The Shea Brianne Wedding Experience Guide

T HE

WEDDING

E X P E R I E N C E A GUIDE FOR SHEA BRIANNE BRIDES

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W E L C O M E Hello, bride-to-be! I am so excited to welcome you to the Shea Brianne Photography family! This season of your life as a bride will be one of the most beautiful, busy, and memorable, and I’m honored to walk through it with you! As your wedding photographer, my goal isn’t just to deliver you gorgeous wedding photos, but to also be a source of advice, education, and care as you prepare for your big day. We truly love our clients and want to make every wedding experience with us simple, enjoyable, and fun! I often tell my brides to realize that it’s not your job to have this whole “wedding thing” down and perfect! I want to help guide you through what we can do to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and that you love the artistry we create together!

That’s what this guide is all about. Whether you’re wondering what time to do your ceremony or if you should do a first look or not, offering my expertise in all things wedding is my way of helping you navigate the path towards your dream wedding photos. I hope that these pages fill you with excitement, inspiration, and knowledge! I encourage you to take a deep breath, make yourself a latte, and give yourself some time to relax and enjoy this guide!

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GET TO KNOW SHELBY Typically, we would be doing this over coffee (and a few pastries). But for now, let me give you the basics on the girl who will be behind the camera at your wedding: I grew up a tomboy and somehow now my world revolves around blush, tulle, and diamond rings. Go figure! I have this huge crush on my second shooter, who happens to be my husband. I love my clients and I love walking through this season of life with them! So, basically, you’re already one of my favorite people. Welcome to the Shea Brianne family!

WEDDING DAY FAVORITES You may not realize this, but every photographer has parts of the wedding day that they favor! Below you can read through three of my favorite parts of the wedding day and why these moments are close to my heart!

BRIDAL DETAILS

BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS

Portrait time with the bride and I love starting off the day with groom is hands down my favorite beautiful details! I consider this part of the day! This is when I my “warm up” time. These details produce my best work and when allow me to be creative from the my couples really get to enjoy their moment I begin shooting on your wedding day. I especially love those wedding day. I love having this time sweet first look moments! to prepare for the rest of your day!

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BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS The energy during bridal party portraits is always exciting; it is definitely a favorite set of shots for our brides! I love seeing the utter joy on bridal members faces as they celebrate the couple during this part of the day– always so much fun!

HUSBAND + WIFE TEAM We’ll let you in on a little secret: having a husband + wife photography team is one of the best decisions you could make when choosing your wedding photographers. We get to know you as a couple, shoot your photos together, and when the big day comes, you are working with a couple who knows what it’s like to be in your shoes, making for a experience where you always feel like you have both a knowledgable friend and wedding expert by your side. We both believe in beautiful marriages, and we’re ready to be there for yours!

HER

Chai Lattes Loves Reading Queen of Awkward Jokes Posing & Editing Master BA in Psycholog y Hybrid Photog raphy

HIM

Black Coffee Loves Hunting King of Calm & Cool Techie & Equipment Pro BA in Digital Arts Digital Photog raphy + Video 5

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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Engagement Session Intro

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Engagement Prep Tips

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Engagement Outfit Inspiration

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Preparing Your Groom

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Sample Timeline Breakdown

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Weddings through the Seasons

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Preceremony Prep

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Bridal Details & Timing Tips

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The First Look

46 The Daddy / Daughter First Look

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Ceremony Prep & Tips

52 Planning Destination Weddings 54

The Family For mals List

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Your Romantic Portrait Time

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Trusting the Portrait Locations

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Bridal Party

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Reception Planning

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The Controlled Exit

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Creating Your First Heirloom

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Your Online Gallery Explained

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YO U R

ENGAGEMENT

SESSION Now that you have picked a date, a photographer,

be anytime before your wedding day, but I

and probably a venue as well, you can celebrate!

normally suggest booking it at least 3-6 months

Those are some of the toughest decisions in

in advance to avoid stress. Because our weekends

wedding planning and you can cross them off

are filled with weddings, I shoot engagements

your list! Yay! Now on to the fun stuff... Like

on weekday evenings, normally from 5-7pm

your engagement session! I include engagement

depending on the light and the time of the year.

sessions in all the Shea Brianne Collections

In the winter months, 3-5pm is a normal time

because I truly believe that they are a vital part

frame for an e-shoot! As you start to plan for

of the entire process. During your engagement

your engagement shoot, you will need to start

session, you’ll have the chance to get to know

brainstorming about location ideas.

me, experience how I shoot and how I handle

when couples pick a location that is special or

posing and lighting. This session will make a

sentimental to them in some way! If you can’t

huge impact on how the wedding day flows. I’ll

think of anywhere specific that you would like to

arrive on your wedding day already knowing how

shoot, I can help you decide on a location! As

you two interact, what your best poses are and

long as the light is great, I can make any location

how to photograph you in a genuine way! What

look beautiful! I shoot at farms, fields, lakes and

I will learn about you during your engagement

even on the edge of cliffs! I’m serious! Do not shy

session is invaluable! You will feel like such a pro

away from crazy ideas! The more creative, the

on your big day because of the great practice you

better! Be sure to keep reading to find out more

had during your engagement session and that’s

about outfit ideas and inspiration!

I love it

how it should be! Your engagement session can

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ENGAGEMENT PREP It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken... Even if it’s just a photo on an iPhone that is taken by a friend, we still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth, and that our hair is behaving! I realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips that will make the e-shoot preparation a little more managable!

Tip #1: Being too matchy-matchy can come off as distracting.

Tip #6: I advise to have one casual outfit and then one outfit that

Instead, try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate in

is dressier/formal! This will give your shoot two totally different

tones.

