BRI CIBENE PHOTOGRAPHY | 1
WWW.BRICIBENE.COM BRICIBENEPHOTO@GMAIL.COM FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, AND PINTEREST /BRICIBENEPHOTO IF YOU’RE A BCP BRIDE, USE HASHTAG #BCPBRIDES ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
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W E D D I N G
P H OTO G R A P H E R
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
W ELCO M E
07 WELCOME 08 CAPTURE, SHARE, PRESERVE
YO UR EN GAG E M E N T
YO UR WE D D IN G
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ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS MATTER
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WHAT TO WEAR
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YOUR WEDDING DAY: PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE
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SAMPLE WEDDING TIMELINE: WITH FIRST LOOK
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SAMPLE WEDDING TIMELINE: WITHOUT FIRST LOOK
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THE FIRST LOOK: EXPLAINED
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THE DETAILS
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WEDDING DAY: GETTING READY
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WEDDING DAY: CEREMONY
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WEDDING DAY: FAMILY PHOTOS
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WEDDING DAY: BRIDAL PARTY
46 WEDDING DAY: BRIDE + GROOM PORTRAITS 49 WEDDING DAY: RECEPTION AND EXIT
YO UR I M AG E S
50 PHOTOS ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED
W ED D I NG VE N DO R S
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SELECTING YOUR VENDORS
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RECOMMENDED VENDORS
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HIRING ME
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WELCOME
Dear Bride, Whether you’ve already booked with me or have just recently reached out, I’m so excited to present you with this “Bride’s Guide”! I married my best friend on June 2nd, 2012. It was the best day EVER - but the work that went into preparing for the wedding was a little stressful and overwhelming at times. I was the first of my friends to get married, and the oldest in my family - which means that I had attended VERY few weddings and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or where to start! I think this dilemma is common amongst brides. Having Pinterest at our fingertips exposes us to beautiful weddings around the world. It can serve as wonderful inspiration, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to start planning your dream wedding!
This guide is packed with the tips I’ve learned and picked up while shooting weddings (and getting married myself). From timeline examples (which is one of the most IMPORTANT parts of planning a smooth and worry free wedding day), to engagement session tips, and even a walk through of an entire wedding day! My goal is to keep this process from feeling overwhelming. I hope the information you find here is helpful! I am OBSESSED with everything wedding related, and I seriously LOVE getting texts, emails, Pinterest board invites and phone calls full of your ideas and excitement! I’m also happy to help by recommending vendors, and I’ll try my best to answer any questions you might have (from photography to wedding planning in general)! Congratulations, sweet bride! I am so excited for you, your fiancè, and this journey you’re on!
Bri xo,
Over the course of photographing several weddings, I’ve learned a lot! I can’t count the number of times I’ve said, “I wish I knew that when I was planning our wedding!” So I want to share those things with you! One of my main goals as a wedding photographer is to provide an easy and stress free experience. This period of your life, from your engagement to your wedding day, is so so special, but sometimes stress can diminish that special feeling! If I can relieve even just a little of that, I’ll be thrilled!
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CAPTURE, SHARE, PRESERVE
The heart of my photography can be summed up in three simple words: capture, share, preserve. If I’m honest, I’ve felt a bit trapped into “packages” because that’s what is typically demanded. But I’d absolutely love it if this process was more of a dialogue, so that I know how to best serve you and your needs! I’d love to chat about how these words affect you! CAPTURE
I strive to capture your love story genuinely. I want your photographs to truly tell that story in the most amazing way! That begins with a complimentary engagement session because I believe those photos capture such a special time in your lives, and because I love getting to know you and your style before the wedding day (more about that later though)! After your engagement session, we’ll be super prepared for your big day, and I’ll know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera! If we haven’t already, we’ll talk about how you’d like me to capture your wedding day. Do you love candids or do you feel more comfortable when I direct you a bit more? Are there any special details or moments you have planned that are extremely important to capture? Are you thinking about a first look? Would you like me to stay for your amazing exit? When will you begin to get ready in the morning? We’ll chat about all of these questions and more to make sure your resulting photographs are everything you dreamed of!
