Bada@@ Bride's Guide 2

w w w.w e d d i n g s b y b l u e s k y. c o m HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER?

704.448.0075

based in nc / clients world wide

INSIDER TIPS FOR EVERY PART OF YOUR DAY!

CONSIDERING A FIRST LOOK?

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C O N G R AT S

ME E T CASS

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ME E T CORRIE

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HOW TO C HO O S E YOUR P HOTO G R A P H E R

E NG AG E ME NT SESSION TIPS

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B R I DA L SESSION TIPS

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I N S I DE R I N FO : G E T T I NG R E A DY

CON S I DE R I NG A FIRST LOOK?

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WHY WE R E COMME ND G OI NG UNPLUGGED

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F I ND M Y FEARLESS

CE REMONY TIPS

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A WE DDI NG TO R E ME M B E R

Congratulations!

YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! C H A R L O T T E , N C B A S E D , I N T E R N AT I O N A L W E D D I N G P HOTO G R A P H E R ; C A S S B R A D L E Y HA S P UT TO G E T H E R T HI S WE DDI NG E X P E R I E N C E G UI DE S O T H A T Y O U H A V E A L L O F T H E I N F O R M AT I O N Y O U NE E D TO I N S UR E YOUR W E DDI NG I MAG E S A R E E V E R Y T H I N G YO U HAV E D R E A M T O F . . . A ND MO R E .

T HI S G O - G UI DE I S F I L L E D WI T H S U G G E ST I ON S ON E VE RY T HI NG F ROM E NG AG E ME N T S E S S I ON T I P S TO W E D DI NG DAY T I ME L I NE P L A N N I NG ; B A S E D O F F O F Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E A ND I S M Y G I F T TO YOU !

C H E E R S TO M U C H LOVE A ND E P I C A DVE N T UR E S ,

-Cass

MEET CASS I

B E L I E V E

In arriving maverick style bearing ‘whiskey, weapons, a shovel and a plan’.

One can never have too many shades of red lipstick, or rescue dogs.

Some of the best people dance awkwardly.

If ‘you can’t handle the truth’ we will, most likely, never be best friends.

Everyone is more gorgeous when laughing; especially if your nose wrinkles.

In texting ‘coffee’ to my husband as soon as I wake in hopes he will make it first. (Even though he is right next to me.)

Last minute travel sites are meant to not only be bookmarked...but used frequently.

In dressing to kill...then ditching the stilettos for dirty, bare feet.

There’s not much in this world red wine, sexy boots and a weekend get-a-way can’t fix.

It’s our ‘job’ to embolden those around us.

It’s perfectly okay to be bossy.

(Especially if the ‘y’ is silent and the intention is good.)

Everyone has a superpower (or five).

MEET CORRIE Cass describes me as the calm to her storm. As the, lead lifestyle photographer (that means weddings, engagements, families and all the other real life moments) I have patience by the boat loads and the unique abilty to make people feel comfortable enough to be ‘their true selves’ around me; so that together we can celebrate exactly that!

I have an amazing little family of my own that includes two amazing (code for wild, bossy, and i love every minute of it) girls which makes me even more aware of the fleeting moments that make up a life!

Choosing the perfect professional photographer to capture your big day is a lot like finding the perfect mate…you just know. And much like a mate—it’s not all about ‘looks.’ Sure, you must love the photographer’s images, but just as importantly. You should love them. Your photographer/s will spend more time with you on your wedding day than your spouse-to-be and long after the fancy cake is eaten and the last dance, danced…your images remain for a lifetime. So how do you make certain it is a match made in photographic heaven??

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DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

D E T E R M I N E W H AT S T Y L E OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU ARE D R AW N T O.

D E T E R M I N E E X A C T LY H O W I M P O RTA N T P H O T O G R A P H Y IS TO YOU:

Do you love candid moments and emotion of the da y best or are you drawn to more stylized/ posed ima gery? Do you love black & white?

Bright colors? A vinta ge processing? For exampl e, our studio keeps the textures/saturated colors and sel ective coloring out of our work, as we want the ima ges to sta y timel ess. Some photographers (and coupl es!) Love the trendy styl es. There is no ‘best wa y’…just find the styl e you love and choose a photographer th at loves it too.

Our clients typicall y meet with us directl y after choosing their venue. To them, photography is high on the list of important items and the y want to be certain the y h ave their date locked down.

For some—it is more of a necessary evil and the y are more concerned with the items like dress, food and flowers. Again, there is not ‘right’ answer.

But knowing where photography falls on your ‘importance scal e’ will also guide you in terms of budget much better th an a check list somewhere telling wh at % of the budget it should be.

Before scheduling an appointment with a potential photographer check out their website, facebook pa ge/blog and narrow it down to 2-3 th at seem to fit your photographic ‘styl e’ and your personality.