“looks”. I recommend beginning with the dressy outfit first!

Tip #2: Neutral colors are always a safe bet! Neutrals don’t just

Tip #7: Make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing.

mean white; try blush, cream, grey, tan, light blue, or denim!

And ladies, if the top is super low cut, that will limit the amount

Then, along with your neutrals, add a pop of color somewhere!

of angles I can shoot from.

Tip #3: Patterns are fine! Just keep them simple and undistracting.

Tip #8: Feel free to bring your pet! I feel like this helps put couples

While patterns are a good option, shirts with graphics and logos

at ease and keeps things interesting and personal!

are a no-go.

Tip #9: Clean the ring! I love to shoot a few rings shots during Tip #4: Wear nice shoes (guys especially), but bring a comfy pair

the session and the cleaner it is, the better!

too in case of adventure and romping through nature!

Tip #10: Relax! You don’t have to be a pro at this! I’m going to Tip #5: Empty your pockets! Literally. You don’t want to have

help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! Enjoy this

key chains or phones showing through your pockets. (Also for

time together and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards

the guys especially)!

and celebrate.

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O U T F I T I N S P I R AT I O N

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ENGAGEMENT SESSION Approximate Start Times:

WINTER

SUM M E R

D e c-Mar 3-5pm

Jun- A ug 6:30- 8:30pm

December through Mid-March you can

Summer engagements, just like so many

plan on your engagement session taking

engagements, take place two hours before

place around 3-5pm. However, the time

sunset. This will hopefully mean that the

changes in Mid-March and so that will

shoot will be during the cooler part of the

make the start time one hour later.

day.

SPR I N G A pr-May - Vari e s

FALL Se p- Nov - Varies

The sunset time changes throughout the

The sunset time changes drastically

course of these two months and so our

during these three months. In Sep, you

shooting times change as well. You can

can plan on 5:30-7:30 until the third week

plan on approximately 5:30-7:30 in April

and then you can plan on 5:00-7:00 until

and 6:00-8:00 in May.

Mid- Oct. After the first week of Nov, 3:00-5:00pm.

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LOGISTICS: We photograph engagement sessions on weekday evenings because our weekends are dedicated to photographing weddings!

We love shooting at gorgeous locations. We recommend two locations max for engagements. A general rule of thumb is the more locations and outfits, the less images but the more variety you’ll have!

We can do sunrise sessions if necessary! Sometimes a sunrise shoot is necessary when couples only have free time before work in the morning; this works just fine!

We love to travel to our shoots! However, if we have never been to your desired location, we may need some advice for where to park!

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P R E PA R I N G YO U R G RO O M

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P R E PA R I N G YO U R G RO O M If you’re a bride that is a little anxious about how your groom

your guy and showing him one of your favorite engagement

is going to react to this whole “picture” thing, you’re not alone.

sessions that I have photographed. Spend some time together

We receive so many emails from brides who are worried that

scrolling through a few blog posts, this will allow him to gauge

their groom won’t be into it and I have great news for you...

what his expectations should be. I also recommend that you

You both are more photogenic than you think! We are con-

allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! There is nothing

stantly surprising couples by discovering their hidden model-

worse than when a couple shows up late and they have been

ing skills and our most common response from our grooms is,

arguing in the car! That is definitely going to put your groom

“that was fun!” That is our goal with every session! When

in a bad mood! Last but not least, remember to have patience

the groom says that taking pictures was fun, we know have

with him and don’t assume that he’s not going to have a good

done our job well! Your engagement session is supposed to be

time... I think you’ll be surprised how much you will both en-

playful and relaxed. As you prepare for your shoot, there are

joy your session with us!

a few things that you can do to help your groom know what to expect. First of all, I highly recommend sitting down with

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YO U R

WEDDING D AY

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SAMPLE TIMELINE

After the details have been photographed,

Bridal Details 2:30-3:15

it’s time for the bride to get into her dress!

This is a big moment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal

First Look

4:00

portraits!

Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of her bridal details. It’s an important part of the story and I love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. These shots allow me to get warmed up for the rest of the big day. I normally like to allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day. While I’m shooting details, I’m also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls get-

3:15-3:45 Bridal Prep

This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for my couple’s First Look prior to the

ting ready! If the groom is getting ready

getting ready portion of the day! Don’t

nearby, Jared will begin photographing

stress about that one bit! I will make sure

the boys close to 40 minutes before the

the location is private and as secluded as

first look since it always takes them less

possible.

time to get dressed!

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Portraits 4:15-4:45

Bridal Party Portraits 4:50-5:20 ..... great shots of the guys and girls both separately and together! After bridal party portraits are complete, the bride will go into hiding so that early guests don’t sneak a peek and the ushers will begin their duties.

After the bride and groom take their time with the First Look, I will begin taking a few romantic portraits of the two of them while the initial excitment is still present!

I will find the locations for these shots as well! Remember, the light determines where we shoot and so I can’t always guarantee portrait locations until the day-

Now it’s time for bridal party shots! I buf-

of. As we shoot these portraits, the bridal

fer in extra time throughout the day just

party can start making their way to us for

in case we have some unexpected things

bridal party portraits!

that hold us up! One way to make sure we

5:30-6:00 Bride in Hiding

stay on schedule for bridal party portraits is to have someone put the boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they arrive for portraits. During Bridal Party portraits, I will make sure to take some...

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T H E T I M E L I N E C O N T I N U E D. . .