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SHARE
I believe it’s so important to be able to share the big moments in our lives with friends and family, especially those who may live far away! I always deliver your images in a way that makes it super easy for you to share them! You’ll receive a beautiful online gallery that will remain online for 10 years. The gallery makes it simple to share one photo or all of them through social media or e-mail (read more about your PASS gallery on page 50)! There’s even a mobile app included so you and your guests will be able to see the photos from anywhere! PRESERVE
How do you want to remember your story for the next 50 years? I desperately want you to have something beautiful, thoughtful, purposeful and tangible to remind you of your big day. Where the digitals are a small thing to many people, the tangible is a grand thing. Your story is important and deserves to be held onto, to be hung on your walls, to be flipped through, to be held in your hands. Someday there will be those who want to know who you are, what your story is. Someday, maybe soon or far away, there might be days where you need encouragement. And there will be days, in times of happiness, that you dive into fond memories and relive all the feelings you had on your wedding day. Please know that I’m not trying to “sell you something” - but rather I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of preservation!
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ENGAGEMENTS BRI CIBENE PHOTOGRAPHY |
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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
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E N G A G E M E N T P H O T O S M AT T E R
Let me start by saying, engagement sessions are AWESOME. They’re one of my favorite parts of the wedding photography process! If you’re tempted to not have an engagement session, give me a moment to convince you why you should! WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT
Because I believe engagement sessions are super important, I always gift each one of my couples a complimentary session before their wedding day! I love getting to meet you and your future hubs BEFORE the wedding! That way I’m not showing up on your wedding day and having to introduce myself to you for the first time. I’ll be by your side almost your entire wedding day - so I want you to feel comfortable and not have to worry about if I’m getting “the shot”! Professional athletes spend hours practicing. Musicians do too. If you want wedding photos that you love, practicing together is a great way to get there! Engagement sessions act as a “test run” for you two in front of the camera. I’ll learn how you interact and how you feel the most comfortable, and you’ll learn how I work! Once the wedding day rolls around, you guys will be pros! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the comment “I’m so glad we did an engagement session!” on a wedding day! And most of the time, I hear it from the grooms! That’s why these sessions are always included at no cost. I’ve seen the benefits over and over again!
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A TYPICAL SESSION
I love to call engagement sessions “double dates” because usually my husband Mikey will be with me! Typically we’ll meet up at Starbucks or Panera before your session to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Then we’ll talk about all the amazing details you have planned for your big day, and discuss your wedding day timeline! I’ll also show you samples of products and swatches, and go over how to use your online gallery. Next we’ll head out on location to start shooting! Engagement sessions typically last between an hour and a half to two hours, and take place the last two hours before the sun goes down. The light during this time will be soft and stunning! You can expect your engagement photos within one to two weeks after your session takes place. TIPS
• Engagement photos are perfect for save the dates! • Always wear clothing that makes you feel amazing (see more tips on what to wear on the next page). • If there’s a location that’s special to you and your relationship, let me know about it!
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W H AT T O W E A R
For your engagement session, the most important thing is to wear clothing that matches your style and personalities. You also want to feel amazing in them! You’re welcome to bring two to three outfits for each of you. I recommend bringing one set that’s more casual, and another that’s more dressy. When picking out your outfits, try to compliment each other rather than choosing clothes that are “matchy matchy”. For example, if one person is wearing a pattern, the other could wear a solid color that coordinates with that pattern. The photo to the left of AJ + Olivia is a great example of this! Pairing bold colors with neutrals is also a great choice (see the photo on page 15). Depending on the location you choose for your session there may not be a wide selection of places in which to change your outfit, so keep that in mind when choosing what you’ll wear, and what you’ll wear first. There are no rules as to whether you wear your casual or your dressy outfit first that’s entirely up to you! Your engagement session can be a great time to do a trial run with your makeup artist before your wedding day! Having your makeup professionally done for your session can help boost your confidence and will definitely make you “pop” in your photos. Be sure to communicate your desired “makeup style” clearly to your artist so that he or she is able to create a look for you that compliments your features, but that keeps you looking like you.
TIPS
• If either of you is planning to wear shoes that are high in style but low in comfort, you might want to consider packing an extra pair with you to wear to and from the car. • Try to avoid horizontal stripes as they’re not always as flattering as other patterns. • Layers and textures translate great on camera! So don’t be afraid to layer jewelry, scarves, sweaters, jackets or any combination in order to create depth in your outfits. • Don’t forget the details! A fresh manicure will show off your ring, and polished shoes and even the simplest earrings can create a more styled look. • Brides, consider having your hair and makeup done for your session. Having a professional stylist prep you will help add a little glamour to your photos even if you’ve selected casual apparel. • Don’t stress! Engagement photos should be fun! You might even consider having a date night after your session so you can enjoy an evening together celebrating your engagement! • See more inspiration on my Pinterest board, “Dressing for a Photoshoot”! Find me by searching “Bri Cibene Photography” on Pinterest, or going to www.pinterest.com/bricibenephoto.
