WELCOME

We are SO excited to be documenting your beautiful wedding day. We first want to say how grateful we are that you have chosen us to be there on your wedding day. The longer I (Erin) document weddings the more and more I learn and the more information I want to share to make wedding days flow as easy as possible, give you tips on how to take the best photos and make the most of your wedding day and any sessions you may have booked. In this wedding packet you are going to find tons of tips, information and details that will help you for your engagement session, bridal session and wedding day photography and/or videography. Please take the time to read through these and visit this packet any time you may have a question for me and see if it may be answered in here first. If not, please feel free to ask me any questions at all. I love to know more about you and your wedding as it helps us photography and film your wedding better.

Tips for your engagement session - What all is involved - What to wear and what to do?

Engagement sessions are up to two hours and I schedule those Monday-Thursdays on weekday evenings about 2 hours before the sun sets. They include up to three outfits and two nearby locations so that we don’t lose too much light driving.

Here is a link to my engagement session outfit Pinterest board that I constantly add to to add ideas, looks, outfits and more.

https://www.pinterest.com/erinwilsonphoto/love/

Tips for your engagement session:

- many colors look amazing on cameras, some of my personal favorites are neutrals, soft muted colors and jewel tones but if you love color do a fun pop of color go for it just watch out for neons because they cast colors onto your neck and chest that cannot be edited out

THINK ABOUT THIS - If you frame these photos and hang them in your home forever or for a long time…what colors are your home? Do you think you’ll change colors? Neutrals and more subtle colors are sometimes an easy idea if you aren’t sure. If you love color and will always and forever have a colorful home then go for it! Go for your favorites.

- if you're able avoid wearing neon colors, super super bright coral pink or bright Christmas red...brighter bold warm colors reflect colors right back onto your skin and jawline that cannot be edited out. Colors are great so don’t be afraid just not the extreme neon color variations. They can also be outside of the color spectrum on some cameras and not pick up the correct color on the cameras sensor.

- Truthfully so many things look amazing on camera. I would take a look at the Pinterest link I listed above for some references. I find beautiful satin dresses, structured dresses and flown dresses look amazing. If you want a more cozy look for fall and winter you could layer up with blazers and sweaters. I find textures and fabrics look so beautiful. Things to watch out for are fabrics like jersey fabric that are thin and could show undergarments or polo shirts on guys don’t always look very structured.

- for guys button downs and nice pants photograph best, they can change it up by adding a blazer, sweater, etc if that's their style!

- if you're able try to avoid work boots or older tennis shoes...any other kinds of shoes are great just maybe not the tennis shoes you'd mow the lawn or work out in (if they are really worn in they will look really worn in in the photos )

- polo/golf shirts don't photograph as well as the fabric tends to look a little sloppy on camera but button downs and plain t-shirts are great - other ideas are sweaters, henley t-shirts, blazers, sweaters or vests

- I will more than likely take photos of your hands if you’re engaged to show off the ring so it’s best to keep your hands tidy and clean and even get your nails done if you’d like (remind the guys too! his hands will be in the photos as well)

- I do HIGHLY recommend professional hair and makeup if you’re able because there is a way that hair and makeup artist apply makeup and fix your hair for camera that you cannot replicate unless you are a professional…they understand what translates well on camera more than we can see with our natural eye - you more than likely only do an engagement session once so it’s an investment you will absolutely love - even if you don’t normally wear makeup or much at all just trust me on this one…this is one thing I wouldn’t skip out on because you’ll have these photos forever and you want to look your best and they know how to apply makeup light and easy or more dramatic that is best for your style and to look great on camera - you can do simple loose curls, straight or an actual hair style - totally up to you! Also, just to prepare you if you haven’t had professional makeup before or aren’t one for wearing much makeup. It’ll feel like a lot of makeup but I promise it’ll photograph much lighter and much more natural in photos.

- For guys, (thanks to Josh who pointed this out) it’s best to get a trim or a fresh hair cut a few days before your session and if you have facial hair…it’s a good idea to get that trimmed and fresh for your photos too for the engagement session AND wedding - hey maybe all the guys can go get a fresh cut the morning of the wedding while you’re hanging out or hire someone to come in and get the guys trimmed up.

- You are welcome to pick whichever kinds of outfits you want but if you need a suggestion you could try a casual outfit, a date night outfit and if you're feeling like you'd like to go all out you can do a dressier outfit like something you'd wear as a guest to a wedding to give your photos variety - you never know what will photograph best on you so options are always a good idea.

