A&V Welcome Packet

the WEDDING E X P E R I E N C E

a Complete wedding guide for

get the most out of your

Experience

Brides

Anchor & Veil

WELCOME

1

CONT ENTS

table of

3

ENGAGEMENTS pg 6 -13 YOUR timeline pg 16 -19 PRECEREMONY pg 20 - 31 first look pg 32 - 41 CEREMONY pg 42 - 45 Weddings Destination 46 - 49 romantic PORTRAITS pg 50 - 65

BRIDAL PARTY portraits pg 66 - 77 RECEPTION pg 78 - 81 Preferred vendors pg 82 - 83 wedding Planning Checklist pg 84 - 85 Why are Albums so Important pg 86 - 89 A little REMINDER pg 90 4

your ENGAGEMENT

SESSION Now that you have picked a date, a photographer and

Your engagement session can be scheduled anytime

probably a venue as well, you can celebrate! Those are

before your wedding day. We normally suggest booking

some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning

it at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid stress. Be-

and you can cross them off your list! Hooray!! Now

cause our weekends are filled with weddings, we shoot

on to the fun stuff.... like your engagement session!

engagements on weekday evenings, normally from

We include an engagement sessions in your Wedding

5-7pm depending on the light and the time of the year.

Experience because we truly believe that they are a

In the winter months, 3-5pm is a normal time frame for

VITAL part of the entire process. During your engage-

an engagement session! As you start to plan for your

ment session, you’ll have the chance to get to know us,

engagement shoot, you will need to start brainstorming

experience how we shoot and how we handle posing

about some location ideas. We LOVE it when couples

and lighting.

pick a location that is special or sentimental to them in

some way! If you can’t think of anywhere specific that

This session will make a HUGE impact on how

the wedding day flows. We will arrive on your wedding

you would like to shoot, we can help you decide on a lo-

day already knowing how you two interact, what your

cation! As long as the light is great, we can make ANY

best poses are and how to photograph you in a genuine

location look awesome! We shoot on farms, campuses,

way! What we will learn about you during your engage-

downtown alleys and even in front of dumpsters! I’m

ment session is invaluable! You will feel like such a

serious! Do not shy away from crazy ideas! The more

pro on your big day because of the great practice you

creative, the better! Be sure to keep reading to find out

had during your engagement session and that’s how it

more about outfit ideas and inspiration!

should be!

6

THE OUTFITS WHAT TO WEAR

It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken .... even if it’s just a photo on an iphone that is taken by a friend, we still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! We realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips for outfits and accessories that will make the preperation for your engagement session a little more manageable!

TIPS

FOR YOUR SHOOT

- Don’t try to MATCH too much...try to pick outfits and ac-

- Most often, couples like to have one casual, everyday outfit and

cesories that coordinate instead. If everyone wore the same

then one outfit that is dressier! This will give your shoot two totally

exact color at their engagement session, how boring would

different “looks.” We recommend beginning with the dressy outfit

those images be?

first!

- Don’t be afraid to be BOLD! Accessorize and make your

- Make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. And ladies,

outfits your own! Scarves, bold necklaces, and fun shoes

if the top is super low cut, that will limit the amount of angles we

are always welcome!

can shoot from.

- MOST PATTERNS are actually ok.... however, graphics

- BE ON TIME! The sun is only out for so long ! The later you ar-

are not favorable for portraits. If you’re wearing a pattern,

rive, the less time we have to shoot! And nobody wants that!

make sure it’s not overwhelming and distracting.

- Clean the ring! We love to shoot a few rings shots while you - Be sure to check out our pinterest boards and blog for

change outfits! The cleaner the better!

more inspiration for your outfits!

- Relax! You don’t have to be a pro at this! We are going to help you

7

- Empty your pockets! You don’t want to have key chains or

along the way and it’s going to be a blast! Enjoy this time together

phones showing through your pockets. (For the guys!)

and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!!

Engagements are so Engaging!

When should we schedule our engagement session?

Because we are natural light photographers we love to take advantage of the “golden hour.” This is the hour or hour and half before the sun sets where the light is just perfect! The light is soft, the sun sits behind you and the golden color brings vibrant colors to your images. Don’t worry if it is cloudy on your engagement session! The clouds act like a giant defuser which makes the light really nice!

How long does the session last? What should you expect?

Engagement sessions are fun! They’re laid back, relaxed and really help to get you comfortable in front of the camera and get to know us as your photographers. Each session should last no more than two hours depending on how many wardrobe changes you make. The session will consists of putting you in a great spot with perfect light, changing clothes and looking AMAZING!

What should we wear?

We love to tell our clients to stick to their personal style. We want you to feel as natural and as comfortable as possible! We also want you to take this time to wear something BOLD! If you love patterns, and accessories make sure you wear them! Wear something stylish that you have always wanted to wear, or that sun dress that has caught your eye. This is your chance to take photos with the two of you looking your best.

We encourage you to check out our website for more engagement session questions and ideas concerning what to wear. We talk A LOT more about it there! http://anchorandveilphotography.com/category/for-brides/

11

outfit INSPIRATION 12

Wedding

YOUR

DAY

12

your

TIMELINE details 2:30-3:15

Here’s the page that can be somewhat intimidating! The TIMELINE! I know this isn’t the most exciting aspect of the wedding day but this is the one thing that can make or break your photography! The next two pages will outline an ideal wedding day working off of a 6pm ceremony timeframe. This ideal timeline is also based off of a wedding day that includes a first look. Most of our couples choose to do a first look and you can read more about that option a few pages over! Remember that all wedding days are different and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations.

portraits

After the details have been photographed,

it’s time for you to get into her dress! This is a big moment! We usually ask the mother

4:15-4:45

of the bride and all of the bridesmaids be

portraits

bridal party 4:50-5:20

dressed by the time the bride is ready to get

both separately AND together! After

into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After you are in her gown, you can put on your jewelry, veil, shoes, and we will shoot some additional bridal portraits!

first look

the bride will go into hiding so that early guests don’t sneak a peek and

4:00

the ushers will begin their duties.

