A common mistake many brides make (I was one of them!!) is not being prepared for their wedding day photography. Your wedding day photography (and videography) is a HUGE deal, brides! You don’t want to go through your final photos and wish you would have discussed about any poses or details that may have been missed.

Photography experts are there to capture one of the happiest days of your life! So make sure to get to know your photographer and hopefully the one you choose will help you prepare months before your wedding on what to expect.

1. BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

One good way to get a feel of the photography experience is to book an engagement session with the same photographer. A lot of wedding photographers include an engagement session with their best packages so consider booking one. You may also find some photographers including engagement sessions with all their packages –I offer one with all my packages because I believe every couple deserves one! Right?!

Booking Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer and it gives you an idea of what to expect on your wedding day. On your engagement session you’ll get a feel for how to pose in front of the camera and you’ll get so much practice! I’ll be honest, you will probably have an awkward first 10 minutes on your engagement session, after that you’ll be a PRO!!

   

2. START PREPARING A PHOTO LIST

Once you receive all your photos from your engagement session, you’ll know just what to expect as far as couple poses on your wedding day. However, there are many other details to cover on a wedding day and your wedding photographer will probably have a list of their own to work off of. That checklist will definitely cover Pre-Wedding, Ceremony, Post Ceremony, and Reception photos. For my clients, I like to share a few months before their wedding all that I will be covering, but there are a few special photos that can easily be ignored if you are not prepared.

3. CHOOSE THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER OPTION

Many wedding photographers have the option of choosing a second photographer. These are usually included in the full day packages for most photographers or you may be given this option even if you’re booking wedding photography for less than 8 hours. The advantage of requesting a second photographer is that the photographers get to shoot from different angles especially for ceremony & reception photos. You want to make sure to get your beautiful dress captured (front and back) as you walk in and down the aisle. One photographer does not have to move back and forth to capture all angles. Having a second photographer allows for capturing ceremony photos a lot more smoothly than what it would be with just one photographer!

4. Ready for a BONUS TIP?!

It is SO important that you make it a priority getting in touch with your photographer and wedding planner to discuss the events of the wedding day a few days before the wedding. I usually send out a questionnaire months before the wedding so you can let me know about the timeline, photos, and bridal party details as you prep for your Big Day. On the week of the wedding, I also set a reminder to connect with my brides to discuss any last minute details you need to discuss. Doing this keeps everyone on the same page and it makes it easier to stay on time.

I hope this was helpful to you as you plan one of the most important celebrations of your life! Remember, all the preparations don’t have to be stressful if you do and check things off your wedding to-do list on time! Cheers and Happy Wedding Planning! <3