-think about whats on your wrists and do you want to have an Apple Watch in all your photos or a Fitbit? Maybe select a classic watch or no watch at all for guys and watch for rubber bands on wrists and jewelry for women.

- Try on your outfits and take some iPhone photos to see how they look on your phone camera first and see if you love how you look in them.

- don’t get a spray tan too close to your session or you may have orange hands, elbows and streaks …you may also look too orange in your photos in general so I always say it’s best to get one a few days before your session if you’re able rather than the day before.

- bring some champagne or wine to sip on during your session - we can even incorporate it into your photos if you’d like.

- consider the entire vibe of your session and if your outfits will make sense in their location (for example…would you be downtown in a sun dress…or on a mountain top in a full suit?)

- BE YOURSELF - have fun!

- Don’t wear an outfit that doesn’t represent you or that you don’t feel comfortable in - make sure your outfit fits well, isn’t too short or too tight so you don’t feel uncomfortable..I want you to feel your best!

- If you’re fun, then wear a fun bright print, if you’re cool and relaxed wear some cute cool outfits, don’t feel you have to be romantic and classic if you aren’t like that in your normal life.

- you want to look back at your photos and feel like they don’t look like you!

- wear patterns and stripes and prints if you’d like, patterns are amazing and I always love something different.

- be careful with tiny checkered prints and teeny tiny stripes (but normal and big stripes are great) as they can cause banding and digital moire in photos.

- Please tell me if you have fun ideas or photos you’ve seen and are inspired by. I want you to love your photos.

If you want to try something different than you’ve ever seen anyone else do let me know!! I’m ALWAYS up for an adventure and brainstorming. I love doing stuff like that. I also don’t mind helping you with outfits if you want to send me photos or need help. I often ask to see outfits and it helps me pick out backgrounds. That’s always some of my best photos!

Some places that you can book to have more privacy and have more unique photos are places like Moss Mountain Farm near Little Rock and Philbrook Museum in Tulsa Oklahoma.

BRIDALS - tips and ideas for your bridal session

If you have a bridal session in your package already and you know what it is…this part isn’t for you. If you didn’t get a bridal session in your package and want to know what it is, it’s simply a session that we do 1-2 months before your wedding date where you get to do your hair and makeup trial, get in your dress, carry a bouquet and take photos of you in your dress. It’s a southern tradition for weddings but it’s not always necessary…completely up to you. On a wedding day I may get only 5 minutes to take photos of you in your dress. This kind of session is a little over an hour long and we can take our time documenting you in your favorite dress of all time. I take my time photographing every angle close up and from afar. I love bridal sessions, they are one of my favorite things. It’s your time to be a model for a day and get all glammed up and take gorgeous photos to last you a life time. Many of my brides will frame and display a photo at their wedding or make a small bridal book of images.

Tips for your session:

- Get a bouquet! Get one that is really similar to your bridal bouquet in size and colors because you will love having something to do with your hands in the photos and they add a little something and give us things to do for poses (It will look gorgeous, last a lifetime in photos and be fun to play with for your photos)

- If your florist offers you a complimentary bridal bouquet with your floral package be sure to check it will look like your be a big full size bouquet like you want for your wedding (Local Arkansas Brides Tanarah Luxe Floral and PIGMINT give you a sample bouquet that will not look anything like your regular bouquet and you may be disappointed this has happened to my past brides so trust me on this)

- Don’t be afraid to show your makeup and hair artist exactly what you want and tell them during the session to change something if you aren’t sure

-makeup will look heavier in person than it will show up in photos…makeup artists know all the tricks to make you look beautiful in photos (I promise it will look lighter in your photos)

- If you want to be fun or try something out if you do an updo maybe right at the end of the session we can take your hair down and take photos with your hair down for the last ten minutes just to see or have variety with your photos (this way you have two hair options for your photos)

- You don’t have to wear your wedding shoes to your session, especially if we go outside, I’d rather you keep your shoes clean and perfect for the wedding! Just bring neutral colored shoes or heels that are the right height for your dress

- You don’t need a sheet or anything under your dress. If it’s muddy we won’t go out in the mud..I want to keep your dress clean! I won’t risk it and go anywhere that’s dirty. Grass is actually surprisingly clean if it’s nice grass, it’ll push your dress up off the dirt and keep it clean. When we walk around we’ll lift your dress up and hold it up. Many bridal stores can get you a recommendation for a dry cleaner.

