My Wedding Photography – What I Would Change

In 2004 I was planning the wedding of my dreams! I couldn’t wait to marry the love of my life! I was a very committed “scrapbooker” and loved to take picutres of every move we made together so I knew how important my wedding photographs were. I chose a local professional who had done a friend’s wedding to be my main photographer. I also asked a close family friend to take some photos of our day. I didn’t do much research, didn’t really create a timeline, and had no personal relationship with my main photographer. I tursted he knew what he was doing and left him to it! Looking back on my wedding day I have learned a lot about what I should’ve done and hope to share some insight with my future brides. Don’t have these same regrets:

#1. TIMELINE – I didn’t factor after ceremony portrait photography into my timeline. I had the day planned down to the minute, set aside pre-ceremony photos and enough time for family portraits after the ceremony.  I wish I would’ve factored more time for portraits of just Ryan and I…and for that fact….

#2. PORTRAIT LOCATION – I was married on June 5th, 2004. It was a PERFECT June day. 72 degrees and sunny. Blue skies, and sunshine. I planned on doing all photos outside the church and didn’t even factor the daylight, the location, etc. One regret I have is not choosing to do photos at local park or botanical garden. It makes such a difference in your photos to get away from the main location and add some variety to your wedding day portraits. It also adds for a few moments of peace and quiet between your wedding and receptions. Now there are many amazing venues with their own gardens or spots for portraits and I’m all for that!!! Make sure you preview an area you want for portraits, it makes a lot of different and adds so much personalization to your day. Photographers love this too!

#3. TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS – I had two photographers. This is something I WOULD NOT CHANGE! Having two different perspectives on my day was great, but I would’ve hired a photography-team. Partners who have worked together and both used the same type of equipment and medium. I had one film photographer and one digital. The photos, though both awesome, are not consistent in style. I love being able to work with some awesome professionals, one of whom I’ve worked with for 7 years! We know eachother’s style and work together flawlessly. Sometimes I’m not sure if a photo is mine or hers when editing! It’s fun to work together and provides great results for our clients.
#4. GETTING READY – This is probably my biggest photography regret of my wedding day. I’m not sure why this happened, but it did. I regret not getting dressed and ready at my parents home. My parents lived only about 10 minutes from the church, but i chose to get ready in the church nursery..WHYYYYYY!!!?!?! My parents have a beautiful home with tons of natural light and I often wish someone would’ve suggested this to me. I wish I would’ve seen my dad’s reaction in our own living room and been photographed outside my parents house. The church nursery had green walls and a Noah’s ark mural (beacuse what nursery doesn’t have that!) and wasn’t roomy enough for all of us. The ride to the church would’ve added so much anticipation. If your venue doesn’t have a great “getting ready area” consider using your own home!

#5. RECEPTION FOOTAGE – I only hired my photographers for the pre-ceremony, ceremony, and 1 hour of the reception. I totally regret this! I didn’t get many shots of dancing, or with friends at the reception. I did get the basic (cake cutting, first dance, etc.) but after that the wedding was over. I regret not having the dance with my brothers documented, photos with friends I haven’t seen in years, and our final exit photographed. When choosing a wedding package many couples choose to have less reception coverage – but that is just when the relaxed & crazy fun is beginning!!

I hope you enjoyed some of my wedding memories! I also hope you learned a few things about planning your wedding and can learn from my regrets. One thing I don’t regret – the guy I married! And when all is said and done, I’m only left with photos and HIM and that’s good enough for me!
xo

-Allie