After you two take their time with the

shots of her bridal details. It’s an impor-

First Look, we will begin taking a few

tant part of the story and we love having

romantic portraits while the initial excite-

some time to shoot the dress, shoes,

ment is still present! We will find the

jewelry, invitations, etc. These shots allow

locations for these shots as well! Remem-

us to get warmed up for the rest of the big

ber, the LIGHT determines where we

minutes for this part of the day. While shooting details, we’re also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready! If the groom is getting ready nearby, we will begin photographing the guys getting ready close to 40 minutes before the first look since it always takes them less time to get dressed!

16

bridal party portraits are complete,

Every bride loves having those beautiful

day. We normally like to allow at least 45

3:15-3:45

bridal prep

..... great shots of the guys and girls

This is one of our favorite parts of the wedding day! We will find the perfect location for your First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! Don’t stress about that one bit! We will make sure

shoot and so we can’t decide on portrait locations until the day-of. As we shoot these portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to us for Bridal Party portraits!

Now it’s time for Bridal Party shots! we buffer in extra time throughout the day just in case we have some unexpected

5:30-6:00

bride in hiding!

things that hold us up! One way to make sure we stay on schedule for bridal

the location is private and as secluded as

party portraits is to have someone put the

possible so you can enjoy some time alone

boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they

before gathering with friends and family.

arrive for portraits.During Bridal Party portraits, Kathryn and I will make sure to take some.....

continued...

17

yourTIMELINE

CONTINUED

reception details

It’s time to get married!! Most ceremonies

family portraits

are 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is

Family formals normally take place

longer than that, we’ll make adjustments

immediately following the ceremony. It’s

to the timeline! Cherish these moments!

best to save all of the family formals until

Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!

after the ceremony because ALL family

5:30-5:50

6:40-7:10

romantic portraits EXTRA

7:15-7:30

the party begins!

7:30-7:45

your exit! We have seen everything from sparklers to sprinkles and everything in between. Exit shots are always our favorite.

If the reception is in the same location

7:00 is the BEST time of day for

This is when the bridal party lines up for

as the ceremony, we will use this time to

portraits in the late spring, summer and

introductions and the party begins!! By

shoot the reception decor UNTOUCHED.

early fall! This is when the sun is glowy

this part of the day, our timeline isn’t as

If the ceremony and reception are in dif-

and golden. We love having a few extra

strict. Since we love natural light after the

ferent locations, we recommend having a

minutes with the bride and groom to take

sun sets, most of the portraits are finished.

a few “Just Married” portraits right after

But we still may take you out for some

family formals!

awesome night time pictures then we will

tion area if possible so that we can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins and guests start laying down purses and coats on their seats!

Detailed shots of untouched receptions aren’t garuanteed due to travel time or if you choose to not do a first look.

ceremony

6:00-6:30

We’ll need about 30 mintues for family

begin focusing on the reception events!

formals and we will send a questionnaire before the wedding where you can list out the shots that you want. We recommend

you leave your wedding to begin life as husband and wife. Be creative with

members will be present at that time.

cocktail hour outside of the main recep-

We love capturing the moments where

shooting portraits outdoors if possible so

APROXIMATE TIMES:

that they resemble more natural family

DETAILS & PREP : 1.5 HOURS

portraits, especially if the ceremony

FIRST LOOK & PORTRAITS : 30-40 MINS

location is dark!

BRIDAL PARTY : 30-40 MINS

10:30

Exit!

FAMILY FORMALS: 30 MINS “EXTRA PORTRAIT TIME” : AS MUCH TIME AS YOU’LL GIVE ME!

18

19

PRECEREMONY

let the day begin!

This portion of The Wedding Experience really sets the stage for the entire wedding day. The next few pages will share tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless morning of bridal preparation and beautiful portraits!

21

GETTING READY

22

It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the

Will you and your groom be exchanging gifts during

little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with

this time? If so, who would you like to deliver them? Are

your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain

there certain women in your life that would appreciate

items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time

seeing you get into your gown? Some brides want very

to hand them over to someone else. Delegation is a key

few people around for this moment. Other brides love

part of a stress-free wedding day. We know it’s hard to

having aunts and grandmothers present! It’s totally up

hand over the decorating duties and all of the last minute

to you! A few other things to consider.... as you get ready

things that need to be done but it really is important to

to put your dress on, refrain from putting any jewelry

relax the morning of your wedding. The rest of the day

on. We love shooting all of those final steps when you’re

is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emo-

in your gown! Speaking of the gown, if your gown is on

tions! Take advantage of this down time! There are a

a plastic hanger, try to make a note to bring a wooden

few things to consider about the “getting ready” portion

hanger along for pictures. If you forget, no big deal! We

of the day. Do you want to share a “first look” with your

can still make it look amazing! Keep reading along for

dad or any other man that plays a huge role in your life?

more “getting ready” tips to help you prepare!

Window THE

EFFECT

By having just

one

simple window in the bridal

prep area, we are able to create beautiful portraits with soft light. We prefer natural light so the more windows, the better!

DETAILS

details

DETAILS

T

he whole day begins with the DETAILS! This is one of our favorite parts of the wedding day because it allows us

to prepare and get our creative side warmed up for the rest of the day! We photograph your details in a way that matches and accentuates the style of the entire wedding day. So, in some ways, the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding and we love having ample time to stylize and shoot everything from the dress, to the jewelry to any sentimental items like grandma’s handkerchief! To the right you’ll find a list of the most common details that we shoot. We ask brides to gather any details they have before we arrive so that we can walk in, say hello, give you a huge hug and then begin with all the goodies! (Please ensure your mom that we will take GREAT care of the dress, we promise!)

