You may be married for years and years but when it comes to capturing that special moment when it all begins, you have just that one day with your wedding photographer. You don’t want to waste even a minute of your time together so we tapped into Jonathan Hanson’s expertise on how to make the absolute most of your time on that special day. From prepping and planning ahead of time, to getting your nearest and dearest to help, here’s the inside scoop!
Create a timeline and go over it with your photographer in advance. This will help keep your day on track and give ample time to prepare for what’s ahead. We, as the photographers, like to follow up a few days before the wedding as all of the last minute details are being finalized.
Include a must-have photo list of the family pairings you’d like to take during your family/bridal party photos and include it with the timeline. Organize the portrait list by groupings, largest to smallest for each family. This will increase the efficiency of the groupings especially if your shot list is on the longer side. Instead of chasing down Aunt Rita for her picture, have everyone involved with photos meet at a pre-arranged location and designate a friend of the family to assist.
The time the sun sets will depend on the season but getting photographs during the last hour of the sunset, also known as the “golden hour”, will give you some of the best results. Set time aside to shoot your portraits when the light is at its most flattering stage. We love shooting portraits during the golden hour, but we always try and take couples out to use the dreamy twilight after the sun has set when possible as well.
Limit preparation coverage to the last hour when your hair and makeup are being finished. You’ll look and feel your best which will come through in the images. You’ll also save yourself from getting redundant pictures and frees up time for your reception coverage.
The ceremony is an exciting and meaningful part of the day. In the moment, guests can unknowingly get in the way of the professional photography while trying to get their Instagram shot on their own phones. Requesting your guests to limit their photography during the ceremony can help prevent you from losing important moments to a sea of digital screens. We suggest making a note in the ceremony program.
Look for photographers who include an additional photographer on the day of. The extra photographer can provide coverage of the groom’s preparation time and start the cocktail hour coverage while your main photographer shoots the family pictures and bride and groom portraits.
Utilize your photographer’s best abilities and give them creative freedom to do what they do best! It’s important to let them know what you like about their work because it can help give them an idea of what you’re drawn to visually. Working with a photographer who has a background in photojournalism and/or commercial photography can be advantageous because they know how to give you that chic, magazine quality look if that’s what you’re going for.
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…
Williams Sonoma
Justin Alexander
Animoto
Ada Diamonds
We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!
THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…
For our California Brides… Discount from The Ranch at Laguna Beach
For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers and don’t miss the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show this Sunday, January 8th – and this giveaway for wedding bands!
For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, and giveaways from NST Pictures, OLLI STUDIO and Sole East Resort!
For our Southeast Brides… Discount from The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village and giveaway from Courtyards & Cobblestones!
Don’t miss the Rue De Seine trunk shows at the following Lovely locations: Washington DC Jan. 6th – 8th | Charleston Jan. 13th – 15th!
Photography Advice: Jonathan Hanson Weddings