Reception Details 5:30-5:50 It’s time to get married! Most ceremonies

Family Portraits 6:40-7:10

are 30 minutes long. If your ceremony

Family formals normally take place

is longer than 30 mins, we’ll make

immediately following the ceremony. It’s

adjustments to the timeline! Cherish these

best to save all of the family formals until

moments! Your ceremony will pass by so

after the ceremony because all family

quickly!

members will be present at that time.

If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to shoot the reception decor untouched. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, I recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible so that I can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins and guests start laying down purses and coats on their seats!

Ceremony 6:00-6:30

We’ll need about 20 mintues for family formals and I will send a questionnaire before the wedding where you can list out the shots that you want. I recommend shooting portraits outdoors if possible so that they resemble more natural family portraits, especially if the ceremony location is dark!

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A Few “Just Married” Portraits 7:15-7:30

We try to include enough coverage so

Reception Begins!

7:30

that we can be present for the main events of the reception and about an hour of dancing! If you’re interested in having your exit photographed, there are several options for this! You can either add additional coverage or plan a faux exit with just your bridal party! We have had great success with this and the party never stops! Email me about this if you’re interested in learning more!

7:00 is the best time of day for portraits

This is when the bridal party lines up for

in the late spring, summer and early fall!

introductions and the party begins! By

This is when the sun is glowy and golden.

this part of the day, my timeline isn’t as

I love having a few extra minutes with

strict. I work off of the natural light and

the bride and groom to take a few “just

so after the sun is set, my portrait time is

married” portraits right after family

over and I begin focusing on the reception

formals!

events!

10:30 The Exit

A PPROX IMAT E T IMES: DETA ILS & PREP: 1.5 HOURS FIRST LOOK & PORTR A ITS: 30 -40 MINS BR IDA L PA RT Y: 30 -40 MINS FA MILY FOR M A LS: 20 MINS EXTR A PORTR A IT TIME: AS MUCH TIME AS YOU’LL GIVE ME!

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WEDDINGS &

SEASONS Portrait & Timing Tips for:

WINTER, SUMMER, FALL & SPRING WI NTER

SUMMER

Winter weddings are gorgeous! However, they do take some

Summer weddings are amazing! I love that there is so much

additional planning simply because of the sunset time. The

daylight! In some months, the light will last until 8:30pm! So,

hard part about a winter timeline is the fact that the sun sets

if you’re having a summer wedding, you’ll need to plan on

around 4pm. This means that all of your portraits have to be

having a few minutes to slip out of the reception for your sunset

done before then! This isn’t a problem if you’re having a late

portraits! You will not regret this! This is the absolute best light

afternoon wedding. However, if you’re planning on having a

of the day and you’re going to want to have portraits during this

late evening wedding, you may have a bit of down time from

time period. Usually these portraits happen during dinner or

4pm until the start of the ceremony. You will also need more

open dancing so that no one even notices that you’re gone for a

coverage time as well.

few minutes!

FALL

SPR ING

I love the temperature and the colors of fall weddings! Most of

Spring weddings are wonderful because they are the perfect

my fall brides worry about color and I just want to encourage

temperature! However, I recommend having plenty of Claritin

you that all I need is one tree with some color in order to make it

and Zyrtec on hand just in case allergies start to flare up during

look like fall! A little bit of color can go a long way! Your portrait

portrait time. Spring weddings normally mean the potential for

time will vary depending on your wedding date! We’ll be sure to

some blooms! If we happen to find any type of blooming tree

discuss this when we approve your final timeline!

or plant, it will be worth it to give us a few minutes for a few portraits with it! You’ll love the result!

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PRE-CEREMONY

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Let the day begin!

This portion of The Wedding Experience really sets the stage for the entire wedding day. The next few pages will share tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless morning of bridal preparation and beautiful portraits!

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G E T T I N G R E A DY

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It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the

this time? If so, who would you like to deliver them? Are

little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with

there certain women in your life who would appreciate

your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain

seeing you get into your gown? Some brides want very

items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time

few people around for this moment. It’s totally up to you!

to hand them over to someone else. Delegation is a key

A few other things to consider... As you get ready to put

part of a stress-free wedding day. I know it’s hard to

your dress on, refrain from putting any jewelry on. I

hand over the decorating duties and all of the last minute

love shooting all of those final steps once you’re in your

things that need to be done but, it really is important to

gown! Speaking of the gown, if your gown is on a plastic

relax the morning of your wedding. The rest of the day

hanger, try to make a note to bring a wooden hanger

is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emotions!

along for picture sake. If you forget, no big deal! I usually

Take advantage of this down time! There are a few

remember to keep one in my car! Finally, be prepared

things to consider about the “getting ready” portion of

for me to take a few staged getting ready shots, like your

the day. Do you want to share a “first look” with your

mom or grandma helping put your dress or veil on, or

dad or any other person who plays a huge role in your

you spritzing on some perfume. Keep reading along for

life? Will you and your groom be exchanging gifts during

more “getting ready” tips to help you prepare!

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THE

WINDO W EFFECT

By having just a simple window in the bridal prep area, I am able to create beautiful portraits with soft light. I prefer natural light so the more windows, the better!

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E V E RY L I TTL E D E TA I L

RINGS, SHOES, JEWELS ...

The whole day begins with the details! This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day because it allows me to prepare and get my creative side warmed up for the rest of the day! I photograph a bride’s details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the entire wedding day. So, in some ways, the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding and I love having ample time to stylize and shoot everything from the dress to the jewelry to grandma’s handkerchief ! To the right you’ll find a list of the most common details that I shoot. I ask brides to gather any details they have before I arrive so that I can walk in, say hello, give you a huge hug and then begin with all the good stuff!

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W H AT TO B R I N G

{

dress veil / hair pieces rings (all three) shoes bouquet & bout jewelry perfume invitation suite borrowed & blue

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D AY- O F R E M I N D E R S

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G ATH E R the goods.