26

What to gather

{

DRESS VEIL/HAIR PIECES RINGS (ALL THREE) SHOES JEWELRY PERFUME INVITATIONS YOUR SOMETHING BORROWED & BLUE BOUQUET & BOUTONNIERES

27

DETAILtips gather the

GOODS

extra

If possible, collect all of your details before we arrive so that we can begin quickly and have more time for some “getting ready” shots of you and your girls!

Sometimes, depending on the theme and “look” of the wedding day, there may be some extra elements that you could include when you gather your details. For example, if you’re hav-

ELEMENTS

ing a country themed wedding, you could include a piece of burlap or lace. If you’re having a rustic themed wedding that includes some wooden elements, maybe save a small piece of wood for us to use when we’re shooting your rings and jewerly. This REALLY makes for beautiful, consistent album spreads!

Keep the

RINGS!

The most common detail missing when we arrive are the rings! Moms, officiants and planners will tell you to hand over your wedding band to the best man before the day begins. However, it’s actually better to hand it over during the bridal party portraits so that we can shoot some great ring shots while you get ready! If you forget, no worries, we can always shoot the ring shot at the

bring the

BOUQUET

28

reception if there is extra time!

Don’t forget the Bouquet! Have the bouquets and boutonnieres delivered to the bride before the first look so that she can have her bouquet in her portraits. No worries, if it’s hot, we’ll be sure to keep it in water as much as possible before the ceremony!

29

timingTIPS

W

hen you’re planning a wedding day timeline, the best advice we

could give is to ADD CUSHION TIME! Sometimes the most simple things can take an extra 20 minutes and then all of a sudden, the whole morning is thrown off. We have seen the time it takes for a bride to get in her dress reach almost 20-30 minutes because of a button malfunction. It’s a smart idea to add in an extra ten minutes here and there so that we have some wiggle room to work with! This way, if one part of the day gets thrown off by 20 minutes, we can help you compensate that time in other areas. There are so many different things to think about when you’re planning a wedding day, so we have provided some tips for the preceremony timeline! We realize that every single wedding day is different, therefore not all of these tips will apply to every wedding day schedule. Something else to consider is that not EVERYTHING will go as planned, and we promise you, that is completely normal!!

BOUQUET + HAIR + BOUTONNIERES MAKEUP

TRAVEL TIME

GROOMSMEN PREP

GETTING DRESSED

CREATING A CUSHION

You will need your Bouquet &

We encourage brides to have at

Be sure to think about the travel

We usually travel together for this.

We’ll instruct you to get into your

A 10 minute cushion every now

Boutonnieres for your First Look!

least their makeup done before

time and TRAFFIC to and from

You hired two photographers for

dress close to a window and it

and then is a GREAT idea! It’s

Have them delivered to the room

we start taking pictures because

your getting ready location and

our perspectives so we take that

would be fabulous to have your

amazing how fast time slips away

where the bride is getting ready.

who wants a ton of shots with-

your venue!

same perspective to capture

bridemaids dressed when you’re

the day of!

images of the guys. This only takes

getting in your gown!

30

out their makeup on?! Nobody.

about 10-15 minutes.

31

YOUR Your first look

first look

is an amazing part of your wedding day! If

you aren’t sure about this new tradition, the next few pages will

explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration that not only adds to the experience but also reduces stress.

30

first look THE

EXPLAINED

true emotions are free to be expressed. And OH were they expressed! I was gleaming from ear to ear. So if I were to condense what I just wrote… basically, Grooms & brides normally become incredibly nervous on the wedding day…. even if they seem cool and collected. For most grooms, the nerves kick in before they see their bride because when they see her, everything becomes VERY real! So when the nerves start creeping up, instead of keeping the groom in a secluded space until his time to enter the ceremony, what if you took him to a private place… no people, no onlookers, no distractions…. and you let his beautiful bride, the love of his life, walk up to him and gently tap his shoulder. He would turn around and finally get his first look at his stunning bride and not only would he get to see her… he could embrace her… cry with her…. kiss her… and ENJOY that moment with her for as LONG as they wanted. As she shows him her dress, twirls a few times and then asks him what he thinks… his nerves start to diminish. After all, she’s the one that can make him most comfortable anyway.

We

have confessed our deep love for “First Looks” numerous times on our blog and we tend to point them out in every blog post. There

Because they aren’t on a time crunch… they casually move into their romantic portraits. No one is around, the coordinator isn’t announcing “15

is a reason for this. They’re AWESOME. However, not everyone is aware of how awesome they are because they get caught up in how

minutes left,” and there is no pressure. It’s just the two of them and their photographer….. capturing the excitement and the joy of their wedding

“un-traditional” it is and they immediately write it off. We can talk about those couples because we were almost one of them. Kathryn wanted

day. This is their time to be TOGETHER…and to be ALONE. When does that happen on a wedding day? Without a First Look…. it doesn’t. After

a REACTION….She wanted me to be so surprised and overcome with joy when she walked down the aisle that I bawled at the first sight of her!

their romantic portraits are done, they meet up with their best friends. Their bridal party joins them and because they still have plenty of time

Isn’t that EVERY girl’s dream? Who doesn’t want that reaction? Luckily, she was able to have the best of both worlds because Kathryn and I

to spare… the bride touches up a little makeup while the boys act like boys. After a few minutes the bridal party portraits begin and they’re FUN.

decided to share an intimate “First Look” moment on our wedding day AND I almost cried when she came down the aisle. We have had grooms

They’re FUN because there is time to make them FUN. There aren’t any guests waiting impatiently at the cocktail hour and there isn’t a DJ

cry during the first look and during the ceremony... on multiple occasions! Those are memories that will last a lifetime!

coming to find the photographer to get a time check. It’s wonderful!