- Don’t worry about getting your dress dirty, you can get it cleaned! Your photos last forever and you only wear your dress once or twice so it’s better to do what is needed to get the best photos (most small dirty spots do not show up in photos if something happens…don’t stress). Have fun, don’t stress and move in that beautiful gown! We’ll get it cleaned after. :) Photos last forever so do what you can to make the best photos! Again, it’s really muddy we have to worry about and we won’t be going in the mud.

- We can try different locations or looks than where you get married if you want! If there is another venue you want to rent an hour to shoot at or something else you love we can try that.

- I get inspired by what people wear so show me what your dress looks like and I can help brainstorm locations!

-if you think you want to something interesting or unique let me know!! I LOVE a good styled bridal session or something DIFFERENT!

Wedding Day Tips - Info - Ideas

If you have a wedding planner they will help you with many of these thing and please take their advice and ideas! This information on the photography and video side of your wedding to make the day and the entire process smoother and easier! These are things to help your day run smoother and that you can be as prepared as possible.

TIMELINE - The first I want to talk about a sample timeline. So many questions come from a photography timeline and when to schedule your hair and makeup and to give you an idea of what your day will look like. This is a sample timeline with a first look and without a first look. About 95% of the weddings we document have been doing a first look and I will start with that timeline first but note this is a timeline for a wedding that is all in one location. If there is travel involved we will have to keep that in mind as well. If you have larger or smaller families or wedding party times can be adjusted. This is a sample but the photography portrait times and order typically stay the same:

(Please note if you are having a FALL or WINTER wedding the sun sets very early and if you want natural light candid photos (which most people do) you will want to either have a first look or a much earlier ceremony start time)

FIRST LOOK -

1:00 p.m. Getting Ready Photos and Video

2:30 p.m. Get into Dress

2:45 p.m. First look with bridesmaid or a parent/sibling

3:00 p.m. Bride and Groom First Look

3:15 p.m. Bride and Groom Portraits Photo/Video

4:00 p.m. Wedding Party Photos/Video

4:30 p.m. Family Photos

5:00 p.m. Break for Bride and Groom - At this time Photographer and Videographer will go document empty reception space - if you are getting married at a church or a chapel at a different location we need to figure out when to document the empty reception space

5:30 p.m Photographer/Videographer prep and set up cameras and sound equipment for ceremony

6:00 p.m. Ceremony

6:30 p.m. Reception to follow (Sometimes we do extended family photos right after the ceremony)

10 p.m. Send off

TRADITIONAL AISLE LOOK -

1:00 p.m Getting Ready Photos

2:20 p.m Bride Gets into Dress

2:40 p.m. First Look with a parent or bridesmaids

3:00 p.m. Bride and Bridesmaid Photos/Video

3:30 p.m. Bride and any immediate individual family photos

4:00 p.m. Groom and Groomsmen Portraits/Video

4:30 p.m. Groom and any immediate individual family photos

5:00 p.m. Break for Bride and Groom At this time Photographer and Videographer will go document empty reception space - if you are getting married at a church or a chapel at a different location we need to figure out when to document the empty reception space

6:00 p.m. Ceremony

6:30 p.m. Family Photos

6:50 p.m. Wedding Party Photos/Video

7:00 p.m. Bride and Groom Portraits/Video

7:35 p.m. Reception to follow

10:00 p.m. Send Off

(If the sun is nice and we have time we sometimes sneak in 5-10 minutes of sunset photos and video and sneak out of the reception)

Essentially it’s 30-40 minutes for bride and groom portraits, 30-45 minutes for wedding party photos and then 30 minutes for family photos depending on size of wedding party or size of family portrait list. If you do a first look you can take all of these beforehand and if you do a traditional aisle look I try to do everything I can before and leave the group photos and bride and groom photos for after. There will be many group photos because a majority of the photos needed include both of you! So either way a first look or traditional is great and it’s totally up to you. Just choose whatever is best for you. See this article I wrote here if you aren’t sure if you want to do a first look or not. There is no wrong or right way. It’s completely up to your preference and what you want for your wedding. The timeline is just to help you really visualize how long each part will take.

Most important thing I do want to mention is that if you have a FALL or WINTER wedding the sun sets very early and if you want natural light (sunlight) photos you will need to have your ceremony earlier and more than likely do a first look unless you want to have a much earlier ceremony time to fit in all your photos after. Every single one of our couples wants natural light photos outside or in an area with natural light and so this is 100% doable and will take planning on our part when we make the timeline and when you choose the ceremony time.

