3 Tips to Getting the Wedding Photos You Want| Part 1

What can you do to make sure wedding photography is one less thing you need to stress about ?  Um, call me of course!  Right, but besides that in case you haven’t…  Stick with me through this 3-Part Series, featuring tips any couple can use in order to ensure they get the most out of their photography on their wedding day.

Make Time for the Photos that Matter Most

When it comes down to allotting specific amounts of time for photography on your wedding day, I always remind couples that the photos of the two of them are going to be the ones they’re most likely to cherish and pass down, so why not take as much time as possible to establish a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and get those beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime shots.  How much time?  Ideally, I prefer 45 minutes to an hour…about as long as an engagement shoot.  I know plenty of local brides in the Bay area might scoff at the idea, wondering where on earth they’ll find enough room in their wedding day itinerary for such a chunk of precious time, but that’s exactly what it is–precious–and I really encourage couples to protect that time in order to ensure not just a couple great shots, but a collection that describes the couple’s relationship and authentically reflects their love for each other.

Did you know Canadian couples in British Columbia generally allow for 2-3 hours of photography to be split between the Bride + Groom, Wedding Party, and Family?  Often some of it takes place before the ceremony while the rest occurs between the ceremony and reception, but no matter what the timeline, there’s always plenty of time to enjoy hanging out with those closest to them while I orchestrate relaxed and intimate photo sessions.

Here in California where the 60-minute cocktail hour between ceremony and reception is de rigeur, I recommend couples meet each other for photos prior to the ceremony, with the option of including wedding party photos after I’ve finished with the bride and groom.  I know it’s traditional for the groom to see his bride for the first time when she’s walking down the aisle, but what could be more romantic than say, a groom waiting in a shaded oak grove while the bride shimmers up a winding path towards him…and when she rounds the bend….oh the looks on their faces!  I’m telling you, the intimacy of the moment will compel even the most traditional romantic to melt at the thought.  On my own wedding day, my husband waited for me at the top of a cliff overlooking my favourite lake.  As I walked to the top, heart pounding in anticipation, I could hear the strain of my most beloved hymns played on guitar and violin, wafting through the forest.  Our photographers were already at the top and caught our reactions when we saw each other that morning for the first time.  That time before our ceremony, (mostly) alone, has become a treasured, sacred memory for us.

So where do wedding party and family photos fit in?  If you reserve enough time for wedding party shots before the ceremony, then your bridesmaids and groomsmen are free to enjoy the cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony.  And so are you, because all that’s left are the family photos which can easily commence the moment your ceremony finishes.  That leaves the photographer time to capture fabulous candids of YOU actually enjoying your signature cocktails and hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres while mingling with your guests.  Sounds pretty ideal right?  It can be done!

Let me leave off with this: no couple I’ve ever met or worked with has ever regretted having too many photos of the two of them on their wedding day, but SO many couples I run into regret not having more (or better ones).  Carving out and protecting time meant for just the two of you and your photographer is just one essential way to improve your odds of ensuring photographs you’ll love forever.

Come back soon for Part 2 on Getting the Wedding Photos You Want, when I’ll be focusing on one of my favourite aspects, lighting!

My cousin Jen + her husband Johnny near the steps of the church where his Great (?) Grandparents were married.  This was where Jen + Jonny first met before we went off for photos with their wedding party.