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A Guide fo r Ann a K a rdos P ho t og ra phy Bri de s
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WELCOME I couldn’t be happier for you! Weddings are the highlight of my existence here at Anna Kardos Photography. I live to make your special day timeless — capturing your most precious memories gives me the most joy. As I go through the process of getting to know you, envisioning what your day will bring, I want to make you feel confident so that your images reflect who you are as a couple. Thank you for considering me — I couldn’t be more honored to step into your world and capture your story.
w w w . a n n a k a r d o s . c o m annakardosphoto@gmail.com 5 4 0 . 2 4 1 . 9 2 9 3
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CONTENTS pg. 4 Congratulations
pg. 6 Meet the Photographer
pg. 9 What to Expect
pg. 14 Wedding Day Timeline
pg. 16 The First Look
pg. 20 Tips for Getting Ready
pg. 23 Family Photos
pg. 24 Wedding FAQ
pg. 28 Your Engagement Session
pg. 33 Bridal Sessions
pg. 34 Preferred Vendors
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CONGRATULATIONS
you said yes.
In the whirlwind of congratulations, idea boards floating around, and lots of advice coming your way, you’ve begun to solidify what your wedding will look like. The end result that you’re planning for will be a precious day of memories that must be handled with great care. There’s a lot of family history to be documented, months of making each and every detail perfect, and spontaneous special moments that need to be captured in that 24-hour period. Twenty years from now, those sweet moments will be forever framed on your walls and shared with your friends and loved ones. As you plan how to get from here to that day, remember to have fun and enjoy the creative process as you put together this most singular reflection of you!
Welcome to your beginning.
Hi, I’m Anna. Not many people get to do what they love for a living. Anna Kardos Photography started as a passion to capture special moments behind the lens. As soon as I discovered the great responsibility and joy that comes with wedding photography, I was hooked. Capturing the essence of love and life through photography became my mission, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience. My clients mean the world to me — each one has helped me develop into the photographer I am today.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
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He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. EMILY BRONTE
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WHAT TO EXPECT I’ve been in business for a while and have had the privilege of working with so many fantastic couples. Part of my strategy to deliver quality images is getting to know you before the big day — that means sitting down and chatting over coffee or getting to know each other during your engagement session! This has proven to be an essential element in giving you the highest level of service.
The day of the wedding, I want you to be able to relax. I will work with you and your wedding coordinator on a rough timeline for the day, handle any last minute adjustments to the schedule, and help you remain in the moment. I’ve got your back during this most precious and honored day. Whether it’s a romantic elopement or sweet and stunning church wedding, I will focus my time and attention on you!
Anna is a constant calm and positive force, and her artistic talent is truly second to none! Anna, I can’t imagine having shared our wedding day with anyone else -- thank you, thank you, thank you for making those moments last a lifetime!
Lauren + Thomas
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Anna is just amazing, talented and just a sweet kindhearted person who is fun to work with. She did our engagement photos and of course our wedding. People just rave to me how amazing our photos are and it’s all thanks to Anna! I am so happy I went with her for our wedding, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to be apart of our special day. You can tell this is her passion and she put her whole heart into her business.
Shasta + Andrew
Wedding Day Timeline Wedding timelines are a guideline. Like anything, don’t let your desire to be organized overwhelm the natural flow of the day. Rather, plan for the best and allow room for variations when needed! Guarantee on having some minor unforeseen changes so that it doesn’t take you by surprise when it happens. Most ceremonies last approximately 30 minutes. Factor in the readings, music, vows, rituals, etc. to get an estimate for your reception venue. Build your timeline backward and forward from the main event. Allow time for bridal party and family portraits before the wedding ceremony if at all possible. It’s best to have those pictures done prior to ensure time for all the pictures needed and your swift arrival to the reception location.
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8-Hour Timeline 2:00 pm Getting Ready Photos 3:30 pm First Look Portraits of the Bride + Groom 4:15 pm Bridal Party Photos 5:00 pm Ceremony 5:30 pm Family Photos at Ceremony Site 6:15 pm Grand Entrance into Reception First Dance Welcome Toast & Blessing Dinner Toasts by Best Man and Maid of Honor Daddy/Daughter Dance Mother/Son Dance Open Dance Floor Cake Cutting Bouquet Toss & Garter Throw 10:00 pm Grand Exit
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The First Look is an intimate moment between you, the bride, and your groom before the ceremony where you see each other for the first time. I setup the scene so you can be totally alone and feel comfortable to let any emotions run free. It is such a beautiful moment for the two of you to soak up each others company and just breathe before things start to get crazy. And it makes for some really great photos.
Once you have seen each other, we have the opportunity to take almost ALL of the formal portraits before the ceremony even begins. This is the best way to save time after your ceremony. We can take all of the portraits of the two of you, the Bridal Party portraits, and in many cases, my couples even ask their family to come early so we can get those out of the way. Just think, if you’re done taking pictures before the Ceremony, you will get to go straight to the Reception afterwards and not keep your friends and family waiting.
