7 Tips For Brides To Be:

ONE: Say “Yes” to an engagement session. This is something brides seem to toss in as an extra when it should be an essential for many reasons. Yes, engagement photography gives you a chance to get to know your photographer, but it also gives you a chance to get chance to feel comfortable with each other while being in the spotlight. In our experience about 70% of couples say at least one of them dreads the camera, but after a quick e session, those who dread, are astoundingly hooked. Consider booking one early with your sought after photographer so you can plan ahead and use the images for save the date cards or your wedding website! When tying the knot, walk the isle with confidence that everything will be captured just the way you like it.

TWO: Take your time, extend the date. Your create your own deadline and should be nice to yourself. Kick your shoes off and start the coffee, your getting married, let the planning commence! As little details pop up along the yellow brick road to happily ever after, you will pat yourself on the back for not rushing things. Setting the date for next year may seem like a stretch but more brides are opting in for the long engagement. Try sixteen months instead of six and enjoy being a bride to be!

THREE: Have a private “First Look” with your yummy groom! Instead of waiting to walk down the isle steal a “lovebirds” moment for just the two of you… and your photographers! Having a moment to breath, and take each other in, away from onlookers has many perks. Admire each other, shed a tear, hold hands, and release all that built up anxiety. Give yourself time to fully appreciate the person who showed up today to commit the rest of their life to you. This also can be a perfect time to take a few portraits of you two and even the bridal party. Having pictures done before hand = extra time to enjoy parting with you guests at the reception.

FOUR: Create a wedding you will enjoy. Take a moment to think about you and your partner: What will make you happiest, relaxed and into each other? Talk about what parts of the day are most meaningful to each of you and plan extra time for anything important (*weddings tend to run behind schedule). You will get plenty of unsolicited advise, so prioritize each other, it’s your story. Start by celebrating each other, and leave the rest to your trusted photographers (refer to #one).

FIVE: Smell the flowers. Brides spend big bucks and countless hours picking the perfect wedding bouquet. When you finally hold it in your hands make sure you pause and sniff… just long enough to savor the moment when all your efforts culminate into one extraordinary day. Your mantra for the day “Savor the moment.” Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.

SIX: Be grateful. People have come from near and far to be part of celebrating your joy. The best thank you is sharing with them how happy you are to have them there. Wedding party gifts and souvenirs for guests = cool. Having a big hug & smile from you = priceless.

SEVEN: Be Bold! Wedding traditions all started somewhere. Feel inspired? Don’t be afraid to create your own. Start by coming up with a unique element of your partnership, like reading a favorite song, cooking a favorite meal, or places you have traveled together. Incorporating these personal touches is also great for you wedding photographer and cinematographer who incorporate them into your story.