little details are the heart of your wedding day, so make sure you give them thought and attention.

The smallest moments of your wedding day are just as important as the ones we've already talked about, and sometimes they are left forgotten or overlooked in the hustle-and-bustle of the planning process. These may include a special hanger for your dress/suit, your shoes, a piece of special jewelry - even down to a certain color added to your theme that carries meaning. This is a part of your day where you get to add your own creative touch while telling your love story or honoring a loved one. These little memories can be so fun to plan for and put together on your wedding day.

The Flatlay

A flatlay is a stylized editorial photograph taken from above that captures all of your little wedding details in one gorgeous photo. You can include your stationery, bridal shoes, flowers, or special family mementos. They preserve all of your special wedding trinkets, jewelry, or heirlooms in a single shot.

Tip: Ask your Florist for some sparse florals to include. This can really make the photo that much better.

You can include anything in your flatlay, as it’s all about things that have meaning to you. There is no rule book of what to include in your details.

Fun Idea: We can do another flatly of your party - a nighttime photo that shows the essence of your night.

How much time is needed for the details?

It’s important to remember that photography is a complex art that requires a lot of time and care to get right. Great detail photos take more than just 15 minutes of snapping away pictures. The most special wedding photos require plenty of planning time to envision your story and figure out the best way to tell it. Every photographer has a different style and a different way of working. The time needed to get the best possible photos will be different for each wedding. .

Personally, I require at least 45 minutes or an hour to take photos that highlight the important details that tell your unique story. This includes photos of your flatlay, dress and/or suit, and stunning landscape imagery. If you allow me the right amount of time to take careful, considerate photos, you’ll end up with truly beautiful images that tell the complete story of your special day.

What details should you include?

You can include anything in your flatlay, as it’s all about things that have meaning to you. However, here are a few suggestions to get you thinking: His - shoes, watch, cologne, cuff links, socks, tie or bowtie and anything of sentimental value. Hers - dress, veil, shoes, perfume, jewelry and anything of sentimental value.

Other details to think about bringing along are a few copies of your wedding stationery and invites, as these always look so classic in a flatlay. A ring box is a good idea too, along with any family heirlooms or treasured items that you absolutely wouldn’t get married without! I curate and carry  a kit to complement your detail items.

MY KIT: Various ring boxes, ribbons, dishes, trays, styling mats, trinkets.

Make a Box

I have all my clients make a box of details filled with everything they want in their flatlay. When you take care of the small, essential details in advance, you can make sure nothing important ends up missing from your wedding! You won’t end up running around at the last minute to track down all your cherished items, and if you plan all your small details in advance, there’s no chance that you’ll forget anything.

It’s always a good idea to pick a box or Tupperware of your choice and fill it with small, meaningful items that will help make up your wedding detail photos. Don't forget all the rings!! Having the box ready to go when I arrive the day of will make detail photos go even quicker!

Ditch the Plastic Hanger

An often missed detail, the hanger - don't forget to get a good one. A gorgeous dress on a plastic hanger may not photograph like it deserves. If you want beautiful details shot of the dress, you'll likely need a beautiful wooden hanger to complement it.

You can find customizable hangers on Etsy where you can add your name or even just the word "bride." Forget to get a nice hanger? I can absolutely bring one with me. Just nudge me with a simple email or text message. Oftentimes, hotels or Airbnb's have nice hangers but if not, I carry a couple of dar wooden hangers with me in my travel bag.

Are the Details Important to You?

An important question to ask yourself is, "How important are little details to me?" If you’re all about them, please let me know so I can be sure to allocate enough time to photograph them for you. Not into little details and want to focus more on the bigger picture? That’s awesome too! Just let me know and I’ll plan accordingly. Perhaps you are more in the middle - you may want some detailed photos, but not too many because you want a bit more emphasis on the candids. All of this is perfect, just communicate that with me..

Sometimes the things that matter most to a couple are the big parts of the wedding – the look and feel of the day as a whole. They might be concerned with only a few small details or even none at all. That’s totally great! However, if you’re open to considering paying a bit more attention to details, you might find it really rewarding. Often, once couples incorporate cherished details and meaningful items into their wedding, they come to realize how special these personal touches can be.