The other option is to set aside an hour and a half after the ceremony for all of the portraits. For many couples, they chose not to do a First Look because they want to savor the moment of seeing each other for the first time when coming down the aisle. I totally understand and respect that desire to wait until then. No matter which way you want to do it, I will be there to capture the raw emotion of those moments!
for it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart it was not my lips you kissed, but my soul JUDY GARLAND
Tips for Getting Ready 1. BOOK ENOUGH HOURS You will want to plan out what time you want the photographer to arrive and see if their contracted number of hours will keep them there until your Grand Exit. To get an adequate amount of Getting Ready photos you will want the photographer to be there for and hour and a half to two hours before the ceremony (at the very least).
2. BOOK A VENUE WITH A WELL-LIT BRIDAL SUITE Dark, window-less, and low ceilinged rooms are not ideal for beautiful pre-ceremony pics. You want a Bridal Suite that has gorgeous natural light, plenty of wide open space, and high ceilings.
3. WEAR A BRIDAL ROBE You want to stand out from everyone else and be comfy on such a special day. Don’t opt for something less bridal! I suggest you buy something in white and if you’re comfortable showing a little skin, consider buying something lacy. Check out the options from Victoria’s Secret and Target.
4. HAVE ALL OF YOUR DETAILS ORGANIZED IN ONE BAG OR BOX & YOUR DRESS READY When you have the details all in one place the photographer can get through those pictures quickly and get back to photographing what’s more important. Details would include jewelry, accessories, something borrowed blue old new, shoes, hair pieces, invitations, gifts & letters, etc. Wooden hangers look much more appealing in photos than standard, plastic hangers. consider switching this out before the big day!
5. INVEST IN A PRETTY JEWELRY OR RING BOX This makes it so easy on the photographer because they already have something to use for styling images. Go check out The Mrs. Box if you haven’t seen their gorgeous products already!
6. KEEP THE SPACE CLEAN I cannot stress this enough. Ask your bridesmaids to keep their stuff orderly and have them set it all in the bathroom. in a closet, or just outside of the room. You will have more space to move around and cleaner looking images. Feng shui your wedding day! 20 | Anna Kardos Photography
7. HAVE THE FLOWERS CLOSE BY You’ll want pictures of those while they are still fresh and intact. You’d be surprised how wilted they look by the end of the day!
8. LET YOUR MOM OR MOTHERLY FIGURE HELP YOU WITH YOUR DRESS It will be a memorable moment for the both of you and more than likely, she will sob her eyes out every time shes sees those images.
9. PLAN A FIRST LOOK WITH YOUR FATHER OR FATHERLY FIGURE You will always be his little girl, so when he sees you in that white gown, he’s going to get emotional.
10. RELAX Since you will be the focus of most of the getting ready images, you will want to wear your best smile and enjoy yourself! Don’t let the little details stress you out and be sure to delegate anything and everything to your MOH and bridesmaids. Let that beautiful bridal glow shine bright!
Family Photos FORMAL FAMILY PHOTOS Along with the candid and natural portraits taken throughout the day, most couples like to also include formal portraits with family & friends. SCHEDULING The best time to do these formal family portraits is typically right after the ceremony. This time can be extra chaotic if family members and friends are not all in the same place. CROWD MANAGEMENT It helps to have a designated friend who can proactively gather the groups so I can focus on creating beautiful photos! Usually this person knows the groups pretty well, they have a loud voice, and they can round people up with ease. MORE RECOMMENDATIONS Please note that each group shot can take 2-3 minutes. We would all love to have photos with every important person at the wedding, but time is of the essence. Less is more in this type of situation and you will have the reception to get group shots if necessary.
BRIDE’S FAMILY
GROOM’S FAMILY
Bride + Mom
Groom + Mom
Bride + Dad
Groom + Dad
Bride + Mom & Dad
Groom + Mom & Dad
Bride & Groom + Mom & Dad
Groom & Bride + Mom & Dad
Bride & Groom + Mom & Dad + Siblings
Groom & Bride + Mom & Dad + Siblings
Bride & Groom + Siblings
Groom & Bride + Siblings
Bride & Groom + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Grandparents
Groom & Bride + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride & Groom + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Mom’s Side
Groom & Bride + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Mom’s Side
Bride & Groom + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Dad’s Side
Groom & Bride + Mom & Dad + Siblings + Dad’s Side
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Wedding FAQ DO YOU BRING A SECOND SHOOTER? I do. My second shooter will help me stay on track during the portraits and serve as a second shooter during the wedding ceremony and reception. If you have requested Getting Ready photos of the Groom & Groomsmen, I will send them to do take those so I can focus on you and your Bridesmaids.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE WEDDING PHOTOS? Galleries take 4-6 weeks during slower months and up to 2 months during the busy season (May-Jun, Aug-Oct).
DO YOU STAY UNTIL THE END OF THE WEDDING? If you have booked enough hours for me to stay, then yes! Be sure to keep this in mind when creating a timeline.
DO YOU HAVE A REPLACEMENT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN CASE YOU BECOME UNAVAILABLE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT? Yes, I have a large network of experienced photographers who I can call upon at a moment’s notice.
