Tips for your wedding day

As a wedding photographer, I see everything! The good, the bad, and everything in-between on wedding days. I have been shooting weddings for 3+ years and wanted to share some helpful tips that you may not have heard or might not remember on your big day! Most of these are based on a photographers POV, but others are not! I hope this list eliminates any anxiety you may have! (These are all based on my opinion!)

1. Getting ready spaces

If you think about it, you spend a good amount of time in your getting ready space. This typically means your photographer will too. Try to choose a space that has nice natural light so you don't have to keep your overhead lights on that could cast yellowish shadows on skin tones. Natural light will be your best friend (AND your photographers!!). Natural light will help keep your photos bright, and dreamier! Try to keep your getting ready space clutter free too, this will help keep your photos neat, and distraction free!

2. Skip the tight clothing

This may seem like a random tip, BUT this one is huge! Bras, tight elastic bands, and tight t-shirts can leave imprints on your body. The last thing you want is a bra strap mark when you're wearing a strapless dress!

3. Make a box of your flatlay items

When your photographer arrives, they may ask for your flatlay items. Instead of searching for them and taking time out of your day, have them ready in a shoe box! This way you can enjoy your morning and its one less thing you'll have to scramble to find. Flatay items consists of: Shoes, invitations, jewelry, both rings, ring boxes, flowers, veils, family heirlooms, and anything else that has meaning to you!

4. Tell family to stay after the ceremony for family photos

It's as simple as that! Instead of trying to wrangle everyone after, and trying to find that one aunt/uncle, just tell everyone to stay put after the ceremony so you can get those family photos out of the way! Along with this: make a detailed shot list so your photographer can just go right down the list, so you don't miss any photos!

5. Breathe

 Amidst the excitement, take moments to pause, breathe, and soak in the special moments with your partner, family, and friends. The day tends to go by in a blink of an eye, so really take it all in.

6. Delegate responsibilities

Nominate a few bridal party members to take all the questions for the day (or at least the not so important questions) so that you are not bombarded with a bunch of questions on your big day! This will help relieve some stress!

7. Find some shade

When visiting your venue, make sure to visit around the time you are getting married! You will be able to see how the light hits your ceremony location. Later in the day is typically when the lighting is the best so you can avoid sweating, squinting and harsh tones.

8. Be in the moment

This creates the BEST photos! As a documentary photographer, seeing you in the moment can help capture raw emotion! These make for great candid photos, that aren't so forced.

9. HYDRATE

This one is important!!! Hydrate so you feel your best.

xoxo

Mak