First Look

Many photographers are encouraging brides to have their formals pictures taken prior to the ceremony. While this may free up time during cocktail hour, some brides are feelings as though they have to see each other prior to exchanging vows, despite wanting to be traditional.

It's possible to stay traditional and have plenty of time to enjoy yourself during cocktails. Try to allot a little extra time between getting ready and the ceremony. This little gap can be used to take pictures of yourself and groom not seeing each other such as bridals, family, and bridesmaids. Just that alone will save a lot of time for later.

Once the ceremony is over, there mainly only the entire bridal party and family pictures to be taken. After these few shots are taken, encourage your guests to enjoy cocktails as you stay behind with your groom. This allows for more intimate moments and also allows your photographer to move more quickly.

It can be rather distracting for the bride and groom to have numerous cameras flash, therefore I find it best to photograph them when guests and family have trickled away, allowing for photos that are more intimate. This also enables the photographer to move more quickly, which as a result lets the couple plenty of time to enjoy cocktails.

What Has Changed in the Wedding Industry?

With so many girls at my office getting engaged (there are 5
just in my department) it got me thinking about when I got married and how
things have changed. Granted, it has
only been 6 years since I took my beautiful walk down the aisle, but so many
new options have come into place for planning and throwing the best day of your
life.

1) Photography - Picking a photographer has always been (and should be) one of the most important decisions you will make. This person (or team) will capture your entire day and should showcase all of your hard work / details. This part has not changed, but what has changed is the way pictures are taken. Today's brides have been getting together with their photographer and fiance for engagement pictures; and making them unique the couple will go "on location" for these, such as an abondanded building, the countryside, old railroads or simply around the town. In addition to the engagement pictures, the couple is also doing this on the day of their wedding. Taking pictures a step further, the couple is also making appointments to "trash their dress" after the wedding.

2) Shoes - Shoes are an amazing accessory! The popular trend today is to wear any shoe you want while you walk down the aisle. Some brides are picking blue shoes, like these by Manolo Blahnik which can also be used for your 'something blue'. Other brides are choosing shoes that match their wedding party. A friend of mine choose these HOT PINK strappy shoes for her wedding, and boy did they make the photo's pop.

3) Do it Yourself (DIY) - There are so many DIY projects for your wedding day. From the invitations to decorations to party favors, many brides are taking on these tasks to make everything blend. Check out here for many DIY ideas.

4) The Dress - I feel like there are so many options for the bride. The traditional style is not the
only choice for the bride. White is not even the only choice. Colored sashes
are a great add on tot he bride. And David's Bridal added a new collection to
their line called "Two in One Gowns". These gowns are made for
you, the bride to go from "Vow to WOW" in one dress.

With all the many decisions you have to make for your wedding day, I am sure it will be the most
perfect day of your life!!

Clutter While Getting Ready

It’s finally the big day.


Your maid of honor walks in and with three plastic bags full of accessories, makeup, and other needed items. She tosses the bags to the side and runs up to hug you. The rest of the bridesmaids arrive and hugs are quickly exchanged. The photographer arrives and before you know it, it’s time to get ready.


The girls throw off their shoes and toss them in a corner. Suddenly, there are piles of clothes everywhere and hardly any room to walk. The photographer scrambles to catch each girl getting ready, trying so hard to crop out the piles of clothes, bags, and shoes. There are likely gorgeous shot opportunities missed because a large tattered tote bag was thrown on the floor just as the moment occurred.

Getting ready for your big day is usually hectic, but it is also important to remain organized. Your photographs are going to be your main source of memory of your day and you want to be certain that your photographer is able to capture the beauty. Clutter not only makes it difficult for the photographer to maneuver, but also requires the photographer to try for much tighter shots which will take away from the overall feel.


Of course I don’t suggest that you neatly fold and store all of your belongings; however it is probably a good idea to designate a bridesmaid or two to keep the room orderly. Those few minutes of tucking away a few things will make all of the difference.

Our new trailer and behind the scenes videos!

So since our first photo shoot back in February (well even before that I guess) we knew that we wanted to give you access to the behind the scenes and give you awesome videos to watch. Finally, we have our 'it's about details trailer' completed as well as the behind the scenes video of the 'Rocker Chic' photo shoot. We still have lots of other videos in the works! Some behind the scenes and some actual videos where we will give you advice, updates, etc.! Let us know what you would like to see. I'm personally video shy, but still very excited! But for now enjoy these videos below!