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DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE? Yes, I do for up to $2,000,000. If your venue needs proof of insurance, please let me know so I can send them the paperwork.
CAN I SHARE MY PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Yes, definitely! When you signed the contract, you gained the rights to use the images as you please. The only thing I ask is that you don’t apply any filters when you share them.
I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything. F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
Your Engagement Session CHOOSING A LOCATION In order to get the most out of your time in front of the camera, there is a limit of two locations per session. I love when a couple suggests having their photos taken in a spot that is sentimental to them, as it makes everyone more relaxed and allows them to focus on each other throughout the shoot. Is there a spot that you went on for your first date? A cute local coffee shop where you shared your first kiss? If you need suggestions, I am here to help! Whether you have pictured a serene field or an urban environment as a backdrop for your photos, I have plenty of suggestions.
PICKING AN OUTFIT Choose two outfits you love - One formal and one a little more casual (but still nice). Try complimenting one another instead of matching. Stylish clothing is always the way to go and dressing in layers would be a very quick way to change the look of an outfit without doing a full outfit change. Avoid loud colors or patterns on the clothing that might be too distracting. Absolutely no logos or slogans. Remember to choose something seasonally appropriate!Â
OUTFIT INSPIRATION Take a look at my Pinterest board if you need some inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/annakardosphoto/the-style-guide-engagement-session/
WHAT TO BRING If you want to bring a favorite book, heirloom, or other meaningful prop, this is a great way to make your session totally unique. And feel free to bring your Four-Legged friends!! Please make sure you can hand off your pet to a friend/ family member while we take some shots of just the two of you or tie your pet to a tree/post.
HAIR & MAKE-UP I recommend professional hair & makeup for your engagement session (but it is not a requirement). I treat this shoot as importantly as the wedding day itself! Some clients will use the images for save the date card, and some will display it at the wedding. I want to make sure you look and feel your best! TIP: Don’t get a spray tan before your session. Skin tones tend to look more orange than natural.
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SCHEDULING Sessions are scheduled either two hours before sunset or at sunrise in order to capture the day’s most beautiful, natural light. If there is a certain season you would like to highlight in your photos (autumn’s golden hues, summer’s greens, snowy winter, or flowering spring) find a date during those months to assure you get the look you want.
POSING My posing style is simple and don’t worry, you will catch on very quickly. We will start the session getting the two of you comfortable in front of the camera. I will have you focus on one another instead of looking right into the lens. We will do a lot of natural movement and I will guide you through each set of poses so you aren’t feeling lost and confused. If there’s anything you aren’t comfortable with, for example, kissing and PDA, please let me know so I can be mindful of this.
You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars. E.E. Cummings
Bridal Sessions Bridal sessions have a special place in my heart! During these sessions, I have the opportunity to give all of my attention to you, the bride. We focus on capturing all of the special details you chose for your wedding day - the dress, the accessories, the heirlooms. As a bride, you put so much effort into choosing these items that I want to make sure you have plenty of photos to remember them by.
LOCATION Do you want your bridal photos to be cohesive with your wedding photos? If so, then your wedding venue is a great option. Most wedding venues allow a 1-2 hour bridal session during the week. Do you want to go for a completely different look than your wedding day photos? If so, then there are so many amazing places you can do your bridal session at. If you have a southern or rustic venue, then maybe you want to add in a modern or urban feel to your photos by going downtown. If you like more of a natural setting, we can always find a local park or field for your session.
WHAT TO BRING In addition to your dress, here are some items you may want to include: veil, bouquet, hair pieces, jewelry, and lastly, an extra set of eyes (friend, mother, sister). You could even consider having your floral designer create a small bouquet just for the session.
SCHEDULING The earlier you the schedule your session, the more dates are avaiable! The best time for bridal sessions is during the week, monday - friday. Most brides plan to have their sessions right when they receive their dress from their final fittings, about one - two months before your wedding. Bridal sessions are scheduled two hours before sunset to allow for beautiful natural sunlight!
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Vendors There are plenty of great vendors out there to help make your day as gorgeous as your dreams. Here is a list of some of my favorites!
BRIDAL SHOPS
CALLIGRAPHY
FLORAL DESIGN
Augusta Cleaners & Formals augustacleanersandformals.com
Jenn Heller Design Co. www.jennhellerdesign.com
Rebecca Tisdale rebeccaketisdale@gmail.com
Annalise Bridal www.annalisebridal.com
Kindly Letter Co. www.kindlyletterco.com
Love Blooms - Emily Harmon www.lovebloomshere.com
RENTALS
PLANNERS
VIDEOGRAPHY
Paisley & Jade www.paisleyandjade.com
Kate Phillips Events www.katephillipsevents.com
Devries Productions devriesproductions.com
Party Perfect www.partyperfect.com
Stag and Lily www.stagandlilyco.com
Grant Bell vimeo.com/wgrantbell
Every day I discover that I love you even more and in this infinite universe I will love you to the ends. ALICIA N. GREEN