If possible, collect all of your details before I arrive so that I can begin quickly and have more time for some “getting ready” shots of you and your girls!

Sometimes, depending on the theme and “look” of the wedding day, there may be some extra elements that

E X TRA elements.

you could include when you gather your details. For eample, if you’re having a French-themed wedding, you could include a macaron or lavendar sprig. If you’re having a rustic themed wedding that includes some wooden elements, maybe save a small piece of wood for me to use when I’m shooting your rings and jewerly.

This really makes for beautiful, consistent album spreads!

The most common detail missing when I arrive are the rings! Moms, officiants, and planners will tell you to

KEEP all three rings.

hand over your wedding band to the best man before the day begins. However, it’s actually better to hand it over during the bridal party portraits so that I can shoot some great ring shots in the AM! If you forget, no worries, I can always shoot the ring shot at the reception if there is extra time!

B RIN G the bouquet.

Don’t forget the bouquet! Have the bouquets and bouts delivered to the bride before the first look so that she can have her bouquet in her portraits. No worries, if it’s hot, we’ll be sure to keep it in water as much as possible before the ceremony!

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When you’re planning a wedding day timeline, the best advice I could give is to add cushion time. Sometimes the most simple things can take an extra twenty minutes and then all of a sudden, the whole morning is thrown off. I have seen “getting the bride in her dress” take almost forty minutes because of a button malfunction. It’s a smart idea to add in an extra ten minutes here and there so that we have some wiggle room to work with! This way, if one part of the day gets thrown off by twenty minutes, I can help you compensate that time in other areas. There are so many different things to think about when you’re planning a wedding day and so here are some tips for the pre-ceremony timeline! I realize that every single wedding day is different and so not all of these tips will apply to every wedding day schedule. Something else to consider is that not everything will go as planned, and I promise you, that is completely normal, and it will be okay! I will be there to help you!

BOUQUETS AND BOUTS

TRAVEL TIME

HAIR & MAKEUP

GROOMSMEN PREP

You will need your bouquet & bouts

Be sure to think about the travel time

I encourage brides to have at least

Jared will photograph the guys getting

for your First Look! Have them de-

and traffic to and from your getting

their makeup done before I start

ready if they are getting ready in the

livered to the room where the bride

ready location and your venue!

because who wants a ton of shots

same location as the bride or within

without their makeup on? Nobody.

10-15 mins.

is getting ready.

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TIMING TIPS

GETTING IN THE DRESS

CREATE A CUSHION

I’ll instruct you to get into your dress

A 10 minute cushion every now and

close to a window and it would be

then is a great idea! It’s amazing how

fabulous to have your bridemaids and

fast time slips away the day of !

mom dressed when you’re getting in your gown!

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T H E B R I DA L B O U QU E T There are so many expenses when it comes to wedding planning. Many brides have to prioritize what they want to invest in. I just want to give a little tip that can save money and make a huge impact on the way your images turn out. If you’re having trouble making a decision about your florals, here is what I suggest. I reccomend making your bridal bouquet a big priority! When I’m photographing a wedding, if the bride has a gorgeous bouquet, I can make the entire day look like there were beautiful florals everywhere! I can use the bridal bouquet to spruce up bridal details, reception details and even bride and groom portraits as well! The bridal bouquet is a focal point for me when it comes to your photography and so I highly recommend getting your DREAM bouquet and investing less on the bridesmaids bouquets since they will not be photographed nearly as much!

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VEIL OPTIONS Since many of our couples opt for a first look, we have typically have time for bridal veil shots! I recommend that the bride only wear her veil when she comes down the aisle and I recommend this for three different reasons. 1. This is something new for your groom to see when you’re walking down the aisle! 2. A lot of times, during a First Look, the groom is so excited to see his bride that he accidently pulls the veil out when he throws his arms around her! And 3. Saving the veil for the ceremony ensures that I will get some “just married” portrait time with the couple because every bride needs to have a “veil blowing in the wind” shot of their own! This isn’t a rule that we ask all brides to follow, it’s simply a suggestion that we make after having photographed so many weddings!

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YO U R F I R S T L O O K Your first look is an amazing part of your wedding day! If you aren’t sure about what to do with this tradition, the next few pages will explain the options of the “First Look” versus seeing each other for the first time at the aisle, pros and cons of both, and how it can be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration add to your overall experience! And just remember, if you still can’t decide what to do, contact me! Generally, just by knowing my clients’ personalities, I can tell you which option I feel is the best fit for you two!

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THE

FIRST LOOK explained

First Looks have a special place in my heart. Jared and I did one for our

event, but I actually advise my couples to keep it totally private! This way,

wedding, and it was one of my favorite parts of our day! A First Look is

you won’t have any bridal members hooting and hollering when you kiss

a time during your wedding day before the ceremony to meet with your

or while you try to talk. It makes it much less distracting, and you’ll be able

groom in private and see each other before the wedding festivities begin.

to share your emotions more freely. If you’re wondering if it feels awkward

This newer tradition has become increasingly popular because brides enjoy

having your photographers around during this special moment, let me fill

having that intimate moment with just their groom and not with all of their

you in on how we do things. Typically, Jared will have a zoom lens on and

wedding guests. First looks have many benefits and are an awesome option

I will have a wide lens. We will be off a far enough distance so we can’t hear

if you’re wanting an itinerary that includes more portrait time before the

anything you’re saying to each other, but because of our choice of lenses,

ceremony instead of after. However, while there are many logistical benefits

we will capture both tight shots of your emotions and wide shots of this

to a First Look, I am actually not one of the many photographers who

whole special moment! We stand back for about ten minutes, or until you

adamantly push a First Look over seeing each other at the aisle. Brides

tell us you’re ready to start taking couple portraits. So don’t worry; when

who choose to forego a First Look typically choose to do so because they

we say it’s an intimate experience, we really mean it and want to make that

either love keeping tradition and don’t want to see their groom before the

happen for you!