Attire

When you first get engaged, you are on the highest high. It's time to shop for dresses, experience your makeup trial, and start searching for cute bridal wear. The way you feel in what you choose to wear is a very important aspect of your special day. Get the fun outfits, your dream dress, and some new honeymoon outfits to go with them. Don't be afraid to go all out, since this is the one day that is centered solely on you. The sky is the limit when it comes to your attire, so make the decision that will make you 100% happy and leave you with no regrets.

Biggest piece of advice I can give you as an elopement and wedding photographer? Take the pressure off of yourself and don't fall victim to the pressure of trends. Whether it be your wedding gown or cute bridal outfits to be worn before and after the ceremony, if something doesn't fit your personality, keep searching until you find the perfect one. Now, let's talk a bit more about choosing your dress and getting your hair and makeup trial locked in.

Splurge on Shoes

It’s totally OK to splurge on shoes! Your feet NEED to be comfortable, so find your dream pair but make sure you are comfy. Is your venue large? Leaving you worried your feet might get tired come mid-cock tail hour? Bring a pair of slip ons to help balance you out to keep you on the go and having fun with your guests.

And, bonus, you can wear your shoes again each year on your anniversary – how special is that? The shoes will become an emotional memory that will always remind you of the joy and excitement you felt on your wedding day. So don’t be afraid to have some fun while you’re shopping for shoes and give yourself permission to splurge on a really special pair! They’re not just going to be beautiful, they’re also going to be deeply meaningful, and you’ll be able to wear them for years to come. Something that important is definitely worth the investment!

If it just isn’t in the budget to totally splurge - You can find great items for your wedding day at - https://www.lulus.com

shoes, jewelry, cocktail dresses to get a little more comfortable during the party.

Comfort over Everything

Let's talk a little bit more on comfort. During your wedding, comfort is everything! Sure, you want to look your best, but you also want to be comfy - after all, you’re going to be in these clothes and moving around all day!

If we’re going to be doing a lot of walking to different locations/spots, it’s not a bad idea to bring along a pair of flats and then change back into your wedding shoes once we get to our location. Just make sure that your attire and shoes suit your destination (i.e. is it cold, hot, humid, or rainy?). Oh, and yes, you can totally wear Air Force Ones on your wedding day – there are no rules here. This is your day, and you deserve to feel comfortable and relaxed so that you can focus on what really matters – your wedding and the love you share with your partner! So consider where your wedding will be taking place and what activities you’ll be doing, and pick out a dress/pair of shoes that will allow you to participate fully and be entirely present for this important day. You’re going to look stunning no matter what, so make sure you’re feeling your best in addition to looking your best so that you can get the most out of your wedding!

His Wear

Wedding fashion isn’t just about bridal wear. This big day is just as much about the men! Sometimes all the eyes can seem to be completely fixated on the bride, but the day is about the two of you! Find a suit or tux that fits your style and taste, taking into account the fun little details.

What socks will you wear? Are you into suspenders? How about a watch? Cuff links? Which cologne are you most drawn to (maybe one you wore on a first date)? If you’re unsure, doing some research online or visiting a menswear store is a good way to get a better idea about colors and styles you might love. Try some suits on and get a feel of what you will look like on that big day. Or head back up to the Planning/Inspiration portion of this guide. The important thing is that you pick out the attire that fits your personal style and allows you to look and feel your best on this amazing day.

As a reminder of something I've touched on already, as the groom you can also think about making your own details box. Feel free to fill it with items that are meaningful to you and that will serve as happy reminders of your wedding. Perfect additions include cologne, a tie, a special watch or cufflinks, cigars, whiskey or any other small items that have emotional significance for you. These small items will let you put your stamp on the wedding, and that’s extremely important! The magic of a perfect wedding comes from the two of you working together to tell the unique story of who you are and what makes your love one-of-a-kind. You should choose an outfit that’s true to who you are! You’re welcome to choose the outfit and items for your details box yourself, but if you need suggestions I’m happy to provide some.

Getting Ready

Before the main event comes one of the most exciting parts of the entire day – getting ready! This is the big moment when your day truly begins. All of the planning and patience have finally paid off, and now it’s time for you to live it all in real life. The getting ready part of your wedding day is so much fun and can be genuinely thrilling. The whole day is in front of you and you’re full of anticipation. So many wonderful moments lie ahead.