After experiencing our own wedding and shooting many others…. We’ve come to this conclusion: Some brides love “traditions”…. but what a bride REALLY wants when it comes to her groom seeing her for the first time is a REACTION. Those that are not interested in a First Look usually think that by seeing each other beforehand, they will lose part of that reaction. They also assume that it will not be as emotional or as intimate as it would be if they were coming down the aisle. What I have found (this is starting to sound like a research paper!) is so ironic! Everyone knows that wedding days are a bit stressful for the bride and groom. The whole day is focused on them, they need to look their best, they need to be on time, the groom has no idea what side the boutonniere is supposed to go on and little by little… the tension grows.

It’s before the ceremony and the gravity of what is about to happen starts to sink in and the calm, collected groom that was playing golf just a

After portraits are done, the girls and guys separate and prepare for the ceremony. The guests begin to arrive and the ushers are in place. Pretty

few short hours ago is now starting to feel a little anxious. So what happens next? The groom waits in a little room somewhere just waiting for

soon it’s time for the processional music to begin and one by one, the bridesmaids make their way down to the front of the ceremony. As the

his que from the coordinator. It seems like it’s taking FOREVER. Finally, the coordinator leans her head in and hurries the groom to get ready.

groom clasps his hands… they aren’t clasped out of nervousness, but excitement. The music builds, the mother of the bride stands and all of

With clammy hands, the groom enters the ceremony and what does he find? …. he finds anywhere from 80-300 people and they’re all looking

the guests follow her lead. The groom looks up and here comes the BRIDE!!! His best friend, his companion, his sweetheart…..she’s stunning….

where? Right at his face… because everyone has expectations and anticipation about his first reaction. This is the farthest thing from a private,

ABSOLUTELY stunning. The closer she gets, the bigger he smiles.

intimate moment. Sure, it’s SO powerful and SO wonderful. … We already said that walking down the aisle was one of the BEST PARTS of my WHOLE wedding day!! It’s magical!! ….. But when Kathryn walked down the aisle… I wasn’t a nervous wreck…I had spent the morning with

Now let me put a disclaimer on here before we continue…our clients are not required to do a First Look by any means! We used to feel bad for

Kathryn and our best friends and the pressure was OFF. By the time our ceremony rolled around I was ready to ENJOY our beautiful day! The

sharing this option with couples who were against it because we didn’t want to push anything on them. However, we have seen the benefits of a

nerves were gone and when the nerves are gone…

first look over and over again and so we only share this because we want the BEST for our couples!! It’s totally ok if couples choose not to share a first look! It’s just my preference to do one for many reasons.... Keep reading to find out more of the benefits of sharing your first look privately! If

34

you choose note to do a first look, that is completely Ok. We will work with you to create a special timeline to fit everything in!

35

FIRST LOOK: WHY IT’S WORTH IT - You’re

investing

a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you… and those are

the images you will decorate your first home with! (Believe us, our house is getting PACKED full of our portraits!) With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.

- You actually get

intimate time on your wedding day with each other. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally

SHOCK him with your gorgeous-ness… he can’t even tell you how amazing you look. He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you.

You have to wait until 40 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 40 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.

- First Looks allow you to

extend your wedding day. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony

would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your

wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits… you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day. Many of our best images that we feature in our client’s wedding albums are filled with just images from this time together before the ceremony.

– First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. When Kathryn and I saw each other, not only was it intimate, it was our

only time to be alone… the whole day! We laughed, we stared in awe and we laughed some more… and then that put us in the PERFECT

mood for our romantic portraits. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode…. especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other and we always capture some super sweet images during those moments!

- You get

rid of the nerves. I’d say, literally 1/2 of our couples who have done a first look, the grooms were not fans of it at first. However, because

they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be. We have testimonials from so many grooms that initially weren’t a fan of the first look... but afterwards admitted to being SO much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony!

SIDE NOTE: Brides, if you have never seen your man cry or get emotional, you can’t expect him to be overly emotional on your wedding day.

Some guys just embrace their brides and never cry.... and that’s OK. Some guys show very little emotion when his bride is coming down the aisle and that’s ok too. Just enjoy this amazing day and try not to put any expectations on him. :)

36

37

FROM THE

pros I am so glad we did a first look and I would 100% do the first look again and recommend it to all couples! I especially liked it because it gave us a chance to get pictures of Andrew’s army uniform in addition tor his tux. But even if he hadn’t had a wardrobe change, I would have done the first look. Those 20 minutes amongst the hectic and emotional day were precious to me. The day seemed to pause right there. The moment was intimate and calming and did not lessen the satisfaction of seeing his face when I walked down the aisle. It also freed us up to be husband and

“Doing a first look before the wedding was a precious

wife right after the ceremony. Instead of spending the next hour focused on taking

gift. It helped relieve our nerves and allowed us to

pictures, we got to talk and laugh together with our wedding party and get the

spend some sweet time together. Devin and Kathryn

celebration started! – Sarah Cash

were so sweet for recommending a first look for us. It was the best decision we could have made!” - Traci Johnson

38

39

FROM THE

pros

“On our wedding day everything moved so fast that having our first look was the only time that we actually got to spend alone and really take in everything.

Seeing each other before the ceremony did not take away from all the excitement, joy and bliss of walking down the aisle. It actually made it better. Our first look gave us a chance to express our anxiousness in private so when it came time to say our vows we were giddy and enthusiastic.