If you want to have a first look with your dad, brothers, bridesmaids reveal, etc. We need to put that in the schedule. Many couples don't tell me they want this and it’s more of a surprise on the wedding day and we don’t have enough time. So if we can make sure you are in your dress in plenty of time to schedule all of these that will be even better! Also, if you want to do letters or gifts during getting ready lets add this to getting ready in the timeline too!

Be on time, please! Especially just finishing getting ready on time is the biggest thing. 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there really can effect your entire day when you only have 30 minutes for photos of the two of you. That’s usually the only place I can cut short because of logistics and it just means less photos of you and I want you to have as much as you can for the two of you!! So be sure to really talk with your hair and makeup person and make sure that you are ready in plenty of time. Bridesmaids can have a little more time to finish getting ready after you’re ready but really important you are pretty much ready by the time we arrive besides some last touches on hair and makeup.

• Also, if you want your mom to get you dressed in photos or someone that is important to you zipping up or buttoning your dress they also need to be ready before you too! Something that not everyone thinks about because hey….you aren’t getting married every weekend right?!

• If you want a bridesmaids reveal add about 10 minutes to your schedule

• If you want a first look with dad or brothers also add 10 minutes to your schedule

• Sometimes bridesmaids want to be in full glam for a pajama photo and we’re running behind on the timeline and it makes it even more behind waiting for them to put lipgloss on for a pajama photo before you get in your dress. If they need this please let them know before pajama photo to go ahead and get on all the things they want for this photo and if they just aren’t ready remind them it’s just a little getting ready photo and it’s okay if they don’t have full makeup or hair or something. :) They will for sure be ready by the portrait time.

Details! Details! Details!

When we first arrive on a wedding day things we do is document some details about your wedding to start telling the story of your day. If you would put together a box or bag of all your personal details like wedding rings (both of them), invitation suite, shoes, garter, perfume/cologne, boutonnieres, heirloom personal items or sentimental items and any kind of details you want us to document when we first arrive. If you florist can let you have extra flowers or anything that flows with your wedding for detail photos they would really help! Here are examples in the photos below of things I have photographed.

Just for fun - you could get special perfumes or colognes just for your wedding day and then use them on every anniversary or special date to remind you of your wedding day!

Details take me about 30-40 minutes to photograph depending on how many you have and how much you want me to style them. Keep that in mind when we are making your timeline. If you know you love detail photos and want more candid photos of you getting ready I recommend adding a little more getting ready time to your timeline. This will also give Josh time to get drone footage and give us time to get planting of details of your venue, getting ready and the personal details.

It helps me a ton to see your wedding vision! If you want to show me photos before hand of the colors and look/vibe of the day I can begin shooting with your style in mind when I first start with getting ready photos. A Pinterest board, photos, anything to show me what your style/colors/feelings/vibes you have for your wedding. We want to start filming and photographing your wedding with your vision in mind the moment we get there. Sometimes when we are in one area getting ready and we haven’t seen the ceremony or reception area or even what everyone is wearing it’s hard to know what you have in mind. We want to make sure it all flows together and I feel like the best weddings we have documented and filmed we have known more about the wedding/the family/the couples and the inspiration behind the wedding. The more knowledge we have the better job we can do. Please feel free to bombard me with all your wedding inspiration photos and tell me what you want the wedding day to feel like and flow like and we will do our very best to tell your story and your vision all day long. Even if you are working with a planner and they are helping you with everything we would still love to know the vision for the entire day to make sure it is documented with your style in mind. Here are some blog posts of weddings that really explained what their vision was and it helped keep all the photos flow together really well:

Venus and Nash - She showed me her color palette and we talked about what ring boxes she wanted to order. Her planner showed me some details and explained the style too. When I was at the hotel styling her details I knew the style of the wedding and kept that in mind even though I hadn’t seen the venue or reception or full vision yet. So the layflats and details and where I chose to take getting ready photos matched the rest of the wedding day.

Hannah and Koby - Their style was Modern Italian Minimalism - I knew the palette was natural and whites and made sure not to photograph the getting ready details and photos in a simple clean manner and didn't choose any random colorful flowers from the hedges outside and stuck to a neutral palette. Hannah really wanted a big Vanity Fair style wedding photo and we scheduled extra time to make sure we got this number one shot for her and it’s one my all time favorites.

Kristen and Pierce - Kristen talked with me a ton about her style and I knew butterflies were going to be a big part of the day so we started using that detail with lay flats as soon as we could.

