I Truly Think Getting MarrieD has madE us Better Photographers
There's something about being in the hot seat--the person in front of the camera on the biggest day of your life--that teaches you more about being a wedding photographer than shooting 1000 weddings ever will. When you're the person that has put in all the planning, and frankly, the money, the stakes seem higher. Your emotions are running wild and it is finally the day. It has made us both more empathetic to the bride and groom and that much more willing to go above and beyond to exceed their expectations.
Tip 1: Hire a Coordinator
I cannot stress this enough. Hire. A. Coordinator. As a type-A individual, I did all the planning and organizing myself and loved every moment of it. But we did elect to hire a month-of coordinator who organized our timelines, made final contacts with our vendors, made sure to coordinate their arrival, ran the rehearsal, and made our day run as smoothly as possible. She was the one watching the clock, not me. I was able to sink in to my role a bride and savor each and every last moment. Our coordinator was through our venue (shout out to Kaleighn Labore with Highland Stables in Bowling Green, KY!) so make sure you ask if this is an option. If not, there are a ton of fabulous independent coordinators out there. Whether you need help at every step or just for the day, this is a MUST HAVE.
Tip 2: Limit Your Shot List
While it is amazing having your family and friends around you when you say "I Do," your wedding is not a family reunion. Limit your must-have shot list to just those closest to you. This will not only decrease your stress but it will allow you to take more time for your couple portraits without feeling rushed. That doesn't mean you can't take pictures with everyone else, just save it for the reception! We waited to do our first look at the altar but we had every separate family shot done prior to the ceremony. Afterward we took three family photos (his parents, my parents + siblings, my grandparents) and one large bridal party photo and that was it. The rest of the social hour was spent with just the two of us in the golden setting sun getting the most perfect couple portraits. It was my absolute favorite time of the day. During the reception, I was able to grab the few extended family members who wanted photos and our photographer snapped them right there on the dance floor. They are still stunning but didn't require coordinating a large group of people to get done or take away from the in-between moments of the day.
Tip 3: Slow Down
The day is going to rush by--make sure to schedule in time to breathe. Take more time than you think you'll need. Eat breakfast and/or lunch with your bridal party/groomsmen. Give yourself time to get ready with your mom or dad. Count your breaths before you walk down the aisle. Treat golden hour as a time for just the two of you. Treasure each and every moment to its fullest.
Tip 4: Be Prepared
Something will go wrong. It may be something little or something big, but something will go sideways. Don't stress. If you've got a wedding coordinator, this is their moment to shine (another great reason to have one on board). Let your parents or maid of honor/best man handle things that need more direct attention. Prepare as much as possible (think emergency kit with all the essentials) but do not let it ruin your day. It is still going to be the most magical experience you've had thus far.
Tip 5: Splurge on the Photos
I know what you're thinking-- "of course, the wedding photographer wants us to spend more money on photos." But truly, your photos are some of the most important parts of your wedding day. When the sun sets on that day, all that is left is your spouse, your video, and your photos. The food will be eaten, the linens returned, and the music will fade away. Your photos will stay with your for a lifetime. They're an heirloom you'll pass down to children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. You'll hold these photos in your wrinkled hands decades from now and remember exactly how you felt in each moment. The first time you saw each other that day, the first kiss, the first dance--everything that fits together on your first day as husband and wife. There is nothing more magical than that and you should invest in those memories.
And last, but not least, photo credit to our AMAZING wedding photographers at The Miller Edit. Our original photographer was gravely ill and they stepped in last minute and absolutely rocked it. Brit and Cody will always be our knights in shining armor.