(Tips: asking friends/ venue can be an awesome starting point.

Just remember, styl es of photography do vary, as do photographers personalities. Take names and then determine wh at you love.)

(Tip: sometimes its easier to recognize wh at you do not love and start there. )

AS F E AT U R E D I N :

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MEET WITH THE ‘CHOSEN FEW’

QUANTIFY THE CREDENTIALS

In the digital era new photographers enter the In our opinion, it is a market every da y. And, must to meet in person. just as quickl y- exit. (And (Skype is great if you are in some cases…without out-of-state/country) and delivering the goods!) at the very l east speak with the photographer Ask about experience. you are considering on Weddings are tough, the phone. Photography tough business. is a very personal Photographers are often decision and loving the up a gainst poor quality work is not enough. of light, ma jor time You must h ave a constraints and high connection with your emotions…pros know photographer in order how to h andl e all of it. to capture amazing A novice ma y be l ess photographs. Plus, a expensive but ma y not good photographer will h ave wh at it takes to not onl y ‘take pictures’ capture your da y if ill for you but the y can equipped in equipment calm nerves, correct a or experience. backwards timeline and adjust an erratic bustl e… (Tip: a few helpful questions ma y include: if you like h aving them do the y h ave l enses th at around you will achieve are 2.8 or below th at will the best outcome. allow them to shoot in (Tip: whil e meeting, low light? Do the y h ave asking to see not onl y back-up gear if their sampl e albums but a full main camera fails? How wedding can be useful as do the y back-up/save anyone can post a few your ima ges? ) great ima ges or perh aps Best rule of all—trust your ‘gut.’ If you love their work, their even an album…but an personality and have asked the ‘right’ questions in terms of entire set of wedding photographs is another experience you can then sit back and allow the professional story!) photographer you have chosen to do what they do best - document

this amazingly exciting time in your life!

I S I T A ‘ N E E D - T O - H AV E ’ O R A ‘ N I C E - T O - H AV E ’ ?

Frequently, we are asked ‘is an engagement session truly important or a ‘nice to have’ on the the long list of wedding expenses?

The answer is..it’s not up your photographer.

Its up to you.:-) The real question is: is an engagement session truly important you?? Or is it another box to check? (Our studio used to include them in every wedding collection, and too often we discovered, it was a ‘check list’ item vs. truly wanting to celebrate separate from the wedding to create a meaningful experience and memorable art) Now, we advise our couples to think on if this is something that you truly want to display in your home? Is this time in your life something you want to remember and celebrate completely separate of your wedding day? If so, then absolutely DO IT! -Celebrating both meaningful milestones and everyday moments matter--it’s up to you to decide what you wish to celebrate!

Bonus Points: should you elect to celebrate your engagement independent from the wedding planning process though a couples session—it also gives you another chance for you and your photographer to get to know each other, and create a bond that will allow the 3 of you to bring out your best and create gorgeous, life-long photographs meant to remind you of you story. (continued on the next page)

You will also learn how your photographer works, the pace at which they move, and the way they give direction. You will learn how to relax and act natural in front of the camera. By the time of your wedding day rolls around you should already be super comfortable, so you can have fun, enjoy the day, and not stress about your photos.

We absolutely love when we feel like we have become friends with the bride & groom by the time we get to their wedding day and for some couples an engagement session really helps.

Finally, capturing these photos allows for all kinds of personal and gorgeous items such as Signature guest book albums or wall art. A recent bride may have put it best when she and her hubby-to-be decided (though on a budget) to schedule a couples session and ordered a fine art photo guest book…’We have decided that we will never again in our lives have a chance to document how we feel about each other during the moment leading up to our wedding.’

(The album was such a hit at their reception and was so much more fun and personal than a traditional sign-on-the-dotted line guest book.

Intimate/personal--that’s what we love.)

So, what will you decide?

HTTPS://WWW CHARLOTTE-EN

Highlights FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT OUR E N G AG E M E N T LO CAT I O N A N D S T Y L I N G I D E AS O N P I N T E R E S T. . P I N T E R E S T.C O M /CAS S B R A D L E Y N C/ G AG E M E N T-S E S S I O N -S T Y L I N G /

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YOU MAY NOT B E U S E D TO P DA I N FRONT OF A BIG LENS, BUT THE LESS YOU T HI N K A B OUT T H E P HOTO G R A P H E R A ND T H E MO R E YOU FOCUS ON EACH OT H E R T H E MO R E S T E L L A R YOUR P HOTO S WI L L B E

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W H E N S E L E C T I NG YOUR OUT F I T S A ND L O C AT I O N T H I N K O F S O M E T H I N G T H AT I S T RUE TO YOUR PERSONALITY AS A COUPLE

