When planning your wedding, you’ll find there’s so much to do in terms of guests, and flower arrangements, decorations, venues, your outfits, wedding cake, invitations, your vows, and so much more. One thing you will want to focus on though, is your wedding capturing those magical moments. You’ll want to have wedding photos you’ll love.
You see, there will be so much happening around you on your wedding day. The last thing you want is to reflect back on your day and forget about all those little details that happened. You can avoid this by ensuring you have footage throughout the day, be it from photos and videos.
That way you have things to look back on that take you back to that oh so special day.
Here’s how to capture your wedding forever and have a wedding album you’ll love:
1. Hire The Right Photographer
When you’re looking for a photographer, no matter how good they sound, or how cheap they are, you must make sure that you do your own research as opposed to just going off what other people have told you.
The best way to do this is to look at their portfolio, and sit down with them to discuss pricing as well as what you have in mind for your wedding day and your wedding photos.
2. Know What You Want
A big part of making sure that you have all the best shots from your wedding day, is knowing exactly what photos you want. Sure, you’ll want to give your photographer some artistic license and get shots that they want. You’ve chosen your photographer for their abilities, after all.
You’re sure to be wanting images of the key moments of your wedding ceremony and reception – when you walk down the aisle, when you’re and your partner are exchanging vows, when you share the first kiss as a newly married couple, your first dance together, and cutting the cake – and most photographers take these shots without having to be told.
However, you may have some other moments that you want to be captured. Perhaps a group photo with your sorority sisters, a group photo of all your wedding guests. Maybe a special friend or family member will be singing at your wedding, or you’d really love a wonderful sunset photo of you and your new husband or wife. You may also want some detail shots of your décor and tablescapes.
Regardless of what it is, it’s something special to you and your fiancé, and to your wedding day, and you need to tell your photographer.
There are other wedding photography tips that you and the photographers should know too – that way you’re both on the same page from the get-go.
3. Create A Timetable
Most weddings will have a timetable of the day’s events, from your ceremony processional all the way to the toasts and dinner at your reception, and right down to the entertainment, special dances, and the end of the day.
Make sure that you include certain photography times too. Your photographer should be on hand for several hours during your wedding day, which is typically enough to capture everything that goes on. However, you’ll want to sit down with them before the big day and talk about the timing for any specific shots (like those family group shots or that sunset photo).
4. Keep Others Informed
Your photographer isn’t the only person you need to tell about any special photos you want. If you want particular group photos, you’ll need to pass the word along to those who you’ll want included in the photo.
• For family group photos taken after the ceremony:
Let family members know in advance that you want them to stick around for a family photo. If they don’t know you want this, they may head over to the reception site right after the recessional, missing out on the photo.
• For family group photos taken at the reception:
Try to fit this in as early as you can. Some guests may have to leave your reception early, and if you wait until later, some family members may have gone home already, missing out on this photo.
You don’t want to be looking at your wedding photos and end up sadly thinking, “Oh, Cousin George, or Aunt Helen isn’t in this picture. Everyone else is there but them.”
* This is a contributed post
I hope you found this information useful!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For planning help and unique ideas for your wedding call or text me at 937-581-3647, or email me at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net!