Victoria and Jacob - Their style was southern classic with modern touches - the color palette was natural with soft muted tones and stuck to neutral backgrounds to flow with the entire wedding look - Victoria LOVES photos and we spent a lot of time trying new fun ways to take photos. I knew the wedding was focused on florals and I made sure to do portraits by the florals because I knew they loved them so much.

Bailey and James - I knew that their puppies and their closest friends were a big part of this day as well as that southern classic with a modern twist. There were pops of rich colors and many shades of blue. The venue was built by her mother and it was the very first wedding at their venue. I made sure to showcase their color palette, all the important things in their lives and their new venue. This wedging was extra fun like the couples personalities and made sure to show that.

Photo Shot List:

We ask to supply us with a family photo list an any other important groupings and I will supply you with a photo template below you can copy and paste and make your own. You can do this at any time up until a week before your wedding. No rush on this, you can do this at a time that is convenient for you. I’ve written them out in a way that flows well for me as I’m calling names out. I’m meeting everyone for the first time on a wedding day and I learn relationships faster than I learn everyone’s names. If you want to add names next to the relationships you are very welcome to do that too!

For family photos this is how I like to list it. I always photograph parents, grandparents and siblings for sure and this is how I typically order them:

Bride's Side:

Bride and Groom with parents, siblings and grandparents

Bride and Groom with parents and siblings

Bride and Groom with parents

Bride with both parents

Bride with Mom

Bride with Dad

Bride with siblings

Bride with each sibling

Bride (and groom) with each grandparent (or each set of grandparents)

Grooms Side:

Bride and Groom with parents, siblings and grandparents

Bride and Groom with parents and siblings

Bride and Groom with parents

Groom with both parents

Groom with Mom

Groom with Dad

Groom with siblings

Groom with each sibling

Groom (and bride) with each grandparent (or each set of grandparents)

Now you can add on extended family like say 'The Smiths' and whoever is related to your dad or however you want to do that. It seems to be easier calling everyone out when I can say 'Now we need all The Smith family' or 'We need all the Smiths' or whatever that group of people is named or called. Or say a group of people came from another state you can say 'we need the California group.' or however you want to! It's easier to say a group of people vs each name as well as saying a relationship to someone like 'brides mom or brides sister' vs Katie and Mrs. Smith, etc. It just flows really fast and I am able to understand relationships faster and easier than names on the day of. Hopefully that all makes sense! I also ask about family dynamics or anything else you think I should know about. You can also add other groupings to this list like family friends, sorority group photos or fraternity group photos. I will also photograph all bridesmaids, groomsmen, in groups and individuals and flower girls and ring bearers during wedding party portraits. If there are any special groupings let me know! PLEASE let me know if there are any family dynamics I should know about. I do not want to call out anyone who passed away or someone who is divorced.

For wedding party I will always photograph the full wedding party all together, bride with bridesmaids (and individuals), groom with groomsmen (and individuals), flower girls, ushers, house party, etc. Everyone there for the wedding party and all the combinations you want. I have a flow and way that I do that every wedding to make sure I get everyone. You’re welcome to write it down but if you want to save time and sanity just know I will be getting those.

I don’t necessarily need a photo list of all the moments for your wedding because OF COURSE I’m going to get you getting in your dress, the details you prepare for me, candids all day long, the first kiss, the first look, first dances and cake cutting and all the things that make up a wedding. I am HERE for this!! I live for it! :) I want to get all of these moments and I’m looking for them waiting for them and all over it. You don’t have to make a list for me I am there all day long constantly looking for opportunities and things to photograph and I’ve photographed over 200..I think nearly 300 now weddings so I know not to miss the first kiss. You also don’t want my face buried in a piece of paper missing major major shots and moments happening all day. I will photograph your day as it flows and feels and get all the main highlights AND things you wouldn't even be expecting. However, if there is something special that is very important to you PLEASE put that with the family list. This could be your sorority sisters at the reception, or a photo that your mom and grandma did a their wedding and you want it recreated. Just anything really special or important add that to the family list and we will do everything in our power to get it. It can even be a fun think you saw on instagram or tiktok that you just want to recreate or anything like that. Yess!! Let’s do this!! Just know we are going to get you getting into your dress, walking down the aisle, the kiss, the dances, the cake and all the things!! If there are extra special things to you…please let us know.

