Wedding Photos - What Does Your Photographer Need to Know From You?

Planning a wedding is one of those experiences that will be forever remembered. You'll recall the moment you found the perfect dress, the day you and your significant other agreed on the venue, and the second you chose your wedding photographer for those picture perfect moments. The latter is one of the most important of these moments, because those pictures are going to be what really keeps your memory sharp.

 

Once you’ve chosen your wedding photographer they will usually ask to meet with you to run through some questions, and you may be wondering what it is they want to know. Here we take you through some of the bases they’ll cover, so you can be ready with the answers that best reflect what you want from your wedding photography.

The Family Dynamic

One of the first things that your wedding photographer will want to know from you is your family dynamic. This includes biological family and in-laws. The reason it is important to inform your photographer of your family dynamic is that most pictures taken will include family, and when there is a negative feeling between family members, the entire photograph can be ruined. So, to mitigate this issue, the photographer will be able to be more selective in who stands in a photo and who does not. Also, when mentioning family dynamic, explain which individuals you'd like in certain photos and any standard family photos that you'd like.

What is Your Style

One of the most important things a photographer will ask is what style of photography you have in mind for your wedding photos, and whether you think their portfolio is a good fit for you. You may have chosen the photographer on the basis of price or because they’re a friend or a friend, but it is important to them, and to you, that you actually take the time to look through their past work and make sure you’re happy with their style – because every photographers’ work will be different. Choose some of their photos that you really like the style of so they know along what lines you’re thinking, and if you come across a photo in a magazine, online or even an old family snap that you love, bring them along – the more reference you can provide the better.

Customary or Religious Considerations

The photographer will want to know about the ceremony side of your wedding and any customs or considerations they should be aware of. If they have experience in the type of ceremony you will be having, whether it’s Catholic, Hindu, Greek, Jewish etc., they may also be able to provide you with some insight into considerations that you may not have thought of. For example, many Catholic brides and grooms are not aware that some Catholic celebrants are not comfortable having a photographer circling the bride and groom or stepping onto the altar and causing distractions during the sacrament of marriage. Therefore they must first get permission from their celebrant before inviting a photographer into the ceremony. The more information you can give the photographer, the smoother your day will run – the last thing they want to do is step on any toes or make a faux-pas!

The Venue

In many cases, wedding photographers want to know what to expect when attending a venue. The venue is an extremely important element for photographers to take into consideration – it allows them to plan for lighting requirement as well as brainstorm some creative ideas based on surroundings.

Specifics of the Wedding Day

The photographer will understand the extent of careful planning going into your wedding day, and they’ll want to make sure they fit themselves in seamlessly with the itinerary you have in mind, rather than dictate it for you. To make things easier for the photographer and to allow him or her to do their job, one thing you should do is provide the itinerary and also let them know what specific moments you want to be photographed. This could include after the meal, during dancing, before the ceremony, during the ceremony, and so forth. Being clear about what you want is the best way to go about the process.

The Best Man or Bridesmaid

The next thing to cover is preparation for the photographs. While you can provide as much detail as possible about ‘who’s who’ in the family, the photographer won’t know you or your guests well enough to round up the right group or find Aunt Millie in the bathrooms. As well as this, during the course of taking the pictures someone might need something held, something moved, hair fixed or dress trains moved. While the photographer can direct, he or she cannot take charge of holding things while taking the photograph. So, one thing the photographer will want to know is if you have someone who can help you out during these instances – usually the best man or bridesmaid. It will make the photographer's job easier and it will create a more relaxed environment for better photographs.

About the Guest Blogger

Anna-Nicole Del Re is a professional photographer and the Marketing & Operations Manager at Viva Photography, a leading Wedding and Portrait photographer in Perth, Western Australia and Melbourne Victoria. Connect with Anna-Nicole on Google+

 

Wedding Favors - How to Choose

Some couples find choosing a wedding favor one of the most difficult tasks when planning their wedding. I'm going to share with you some tips in making this process easier... and maybe even a little enjoyable.

Note: all images from My Wedding Favors who have an amazing range of fabulous favors to choose from at www.myweddingfavors.com

Choose something practical. Can your guests use the item after the wedding or will it become another dust collector on their shelf?

Choose a favor that represents you as a couple. You may like to choose something that is personal to you as a couple. Perhaps you met at a coffee shop, a set of short black coffee glasses would be perfect... and tick the box of something practical also!

Everyone loves an edible favor. Your guests will love a tasty treat - and im not talking sugar coated almonds either.

Does the item fit your theme? If you are having a rootin-tootin cowboy theme? Then choose a wedding favor that represents this.

Budget ( I bet your sick of hearing that word!). Yes you must consider your budget when choosing a wedding favor. Try to choose something that can be used by the couple, that way you are not buying a per person male / female gift - instead you are buying something they can share.

I love the range of wedding favors from www.myweddingfavors.com - check them out for some inspiration!

