Today we’re diving into the last blog of a three-part series on creating a photography-minded wedding day. If you missed part one you can read it HERE and part two is HERE. My hope for this series is to alleviate any perceived or very real stress associated with creating your day-of wedding timeline. I said this in part one and two, but I want to say it again here: This day is yours. When it comes down to it, your photographer’s (or any other wedding vendor) job is to educate you based on their expertise and experience, help you see different options for how your day can play out and then leave it up to the bride and groom to make the final decisions. With that being said, let’s get to the good stuff! Part three is all about portraits on your wedding day.

Family Portraits

1.      List for photographer

To make this process go as smoothly and quickly as possible, the most helpful thing is to create a list of each specific grouping you’d like for family photos (Ex: Mom (Rebecca) + Dad (Tom) + couple). The formal family portrait list most commonly includes parents, grandparents, and siblings (as well as sibling’s families). If you want to include family outside of what I just listed, be sure to chat through this with your photographer beforehand so he or she dedicates enough time to complete your shot list. Once you create this list for your photographer make sure you print a second copy and give the list to the maid-of-honor, best man, or someone who knows the families and can help organize people since your photographer most likely won’t know your Aunt Linda or Uncle Bob.

2.     Over-communication is Key

Make sure you give your family members a very specific time and place to meet for family photos. For instance, instead of saying “meet at the wedding venue”, specify where exactly in the venue you’ll be. I know this sounds a little overboard communication-wise, but being specific eliminates any potential issues with miscommunication or making sure every single person is present when/where you need them to be.

Bridal Party Photos

1.      Empty your pockets

It’s easy for the guys to carry keys, cell phones, wallets, sunglasses, etc. but try to remind them beforehand to leave that stuff behind as it makes for some weird pictures if they have bulging pockets in their pants or jackets. Another little detail to keep in mind is for your bridesmaids to clear their wrists of any hair-bows; nothing ruins a beautiful shot quite like a casual black ponytail on a wrist.

2.     Bring an emergency kit

It’s a great idea to carry a little wristlet or small bag with lipstick, makeup, hairpins, etc. for any needed touch-ups as your bridal party gets their pictures taken. This is especially helpful if bridal party pictures are happening significantly after hair and makeup was originally done and especially if they are taken after the ceremony when the bride (and sometimes the bridesmaids too) most likely to cry some of that makeup off.

Bride and Groom Photos

1.      Capitalize on golden-hour

Taking 10-15 minutes to enjoy the sunset, each other, and get some gorgeous photos is such a good excuse to disappear from the reception briefly and soak in the fact that you just got married. Not only is it a great excuse to take a breather together but it will make for some of your favorite pictures from the day. I promise.

2.     Let loose and be yourselves

Your photographer will most likely ask you beforehand if there are any specific shots you want to get on your wedding day. I can promise that they read those and keep them in mind, doing their best to get everything you want. Once you have that conversation and get to the big day, do your best to let go of those expectations and trust your photographer. Trust him or her when he or she gives an out-of-the-box idea. Don’t feel like you need to control because your photographer know exactly what he or she is doing. You just need to sit back, let loose, be yourselves, and let your photographer be the visionary for documenting your memories!

This concludes the series on how to create a photography-minded wedding day! Did we cover everything?! Was this helpful and most importantly does it alleviate any stress you may be feeling? Let me know in the comments below! What else do you want me to write on? My main goal is to provide helpful content so let me know what you want to read about!

If you enjoyed this you may also like:

Five Things you Need to Know When Planning a Wedding

 

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