One of the best things about the getting ready portion of your wedding is that you can totally customize it to fit your personal vision. “Getting ready” can mean a quick trip to Starbucks before you get ready together, or it could mean that you get ready with your closest friends while your partner hangs out with a friend or two. It can be as casual or as formal as you’d like. There’s no right way to do it, as long as the process on the day matches what you’ve envisioned in your mind.

This is one of the most special mornings of your life – one you’ll never forget – so let your imagination run wild and make the getting ready portion of your day whatever you want it to be. Read on to find some great tips and strategies to make the getting ready part of your day absolutely perfect.

Before the dress

Bring along a fun robe or pajama set to wear while you’re getting ready! You don’t want to put your dress on 'til the last minute, so go for something cute and comfortable until then. You can find adorable and fun robes over on Etsy and Amazon. Whether you want it short, long, with lacey sleeves, Etsy has it all. (Hint: they even have matching sets for your bridesmaids to wear!) Do the boys want a game day photo before getting dressed, all in their favorite jerseys?! These are some things to think about.

Final Touches

When it comes to awesome photos, the "final touches" make for some of the best during the getting ready process. Most of the getting ready photos will be taken during this time, when all your makeup is set, your hair is completely done, and you’re looking your best! You’ll definitely have images of other parts of the getting ready process in order to tell the entire story of the day, but the final touches are when we’ll be capturing the most carefully composed photographs.

Final touch photos are usually taken near a big window with some natural lighting to make sure that we get nice, even images. This portion of the day takes about 5-10 minutes, but it’s an amazing time to feel beautiful and get some truly memorable photos.

Write Letters

One super romantic thing to do in the lead-up to your wedding is to write one another letters to be read on the morning of the wedding. Emotions, romance, laughs – your letters can contain whatever is unique to your relationship. When should you read them? Some couples opt to read each other their letters separately at the end of their getting ready portion or some read them after their first look. Whenever you choose to do it, tag on an additional 10-15 minutes for this special moment.

Love Languages

Your love language is the way that you best communicate love to your partner as well as the way you best receive their love. Love languages are typically different from person to person. If you’re not sure what your love language is, don't worry! You can arrange a date night to find out. Is there a certain way you notice yourself expressing your affection most often? That’s a sure sign that you’ve found your love language! You can also take a fun online quiz together to find out.

Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to make a beautiful romantic gesture through the love language that you most naturally express.

If your love language is "Words of Affirmation," you can consider writing a romantic letter to your partner that you can read to them in front of friends and family. You may opt to exchange gifts if "Receiving Gifts" is the language. On the other hand, if your love language is "Physical Touch," you can do a first touch moment while reading a romantic letter. And if your love language is "Quality Time," you can consider taking a romantic walk together. Tapping into each other's love languages is a great way to cater your wedding more to you as people. One could get a gift while the other writes a letter. Mix it up to show each other love the way they receive it.

First Looks

It’s so special to do a first look on your wedding day but also not necessary if it doesn't sound like something you are into! While some couples prefer to wait for the aisle for the big reveal, others choose to find a separate time earlier in the day to see each other all dressed up for the very first time. This makes for a special memory and also calms any excited nerves you have. If a first look is important to you, let’s chat about how we can make it happen. Choosing to have a first look or not is an important decision, so take some time, think on it and if it feels right, we'll make it happen.

Another important consideration when it comes to a first look done before the ceremony is if you want this moment to be public or private. This is definitely something you’ll want to plan ahead of time. Sometimes family members will want to be there to witness the first look moment. so it's best to let them know ahead of time if you want them involved or if you’d rather share this moment alone with just the two of you. Regardless of whether you choose to make your first look public or private, I always give my couples a few minutes afterwards to just spend some time alone together and soak in the moment with no cameras or other people around. It’s just the two of you, with some special time to enjoy the magic of the moment together.

If you choose to do a first look before the isle, you also have the option of doing wedding party and/or family photos before the ceremony as well. You can choose to do as many first looks as you’d like. It has been increasingly common to do a first look  with the bride/father and mother/son also.