ceremony, or because they are hoping for a more dramatic or emotional reaction from their groom when the walk down the aisle. I don’t think there

With the “First Look timeline” option, here’s how the rest of your wedding

is anything wrong with this option! Either way you’re envisioning how

day will generally look: after this moment together, we will begin your couple

you’re going to reveal yourself to your groom, the most important deciding

portraits. This where the logistics of the First Look are beneficial, because

factor isn’t always necessarily what’s best for the timeline, but what is the

typically, we have plenty of time, we don’t have to rush, and the bride and

best choice for the wedding experience that you want. However, I do want

groom are feeling especially excited and romantic. During these couple

to educate my brides thoroughly on each option so that they can make the

portraits, you get an opporunity not just for pictures, but also to love on each

best decision and be aware of what their wedding day will look like!

other and just be with each other– and even calm each others’ nerves! If you’re worried that you’re going to get super nervous before the ceremony,

So what should you expect if you choose to do a First Look? Well, first of

plan a First Look, because seeing your groom will definitely alleviate a lof

all you can rest assured that we will have a great location picked out for this

of your anxiety! After we get your portraits all finished up, we’ll invite your

to happen! We try to find a place that has beautiful lighting and that is also

bridal parties to come and join us. This is really fun, because you can feel

private. Some brides like for their parents and bridesmaids to watch this

the energy of the wedding day start to rise as you and your bridal party get more excited for the upcoming ceremony!

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After your ceremony, we will immediately begin family photos. Once those

Once the girls have their portraits taken, we bring out the groom and his

are all taken, typically the bride and groom are free to head to cocktail hour

groomsmen and do the same thing. The reason we shoot these images

or to grab some dinner! How easy was that?! However, we do recommend

during this time is so that you will have more time for portraits after the

that at sunset, whether that’s right then or at dinner time or during the

ceremony. However, keep in mind that we will still need time to do full

dancing, that you slip away with us for even just 10-20 minutes for some

bridal party shots! After the ceremony, we will immediately begin family

sunset photos! You will not regret doing this. Never ever have we heard

portraits. With this option of timeline, keep in mind that your couple

anything but amazing and positive comments about how glad our couples

portraits are what are most important to us after you’ve said “I do!” We will

were that they did this. Just realize, the sun sets very quickly! We will give

make sure to stay on schedule for family photos so that we do not run out

you a heads up when it’s about time for that opportunity, but it will be your

of daylight for your portraits. If we run out of time for family photos, no

responsibility to cut off chatting with guests and follow us out to get those

worries! We can take additional shots during the reception. Once we have

shots in time!

your family photos done, we will move on to the full bridal party. Here is where I must reiterate: if you decide to go with this type of timeline, we

For those foregoing the First Look, you will get to share that special moment

highly advise that you carefully and strategically plan in an ample amount

when we meet each other at the aisle! Maybe you’ve dreamed about that

of time for bridal party and couple photos. You might feel pressured to

moment since you were a little girl, and can’t wait for that “movie moment”

keep this time short because you feel like you are keeping your guests from

when the crowd rises and your groom sees you. We love capturing these

enjoying the rest of the night or from having their dinner, but please realize

shots! If you’re leaning towards not doing a First Look, let me explain how

these portraits are what you have paid for! Moreover, your couple portraits

we typically handle that timeline-wise. There is absolutely nothing wrong

are a once-in-a-lifetime moment and you will never get this chance again!

with this option, but we do have to be more careful with our time and plan-

Allow yourself enough time to truly ENJOY this part of your day. Cater in

ning. After the bride gets ready, we will grab her and her bridesmaids and

some appetizers or have an open bar! Your guests can munch and mingle

get some bride and bridesmaids photos. At this time, some brides also wish

without getting antsy.

to try and add in some immediate family member photos, however, I advise against this as usually family members have not arrived yet and it is much

I hope now you have a clear idea of what your options of a first look are! To

easier to just schedule in time post-ceremony for this. Trust me, I’ve seen this

help you decide on what’s best for you, continue to the next page!

happen too many times! You’ll be much less stressed this way!

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F I R S T L O O K V S . AT T H E A I S L E

COUPLE PORTRAITS

With a First Look, you do generally get more time for couple photos, because we do them right after you’ve seen each other when time isn’t as pressed. If you forego a First Look, we will simply advise that you make sure to schedule in a cocktail hour for your guests that will act as our couple portrait time. We will make sure that the itinerary shows enough time post-ceremony for this– just remember to not feel too rushed to get to your guests! These portraits are what you’ll hang in your living room and you will be glad you took the time to enjoy taking lots of them!

THE REACTION

One thing that I love about the First Look is that your groom can actually see your beautiful face and dress up close and you can hear what he has to say about how you look! You get to really experience his reaction together this way. However, some have forever envisioned seeing their sweet groom at the altar with a hankerchief in hand wiping away tears as he,watches his bride walk down the aisle, which I love, too! Either way, you will get a reaction. Just consider which type of reaction is best for your personalities and desired experience!

FAMILY & BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS

It is this portion of the day that you will really see and feel how your choice of a first look option will affect the logistics of your day. For our brides who opt out of the First Look, we will want to arrange your timeline carefully to ensure that we get all of your bridal party and family photos done. Typically, we try to shoot some bridal party photos of all the girls together, and then just the guys all together, so that the bride and groom don’t see each other. Sometimes brides want to try to do some family photos during this time, but we advise against this! After the ceremony, along with the family photos, we ask that our couple schedule in extra time for the full bridal party photos.