Zack and I did most things that were unconventional. The first look did the same thing. I was so

The other thing that was fantastic about having our first look was it

anxious to see him. So anxious wondering what his reaction would be. I wanted to talk to him and see

meant that we could have all the photos with our family and wedding party done before the ceremony so everyone could enjoy themselves during the cocktail hour and reception. Considering how it poured down rain just after our first dance, waiting to take all the photos would have meant we would have been cut short and probably lost a lot of good memories.

him and touch him before I walked down the aisle committing my life to him. He cried. Both times.

He cried during our first look, and most of the ceremony. And the first part of our reception. Most people think that having a first look takes away from the grooms reaction. And I understand why they would think that. But I think they’re wrong. I think it takes away a lot of unnecessary anxiety and pent up emotions that can flow freely once you’re able to share moments between only the two of you and

In short our first look was our time on our big day, it was a time that we

your photographers. When you have to first see each other in front of EVERY ONE, you can’t say

didn’t feel rushed or pressured to follow a schedule. It was a time for us

what you would be able to freely say if you were alone. Like “Oh my stars. You look hott.” Between

to spend together and really communicate our emotions and thoughts.”

sobs, of course. So with a first look (in my experience), the emotions have been more enhanced.

- Jennifer Wright

- Jessica Locklear

40

41

THE

Here it is! The moment everyone has been waiting for! The music is playing and the guests have been seated. Ushers make their way to the back of the church and the coordinator is lining up the bridesmaids while giving the musicians a 5 minute warning. The bride is about to walk down the aisle to the love of her life..... and if she’s like most girls, she’s dreamed about this moment for a long time! Vows will be shared and promises will be made... this is what it’s all about!! In a world full of wedding blogs, Pinterest, and bridal magazines, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and consumed by the “prettiness” of the event. While details do matter and planning is necessary, it’s important to never lose sight of the real purpose of this amazing day!

43

lighting

order of service

We have seen so many couples do so many AMAZING

The BEST advice we have for the program making process

outdoors at 12pm, the lighting will be extremely harsh and

things during their ceremony. We’ve photographed couples

is to remember that not EVERY guest needs a program!

nator is SO important!! Brides realize very quickly that if

not only will there be harsh lines of light on your faces, you

washing each other’s feet, symbolizing that they want to

We printed a program for everyone attending our wedding

they do not have someone in charge of the coordination

will also be squinting. We suggest planning an outdoor

serve each other for the rest of their lives. Some couples

but quickly realized that most families only took one. We

of the day, that responsibility will automatically fall on

ceremony 2 hours before sunset if you are having a FIRST

share in communion while some light a unity candle. We

ended up with over 100 extra programs! Yikes! Also, before

the mother of the bride, the photographer or the BRIDE!

LOOK. If you are not interested in sharing a first look, then

have seen sand ceremonies, rope ceremonies and the sign-

ordering your programs, have SEVERAL people check it

When a photographer is in charge of the timeline and the

we would suggest having your ceremony 3 hours before

ing of the family bible. The options are limitless!! As you

for spelling and grammatical errors. Programs and the

coordinaiton of the day, the images will suffer. All of our

sunset to ensure that you will have plenty of time for all of

plan your ceremony, make sure you design it to be exactly

ceremony decor is something that the bride can plan in ad-

most stressful wedding situations were caused by a lack of

your portraits afterwards. The lower the sun, the more ro-

what the two of you envision it to be. This is your day!! If

vance, then deligate the privelage of setting it up to a friend

organization and coordination. It’s so important to make

mantic the lighting. If you are having an indoor ceremony,

you have the freedom to be creative, then by all means, be

or coordinator. The last thing a bride needs to be doing the

this a priority. If you need any recommendations on

it is always best to have EVEN lighting at the altar. If there

creative!! Kathryn and I had a traditional wedding. We

morning of her wedding is running around setting up floral

wedding coordination services we would love to share some

are two spotlights on the bride and groom, we will not be

read our vows to each other, had a friend sing a song that

arrangements! This leads me into my next column!

of our favorite vendors with you!

able to expose the rest of the bridal party. It is better to

was really important to our faith and prayed together.

have soft, even light acorss the whole altar.

Some people advised against these things but we’re really

Ceremony lighting is really important. If you get married

44

glad we went with what we wanted!

programs and details

coordination

Hiring either a full event planner or just a day-of coordi-

45

destination

WEDDINGS

If you are planning a destinaiton wedding, a lot of the details in this guide will not apply to you! Your details, your timeline, and even your preparation for the big day will be much different. However, it is a good idea to start thinking about a few key components of the day such as: your ceremony time and your ceremony/portrait locations (some destinaiton weddings require some planning to find portrait locations without tourists in the background.) Be sure to check the sunset times in your wedding location before settling on your ceremony time. As your wedding day draws closer, we’ll begin to chat about the timeline of the day and the travel arrangements. Get excited!! This is going to be amazing!!

46

47

If you are having a destination wedding, you want to make sure that all of the details are taken care of before the day. To give you an idea of what to think of ahead of time, we have createed a list for you!

1) Choose your location carefully. A destination wedding doesn’t always mean a “beach” wedding. We have done PLENTY in other places such as the Mountains, Las Vegas, Charleston, etc..

2) Take a trip first. We can’t stress enough how important it is scout out the location and the other vendors before you go. Plus, you get a mini wedding planning vacation!

3) Research local marriage requirements. This often goes overlooked but is essential to actually getting married!

4) Think of the weather. Make sure to do your research on the history of the weather that day! You don’t want a beach wedding in monsoon season!

4) Think of your guests! In addition to arranging group rates for flights and rooms, list information for getting to and from the nearest airport to your wedding locale, invite everyone to the rehearsal or welcome dinner and next-day brunch, and deliver welcome bags to their rooms, full of essentials for the trip, like suntan lotion, water and bug spray.