It’s okay to be realistic. Not everything goes perfectly on a wedding day and sometimes family members wander off and you can’t get all the photos you want because Aunt so-and-so left early or cannot be found. Or it rains and we have to re-arrange the photo timeline or list. So many things can happen but know it will all be okay and you will get to marry the love of your life and get to relive that day through your photos over and over again. It’s not about it being perfect, it’s about it being YOU and YOUR LOVE!

Here are some general tips to make your wedding day better - smoother - thebestdayever!

• Slow down and enjoy every moment - I know I know a lot of people are going to tell you that but really…just enjoy it. If you have hired all the best vendors for the day then you know they will be doing their job and everything will run smoothly and you will get married to the love of your life.

• If you haven’t already hire a wedding planner (TRUST ME) every wedding with a planner runs so smoothly and effortlessly and we cannot recommend wedding planners enough. If a wedding planner is not in your budget consider a coordinator or day of month of planner. LIFE SAVERS!

  • If you need recommendations for planners in your area please email me!! I’m happy to help.

• Things that help make your day run even smoother would be making sure you have your personal details ready to go first thing when we get there, have the room or space you are getting ready in picked up and tidy so that there aren’t undergarments or bags and shoes in the background of your photos.

• Make sure your hair and makeup is being finished up well before you are getting in your dress because before getting in your dress because you will probably want robe photos and have a moment to freshen up before getting in your dress. I would maybe even just have the finish time nearly be 30 minutes after we arrive. That way we’re getting photos of some lipstick getting put on or blush or finishing touches on hair really. Then if anything goes behind you have a little wiggle room.

• Please be sure to schedule all your hair and makeup early enough that we aren’t waiting on hair and makeup to take portraits or for first looks. If you run late on hair and makeup it cuts in your photo time which creates less portraits which is the most important part for photos and the ones you will frame and hang and I want to make sure you get all the photos you deserve. I know I said this earlier in this packet but it is really so so important. If anything goes late during the day it starts with hair and makeup so I really can't stress this enough which is why I mention possibly telling them that you need to be finished about 30 minutes after we arrive (even if that’s earlier than you ‘get into your dress’). You’ll want to be ready to do your robe/pajama photo, reading a letter or getting a gift, doing last minute deodorant or undergarment changes, restroom break, just little things that you want to have time for after hair and makeup but before you get in your dress. So I want you to have time for that and not feel rushed.

• Hey, we’re going to have fun! Portraits and all the things photo related are pretty fun! So relax and don’t be nervous.

  • PRO TIP - even after I finish posing or giving instructions be into the moment or have fun and be playful during bride and groom portraits and wedding party photos. Josh will still be filming and it always seems the best shots for video happen after I give instructions. The in-between stuff is the best!

  • Just do what you do in regular life, be sweet to each other, look at each other a lot and and soak up the moment and we’re there to document it all. I’ll give instructions but just make it all your own!

• HAVE FUN! Did I say have fun yet? Laugh and smile and be into every moment. I can’t tell you enough how many serious faces there are during first dances and cake cutting because everyone is nervous or worried. This is the BEST part…smile at each other and cherish all these moments. They will be reflected in your photos and video in the most beautiful way. Just look at each other and remember these are the best moments. If you ever hear me sneak in and say ‘remember to have fun’ it’s so that you’ll smile and enjoy the moment!

• WALK SLOW. I’m being serious…haha! Walk slow down the aisle, entering the reception and at your exit. We are trying to take the best photos and video and walking slowly helps a ton. I know you’ll be nervous and if you can remember anything it’s to do things a little slower than you that you feel at the moment. Walk slow ESPECIALLY when you come back down the aisle if you can even remember or think about it! haha! I know you will be so in the moment but if you can remember anything just slow down in general.

• This tip is from Josh, he recommends guys and especially the groom get a fresh hair cut within a week of the wedding if not a few days before. Everyone looks MUCH better with a fresh hair cut and all the lines and neck hair is shaved and neat for photos. This is for a beard too! Ladies spend so much time making themselves gorgeous for the day we want to make sure guys look just as amazing. You may even considering hiring a barber/stylist to come in and trim up all the guys hair the day of the wedding so they look sharp. This would make for fun getting ready photos for them too.

• More mens tips from Josh, if you get your suit altered or tailored be sure to try it on in the store after they have made the adjustments when you go to pick it up. Don't wait until the week of the wedding or the day of because then you are stuck with what you have. If the guys can be sure to try it on every time changes are made they can not only make sure that it fits well AND they aren’t missing anything. We had a groom pick up his suit and didn’t try it on or look in there and they forgot the pants. So just be extra careful.