THE MAGICAL MOMENT

When you choose a First Look, you essentially are choosing to have a private moment together before the wedding begins. During this moment, you can exchange letters, words, and feelings and make the memory of when you first saw one another in your wedding attire in a space that is more staged, but also intimate. When choosing to see each other at the altar, this magical moment is shared with your closest family and friends, which can be completely heartwarming and so special, too. Like I said, it totally depends on the couple and what you’re dreaming of!

DIMINISH NERVES

Some couples choose a First Look simply because they know they will need to get their nerves out before they walk down the aisle! The walk down the aisle can be intimidating, and if the bride or groom is feeling nervous about the process, we suggest that you opt for a first look for one big reason: typically, seeing your groom or bride will wash away the anxiety! We see this happen all the time. All the stress vanishes when the couple gets to see each other!

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The Daddy / Daughter

FIR ST LOOK This is for all of the brides who have a sweet spot in their heart for their dad. I have to admit that Daddy/Daughter first looks make me a little teary. For a lot of dads, this is when everything feels real and it hits him... “My baby girl is getting MARRIED!” These are precious moments to photograph and I highly encourage any daddy’s girl to make time in their timeline for this moment. It doesn’t take long at all! The hardest part is making sure dad shows up on time!

Another sweet idea we’ve seen is having the father of the bride escort the bride to her first look!

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THE CEREMONY Here it is! The moment everyone has been waiting for! The music is playing and the guests have been seated. Ushers make their way to the back of the venue and the coordinator is lining up the bridesmaids while giving the musicians a five minute warning. The bride is about to walk down the aisle to the love of her life..... And if she’s like most girls, she’s dreamed about this moment for a long time! Vows will be shared and promises will be made... This is what it’s all about! In a world full of wedding blogs, Pinterest and bridal magazines, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and consumed by the “prettiness” of the event.

While details do matter and planning is necessary, it’s important to never lose sight of the real purpose of this amazing day!

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LIGHTING

ORDER OF S E RV I C E

Ceremony lighting is really important. If you get

I have seen so many couples do unique, new traditions

married outdoors at 12pm, the lighting will be

during their ceremony. I’ve photographed couples

extremely harsh and not only will there be harsh

washing each other’s feet, symbolizing that they want

lines of light on your faces, you will also be squinting.

to serve each other for the rest of their life. Some

I suggest planning an outdoor ceremony 2 hours

couples share in communion while some light a unity

before sunset if you are having a First Look. If

candle. I’ve seen sand ceremonies, rope ceremonies

you are not interested in sharing a first look, then I

and the planting of a family tree. The options are

would suggest having your ceremony 3 hours before

limitless! As you plan your ceremony, make sure you

sunset to ensure that you will have plenty of time for

design it to be exactly what the two of you envision it

all of your portraits afterwards. The lower the sun,

to be. This is your day! If you have the freedom to

the more romantic the lighting. If you are having

be creative, then by all means, be creative!

an indoor ceremony, it is always best to have even lighting at the altar with no spotlights.

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P RO G R A M S & D E TA I L S

C O O R D I N AT I O N

Details make the ceremony special and unique to

This might be the most important little column in this

the couple about to get married. Not only do guests

whole guide. Hiring a planner or day-of coordinator

enjoy these personal details, but they will add to the

is SO important! Brides quickly realize that if they

overall story of your wedding photos. Just remember:

do not have someone in charge of the coordination

sometimes less is more! Some of the most beautiful

of the day, that responsibility will automatically fall

weddings we’ve photographed have had very

on the mother of the bride, the photographer, or

minimal, yet beautiful, decor and details. Also, a note

the bride! While we are happy to help out with this

to my dear bride, let someone else do the setting up

when it happens, when a photographer is in charge

please! The last thing a bride needs isto be doing the

of the timeline and the coordinaiton of the day, the

morning of her wedding is running around setting

images will suffer. All of my most stressful wedding

up floral arrangements! This leads me into my next

situations were caused by a lack of organization

VERY IMPORTANT column...

and coordination. It’s so important to make this a priority! If you need any recommendations on wedding coordination services I would love to share some of my favorite vendors with you!

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DE S T INAT IO N Weddings If you are planning a destination wedding, some of your wedding day details will look different than what is in this guide! Your day, your timeline, and even your preparation for the big day will more than likely be much more simple. However, it is a good idea to start thinking about a few key components of the day such as: your ceremony time and your ceremony/portrait locations (some destination weddings require some planning to find portrait locations without tourists in the background). Be sure to check the sunset time at your wedding location before settling on your ceremony time.

As your wedding day draws closer, we’ll begin to chat about the timeline of the day and the travel arrangements. Get excited! This is going to be amazing!

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Sample List for FA M I LY F O R M A L S

We absolutely love meeting our couple’s families on the wedding day! Family formals are normally our first interaction with them and so we love to have a game plan for this part of the day! Eight weeks before the wedding, you’ll receive a wedding info form from us that will ask you to list out the family formals you want us to capture. Here is a sample family formal list to help you start preparing what shots you need. One BIG tip: PLEASE tell family members to stay after the ceremony for their pictures or have your officiant announce it when he dismisses! Your timeline for the rest of the evening can be quickly and immensely thrown off if we are searching for your missing uncle! We do have to limit the family formal time in order to ensure that we have plenty of daylight for your romantic portraits. However, any large family group shots that we don’t accomplish during family formals, we can be sure to capture at the reception!

