I have featured a few wedding vendors over the last couple of months and I couldn’t leave out tips from your photographer!  Weddings are my favorite to photograph and I could give you tips for days, but I wanted to keep it short and sweet.  Here are some tips for my future brides to develop the perfect wedding:

1. Check sunset time when scheduling your ceremony.

The best light is always about an hour before sunset.  Our goal is to maximize the number of photos in that dreamy light.  If you plan to do a first look, schedule your ceremony for about 2 hours before sunset.  If you don’t plan to do a first look, schedule your ceremony for about 3 hours before sunset.

2. Gather all your details in one spot – and don’t forget the groom’s details!

You will want to get all the rings, shoes, garter, invitation suite, perfume/cologne, jewelry, etc.  Think about all the small details you want us to photograph and put them all in one place so we aren’t using valuable time searching for them.

3. Get matching hangers for the bridesmaid dresses.

You don’t have to splurge on wooden hangers (get them cheap here!), but at least make sure all the hangers look alike. The pictures look so much better when the hangers are the same versus having some clear plastic, some black felt, and some wooden hangers.

4. Smile and look straight ahead when you walk down the aisle.

I have seen way too many family members, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and brides looking down while walking down the aisle during the ceremony. I know it can be intimidating to walk in front of so many people, but the pictures will look so much better if you stress to your family and wedding party to smile and look ahead. Tell them to make eye contact with the groom to keep their heads up!

5. Let your first kiss last at least 3 seconds.

We’re always going to be ready to snap a photo of your first kiss, but you can give us more opportunities to get great photos of your first kiss if it lasts longer than just a peck on the lips.

6. Do your engagement session with your wedding photographer.

First of all, this will give you practice in front of the camera and with your photographer’s shooting style. Second, it will give you a chance to get to know each other and you will feel more comfortable around them on your wedding day, which means you will have more natural expressions and better photos! I especially recommend this is you have never had professional photos taken together.

7. Schedule a bridal session with your wedding photographer.

You are spending a lot of money on your wedding gown and accessories, so why not wear them more than once? You’re already doing a hair and makeup trial for your wedding and you can coordinate these appointments with your bridal session to get a sneak peek of how stunning you will look on your wedding day. Many brides also like to display a large bridal portrait at the reception; one of my favorite Southern traditions!

I hope these tips will help you develop your perfect wedding!  Do you have any tips to add?  Share them in the comments!

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