There are plenty of other things to keep in mind. Don’t forgot to ask us, we have plenty of suggestions that can make this process a lot easier!

Romantic YOUR

PORTRAITS

If we’re being honest, all of the wedding day images are important but the real favorites are almost always from our time with the Bride and Groom! These romantic portraits of just the two of you will be the images that you frame beside your bed, over your mantle and they will also be the images that will fill your album for generations to enjoy. These images are always our favorite not only because of their beauty but because this is such a sweet portion of the day. For this brief moment in time, you will be alone with your groom on your wedding day. You will have a chance to enjoy qaulity time together, and really connect before the craziness begins! Romantic portraits are normally done before the ceremony (after the “First Look”) and then we LOVE shooting a few “just married” portraits after the ceremony as well! This is when the light is low and golden! It’s such a romantic time for bride and groom portraits! If you’re not interested in a first look, we will make sure to include a lot of time after the ceremony for these portraits!

50

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

party

BRIDAL

Let’s chat about your bridal party! This is when the fun REALLY begins! We know from experience that all brides want their closest friends to have an AMAZING time during their big day and we will make sure that happens! Bridal party portraits should be a ton of FUN! After you share your first look, depending on the locations and the timing of the day, your bridal party will join us for portraits! If all goes well, we will be able to accomplish ALL of your bridal party protraits BEFORE the ceremony. This means that your guys and gals will be free to mingle at cocktail hour if they wish! If there are flower girls and ring bearers involved, they can either join us for the pre-ceremony portraits or we can take one final group photo after the ceremony, before family formals. Be sure your groomsmen arrive with boutonnieres and your bridesmaids arrive with bouquets!

67

68

69

70

71

When it comes time to select bridal party attire, our biggest piece of advice would be to shop around.

David’s Bridal and bridal boutiques will always have options, but recently we have seen bridesmaids wear amazing dresses from stores such as Macys, Anthropologie, LOFT, Jcrew, Mod Cloth, Nordstorm, and Banana Republic! Also, if you come across a sale from Men’s Warehouse, etc.., it’s actually more economical for the guys to buy suits rather than spend $175 to rent one for one day!

72

73

74

75

76

77

RECEPTION

planning

The party is here!! Receptions can be a blast! However, it’s important to make sure that you have your event well thought out. This

Much like the ceremony, you have the freedom to make your reception your own! It’s your party, it should be exactly how you want it

is the job of your coodinator and your DJ/Band. Your caterer will also play a big role in the design and set up of your event. Every

to be! Here is a list of some key events that often happen at receptions:

aspect of your reception affects the overall outline of the evening. For example, if you’re not having a plated meal, your reception will

- First Dance

- Welcome by Father of the Bride

need to be set up in a way that allows movement. Guests will need to be able to find the food stations easily and there will be a mixture

- Father-Daughter Dance

- Blessing

of dinner tables and hightop cocktail tables. This will encourage guests to mix and mingle. If you are having a plated dinner, you will

- Mother-Son Dance

- Cake Cutting

more than likely need escort cards, full place settings and space for all of your guests to be seated comfortably. Whatever the style of

- Anniversary Dance

- Toasts

your event, make sure that you plan out all of the events of the evening. Your coordinator and DJ can help you set up the evening so

- Traditional Religious Dances

- Bouquet and Garter Toss

that guests won’t leave early or experience long periods of wating for the next thing to happen.

- Large group portraits with friends - The exit of the Bride and Groom

78

79

RECEPTION

tips

The fun has begun! It’s time to relax, dance, and celebrate!! Your reception should be a BLAST! The last thing you need to be worrying about is your timeline. Your coordinator and DJ should take care of making sure that everything stays on schedule so that you can enjoy your night. Here are some helpful tips that will help your reception flow smoothly.

- Take your guests into consideration when planning your timeline. If you have a lot of elderly guests that will not be staying until the very end, make sure you schedule the cake cutting at a relatively early time so that they can be a part of it. Grandparents love seeing this sweet tradition!

- Keep it moving! Chat with your coordinator about how you can plan your reception in a way that will keep guests engaged throughout the evening!

- Make it your own! If you want to have a special dance with your grandparents, do it! Make your reception a reflection of who you are and don’t feel tied to traditions. Also, make sure you give your DJ or Band a “Do Not Play” list if there are some songs you really don’t want to hear during your reception!

- Don’t get too caught up in the formalities and the details. Sure, details are pretty and fun to photograph, but they can steal the joy of the day if you get too caught up in them. (Just speaking from experience here) Plan your centerpieces, welcome table, etc. well before the wedding date and show your coordinator or family friend how to set them up so that you aren’t even thinking about those things the day of!

- Exits! The great thing about our packages is that they include all day coverage. Becuase of this, you have the option of planning a faux exit with your bridal party! This is more common than you may think. Instead of saving your exit until the very end, you can plan a faux exit with just the members of your bridal party and a few family members instead! This allows us to have more control over these shots and the party NEVER has to stop! In most cases, no one even notices that the bride and groom are missing for a few minutes! Also, it’s almost impossible to tell that the whole wedding party isn’t there waving sparklers and sending off the happy couple! I dare you to look at my blog and see if you can pick out which exits were fake and which were real! This idea allows our couples to save money and still have all of the shots that they dream of!

80

Preferred

vendors

DR ESSE S & AT T I R E Hayden Olivia Bridal Shop**

http://www.haydenolivia.com

Spit Shine Goods

http://spitshinegoods.com

CAK E S & DE S S E R T S Cake & All things Yummy

CakeandAllThingsYummy.com

Wow Factor Cakes**

http://www.charlotteweddingcakes.com

INVI TAT I O NS & PAP E R G O O D S 82

Let’s face it. There are hundreds, if not thousands vendors in your area alone. We would love to help in that search! There are a few vendors that we Absolutely LOVE working with. Vendors that have gone above and beyond gor their clients to provide the highest quality for your price range. We have heard too many horror stories about inconveneint and inconsiderate vendors and have worked with some as well. Here is a group we are excited to share with you and would love to work with again in the future!