The Wedding Gurus

xx

Wedding Rituals and Traditions - A Fishy Tradition for the Groom (Korea)

 A Fishy Korean Ritual/Tradition

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, then this one is for you!

In this Korean tradition the poor groom is subjected to some pretty interesting antics. Usually done in the spirit of providing him with increased strength for the wedding night, this ritual begins after the main ceremony. 

The Groom’s ‘friends’ (using the term loosely right now) will tie his ankles together with rope then take off his socks in order to beat the soles of his feet with a fish – A Yellow Corvina.

Pic From: bluedragon.en.ec21.com

Odd? Yes a little, but it is all done in the spirit of good will and as a fun gesture of friendship, so who are we to judge?

We just love these strange and out there rituals/ideas, so if you know of any you would like us to use, please feel free to drop us a line in the comments section.

The Wedding Gurus
xxx

Wedding Rituals and Traditions - The Blackening of the Bride (Scotland)

Yes it is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – Blackening of the Bride. In this Scottish ritual/tradition the poor bride is subjected to being covered in some disgusting concoctions and substances all in the name of easing her worries. Luckily for the poor bride this takes place in the days leading up to the wedding and never on the day or even the day before.

The most common way of ‘blackening’ the bride is for her friends (debatable) to take her out into the streets and smother her in every awful substance they can find, usually including things like fish guts and molasses, spoiled milk and rotten eggs and occasionally topped off with flour, feathers or anything else that may help her to look ridiculous and smell terrible.

Believe it or not, it is thought that being subjected to this ultimate humiliation will mean that any problems or humiliations the couple may see in the future and within the marriage will seem so much less worrisome or and have little meaning in comparison.

Sadly that is not the end to the ordeal – Completely covered from head to toe in the foul mix and smelling worse than you can imagine, the poor thing is then paraded through the streets, on show for all to see. Her ‘friends’ who walk ahead of her bang pots and pans to ensure the attention of the crowd and then usually lead her to a local pub or club for a celebration of her coming marriage.

Although probably pretty awful and stinky, all in all this would probably be a pretty fun ritual/tradition (or a slightly less foul version of) to do with a group of girlfriends. The photos and the laughs would definitely last a lifetime.

The Wedding Gurus
xxx

The wedding day first look - raw emotion as the couples eyes meet

As a celebrant, I am lucky enough to get to spend time with each couple in the lead up to their wedding day. Getting to know them, planning their ceremony and working out the right wording takes time and it is during this time that I usually get a real sense of who they are and how they ‘fit’ together as a couple. 

At some stage in this process we usually get the part where we either have a rehearsal or at least a run through of what will happen on the day and where everyone will stand. This is usually fun and exciting, but I have found that despite going over all the details, it in no way prepares them for the explosion of emotion and love they often feel overcome by at the very moment they see each other on the day.

The celebrant usually arrives at the venue at least half an hour in advance on the day in order to set up and prepare documents etc. In a ceremony with a bride and groom, the groom and his groomsmen are usually wandering around, greeting guests as they arrive and looking generally nervous!

As the moment draws near and tensions build, the bride finally arrives and as I usher the groom and groomsmen into position, the nerves and anticipation of the guests are palpable.

As we wait, the groomsmen are usually giving the groom grief, teasing him and making jokes, but as the bride appears from whatever direction she enters, the mood changes. All eyes are on his bride and I would have to say that in about 80 percent of cases, the groom cries. Not sobbing or bawling, but tears of joy, of gratitude and of how lucky he feels. This is particularly true when the couple have children and the children enter in front of the bride. Even the biggest, blokiest of them all usually succumb (and in fact are often the softest!) Its a beautiful moment and one that I feel so honoured to share with the couple.

Where we have two grooms or two brides, it's pretty much the same, but sometimes they will arrive together or both walk down the aisle separately and sometimes have mixed bridal parties. 

No matter what it may be, the exchange between the couple when they first see each other is magical and I feel so blessed to get to be a part of life's big moments like this.

So, make sure your photographer knows that you want to capture that moment and they are ready top snap when your eyes first meet on the aisle to becoming a married couple.

The Wedding Gurus

xxx

Wedding Planning - family arguments and disagreements

Over the last 20 years as a marriage and funeral celebrant, I have seen literally everything when it comes to weddings, planning stress and family difficulties.

I have worked with so many couples who were dealing with issues like:

• Family disputes

• Divorced and non-speaking parents

• Family issues related to dislike of the person you’re marrying

• Family or friends who are refusing to come because someone they don't like is invited

• Bridal party fights and issues

• Bridal party members who are making trouble or not showing up

• Issues around kids being invited

• and religious issues for the couple and their families

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more!

So, the point of this post is to consider some of the ways couples can reduce their stress around these issues so that they can have the day they want to have, not the day that has been changed and even at times ruined by others.

REMEMBER: No matter what happens, at the end of the day, the goal through all of this is to be married and you will be. You absolutely will be.

Preparing for potential issues:

It is rare for a couple to plan a wedding without encountering a single hiccup. It's important to remember, you are not alone if you're facing some stressful issues. However, you can set yourselves up for a smoother ride by panning ahead. 