It's also important what season your wedding will be taking place. If you have a 3:00 ceremony in November and you don't do a first look all of your formal and family photos will have to be taken indoors with lights. That just takes away the option for fun photos with movement.

Ceremony

It's ceremony time! All the preparation, nerves, stress, and anticipation have led up to this moment. The best advice I can give is to simply soak in the moment. This moment will go by in a blink of an eye so really take the time to just breathe and be present. Hold hands, take a pause, look around and enjoy each other as you celebrate the culmination of your love journey. I will be snapping away, doing my thing.

When it comes to ceremonies, I have a very hands-off approach. I won't be directing anything, as the officiant will take over this part of the day. We will reconnect after your ceremony for some bridals and intimate portraits. But for now, live in this moment. Any questions about ceremony length and vow-writing will be answered in the coming sections.

There can be a lot of nerves right before the ceremony. This is the big moment, after all! I want to encourage you to just relax and be yourself. There might be a big crowd at your wedding waiting to witness the ceremony, but remember that these people are here for you! They love you and are so excited to watch you tie the knot. Also, once you’re standing up there with the love of your life exchanging vows, it will feel like you’re the only two people in the entire world. All the nerves will melt away, and you’ll be able to be fully present for this important moment.

Do you want any other little ceremonies incorporated into your ceremony? A string of three, sand ceremony, candle lighting ceremony, etc.. There are so many options to choose something that's right for you!

Length of Ceremony

Your ceremony can be as short or as long as you want it to be! Some are around 45-60 minutes (or longer), while others are as quick as 5 minutes. If you don’t want to exchange personal vows, or you’d like to do them beforehand, for example, your ceremony might be shorter.

However, the best person to speak to about this is your officiant, or celebrant, as they can provide more information on what will be said during the ceremony. They can definitely customize the ceremony to meet your needs, so don’t be afraid to speak up about how you want things to run.

Pro Tip: Once the knot has been tied, I will be at the end of aisle ready to get an amazing shot. Consider stopping in the aisle and kissing in celebration. It makes for such a joyous photo, but just be sure to hold your bouquet down so that it doesn’t accidentally cover your face. Live in the moment and I’ll be there to capture those gorgeous candid moments!

Unplugged Ceremony

Consider asking your officiant to make a mini-announcement asking guests to kindly put their phones away during the ceremony. You want your guests to be present and focused on you, but asking them to refrain from taking photos also helps you control your wedding imagery, which is important to many couples. There are many fun ways to do this.

How long should vows be?

Vows can be as long or as short as you’d like! Some couples write multiple pages and some just say a quick little blurb. Whatever fits you as a couple, stick to it. Don’t feel like you have to put yourself in a box at all. Just remember to talk slowly and enjoy the moment. The nerves will be high. Mess up a word? Roll with it and laugh it off. Vows aren't perfect but they are perfectly yours. These are vows you can re-vow to each other in coming years and hold onto forever; make them you.

Where to purchase vow books

Who did you go to for invitations and wedding day stationary? They can probably make you matching vow books!

Etsy is another great place to find vow books.  You’ll find plenty of amazing and unique wedding accessories on Etsy that can personalize your wedding, so def have a look around. These also make for amazing detail photos! Amazon is fantastic also!

Normally, we’ll do formal family photos right after the ceremony. We do this because all family members are already in one spot together. Now, some of my couples opt to do family formals even before the ceremony if time allows. This usually happens with families that are much smaller OR you just have a few combos you would like! This would only work out if you choose to do a first look.  If we do get family photos done beforehand, this may potentially allow for more time during cocktail hour with your guests or to go offsite! Just a little something to consider!

Pro Tip – these will go really smoothly if you have a photo list made ahead of time and a family member in charge of calling out family members. Think of each photo combo of yourselves and relatives that you'd like and write them down in an order that makes sense, so we can knock them out quickly. For a bit more of a in depth example, read on

Our Helper

Keeping a wedding on schedule and running smoothly takes teamwork and collaboration. I’ll be with you every step of the way doing what I can to keep everything on track (and snapping beautiful photos along the way!), but the more people you have in your corner the better. That’s why I have all my clients find a helper or two for their wedding day. This is your planner if you have hired one.