• If you can have the grooms ready well before they are scheduled to take photos. They should be ready before you are putting your dress on. We can’t be in two places at once so if you want us to document the guys getting ready we need to make sure it’s in the schedule to be in their room getting that and then get over to the bride and bridesmaids room to document the bride getting in her dress and all the sweet things that happen around that.

  • PRO TIP - have some fun drinks or snacks for the guys to enjoy or a cigar so the guys feel included and have fun while getting ready too.

  • I also love to document groom details if you want to have those with your bridal details I’ll photograph those too. Ideas for those can be shoes, tie, tie clip, cuff links, boutonniere, cologne, ring, etc.

• Guys - if you aren’t sure how to tie ties or bow ties maybe practice the weeks before watching some youtube videos! If not, Josh can help too! He’s pro.

• Ladies - watch for rubber bands, apple watches and fit bits on your wrist…I’ll look for them day of and remind everyone to take them off but it helps to mention it too.

• Guys - leave your beers, sunglasses, keys and phones in the room when we go to take photos we promise we’ll be SO quick taking photos and video…like as fast and fun and possible to get photos and video taken so you can get right back to drinking. It’s such a funny thing but when we start photos we’re always trying to find a place for all the guys to put their stuff and it takes extra time and it’s always kind of a thing so if they just leave it in the room it goes faster and we’ll get them right back to drinking and snap chatting! I swear I’ll go as fast as I can and still get you amazing photos and Josh will get amazing video. However, if you have custom glasses or want to bring a nice bottle of liquor and glasses out or cigars that would look beautiful in photos or videos you can bring those out for photos and video if you’d like. It’s more bottles of beers and sunglasses is where we’re having to find spots to put them while taking photos.

• Wedding party tips - If you think your wedding party or friends may cut up a bit on the wedding day you could do a little day of or rehearsal dinner pep talk just say ‘hey guys we hired pretty awesome photographer and videographer if you guys could just listen to their instructions and follow along it’ll be more fun and the photos and video will be better for us.’ OR something nice along those lines. Just showing them that you are excited for you photos and video and hopefully that will help them respect your wishes and go along well. We want the day to be about YOU and a little reminder to the wedding party helps them listen and take instruction well.

Getting of Reception Details and Empty Ceremony Photos

FIRST - if you have a planner disregard this part…they will be on this 100% - these are tips for us to get better reception and ceremony photos for your details

This is always something our couples want and we always love getting it but if it’s not organized well and the room is not clear it’s very hard to document. I know you have spent months and months planning this beautiful space to celebrate your day and you want to see what it looked like all finished without people, drinks, bottled water, purses, coats and things all over the tables in your reception room or all over the chairs in a ceremony. I know you want some photos of your space empty showing the design you worked on for SO LONG! We can do it, we got you! It would help if you can share with those helping you with your wedding (be that a planner, coordinator, friend, parent, etc…anyone who is helping you keep the day organized) that we need the room empty, finished and candles lit at the time designated on your timeline for us to be in there to document.

• I cannot express to you how valuable it is to have someone looking up on this just to have the room ready (no caterers putting together a table for food …or at least just have them step back for 10 minutes while we take these photos and video of this)

• No one putting jackets down to reserve their spot (sometimes we see family or wedding party do this and we have to take them off and document it and put it back but we usually don’t have a ton of time to take photos of this area)

• Be sure candles are lit if you want them lit in photos (not starting to be lit but actually lit because it takes a long time and this is always something we are doing ourselves running around trying to light photos and gives us less time to document the room well).

• Keeping the room clear, no grandparents hanging out (I promise they can go back in as soon as we’re finished…we love Grandma!) or caterers, or florists finishing touches, or guests just popping in to look. If it’s at all possible for 15 minutes during our scheduled time to be in that space document it if we can get it clear or have someone great at clearing a room that would be amazing! I don't want you guys to be personally worried about it or us to be running around with lights for 8 minutes of the 15 minutes we have to document the room or 5 minutes of the time clearing the room of people.

• If you have a wedding planner ALL OF THIS will be taken care of by them…don't worry!

Tips to make your wedding design look better - Getting Featured - Making the day more Photogenic

IF YOU HAVE A WEDDING PLANNER THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL OF THIS! So ignore unless you are just curious what makes a wedding design more beautiful or want to know about getting a wedding featured.

