It's time to get MARRIED!


I know this season in your life is special and I am so honored to be the one to capture it for you!


Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable days of your life and I want to help you make that day everything you imagined!! As you begin to plan and prepare, please know that I'm here for you! You can reach out to me anytime from now to the big day if you need help planning out your timeline, have some photo inspo you want me to see, or have a just have a question.

I can be reached via email, phone, or text at (517) 920-1611



ENGAMGENT SESSIONS


Engagement sessions are a perfect time for us to get to know each other a little better before the wedding day and for you to get comfortable in front of my camera! Many couples decide to use the photos from their engagement session for invitations, save the dates, and to display at the wedding. I'm always down for any location you have in mind, whether its a woodsy hiking trail, the top of a mountain, or a downtown date night; I want to capture you in your element! If there's a place that's special to the two of you, you might want to have your session there. If you don't have a particular spot in mind, I have a few favorite locations I can suggest! Photo sessions don't have to be awkward or boring. I'll help you guys pose and give you silly prompts to get those natural laughs and smiles! Bring whatever props, etc. you'd like to include in your photos.

You can never go wrong wearing neutral/earthy tones. I'd suggest avoiding distracting bold patterns/stripes for your session. This will help insure that the focus is on you and not what you're wearing. Of course in some situations bold colors can be stunning and really make a statement so its up to you and the look you're going for with these photos! Ultimately, wear an outfit you love and feel confident in! If the location of the session has a place to change, you are more than welcome to bring an extra outfit or two!

How About Bridal Portrait Sessions?


On your wedding day you feel-- and look -- like a princess! Some brides want to dedicate a session to capturing them in their dress (and all the other gorgeous details!) without the rush and stress of the wedding day. Sometimes these sessions are done at the wedding venue and sometimes the bride wants a totally different location that they wouldn't be able to get to on the wedding day. Usually your florist will have the option for you to get a bouquet specifically for the session and we schedule on the day you have your hair and makeup trials so everything is just like it'll be on the day-of!


Often brides like to get a large print to display at the reception. If this is something you're interested in, I'd recommend scheduling the session at lest two months before the wedding to give you plenty of time to order and receive your print!

GETTING READY PHOTOS


Its finally your wedding day! What do you need to know about the getting ready photos?

I always prefer taking getting ready photos with lots of natural light! Of course, this isn't a must, so if your bridal suite doesn't have a ton of natural light, make sure you, as the bride, take the most well-lit spot in the room. Some clutter is to be expected as you and the girls are getting ready, but try and keep the snack bags and soda cans to a minimum right around the areas I'm photographing if you can. It just keeps the photos looking clean!


Determine whether or not you will be doing a first look with your bridesmaids (right after you put on your dress), your dad, or brother(s) and plan to prepare them for when and where this will be taking place.


It's always a good idea to err on the safe side when planning time for photos throughout the day. I'd rather you be ready early and have a few minutes to relax before the ceremony than have rush through those last photos. Of course, you can't plan for everything and delays are anticipated. If things are running behind we can always find a way to change things up last-minute so I can still capture all the important moments!

FLAT LAYS/DETAIL SHOTS


While you're all getting ready, I will take a some time to gather all your details for some flat lay shots. I'll take your rings, jewelry, shoes, etc. and arrange them to capture some pretty detail shots. If this is something you'd like captured, I recommend preparing a box of everything you want included. This makes it easy for me to take everything to a location with good light and put it all back where you will be able to find it later. Some ideas of things to include:


  • Both you and your fiancé's wedding bands
  • A copy of your wedding invitation
  • One of your save-the-dates
  • Any jewelry you will be wearing
  • The bottle of perfume you're going to wear
  • Your shoes
  • Your garter
  • Some left over loose flowers or greenery from your florist


THE FIRST LOOK


Should you do a first look? What are the pros and cons? A first look is not only a great way to save time after the ceremony by allowing us to get most of your bridal and wedding party photos done ahead of time, but it also gives you a chance to spend some time together before things get busy. I also find I usually get a more genuine reaction from both the bride and the groom when they don't have an audience! However, I still have lots of clients choose to have the grand reveal be at the ceremony which is always a super sweet moment, too! This also means we can do all the photos at once which some couples prefer.


Many of my brides have also done a first look with their dad or brothers as well which I always love!

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS


These are always so much fun! Here are a few things you can do to help prepare your bridal party.

Bride-- remind your bridesmaids or assign your maid of honor to make sure everyone has remove any hair ties from their wrists before the portraits/ceremony and have their bouquets with them for the photos.

Groom-- make sure all of your groomsmen empty their pockets for the photos. This ensures we don't see phone or key shaped outlines in their pockets!

FAMILY PORTRAITS


Family photos are important but have a tendency to be chaotic if not well planned. Make sure everyone involved knows when and where we will be taking photos. (Usually this is done right after the ceremony at the alter, but if the lighting is harsh we can go elsewhere.) Consider assigning someone who knows the family well to assist in gathering the right people for the photos- It's hard for me to know who is family and who isn't so I would appreciate the help!


Common Groupings:

Bride/Groom + Bride's parents

Bride/Groom + Groom's parents

Bride/Groom + Both sets of parents

Bride/Groom + Bride's immediate family

Bride/Groom + Bride's extended family

Bride/Groom + Groom's immediate family

Bride/Groom + Groom's extended family


BRIDE AND GROOM PORTRAITS


While a first look is great, it sometimes means shooting in harsh, mid-day sun. Even if you aren't doing a first look and we do your photos after the ceremony (but before golden hour), I would recommend planning on 15-20 minutes to sneak away from the reception just before sunset to get some shots with that glowy, golden light. If it turns out to be cloudy or rainy that day, we can always opt out the day of!


I recommend having a total of 45 minutes to an hour of your wedding day dedicated to your bride + groom portraits. These are the photos you're going to print out, hang on your walls, and give to loved ones so we don't want to be in a rush!


Of course, if you can't set aside that much time in your timeline, I am happy to work with what we can fit in the schedule!

THE SEND-OFF


If you are planning a send-off with sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks, etc. that you want photos of but you're having trouble fitting it in before the end of your chosen package length, consider doing a "fake send-off". Usually the last hour or two of a reception is all about dancing with your friends and loved ones. If the bouquet and garter tosses are already done, there is only so much variety I can get from the dance floor so some couples like to do their send off for the photos, then go back in to continue the celebration after I have left. This also gives you a larger group since many guests will leave before the wedding is over. But, if you have your heart set on waiting until the end, I don't mind sticking around either!


WHATS NEXT?


Between now and your wedding be sure to keep in touch! When you have your timeline planned out, send it my way so I know how to best prepare for the events of the day.


Until then...

  • If we haven't already, lets figure out a date for your engagement session and get it on the calendar!
  • About 2 months before your wedding I will send a questionnaire. This will help me make sure I'm aware of all the details for your big day!
  • Your remaining balance will be due 2 months before your wedding day and I will send you a reminder a few days ahead of time.
  • If you are planning on a bridal portrait session, we can get that coordinated as soon as you know when you'll have your dress and can do your hair/makeup trials.
  • Feel free to send me questions, Pinterest links, or photos you want to try and replicate anytime and I will add them to your client folder!


Again, my phone number is: (517) 920-1611