The ideal helper is someone who’s loud and knows pretty much everyone at your wedding. If you’ve got that one friend you know you can always count on – someone who’s confident and isn’t afraid to take charge – then that’s a perfect candidate for a helper during your wedding day. With someone like that by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your wedding is going to go as smooth as possible. This helper will also pop in when its family formal time to help me gather up who is needed in what shot.

Family List Examples

Family Formals are usually my couples' least favorite part of the day. Everyone is moving around, no one can find Uncle Bob, etc. No worries. We will boogie through this as quick as possible.  I don’t put a huge emphasis on formals. I will get what we need and you and your family want and then we’ll move on. Your day is so much more than this moment, but everyone is here and they’re looking good so we don’t want to waste the opportunity.

Remember, when it comes to managing all the moving parts of your wedding, organization is key! The more carefully you plan out your photos, the less chance there is that any details will fall through the cracks. For family photos, making a list will help ensure that no one will be missed and it will help me keep track of who needs to be in the portraits. Sending me a list that says something like, “Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad,” or “Brother of the Bride, Jill, Jan, and Julie” will be extremely helpful for creating a timeline and making sure everyone who belongs in the family photos makes it in. This will also give us a better idea of how much time will be needed for this portion of this day. Sometimes it takes a quick five minutes and other times, we can get closer to the 20 minute mark. The list makes a huge difference!

I love the bridal portraits!! For your wedding day, we can carve out as little or as much time as you personally want for your bridal photos. Bridal photos include individuals of you both and together. This is a time to soak in the day and enjoy an intimate moment as a newly married couple.

Most couples can feel a little nervous about aspects of the bridal session such as how to pose, how to act, and just being in front of the camera. These feelings are so normal. I love to direct my couples into a space where they can just be them and forget the camera is even there. My biggest tip is to soak in each other's presence. Your wedding day comes and goes so quickly. Taking in every minute is so important and you'll be able to look back on your images and remember how in the moment you were.

You can also consider taking bridal photos in multiple locations. A variety of settings and moods can be a great way to show all the dimensions of your story and who you are as a couple. Did you know in some states it is totally normal to have your bridals taken before the wedding so it is one less thing to do on the wedding day? It’s an option!  However, I also completely understand if the bridal photos are not your top priority! There’s so much that goes into a wedding, and the photos you treasure the most might come from a different part of the day. That’s completely fine. Your top priority is my top priority, too. Just make sure you share what you’re looking for with me clearly and in detail so that we can get on the same page. I’ll make sure that you’ll get exactly the types of photos that you want!

If you want them taken after the first look, wear your rings! Otherwise we can split it up and take some after the first look, then some after the ceremony.

What is Golden Hour?

Golden Hour is the name that photographers give to the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. It’s the time of day when the sun provides the perfect lighting for photographs. The light during Golden Hour is breathtaking and makes for some truly stunning photos. During your wedding, we’ll aim to take full advantage of Golden Hour so that you end up with the most beautiful images possible.

However, even if we lose that perfect Golden Hour light due to clouds or a change in the timing of the day, don’t stress out! We can work with whatever light we get and will create gorgeous photos. Golden Hour can help make photos more beautiful, but the real beauty will come from you and your partner and the love that you share. It’s just as possible to have the photos of your dreams without the Golden Hour lighting.

The Timeline

The timeline of your wedding day can be tricky, as I know there’s so much you want to fit into the day – and only so much daylight to work with! However, if youdon’t have a planner, I am your best resource when it comes to planning your timeline.

I’ve done so many weddings and I know what does and doesn't work well when it comes to planning your day. Trust and believe that we will be coming up with a timeline that best suits you (more of this in the coming pages). This is to ensure you feel excited and relieved that everything is accounted for. From your getting ready photos, to a potential first look, and all the special moments in between, we'll get them covered.

I fully understand that getting the timeline down can be a source of stress for many couples. There are so many moving parts to a wedding, each with so many details (large and small) you need to account for. It can feel daunting to have to come up with a full play-by-play for such an important day. The important thing is to stay calm and remember that it will all get figured out with time! We’ll work together to come up with a schedule that accounts for absolutely everything you want in your wedding and allows for plenty of flexibility.