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C O N TA C T T H E ST UDI O TO B O OK YOUR E NG AG E ME N T S E S S I O N AT L E A S T 6 0 DAY S B E F O R E YOU R WE DDI NG ; A ND NOT E T H AT T H E S E S S I O N I S T Y P I C A L LY A N H O U R

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EVERY DESER BEAUTIFUL OF HERSE WED GO

WOMAN RVES A L PORTRAIT ELF IN HER DDING OWN. -C ass

Our Tips TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BRIDAL SESSION:

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THE LOCATION FOR YOUR BRIDAL SESSION CONSIDER A LOCATION THAT IS BEAUTIFUL AND PERSONAL TO YOU. THIS COULD BE YOUR PARENT’S HOUSE, YOUR WEDDING VENUE OR THAT GORGEOUS FIELD YOU PASS EVERY DAY ON YOUR WAY TO WORK.

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WHEN CHOOSING

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IF HAVING YOUR BOUQUET IN YOUR PORTRAITS IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, BE SURE TO ARRANGE FOR YOUR FLORAL DESIGNER TO PREPARE A DUPLICATE FOR YOUR SESSION.

DON’T FORGET TO BRING ALL YOUR FUN ACCESSORIES-SHOES, VEIL, RINGS, ETC...

AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ART TAKE A GOOD LOOK AND SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU MAY WISH TO ‘TWEAK.’ HAIR TOO TIGHTLY PULLED UP? WANT A MORE ‘STATEMENT’ PIECE OF JEWELRY--NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE ANY LAST MINUTE UPDATES.

ADVIC THE BI

CE FOR IG DAY

INSIDER INFO FOR THE BRIDE:

GETTING READY

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Please choose a location that has plenty of natural light and windows, as it allows for more flattering pictures.

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When choosing a getting ready location factor in the style of the room; as this should reflect the style of your wedding.

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Allow enough time for hair and make-up; as they tend to take longer than expected.

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Please have any jewelry, hairpieces, shoes, veil, or other details out for us to take pictures of upon photographer’s arrival.

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Bring a nice hanger; preferably cloth or wooden; to hang your dress on.

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Make sure all bridesmaids are dressed and ready before you, so they can assist you with your dress.

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Remember the outfit you wear to get ready in will be in your album. Also, red solo cups are not very photogenic and tend to be distracting in getting ready images. Try to use neutrals.

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Be mindful of the ‘junk’--try to keep half eaten food, trash, bags etc.. in one designated areas. A messy room leads to messy photos.

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When considering the groom’s getting ready location; it’s preferable to be in the same vicinity as the bride’s getting ready location; as traveling back and forth can cut into your photography coverage.

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When choosing your attire; make sure you have a suit or tux that is tailored to you. Pant’s, shirt’s, and jacket’s shouldn’t be baggy on you.

(Often times a custom made suit/tux may only be a few hundred dollars more and last for years.)

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Until your photographer arrives, the groom should refrain from putting on jacket/tie/cuff links etc. so the moments of preparation can be photographed.

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Please have any details laid out.

(Shoes, cuff links, gifts, etc...)

INSIDER INFO FOR THE GROOM:

GETTING READY

CONSIDERING A FIRST LOOK? W H AT CAS S D I D : We decided to do first look as we wanted a moment alone with just the two of us. To slow the day down, get out our emotions and calm nerves.

As most people know, weddings can be stressful and full of emotion.

We have noticed that our couples who decide to do a first look have their nerves calmed and any anxiety relieved; allowing them to have a beautiful and peaceful day. We, as photographers, want this for our couples. We always organize and coordinate the first look, but once it has started we give you two some space while we document your moment. After several moments, we then move to document your portraits.

Our clients typically prefer First Look sessions to be private. This is a chance to see each other in a private setting that takes away all the jitters and nerves, but takes nothing way from seeing each other on the aisle. When selecting a First Look location we typically consider the natural light available, as well as the general aesthetic of the area. We prefer simple locations that don’t compete with the emotion of the moment.

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You have one-on-one time before all the craziness begins. This moment is priceless, and the joy we see from our couples when they do a first look is beautiful.

You can have many of your pictures done BEFORE the ceremony; including your portraits, wedding party together and separate, and family pictures.

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Your family and wedding party may be able to go straight to the reception; instead of waiting for all the pictures to be taken. This can often be a stressful part of the day because everyone is anxious to get to the reception.

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Your make-up and hair will be at it’s freshest if you do a first look; and you will also have a chance to ‘freshen up’ and ‘regroup’ before walking the aisle.

This can be especially important if you have a summer wedding.

First looks are almost always vital if you have a fall wedding, because the sun sets much earlier and you can run out of light after the ceremony.

To make the most of your investment in photography, a first look allows us more time for portraits, which lets us get more creative and helps with smoother transitions between events on your wedding day.

WHY YOU S A DEVI

Back in the day, during first kisses and dances we photographers

looked out into a sea of smiling faces and tear-brimmed eyes.