‘I want to get my wedding featured!’ This is something some of my couples say to me after the wedding without telling me and there are SO many tips I have for trying to get your wedding featured in an awesome magazine or online wedding publication. Here are my tips if you want to get featured OR if you just want to have a fun unique wedding OR want to know how to make things look better in photos.

• Linens, chairs and flowers. The end. ha! No seriously these three things are pretty major for the day being photogenic, looking great in person and most definitely for getting featured.

• LINENS -

  • Something to think about…you don’t have to use the white plain thin polyester linens that come with your venue. Ask to see those and see if they go to the ground and if they are thick or what color they are exactly.

  • Make sure you linens to the ground…I’ll share a photo of linens that are white that came with the venue vs linens that were rented to match the wedding

  • Try color or pattern. They have incredible linen designs these days with beautiful fabrics, colors and subtle prints to add that extra something to your wedding.

  • Something fun or different that is inspiring to people…something people have never seen before!

CHAIRS - CHAIRS - CHAIRS

This is really more for getting featured but I still want to make note, especially if a wedding venue has chairs that already come with it. Chairs can make a huge impact in a room and can make or break a wedding design. If you want to get your wedding featured what kinds of chairs you use is really important. If you don’t care either way then here are just some general differences in how chairs can make an impact.

• Below I’m going to share some photos of weddings that did get featured and had beautiful chairs and then some that didn’t get featured and the chairs had a lot to do with it EVEN THOUGH ALL THE WEDDINGS WERE GORGEOUS. It doesn’t mean your wedding won’t be beautiful when it comes to chairs…it’s just to show you how your space and wedding can look completely different depending on what chairs you use.

• I’m only sharing this if you have your heart on getting your wedding featured or just want to make a statement at your wedding.

VIDEO!!!

Video tips and thoughts and all that good stuff! Sound is one of the biggest parts that makes videos amazing and it’s something that is so good you don’t even notice it unless it’s bad. :) If you aren’t having toasts or more personal vows or a message at your ceremony we highly recommend writing a letter or something that you want to read out loud for your video and we can have your lovely voices tell your story for your video. The words and things said in videos makes it even more special. The story and the words are what makes the video. Please even feel free to set up a time to talk with Josh or email him to plan this out if you’d like.

If you do end up having toasts at your wedding and your friends or family needs tips or want help for their toast tell them this. Say something nice and kind about the bride, nice and kind about the groom and then nice and kind about them together. That way we leave out the embarrassing stuff and they’re going to NAIL the speech every time.

If you have any thoughts or ideas for your video don’t be afraid to tell us. We want you to LOVE your video and we love to collaborate.

One of the most asked about things for wedding videos is the music. We are only able to use licensed music and have several resources to get licensed songs for you. Just note, they can’t be songs from the radio as those licenses are typically hundreds of thousands of dollars. We are able to source music from musicians that create music for commercial use. We spend a lot of time trying to find perfect songs for your video and choose from the libraries provided from licensed music. Please feel free to tell us what style if you’d prefer if you have a preference. Something like strings or piano or more guitar or anything you’d like! Feel free to let us know. We do our best to find the most perfect songs that sound like your wedding day.

Back to sound again, we will mic up the groom and officiant for sound during the ceremony and one more back up if you have a dj or someone running sound for your ceremony. If your turn your mic off or unplug it we will lose the audio so try to remember the mic pack if you’re able! Josh will put it on you securely and give you instructions to help out.

At night time during dancing if the lights go off for dancing and party time we will throw up a couple of video lights so that we can still get footage for your video. So if you see those lights just remember or make note they are so you show up on video! For photography I use a flash on my camera that pops off when needed. Just uses video light for consistent lighting so you can be seen! They blend in with fun bright lights they use with your DJ or band so you may not even notice them.

We place at least three cameras on a tripod up for your ceremony for different views and please not if you are getting married in a church there may be rules about where we can put the cameras so keep that in mind.

Keep being sweet! When I’m done taking photos Josh is still rolling so don’t be afraid to keep being sweet to each other in between photos because that’s usually the good stuff that ends up in your video.

Just have fun!! Being yourself and having fun honestly makes for the best photos. So don’t stress just have fun!!

Thank you SO much for taking the time to read through this and I hope it’s super super helpful. We have been gathering tips over the years and trying to make a list of everything we can possibly think of that can help your day be the best it can be! I may be adding to this here and there so feel free to check back and save this link to refer through throughout your planning process.

Again, SO EXCITED YOU CHOSE US TO DOCUMENT YOUR DAY!!! We already adore you to pieces.

Erin and Josh