Timeline Guidance

As I mentioned before, I have some experience crafting wedding day timelines. If you get a bit intimidated when it comes to the day's plan, that is where I can come in and help if you'd like. If you aren't exactly sure where to start, timeline guidance is something that I love to provide!

Once we get a bit closer to your date, I will send over a questionnaire to gather a bit more information. Once that questionnaire is completed, expect your mock timeline in your email! From there we discuss any changes and tuh-duh, we are all done and ready to go.

Extra Time

Though we do have to consider lighting when crafting your timeline, the rest of the day is rather fluid and can be whatever you want it to be. I recommend intentionally carving in time for yourself. Want extra time in the morning? Some time after getting ready without me hovering over you? Time to facetime some family members? Consider it done. We can carve in time for whatever you want. There is always time.

Be Untraditional

Be a little untraditional if you want! For example, if you are a crazy ice cream lover, we can go to an ice cream shop in your bridal attire. Coffee loving couple? Let's find a coffee shop nearby and make those photos happen. You can even hire a coffee cart or ice cream truck to be at your wedding. When I say your timeline is yours, I mean it.

Get excited - it’s time to party, connect with your guests, and even relax a bit after an emotional day. The reception is such a fun and energetic part of your wedding! Imagine great food, all your fav tunes, and a beautiful celebratory atmosphere!

The reception is the time for you to celebrate this joyful day all night long. The celebration only stops when you say it does. Until then, consider the reception the perfect time to cut loose and have the best time possible. After all, you’ve finally done it! After all that planning and stress, you’ve tied the knot, and now it’s time to kick back and do a victory lap. This is your time to really bask in the joy of the day and have the best time possible with the most important people in your life.

Below, you’ll find some tips for how to make the most of your reception. You’ll learn what to expect and how to put your own personal stamp on the night so that you have the wedding reception of your dreams!

Entrances

The entrance sets the mood for the whole reception and kicks off the night on a festive, joyful note. The entrance can be anything you want it to be. Whether you want to be fun and goofy or romantic and emotional, your entrance should be what suits you as a couple. My suggestion is to practice your entrance beforehand. This is especially important if you’re doing something that requires some coordination, like a dip and kiss or a funny dance.

The more you practice, the more at ease you’ll feel on the day. Also, remember to take things slow. There’s no need to bolt in or rush through your entrance. After all, everyone is gathered to enjoy this moment with you! Give the camera some time to catch you in action and to capture the moment.

Private Dances

During the reception, you’ll have the option to set aside some time for a few private dances. These dances include, but are not limited to, Mother and Son, Father and Daughter, and, of course, your first dance together as a couple. We’ll factor these dances into the timeline to make sure these special moments get all the attention and care they deserve. Incorporating private dances into your wedding reception is all a matter of personal preference. Some couples choose not to do dances, while others consider them an incredibly important part of their wedding day. Either option is fine! It all depends on what you want, and remember that this day is solely about what YOU want.

If you do plan on having some private dances during your reception, planning in advance is always a wise decision. Private dances can be a little daunting, but with the right amount of preparation, there’s nothing to worry about. You can take some private dance lessons beforehand to get more comfortable and feel more confident. And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can do a choreographed dance. In my time as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen quite a few choreographed dances, and they’re always a blast! It’s definitely something to consider if you want your reception to be truly memorable.

Sunset Pull

Once the sun is setting and golden hour strikes, I will pull you away for some special photos. These typically go hand-in-hand with the Bridal Portraits, but involve a bit more time alone to get more photos. If you’re set on these, plan to sneak away from the reception for 5-15 minutes, so we can take photos while your guests are dining or relaxing. This is the perfect opportunity for you to take full advantage of the Golden Hour lighting and pose for some truly breathtaking photos. The sunset pull usually takes place minutes before sunset, which leads to an important below.

Some weddings won’t have a traditional time for a sunset pull. During fall weddings, for example, the sun tends to set earlier, so there won’t be a lot of light around dinner time. This is something we'll have to consider when planning your timeline if you want this extra time for photos. Regardless of when the sun sets during your wedding, we’ll be able to take plenty of gorgeous photos throughout the day, so don’t sweat it if the sunset pull doesn’t fit into your schedule!