Today, while you are introduced for the very first time and Mr. and Mrs‌we look into a sea of devices. Today, mother’s of the bride often bring their cameras and are photographing the very same moments you have paid a photographer to document. (And missing out on just being a mom on a very special day. )

SHOULD CONSIDER ICE-FREE WEDDING (AKA: THE UNPLUGGED WEDDING)

By deciding on an ‘unplugged wedding’ you allow your family and friends to just be present. (Check out this article we collaborated on with another awesome Charlotte wedding photographer last year for Charlotte wedding magazine on this very subject: http:// www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Wedding/January-2013/ Wedding-Present/)

find

FEAR

THE NEXT PAGE IS J

d my

RLESS

JUST FOR THE BRIDE

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FEARLESS GIVE YOUR HUBBY-TO-BE THE MOST SPECIAL GIFT YOU CAN GIVE. THE GIFT OF GORGEOUS, CONFIDENT YOU! CONSIDER A BRIDAL BOUDOIR SESSION AS A VERY PERSONAL GIFT FOR YOUR GROOM TO GET ON THE WEDDING DAY. TASTEFULLY RACY AND COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED.

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There is nothing better than smart, beautiful, independent women.

Whenever I talk with them, they breathe a total wind of happiness and courage into me. Cheers to the go-getters, the artists, the leaders, teachers, students,

and all around confident women I know.

Thanks for being inspiring and for being that reminder that we truly can achieve whatever we put our minds, hearts, and hard work into.

-L. KEATON

THE CEREMONY

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We like to complete all pre-ceremony photos 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony to allow you a chance to ‘freshen up’ and to be ‘hidden away’ from guests until the ceremony begins.

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A general rule of thumb is to plan your ceremony two hours before sunset, for outdoor ceremonies. This can prevent harsh lighting and you and your guests from being blinded by the sun. However, if A sweet, lingering kiss is your ceremony happens much more likely to be captured than a 2-second to be during full sun ‘peck.’ Take a moment to consider drape-y fabric take in your first seconds to soften the light, or of becoming husband and select a shaded area for the location of your wife in--so our cameras ceremony. can too:-)

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In order to keep things running in a timely manner on the day of, take into account the ma jority of the formal pictures will be taken between the ceremony and reception. Plan accordingly to allow enough time; 15-20 minutes; to set up lights, etc.. at the reception site before introductions begin.

A TO RE

WEDDING EMEMBER

THE D AY S OF COOKIE CUTTER WEDDINGS ARE OVER

One of the most magical things we get to do as wedding photographers is capture what makes your wedding, well, your’s!

And though no two couples will ever experience a wedding in the same manner-unique details, creating your own traditions, and ‘busting up the norm’ make us down right giddy!

On that note, let’s discuss wedding exits with a twist. Sure bubbles, bird seed, and sparklers make for pretty pictures, but why not opt for something a bit more unique, like wish lanterns, streamers, glitter, or flags?

The most memorable weddings are those that truly celebrate a couple’s uniqueness. We are starting to see all kinds of amazing ways to make weddings more personal: a ‘best woman’, dessert bars instead of a cake. Bride and groom walking the aisle together. No garter/bouquet toss. Don’t be afraid to show your guests who you are as a couple.

For more unique ideas, visit our blog post on unique wedding exits at: h t t p s : // w e d d i n g s b y b l u e s k y . com/2016/05/10/3-ways-not-basicbitc-wedding/

YOU’RE MARRIED! NOW IT’S TIME TO CREATE YOUR LEGACY

The sun has set, the cake was delicious,

the last dance has been danced, and the honeymoon was fantastic, but the fun isn’t over yet!

3.) Decide HOW you wish to print your photographs. A gorgeous piece of art for your home? A storytelling album that fully showcases your day? (ALWAYS choose an album if your budgets allows!) Or prints for mom/dad/grandparents and those in your wedding party?

It’s time for a little champagne and deciding how you will create the start of your personal legacy with your epic Want to see some amazing ways our wedding images. clients have displayed their wedding 1.) Download and back up your wedding photographs as art? Click here! photographs immediately post-wedding.

(Though many photographer’s now 4.) Order your printed items within 30 offer clients cloud-based storage--we days of retaining your photos from your recommend you safely store your images photographer. Experience has shown us clients that do not order printed photos in at least 2 places.) within 30 days of the wedding never 2.) PRINT your photos! Though digital create a printed version of their day. images are great for sharing via social (This--breaks our little photographer media--your future grandchildren hearts as you never know the value of a can’t find, touch, feel and be in awe moment until its gone.) of them this way. (One of my most treasured possessions is a photo of my #protectyourmoments grandparents.)

-Cas s

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER BUT VISITED OFTEN

AS SEEN IN