B&G with Bride’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews) B&G with Bride’s Parents B&G with Bride’s Siblings Bride with her Parents Bride with Mom / Bride with Dad B&G with Bride’s Grandparents B&G with both sets of Parents B&G with Groom’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews) B&G with Groom’s Parents B&G with Groom’s Siblings Groom with his Parents Groom with Mom, Groom with Dad B&G with Groom’s Grandparents

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R O M A N T I C P O RT R A I T S

If we’re being honest, all of the wedding day images are important but the real favorites are almost always from my time with the bride and groom! These romantic portraits of just the two of you will be the images that you frame beside your bed or over your mantle and they will also be the images that will fill your album for generations to enjoy. These images are always my favorite not only because of their beauty but because this is such a sweet portion of the day. For this brief moment in time, you will be alone with your groom on your wedding day. You will have a chance to love on each other and really connect before the craziness begins! Romantic portraits are normally done before the ceremony (after the “First Look”) and then I LOVE and recommend shooting a few “just married” portraits after the ceremony as well! This is when the light is low and golden!

It’s such a romantic time for bride and groom portraits! If you’re not interested in a First Look, we will make sure to include a lot of time after the ceremony for these portraits!

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T RU S T I N G

P O RT R A I T L O C AT I O N S

One of my favorite parts of my job is taking something ordinary and making it look absolutely amazing! This happens most often when it comes to picking portrait locations! If there is one thing that I love and appreciate about my couples, it’s that they trust us! Sometimes I select portrait locations that most people wouldn’t consider attractive. For example, the image on this spread was taken right in just a simple grassy area. To many, it probably didn’t look that amazing– it was literally just a grass patch! However, because my couple trusted me, they have some beautiful bridal party portraits now! So my encouragement is to just trust us! You don’t have to worry about a thing! Trust our locations and I promise you, you’ll love the results!

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your bri d a l par t y.

Let’s chat about your bridal party! This is when the fun really begins! I know from experience that all brides want their closest friends to have an amazing time during their big day and I will make sure that happens! Bridal party portraits should be a ton of FUN! After you share your first look, depending on the locations and the timing of the day, your bridal party will join us for portraits! If all goes well, we will be able to accomplish all of your bridal party porvtraits before the ceremony. This means that your guys and gals will be free to mingle at cocktail hour if they wish!

Sometimes though, as in the picture here, taking some bridal party photos at sunset can look amazing, too! If there are flower girls and ring bearers involved, they can either join us for the pre-ceremony portraits or we can take one final group photo after the ceremony, before family formals. Be sure your groomsmen arrive with boutonnieres and your bridesmaids arrive with bouquets!

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R E C E P T I O N D E TA I L S

The party is here! Receptions can be so fun! However, it’s important to make sure that you have your event well thought out. This is the job of your coodinator and your DJ/Band. Your caterer will also play a big role in the design and set up of your event. Every aspect of your reception affects the overall outline of the evening. For example, if you’re not having a plated meal, your reception will need to be set up in a way that allows movement. Guests will need to be able to find the food stations easily and there will be a mixture of dinner tables and hightop cocktail tables. This will encourage guests to mix and mingle. If you are having a plated dinner, you will more than likely need escort cards, full place settings and space for all of your guests to be seated comfortably. Whatever the style of your event, make sure that you plan out all of the aspects of the evening. Your coordinator and DJ can help you set up the evening so that guests won’t leave early or experience long periods of waiting for the next thing to happen.

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Much like the ceremony, you have the freedom to make your reception your own! It’s your party, it should be exactly how you want it to be! Here is a list of some key events that happen often at receptions:

- Bridal Party Introductions

- Welcome by Father of the Bride

- First Dance

- Blessing

- Daddy-Daughter Dance

- Cake Cutting

- Mother-Son Dance

- Toasts

- Anniversary Dance v

- Bouquet and Garter Toss

- Money Dance

- Large group portraits with friends

- Traditional Religious Dances

- The exit of the Bride and Groom

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RECEPTION TIPS

The fun has begun! It’s time to relax, dance and celebrate! Your reception should be a blast! The last thing you need to be worrying about is your timeline. Your coordinator and DJ should take care of making sure that everything stays on schedule so that you can enjoy your night. Here are some helpful tips that will help your reception flow smoothly.

GUEST CONSIDERATION: Take your guests into consideration when planning your timeline. If you have a lot of elderly guests that will not be staying until the very end, make sure you schedule the cake cutting at a relatively early time so that they can be a part of it. Grandma’s love seeing this sweet tradition!

KEEP IT MOVING: Chat with your coordinator about how you can plan your reception in a way that will keep guests engaged and moving all night!

MAKE IT YOUR OWN: If you want to have a special dance with your grandparents, do it! Make your reception a reflection of who you are and don’t feel tied to traditions. Also, make sure you give your DJ or Band a “Do Not Play” list if there are some songs you really don’t want to hear during your reception!

DON’T GET CAUGHT UP: in the formalities and the details. Sure, details are pretty and fun to photograph, but they can steal the joy of the day if you get too caught up in them. Plan your centerpieces, welcome table, etc. well before the wedding date and teach your coordinator or family friend how to set them up so that you aren’t even thinking about those things the day of !

RECEPTION COVERAGE: If you haven’t purchased enough coverage time for your photography to last until the exit, that’s ok! We have several options! (See next page!) I recommend planning your timeline so that you can have at least one hour of dancing photographed. The guests who dance during the first hour will still be dancing in the third hour! One hour of dancing will be enough time to really capture the joy of your reception!