First, from the moment you get engaged, understand that problems will come up and accept that. Things won't run perfectly so don't be alarmed when something does happen.

Second, don't overreact. In high stress situations it's easy to catastrophise, so when something does come up, take a minute, breathe and look at the big picture BEFORE reacting or saying anything you might regret. Give yourself a minute to think.

Third, assess whether the issue/s will really have an impact on you and your partner long-term. Will this be something that causes long-term harm, or is it just a hiccup that won't matter too much when you're looking back at the day in years to come. Talk it over with your partner and make sure you agree on your assessment of the situation. You're a team!

Fourth, understand that while your wedding is important, people around you have things going on too. When someone can't make it, can't get a baby sitter for that night, or can't help you with something they said they would, let yourself feel the irritation and move on quickly. People have things going on that others might not know about and it's better to just move on quickly and find another option rather than dwell on why they can't help or whatever the situation might be. Dwelling will waste your energy and lower your mood. Don't let the actions of others reduce your excitement and shine.

Fifth, build in pockets of time in the lead up to the wedding to take time out and de-stress. Take some time alone to remind yourself that the point of getting married is to commit to your partner. It is not to have every tiny detail fall perfectly into place for your fairytale. Relax, meditate if you need or just go for a calm walk in nature and reset your emotions so you can keep moving forward with a clear head. (Check out our post for Bridal Meditation).

Sixth, and last but not least, while it is your big day and your family and friends should behave well and support you, ALWAY try to put yourself in the other person/peoples position when issues arise. If it is a family member who doesn't want to see another guest, try to be empathetic and do what you can, but if you can't resolve it, simply explain to the person that you can't and allow them to either suggest a solution or not attend if they feel they can't. Forcing people into uncomfortable situations isn't good for anyone, including you and your partner. If it is someone who is wanting to bring their child and you are having a child-free wedding, simply write them a nice message saying that you totally understand if they can't make it due to parenting responsibilities. Many couples are now live-streaming their ceremony so distant family and friends can still attend (and it's a great way to reduce cost!)

REMEBER - be calm and empathetic but firm in your responses to issues that others bring up. Even if all of the above were to happen, and even if important people couldn't be there for you, the wedding is about marrying your partner and by the end of the day, you will be married. That's all that really matters. 

Check out some of our other posts for other ideas while planning your big day.

Good Luck!

The Wedding Gurus xx

Your Wedding Day - How to make sure you soak it in

 

As a wedding celebrant I have the unique opportunity to be standing right there beside hundreds of couples as they take that huge leap into marriage and commit their lives, hopes and dreams to each other. 

It's an interesting vantage point because over the years it has really demonstrated to me how we all love and commit to another in our own unique way. Some couples are laughing and joking, others are teary and nervous, and others are so focussed on each other they barely notice anyone else is even there!

No matter what kind of couple you are, the most important thing is that your wedding day really reflects who you are. Sure, it's a serious occasion and you might have lots of guests there, but when those people who know and love you walk away from your wedding thinking, that was so them, then that is what really counts.

So, if you and your partner are the kind of couple who joke and tease each other, your ceremony should really have that feel. If you and your partner are serious and romantic, then that should shine through in your wedding ceremony and the vows you say to each other.

But, there's one very important thing I always try to reinforce when I'm working with couples, no matter how they intend to approach their wedding day - MAKE SURE YOU TAKE A BREATH AND SOAK IT IN. 

It is so easy to get caught up with all the noise, the details, the planning, who is where and whether everything is going to plan, but on that day, the most important thing is being there and being present with the person you love, in the moment, and committing your life to them. Even if small things go wrong, you'll still be married at the end of the day, which is the whole point of doing it!

Sometimes when I'm standing beside the groom (or the partner who is beside me) and the bride (or other partner) is about to walk down the aisle, I'll whisper, 'This is it. It's finally here. Look where you are.' and I'll hear them suck in a breath and hold it. The emotion, the excitement, the nervousness as their loved one is about to come and join them and take vows filled with promises of forever. It's a beautiful moment to be a part of and so very important for the couple.

Another opportunity to really soak it in is when signing the legal paperwork (if it's done that way in your country). The couple and celebrant go over to the signing table and the couple sit down. I often fuss around a little bit and give them a minute to chat and laugh and look at each other and then I'll say to them, Can you believe you're now married? and you see the way they look at each other in that moment. It's as if all the stress and worry melts away and their hopes and dreams and being set in motion.

There are also other opportunities to connect and bring yourself back to the moment throughout your wedding day. Every time it's feeling busy on the day, let that be a reminder to you to take a deep breath, look around you and commit it to your heart and memory. Squeeze your partners hand and let yourself feel the excitement of this life changing moment because in the coming years, and particularly in your older years, you will look back on this day and draw upon those feelings. it will become one of the defining moments of your life. 

Good luck!

The Wedding Gurus xx