Regardless of the size or location, there are countless details every couple must contend with in a wedding event. Formal wedding pictures are typically created in a very intense, relatively short period of time, and so, many details must fall in line quickly. We strive to bring continuity, organization and humor to this process - after all, we may as well have a good time while accomplishing great things!

Over time there have been a variety of tips that have presented themselves that we’d like to pass on…

1. ✤The pre-wedding hours tend to be very stressful. Many things happen in a very short time period. Have a rest area set aside with light food such as sandwiches, cheese & crackers and cool, non-staining beverages like water or lemonade. This works two-fold:
   

2. ✦The nourishment is essential for helping the body to rejuvenate itself & will help to alleviate nausea or fainting
   

3. ✦Food is a great social thing here in America. Just the act of eating & drinking will help to calm the mind.
   

4. ✤The photography process, regardless of how long, is a tiring process. Knowing this, we encourage bridges & grooms to take five between the personal portraits and the wedding party sets. A short break will boost their energy level and diffuse frustrations which will in turn create better portraits. So, the five minutes is a win-win for everyone.
   

5. ✤Create a Wedding Agenda that can be handed out at the rehearsal. Some items that can be included in this agenda: What time they should be at the church; time to be available for pictures; where they can find their flowers, where they can dress at; when ushers will begin seating guests; when the prelude music will begin; when grandparent and parents will be ushered in; when lighting of candles will take place - and any other general information that will help all the “players” of the wedding know what is expected of them. The photographer should receive a copy of this agenda as well.
   

6. ✤Remind people (the agenda is a great place for this to be in writing) that being available for pictures also means being ready. Ready includes not only the dress or tux, but the flowers and jewelry they’re to wear with it. This seemingly obvious statement is really not. The people involved with the wedding are thinking of many things & are probably pretty excited prior to the wedding and, more often than not, this very thing is easily overlooked causing everyone to stop & start over.
   

7. ✤Ask one person to be present throughout the entire photography session. This “coordinator” could gather people needed for pictures, attend to any miscellaneous needs of the wedding party or photographers and in general assist throughout the photographic process.
   

8. ✤Try to make a little quiet time after the pictures and before the ceremony. A place to be alone, or with each other, even for just a few minutes to come into the mind set of the reality of what’s about to happen. We schedule our photo sessions to finish at least one hour before the wedding, specifically with this in mind.