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RECEPTION:

C O N T RO L L E D EX ITS

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Exits! If your coverage ends before your exit, you have the option of planning a faux exit with your bridal party! This is more common than you may think. Instead of saving your exit until the very end, you can plan a faux exit with just the members of your bridal party and a few family members! This allows us to have more control over these shots and the party never has to stop! In most cases, no one even notices that the bride and groom are missing for a few minutes! Also, it’s almost impossible to tell that the whole wedding party isn’t there waving sparklers and sending off the happy couple! I dare you to look at my blog and see if you can pick out which exits were fake and which were real! This idea allows our couples to save money and still have all of the shots that they dreamed of ! Here are a few more tips for a great exit images!

Tip #1: If you are doing a sparkler exit, make sure whoever is lighting the sparklers doesn’t light them too soon! Having them burn out before you run through the tunnel isn’t as exiting as when they’re all lit up!

Tip #2: We will usually try to put your line of guests somewhat close together so we can get lots of sparklers/confetti/etc. in the shot, so stick close together and try not to look too scared or fearful of the sparks! This can break the magic of photo!

Tip #3: Take your time! Running through the tunnel can be fun and look really cute, but don’t feel like you have to rush through, especially if you’re still in your wedding dress.

Tip #4: Smile and have fun! Try to avoid any last minute hugs until after you run through so we can get the best shots (and your videgrapher can too this way), and feel free to look at the camera or each other!

Tip #5: Nothing is more romantic than a kiss near the end of your exit! Whether your groom dips you, picks you up, twirls you, or just plants a big ole kiss on you, make the most of this moment!

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LEGACY ALBUMS & PRINTS

I have always said that we would grab our Bibles and our wedding album if our house was on fire! Could we always build another wedding album if something happened to this book? Yes. However, there is something special about creating your first heirloom. We made our wedding album right after we were married and we treasure it! Having digital images is wonderful but having a printed keepsake that tells a visual story of our wedding day is priceless!

We know that having heirloom prints and albums is important to you as our client, and so as is our standard, we only offer the best and most luxurious products, whether you are looking at 4x6 prints in a our glass keepsake box for a Christmas present, our very best goldstamped linen albums, or a gorgeous framed print to go in your new home. Don’t worry about what products you want to order just yet; once you have received your digital wedding gallery from us, I will send you an email that details how to log on to your personalized print shop (that family and friends can also access if you wish) and will walk you through the ordering process!

SAY T HAN K YO U W IT H A PARENT ALBU M: We didn’t have any trouble picking out our parent’s Christmas gifts the year we got married! Our parents did so much to make our wedding a dream come true and so we decided to surprise them with their very own albums on Christmas morning! After the wedding chaos is over and life returns to normal, or if you want to surprise your parents with their very own albums from your wedding for Christmas, let me know before October 1st so we can get them ordered!

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Y O U R O N L I N E G A L L E RY

Years ago you had to order prints of the images that you wanted to have forever. That isn’t how we work around here! We want you to have all of your memories in your possession forever and ever! We also want you to share your images freely and without any hesitation. This is why we deliver your images via an online gallery! This means that you don’t have to wait on a package in the mail and you’ll have access to them wherever you are! I’ve listed some important information that will help you understand your online gallery and all that it can do on the next page! Enjoy!

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DOWNLOADING PHOTOS: You will be able to download your edited images directly from your online gallery and they will be high resolution! This process is very simple! All you have to do is click the “downwards arrow icon” and you will be prompted to enter your name and email. Once you enter your name and email, you will be asked if you want to download just that one photo or if you would like to download all photos! Your photos will download directly to your “Downloads” folder. If you opt to download the entire gallery, you will be notified via email when your entire download is ready. It takes a few minutes to prepare for hundreds of images to be downloaded!

ACCESSING YOUR PHOTOS ON YOUR PHONE: The online gallery system that we use actually has a mobile app that is free to download! If you pull up your gallery in your brower on your phone, you will be prompted to download a free app. In this app, you’ll be able to access your gallery (both wedding and engagement galleries) and you can download images to your phone for clear, crisp instagrams!

ORDERING PRINTS: You can order professional prints from yours truly and have them shipped directly to your house! We use only the best companies to fulfill our prints and they truly last a lifetime! We will email you a product guide shortly after you receive your gallery to get you all the details on this! You are more than welcome to print images on your own. However, I would warn you to avoid Walmart, Target and Costco. I cannot promise that your colors will print true-to-life if you choose to print at those stores.

GALLERY EXPIRATION: I have great news! Your galleries will not expire for 10 years! Isn’t that amazing?! You will have kids running around everywhere before your wedding gallery expires! However, even though you will have access to your images for a long time, I would still recommend downloading them and saving them in multiple places for safe keeping!

SHARING, WATERMARKING & EDITING: You have the freedom to share your images in any way that you choose! These are your images and I want you to love them so much that you can’t help but share them! We don’t believe that it is necessary to watermark our images. All we ask for is some type of credit whenever you use an image on social media! We only have ONE rule when it comes to what you can and cannot do with our work. We always encourage our clients not to re-edit their images. Let us do that hard work!

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T H A N K YO U !

Last, but certainly not least, THANK YOU for trusting us with your special day. We are so honored to be the ones capturing your memories and we cannot wait to celebrate alongside of you! Enjoy this season of planning but also remember that your marriage is more important than the wedding. The wedding will come and go in a matter of hours but your marriage needs to stand the test of time. Continue to make time for one another, even with all that needs to get done. As you continue to plan, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have along the way! About eight weeks before the wedding, you’ll receive an online questionnaire that will provide me with everything I need to know for your big day! I hope this guide has been helpful as you continue to plan and prepare for your wedding day!

Love, Shelby