Maybe in your mind, rain on your wedding day is the worst thing that can happen. A sign, if you will, that you have really bad luck. “in some cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, symbolizing fertility and cleansing.
part of a four part series on wedding photography. getting ready,the ceremony,the intimate session,and the reception Advice for the client.
The only thing that I do insist on with my clients is an “intimate session” This will perhaps be the only alone time that you will have on your wedding day.I feel that these photographs are the most romantic and probably the ones that you will be hanging on your walls.
When you are working on your timeline, leave at least a half hour or more in the best light of the day,the last hour before the sun is setting.Think about the background,are there some beautiful nature spots on the grounds of your venue? If not try to explore and find a beautiful nature spot nearby your venue
Do not allow anyone to tag along,this is a distraction to you and to your photographer.Your guests will be fine, might be a good time to plan a cocktail hour. Always work with your D.J. and wedding coordinator and let them know in advance .
When I am photographing a destination wedding,I sometimes plan with my couples for a “day after” session. using the destination as my background. My couples are always so much more relaxed the day after,I get to spend allot more time with them = more beautiful and interesting photos.
This blog is in a four part series,Getting Ready,The Ceremony,The Intimate session and the reception.,so stay tuned!
If you are having an outdoor wedding,hope for the best but always prepare for the worst.make sure that you have a back up plan!! If you have your heart set on getting married outside,go with the flow,have lots of umbrellas handy,incorporate your wedding colors. Do keep in mind that overcast is best for portraits
As far as ceremony sites I have seen it all in my twenty four years of photographing weddings nationwide.From elaborate castles in Germany,to beach blankets in Key West .Make it your own.There are no rules!
I am often asked about timelines.The best light for photography is when the sun is low in the sky. I would say ,if you are having an outdoor wedding,look up the time of sunset for that day and schedule your ceremony two hours before time of sunset.Allowing plenty of time afterward for your group shots and saving the very best light about a half hour before the sunset for your “intimate session” the photographs of just the two of you alone .Dont rush your photographer through this,give them at the very least a half an hour.Remember these are the photos you will probably be hanging on your walls.
Some couples now a days have a “first look” before the ceremony. This helps take the edge off, (good for nervous couples).Also a wonderful time for your photographer .Also a great Idea is the “first look” for Fathers and daughters
I always ask my couple,”what is the most important photo to you” 99% of my brides and many of my grooms will say (or better say) the first time I see my bride!This is such an important shot,I never miss it!!
The most important kiss of your lifetime is your first kiss as husband and wife. I always have a second shooter and we are both getting this most important moment from two different views. I would highly recommend that your photographer have a 2nd shooter/assistant,especially for the larger weddings
For months, sometimes even years, wedding couples look forward to their wedding day. They want to be fully prepared and don’t want to settle for anything less than perfect. Hopefully, that one special day will be one of the most beautiful days in their lives. Unfortunately there are always aspects that can’t be controlled, however prepared you are. That does not matter. Matters only become a problem, when you make them a problem. There is always a solution. Wedding planners have the capacity to be creative and are known for their problem solving. Let’s discuss a few “worst-case scenario’s”.
“WHAT IF IT RAINS”!
Do not agonize over what you’re going to do about, or how you’re going to cope with, the rain. Decide early on what you want to do if it’s raining and stick to it.
I cannot agree more, you’ll not want to wait until the last minute to make a decision. I’d usually play on the safe side you do not want to compromise with the outdoor ceremony and have it no matter what, make a decision, (purchase umbrellas),Incorporate the wedding colors and stick with the idea. Better to be safe than sorry!
2. Trust your vendors
You hired professionals for a reason. They know their craft, they know your venue, so they will make it happen, rain or shine. This is where having an experienced wedding planner and photographer really makes the difference! I have a trunk filled with different color umbrellas!
3. Be prepared
This either means purchasing matching umbrellas for your guests, or having a tent ordered and delivered to your location (remember quick deliveries take an all new meaning when you’re in Tahiti, where logistics are a little more difficult than anywhere else), or at the minimum communicating with your guests so that they also get prepared (and wear adequate clothing and shoes).
If you are planning a wedding lets say in Florida,avoid the rainy/Hurricaine season! Yes it will cost less,but there is a reason!
4. Embrace it
The forecast says there’s a 100% chance you’re going to get wet, now what? You’re in Tahiti! Have fun!
AS a fine arts wedding photographer,rain presents some creative ideas,I use it to my advantage,The reflections in the puddles after the rain,or framing the couple with different color umbrellas. Also keep in mind overcast is one of the best light for skin tones.
What if…. I’ll be a nervous wreck and won’t stop crying during the entire ceremony!
use water-proof make-up, keep tissue’s at hand, breath in and out and remember: emotions are allowed on your wedding day. Shouldn’t there be any, you would be the first tearless bride.,or groom!
What if…. my wedding dress doesn’t fit on the day itself!
advice: don’t go crash- dieting shortly before the wedding. A bride always feels most comfortable during the first fitting session. Try to maintain that weight. Should things come to the worst, than rely on our toolkit and make use of handy tips and trics provided to us by well- known bridal stores.One of my brides did gain twenty lbs, she ordered a lace corset and pulled it off
What if…. a make-up stain ruins my dress!
Don’t fret! Talcum powder, a special tailor’s chalk or TMC 520 stain tissues should do the trick.
What if…. our tight time-schedule is being endangered by the hair- and make-up session!
Our advice: go for a trial session first. It will give you a good idea of how long it will take. Then add some extra time in your time-line. That will take the pressure off and will allow you to look and feel great all day long.
WHAT IF MY MOTHER-IN LAW IS TAKING OVER?
Give her a job to do, get her off your back,if she is a control freak, make her in charge of the group shots ets, she needs to feel wanted and in charge put her to good use!
“Keep a brush, comb, hairspray, ponytail holders and bobby pins in an extra bag (along with makeup if you think touch ups may be in order) and then if it does fall out pin it back up. Or pull it down completely and do a side French braid where the end trails over the shoulder or a side pony at the base of the nape. It will look classy and guests will assume that you wanted to change it up for the reception.”
What if I have a low blood sugar attack? EAT SOMETHING!
MY BEST ADVICE TO YOU: “Most importantly, focus on your marriage versus your wedding. The reception is a party to celebrate that you’ve made a commitment to spend the rest of your life with someone you wanted to meet your whole life. Just relax & have fun!”
advice: don’t go crash- dieting shortly before the wedding. A bride always feels most comfortable during the first fitting session. Try to maintain that weight. Should things come to the worst, than rely on our toolkit and make use of handy tips and trics provided to us by well- known bridal stores.One of my brides did gain twenty lbs, she ordered a lace corset and pulled it off
Don’t fret! Talcum powder, a special tailor’s chalk or TMC 520 stain tissues should do the trick.
creativefreedomphoto 