6 Helpful Tips for Your Wedding Day from a Professional Photographer 

1. Create a shot list with your wedding photographer!

After weeks of research you've hired your wedding photographer. Hooray! Now, it's time to create a unique shot list for your big day. That's everything from details of the dress, flowers, cake, to candid photos of your mom during your first dance. It's important to have a discussion with your photographer so they know what to aim for. 

2. Gather all your items for your detail photos! 

Oh man! I can't tell you how much I love it when a bride/wedding planner/wedding coordinator hands me a box with all the special details; invitation, rsvp card, menu, program, earrings, necklace, bow tie, shoes, etc. It saves so much time and it's a great way to let your photographer see what needs to be shot. 

3. Let your wedding photographer help with your timeline! 

Sometimes brides and grooms may schedule an hour for groomsmen photos, and I tell you what, those are some of the easiest photos and we definitely don't need an hour. But hey! How would you know that? This is your first wedding. Photographers know what they are capable of and how long they will need for different shots. 

4. Consider a "first look" before the ceremony! 

As a bride who walked down the aisle without a first look, Travis and I were SO nervous. I feel like he and I would have enjoyed the moment alone with our boys (Carter and Myles). Maybe then I would not have been so nervous walking down the aisle and I could have taken that time to look at the all the guest that were present at that moment. ALSO! Consider this, you want a winter wedding but the sunsets at 4:30pm and you don't want a lunch wedding, how will you get all the photos done after a the ceremony without competing with the sunset? A first look is a great way to give time for couples' photos before the ceremony/sunset. 

5. Trust your photographer! 

You hired them for a reason, right? Trust your wedding gurus. Allow your wedding photographer to kindly guide you toward the best lighting and location situations. Professional photographers know how to help pose and direct you and your partner to comfortable photo-worthy moments. A great way to shake off some of the nerves that come being photographed is to shoot an engagement session.

6. Embrace an adventure!

You only get married once (hopefully), don't be scared to have an adventure. Lay in the grass, cross that bridge, play in the rain, do the unexpected, believe me, it is worth the photos! Some of my favorite photos are the ones where the clients say, "let's go for it!" Those are magic words and music to my ears. Don't be afraid of what others may think, just enjoy your day and have fun! 

When in doubt, ask your photographer! We love questions! We are here to help you.