Dinner

This is one of the best parts of the night – dinner time! It’s finally time to eat some great food while you mingle and share conversations with your guests. Dinner time is a great time to go from table to table, greeting all your guests and telling them how grateful you are to them for coming and celebrating with you.

You’ll have plenty of guests to greet and friends to talk to, but it’s also important that you take some time for yourselves and enjoy the amazing food. I don’t photograph people when they are eating, but will be capturing anything going on. I will be eating at the same time as you so that I am sure not to miss anything!

Cake Cutting

Think about whether you’d prefer a private or public cake cutting. If you don’t want to cut in front of everyone, you can do it in private with just your photographer. Maybe you’re not into cake? Do a fun champagne pour instead – or both! After all, it’s your day!

Time for Toasts

Now we’ve arrived at one of my favorite times of the night – the toasts! These can be extremely fun, and often they’re the most enjoyable time of the entire evening. You get a chance to hear heartfelt speeches from close family and friends. Get the tissues ready, but also get ready to laugh. Toasts can be deeply emotional and heartfelt, but they can also be hilarious and full of jokes and funny stories.

As a photographer, I always recommend that anyone giving a toast stand close to you since this will make it much easier to capture your reactions to the speeches. I also recommend writing or printing out speeches. It looks much nicer than reading from a phone.  At the end of the day, the staging during the toasts will depend on the layout of the venue, but I’ll be on hand to direct and offer suggestions for photo staging should the need arise.

Private Last Dance

Lots of couples choose to have a private last dance and it always turns be so special and romantic! While your guests are outside lining up and getting the sparklers ready, you can savor those last moments with some private time on the dance floor. You can dance to a few songs if you'd like, however most couples choose one song that means a lot to them. This could be the song you walked down the aisle to or one that defines your relationship. During this time, really try to soak up every minute and the day as a whole. Do a spin, sneak in a kiss, and whisper to each other that you finally did it.

Tip: Your Exit is coming up next. The excitement will be high and sometimes this makes newlyweds speed through a sparkler exit. Remember to slow down and enjoy what may be the very last moment of your night. Also, prepare to stop about 2 times for some quick kissing photos. Look around, laugh and take a few more seconds to just realize that you did it!!

Your Grand Exit

At last, we’ve reached the end of the evening, and it’s time for the two of you to make your exit. There are tons of options available to cover pretty much any type of exit you choose to make! Whether you choose a traditional sparkler exit or something a bit more off the beaten path such as fun popper streamers, lanterns, or bubbles, the only limit to your grand exit is your imagination!

One more thought - consider doing a mock exit. For a mock exit, you are essentially going through your "exit" like normal but just earlier in the evening before it is actually time to leave. Then, you head right back into the reception to party for the rest of the night! This is done for a few reasons. It ensures everyone is present for your "exit" since some may leave the reception early and won't get to "see you off." It also allows me  to capture the exit before I leave.

A mock exit can be an extremely fun way to add some dramatics to the evening while also providing some great photo opportunities. If you don’t think a mock exit is right for you, that’s completely understandable.

Tips

There’s a lot to think about.

Veil or no veil? Want one for photos, but not to wear throughout the day? I may have the perfect solution.

Should I add a second shooter?  I will absolutely capture all of the things! If you’d like more creative images, having a second photographer allows me more time to envision and set up.  A second shooter will allow for another perspective and for photos of guests while we sneak away.

Fresh, wooden, dried or silk flowers? Ultimately, that’s up to you. I’ve seen beautiful florals of all kinds!

Your wedding will be one of the best days of your lives, so please live in the moment! I swear, sometimes my couples forget to breathe, they’re so overwhelmed and they spend half of the day stressing out. Take your time, soak up every second, and take lots of moments just for the two of you to really be present. I will be photographing every bit of it, all you have to do is live in the moment.

Try to remember that you’ve prepared so carefully for this moment! You’ve put a ton of thought and care into organizing this day and making sure that everything goes smoothly, and I promise you that all that hard work is going to pay off on the day of your wedding. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of close friends and family, we’ll work together to make sure that all the details and logistics come together. At the end of the day, you’re going to have the wedding of your dreams!

