Preparing for Rain on Your Wedding Day | Tips as a Wedding Photographer

Unfortunately, your vendors can’t control everything, and one of those things they can’t control is the weather. If your wedding day has an outside portion, it’s a good idea to acknowledge that rain may happen, and make a plan for if it does. This saves a lot of scrambling day of, and saves you from having to settle for a rain backup you don’t like. However, at the end of the day, you are getting married to the love of your life. Even something like rain doesn’t change that, so keep a positive mind!

Let’s talk about how beautiful and romantic an atmosphere that rain can make for your wedding day and in your photos. Rain can create such beauty in the little moments. Or it can set a sexy mood on your photos! Rain doesn’t ruin your photos, it just changes them! Keep that in mind as well.

Practical tips for couples to prepare:

1. Check the forecast early! Keep an eye on it but remember it could change!

2. Communicate with your vendors, especially your wedding planner if you have one. Make sure everyone has contingency plans.

3. Choosing your venue- when selecting the perfect venue, keep this in mind so you can try and select one with indoor and outdoor options, or a pretty covered area. Otherwise, consider renting a tent!

4. Invest in cute umbrellas! We love the look of clear umbrellas in photos! We can document a cute kissing moment, or anything else!

5. Finally, communicate with your photographer! We might have to find new photo locations for indoors or less in the rain if needed to make sure we get those perfect shots for you!

Again, I know it’s easier said than done to keep a positive mindset, but the only thing that rain can ruin is your attitude! The purpose of the day is to get hitched, and rain can’t stop that! It will all be a part of your wedding story. Plus, a wet knot is harder to untie :)

Enjoy the romance and cozy atmosphere the rain creates for you and your guests. Focus on the joys of the day, even in rain or shine!

Brenna & Zach’s Destination Elopement In Scotland

So far 2024 has taken us to some pretty exciting places and given us some really amazing clients, and for that we are so thankful! One of these amazing couples took us to an especially exciting place for their destination elopement… Scotland!!

Brenna & Zach tied the knot in the Scottish Hills overlooking the city of Edinburgh, and then we got to explore the castle a little and take more bride and groom photos! The whole thing was absolutely perfect, and it was such an extraordinary place to tie the knot! A wedding we will never forget! Below I wanted to include some of my favorites from their gallery! To the first look, to the ceremony, to the castle, I’m so happy with these photos and I feel as though they documented this couple and their special wedding day perfectly!

Your Guide to Cherishing Candid Moments on Your Wedding Day

Your Guide to Cherishing Candid Moments on Your Wedding Day

As you plan your wedding day, you're likely envisioning those heartfelt, spontaneous moments that will become cherished memories for years to come. Here’s how you can ensure your photographer captures those authentic, candid moments that truly reflect the emotions of your special day:

Embrace the Natural and Unscripted

While posed portraits are beautiful, candid shots often capture the essence of the day—the genuine laughter, tears of joy, and heartfelt embraces. Here’s how you can help your photographer capture these moments:

1. Be Yourself

• Relax and Enjoy: Your wedding day is a celebration of your love. Trust that your photographer will capture beautiful moments as they naturally unfold.

2. Forget About the Camera

• Act Natural: Don’t worry about posing for every shot. Enjoy your day and let your interactions with loved ones flow naturally.

3. Share Your Story

• Tell Your Photographer: Share meaningful moments or surprises that might happen during the day. This helps your photographer anticipate and capture those special times.

4. Prioritize Emotion Over Perfection

• Feel the Moments: Whether it’s a tearful embrace with a loved one or a spontaneous dance, let your emotions guide the day, and your photographer will capture the magic.

5. Trust Your Photographer’s Vision

• Let Them Work: Your photographer is skilled at finding the best angles and lighting for candid shots. Trust their expertise and enjoy the day without worrying about the details.

6. Capture Candid Moments Throughout the Day

• Pre-Ceremony: Getting ready with your bridal party or groomsmen often leads to candid moments of excitement and anticipation.

• Ceremony: Emotional reactions from both of you, as well as guests, are moments that you will cherish.

• Reception: Candid shots during toasts, dances, and interactions with guests capture the joy and celebration of your wedding.

7. Create Spaces for Candid Moments

• Consider Your Venue: Choose locations that allow for intimate and spontaneous interactions among guests.

8. Reflect Your Personal Style

• Unique Moments: Whether it’s a quirky tradition or a heartfelt gesture, let your personalities shine through in the candid moments.

9. Enjoy the Process

• Be Present: Focus on enjoying each moment of your wedding day. Your genuine happiness will translate beautifully into candid photographs.

10. Communicate Your Preferences

• Share Your Vision: If candid moments are particularly important to you, let your photographer know. They will prioritize capturing these moments throughout the day.

By embracing the natural flow of your wedding day and allowing your photographer to document these candid moments, you’ll have a collection of photographs that authentically capture the joy, love, and emotions shared with your closest family and friends. Enjoy every moment—they make for the most beautiful memories!

Griffin & Trey // A Summer Wedding

This past week I sent Griffin & Trey their full wedding album! As I was preparing their album to send to them, I started reminiscing back on their day, and it was absolutely perfect! I felt as though it deserves a highlighted spot on the blog, so here it is! Below I have included some of my favorite photos from their day that really exemplifies the love, happiness, & excitement that surrounded their whole entire day!

Photography Timeline: Planning Your Wedding Day for Perfect Photos

Part of a wedding photographers job is also helping couples create a perfect photography timeline for their wedding day, including key moments to capture and scheduling tips to ensure an stress-free day! Below are our best tips for creating that perfect timeline!

An early start ensures smooth sailing. Sure an early morning wake up might be a little rough, but worth it in the long run to ensure enough time to get picture perfect getting ready and to also get those detail shots! No one wants to be stressed getting hair and makeup because they’re rushed.

First Look vs Traditional Ceremony? There are pros and cons to each for your photography timeline. The choice can impact the flow of your day and the timing of photos (not in a bad way- it’s just different!) so make sure to communicate your plans early on in the planning process to your photographer so they can plan accordingly.

Let’s talk golden hour! I LOVE getting those amazing golden hour and sunset photos of my clients. However, this means that it will interrupt dinner/ social time during your reception. Make sure you’re okay with this! (Keep in mind that if day-of you change your mind one way or the other- that’s totally fine too!)

Group photo logistics, meaning you should communicate the number of combinations of who is taking photos together to your photographer ahead of time, and they will prepare a list to ensure this goes smoothly and in good timing. This goes for bridal party photos and family photos.

Leave room in your timeline of the day to have those candid moments with your friends and spouse! Lots of times those unposed raw moments are the best photos. Allow your photographer the freedom to document them for you!

Are you doing toasts during dinner? Plan ahead and let your photographer know if you’re doing toasts at your reception- these photos are often filled with emotion and are great to have for the memories.

Factor in time for your first dance, parent dances, and general dancing later in the evening. Your photographer will want to capture the energy and joy of these celebratory moments.

If you’re planning on ending your night with an exit, make sure that you have reserved the correct amount of time for your photographer. Some wedding photographers scheduled time might end earlier than the exit, so make sure you talk about that before your wedding day.

Just remember, when it comes to a wedding day, flexibility is key! No matter how well planned out and detailed your timeline is, don’t be scared if there is an unexpected delay or spontaneous moment that comes up. These add to the charm of your day, so embrace the journey and trust in your wedding photographer and vendors!