Dont forget to tell them Anchor & Veil Sent you!

DJ Rang**

http://www.djrang.com

Sonic Groove**

http://www.sonicgrooveband.com

V I DE O GR APHE R Iron Kite Films

http://ironkitefilms.com

Swell Productions

http://www.swellfilms.com/

Timm Young Films

http://www.timmyoungfilms.com

Amanda Day Rose Paperie**

amandadayrose.com

English Tea Paperie

http://www.englishteapaperie.com

W EDDING COORDIN AT OR

CATERING

B ANDS & DJS

Kate Clydes Catered Creation

http://www.kateclydes.com

M A KE U P Be Pretty**

http://www.lindseyreganthorne.com/

Who’s the Fairest

http://www.whosthefairest.biz/

Erin Padgett Events**

http://erinpadgettevents.com

Social 10 Events

http://www.social10events.com

The Graceful Host

http://www.gracefulhost.com

FLOW ERS & DECOR Blossom Artistry

http://blossomartistryweddings.com

The Bloom Room

http://www.bloom-room.com

** Denotes Highly Recommended

83

planner

Wedding

We know how much goes into planning a wedding and that is why we created this little wedding checklist. We love to create ways to make planning the wedding a lot less stressful for you, this is just one way we think we can help!

Congratulations and happy planning!

9 - 12 / MON T H S

6 - 9 / MO N TH S

6 - 8 / W EEK S

Announce Engagement Select Wedding Date Hire wedding consultant/coordinator Determine type of wedding: location, theme, # of guests, formality, time of day Determine budget and how expenses will be shared Buy a binder to keep track of appointments & events Develop a record keeping system for payments Create an approximate guest list Decide if you will be inviting children or not Select & reserve ceremony site Select & book Anchor & Veil Photography for wedding photography & set a date for your engagement shoot Select & book reception location Select & order bridal gown Determine color scheme Obtain passports, visas, birth certificates, and any other documents needed for travel and/or marriage licenses

Select & book caterer, if needed Select & book Officiant (Minister, Priest, Rabbi, other) Select wedding party Give wedding party a list of their responsibilities Select & buy attire for bridesmaids and flower girl Select & buy attire for mothers of the bride & groom Select & book ceremony musicians Select & book live band or DJ for reception Select & book videographer Select & book florist Register for your wedding gifts (this can be done sooner) Take engagement pictures

Record RSVPs & early wedding gifts Record shower gifts & send thank-yous Purchase ceremony & reception accessories: guest book, toasting glasses, ring pillow, etc.

Select & reserve groomsmen’s wedding attire Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner Plan bridesmaid luncheon Select something old, new, borrowed, and blue

4 - 6 / MO N T H S

2 - 4 / MO N TH S

Schedule fittings for custom made bridesmaids gowns Arrange marriage prep-courses, if necessary Reserve rental items Select & book decorator Finalize guest list Select & order invitations & other wedding stationery Set date, time, & location for rehearsal dinner Select & book honeymoon night suite Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests Start planning your honeymoon Shop for your wedding gifts to each other Shop for your wedding gifts for your wedding party Shop for your wedding gifts for your parents Buy shoes, lingerie & accessories for the bride Buy shoes & accessories for the bridesmaids Select & order wedding bands

Select & order wedding cake Order party favors Select & order decorations Purchase honeymoon attire & luggage Select & book wedding day transportation Start addressing your invitations Plan activities for out-of-town guests (optional) Go on trials & book wedding day hair & makeup Send out your invitations Select ceremony readers Select ushers to seat your guests Select guest book attendant Select your MC Get photography permit, if needed

1 / W EEK Give caterer/reception venue final tally of guests Pack for your honeymoon Wrap reception favors Arrange mail collection while you are on honeymoon R EH EAR SAL D IN N ER Drop all wedding accessories & decor off at ceremony & reception locations Make sure you bring all gifts that will be handed out at dinner Make sure you have all final payments in envelopes for wedding day Pack over night bag for honeymoon suite Make sure wedding party has their itinerary Make sure the gentlemen have the right color socks Review family seating with ushers at ceremony location

2 - 6 / WEEKS Finalize all food & beverages for wedding Finalize all ceremony details with Officiant Finalize all rehearsal arrangements Finalize all floral arrangements Final fittings for yourself & bridesmaids Make a wedding day itinerary & give a copy to your wedding party & vendors Finalize all details with all your vendors Decide order of receiving line & head table setting Contact guests who haven’t replied Pick up wedding rings Visit reception site for floor plan & create reception seating plan Give musicians a list of your music selections Inform attendants when & where to pick up attire Print out seating cards

WEDDING DAY! Eat breakfast Pack anything remaining on your “To Bring” list in cars Make sure you have your marriage license, photo permit & Special Occasions Permit, if needed Put your engagement ring on your right hand Remember to take a moment to enjoy the details of the day you planned so long & hard for

NO TE S

84 85

Why Get A

Wedding Album?

86

they were born.

The biggest problem I see with that is not

have no idea what a DVD looks like, how

ding album that you and your children can

that they won’t get the quality of images

many of you actually know what an eight-

look at decades from now.

they want. They will get around 1,000

track player looks like? If images were

The great thing about purchasing your

images on a disc which is a lot more than

stored on something like that, there would

album from a photographer is that you

my in-laws probably got when they got

be no way to find something to view them

can look at them and sample them before

married. But they will get 1,000 images

on, unless you spend most of your days at

you make the purchase. You can feel the

that they post onto facebook and never

a pawn shop or good will.

texture and smell the leather, you can

look at again. My wife still feels like the

But you know one thing that never be-

touch it and see the quality of each and

most perfect day of her life was December

comes outdated and will never be replaced

every picture.