Also, be sure to keep in mind that no matter what happens, you’re going to end up with some truly amazing photos that you’ll be able to treasure forever! You’ll be looking your absolute best and I’ll be by your side every step of the way capturing all the special moments, big and small! From your getting ready portion to your bridal photos - I’ll document everything. Just focus on being your natural, amazing selves and I’ll take care of the rest!

Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime you have a question! I’m here for you.

Personal Touches

We've touched on this before - but don't forget to add a bit of personal touch. You can add this to your Airbnb/Getting Ready Space – buy some extra frames and hang up photos, bring some flowers, or pack any little items from home that you want with you on your wedding day. It makes your day feel special and it’ll help get the excitement rolling! If you’d like a cluster of wall hangings from your engagement or formals session that can be used at your wedding and then afterwards in your home, I would be happy to send you a pricing sheet and options.

Every couple is unique and has a one-of-a-kind story to tell. The personal touches that you bring to your wedding can help you tell that story in a more expressive and authentic way. The love that you share with your partner has so many dimensions and so much history, and a beautiful way to honor that is to make sure your wedding photos include items that have emotional meaning or little aesthetic flourishes that show off your personal style.

No Rules

The best thing about modern weddings is there are no rules. Follow the above, disregard it totally, eat cake for breakfast, and dance the night away – your celebration is all about you and no one else, so plan it however you like.

Stay Organized

Organization is 100% your best friend when planning a wedding. Bust out your trusty Excel spreadsheet and keep track of everything you need to do, plan, and budget for, checking them off as you go along. Your wedding has so many moving parts and logistics, you will be so glad you decided to have everything you need to do neatly listed out in one place. When it comes to planning a wedding, it’s always wise to expect the unexpected, and great organization is a surefire way to make sure you can adapt to any surprises or sudden changes!

Conserving Your Florals

My very last tip for you is a special one - consider opting for a dried floral arrangement. These come already in a preserved state. This helps if you are in another country or far away from home and worried about preserving your florals as you travel. They look just as beautiful and you won't have to worry about them dying on you.

If that doesn't seem like something you would like, don't worry - you can go the more traditional route with fresh flowers from your florist. You can also DIY your own fresh flowers. To preserve fresh flowers, hang them upside down in a dark, dry area for about two weeks. Once dry, spray with unscented hairspray to protect them, and then display for a long time after your special day.

Quick Tips Summary

Some things every bride needs -  Boombas they are the best, will last the whole day, you can reuse them after the wedding. and they don’t need to be sewn into your dress. www.getboomba.com

Mrs.Box- www.themrsbox.com beautiful keepsake ring boxes in the most vibrant colors. - I own some of these to use in flat lays, if you don’t want one to keep.

Need to save on some things - www.lulus.com

shoes, dresses, accessories.

Etsy.com has literally anything you can think up.

A planner will have a lot of things you can use on your wedding day. When you hire a planner they come with added value you wouldn’t necessarily be expecting! Want a champaign tower? Need a cake stand? They decorate, make sure every vendor is there, on time, ready to go. They pick up greenery for your tables, help with gathering family members, It’s a huge relief off your shoulders.  Plus they know the tips and tricks to save you money and how to get the most of each dollar you spend.

ONE HUGE STEP CLOSER

To the best day ever.

I hope you loved your Welcome Guide filled with tips, tricks and photos to breeze through. This guide is a favorite of mine that only gets sent to my clients. It's like your personal little magazine. I realize all this info may have been a bit overwhelming, but I hope you took away a pearl of wisdom here or there that will help make your planning process less stressful.

All photographers are not perfect for all couples. If you’ve hired me for your wedding day photography, I hope that it’s because you love my work and trust that I will deliver your whole story as it happened or slightly better.  My main objectives are to focus on capturing the real, honest moments and of course we will get all the must have wedding day photos also.

If you have any questions about planning your special day or you just need someone to talk to during the planning process, I’m always here – reach out anytime! I can't wait to see your beautiful wedding come to life. We are getting so close. Enjoy this process, step by step. Don't blink - it will go by so fast.