15th, 2012 on that chilly day in Summer-

by technology? Tangible. Beautiful.

Yes, the albums can be expensive, but they

field, NC. I waited at the end of the aisle

Albums. Photographs are the few timeless

should be! When making an investment,

in my black tux and she, with her radiant

items that if processed and preserved

you don’t want to invest in something that

I’m glad you asked!

want to go with an album because it is too

Recently, it hit me. I have never seen a

expensive, or doesn’t fit the budget. We

beauty, walked down the aisle in her white

correctly, can last for hundreds of years.

is cheap or made out of cheap materials,

picture from my mom or dad’s weddings.

see clients go with a 5×7 print of some of

dress and we made a promise before each

The key is processing them correctly. A

especially if you want it to hold the same

On the other hand, almost every time I go

their favorite pictures, that they will put

other, our family and friends, and before

lot of people will take their DVD of photos

quality for years to come. They will only

into the sun-room of my in-law’s house

in a frame for the first couple of years of

the Lord to love each other for the rest of

to Walgreens & Walmart and pay way too

increase in value because as the years go

I’m compelled to open that 32 year old

marriage. But what happens when they

our lives. I never want her to forget that

much for prints onto cheap paper with

on, you will be more and more glad that

cream colored leather album and see the

have kids? New 5x7s of their kids go in

day and what it looked like even years

cheap ink. They fade, they curl and they

you bought your album, especially if you

day as if I were there. It is a leather album

those frames and then they never see

down the road. But I know that if we

wont last long.

are going through a beautiful leather-

that was put together by a professional

those wedding pictures again. Then their

keep that DVD in a drawer, in 10 years

Your special day and memories will be the

bound, custom-designed, hand assembled

with pictures professionally printed in a

kids grow older, never seeing a picture of

we wont even be able to see them. Those

most important investment you make!

book.

lab and bound in a book only available

their parent’s wedding day unless they go

1,000 photos that seem so great now, will

Because everyone has an iPhone and

On your 25th anniversary, you WILL want

to a professional. Now, my parents most

hunting in the attic for those 5x7s. I don’t

actually lead to be a lot LESS than the 32

walks around with their point and shoot,

to look back on your special day and relive

likely had a photographer, or someone

know about you, but 40 years down the

year old album of 100 pictures my in-laws

we tend to not think as highly of profes-

every moment. Why not make the space

with a camera at their wedding, and they

road, I want my children to have the same

have now.

sional shots from your special day. But

in your budget for one? Why not cut out

probably got hundreds of pictures that

joy looking and seeing their young mom

With the way technology is advancing,

that is why you hired a professional, right?

some extras at the wedding, cut back on

they saw from their wedding, but I have

and dad standing at the altar making a

DVDs won’t be playable in 10 years. Heck,

I think you would only do those prints jus-

your guest list or not go with riding away

never seen them.

lifelong promise to each other. I want

In 20 years there most likely wont even

tice by having them professionally printed

in a limo for 20 minutes?

I think that this has become the pattern

them to see what their grandma, grandpa,

be USB drives on computers. If the past is

in a lab. Have them treat your special day

of a lot of newlyweds today. They don’t

aunts and uncles look liked years before

any indication of the future, our kids will

like art, and design a high-qaulity wed-

87

Album Options

8x8 30 Page Leather Album - $1000 10 x 10 30 page Leather Album - $1400 Additional Album Spread (2 Pages) - $50 per Spread Protective Slip Case - $250 Duplicate parent albums - 35% off

✓ Zero Gap Binding ✓ Flat Lying Pages ✓ Laminated for Protection ✓ Layout by us. ✓ Anti-Fade Formulated Ink

✓ Choice of 20 Cover Colors & Materials ✓ Hand Assembled in America ✓ Protective Case ✓ PDF Approval Process ✓ Guaranteed to Last over 100 years

So, Why Invest? If you couldn’t tell, we are extremely passionate about having and giving wedding albums. Ultimately the decision comes down to what you value the most. Is it the dress? Is it the food? The Venue? As a happily married couple AND photographers, we believe that couples should make their phtoography a top priority. We aren’t just saying that becuase we are photographers. We are saying that because we trruly, truly believe it. After the big day is over, you will leave your reception with a spouse & your wedding pictures.... That’s IT! All of the planning and preperation is over in a matter of hours! So if you’re choosing to invest in high qaulity photography, those images deserve a beautiful, elegant home after the wedding. We offer high end, leather bound Wedding Albums for our wedding clioents. The images are printed straight onto the pages and the covers are wrapped with top grain leather or linen. This is the perfect ending to your perfect wedding experience and it’s something you will be showing your children and grandchildren one day!

88

89

thank you

Last, but certainly not least, THANK YOU for trusting us with your special day. Kathryn and I are are so honored to be the ones capturing your memories and we cannot WAIT to celebrate alongside of you! Enjoy this season of planning but also remember that your MARRIAGE is more important than the wedding. The wedding will come and go in a matter of hours but your marriage needs to stand the test of time. Continue to make time for one another, even with all that needs to get done. As you continue to plan, please feel free to contact us with ANY questions you may have along the way! Depending on your date, our next step would be to finalize an engagement session date! Also, about 8 weeks before the wedding, you’ll receive an online questionnaire that will provide us with everything we need to know for your big day!! We hope this guide has been helpful as you continue to plan and prepare for your wedding day! Love,

(Devin & Kathryn) 90