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WEDDINGS BRI CIBENE PHOTOGRAPHY | 19
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Y O U R W E D D I N G D AY : P L A N N I N G Y O U R T I M E L I N E
Your wedding day will go by in a flash (a little photography humor for you). The day you have spent so much time preparing for, dreaming of and investing in, will go by as one of the quickest days in your life. I guarantee it. That’s one of the great reasons to invest in wedding photography that will tell the story of your day; giving you the opportunity to relive it! THE TIMELINE
Your timeline is one of the most important parts of your wedding day! I’ll say it again: your timeline is one of the most important parts of your wedding day!!! Having a well planned timeline will allow you to really enjoy your day. Without one, wedding days can very quickly become stressful. Imagine the perfect morning of your wedding: maybe you’re sipping on coffee, chatting giddily with your bridesmaids, and finally it’s time to get in your dress. Your mom or maid of honor buttons up the back, you turn to look in the mirror and it hits you: you’re getting MARRIED! Now imagine the same morning, but your hair took an hour longer than you thought it would. Instead of chatting with your girls, you’re glancing at your phone every minute to check what time it is. As soon as your hair and makeup is done, you bolt out of your chair and rush to get your dress on. Suddenly, your relaxing and exciting morning just turned stressful. I’ve seen the perfect morning and I’ve seen the stressful morning. And I SO want you to have a Joe & Lily perfect morning (and entire day!). May 12, 2012 T.J. Farms Chico, California
THE TIMELINE AND YOUR PHOTOS
The timeline affects your photos in a few different ways. First, there’s the obvious one: the more time I have, the more photos you’ll receive/the more creative they’ll be. This applies to every part of the day! From getting an awesome dress shot in the morning that might take more time to set up, to the time I spend with you and your groom later in the day. We’ll get to do some awesome things! Secondly, photos of a stressed bride/groom look very different from photos of a relaxed bride/ groom! If you’re radiating happiness, that will show in your photos! Don’t know where to start? Check out samples on the following pages. I’d also love to talk about your specific timeline and create a sample just for you! TIPS
• If you’re not sure when your ceremony should start, I always recommend about 2 hours before sunset if you’re having a first look, or about 3 hours before sunset if you’re not. • ALWAYS allow more time than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have a little extra time than not enough!
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SAMPLE TIMELINE: WITH FIRST LOOK
12:00 PM
PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE BEGINS
Details: Bride’s dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, special items
Final preparation of the bride and bridesmaids
1:15
BRIDE GETS DRESSED
1:45
BRIDE’S FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
2:00
BRIDAL PORTRAITS & BRIDE AND BRIDESMAID PORTRAITS
2:30
GROOM FINAL PREPARATIONS
Groom’s details and getting ready images
3:00
GROOM + GROOMSMEN PORTRAITS
3:30
THE FIRST LOOK
Bride and groom portraits 4:15
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
4:45
HIDE BRIDE AWAY
Photograph ceremony site and ceremony details
Photograph reception details if ready
5:00
CEREMONY
5:30
FAMILY PHOTOS | COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS
6:00
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
6:25
PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION ROOM BEFORE GUESTS ENTER
6:30
RECEPTION BEGINS
6:40
GRAND ENTRANCE & FIRST DANCE
6:45
DINNER IS SERVED
7:45
TOASTS
8:00
SPECIAL DANCES
Bride & her father, Groom and his mother
8:10
OPEN DANCING
8:30
CAKE CUTTING
8:45
BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSS
9:00
5-10 MINUTES - NIGHT PORTRAITS
10:00 PM
EXIT / PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE CONCLUDES
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SAMPLE TIMELINE: NO FIRST LOOK
1:00 PM
PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE BEGINS
Details: Bride’s dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, special items
Final preparation of the bride and bridesmaids
2:30
BRIDE GETS DRESSED
3:00
BRIDE’S FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
3:15
BRIDAL PORTRAITS & BRIDE AND BRIDESMAID PORTRAITS
3:45
GROOM FINAL PREPARATIONS
Groom’s details and getting ready images
4:15
GROOM + GROOMSMEN PORTRAITS
4:45
PHOTOGRAPH CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SITES/DETAILS
5:00
CEREMONY
5:30
FAMILY PHOTOS | COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS
5:45
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
6:10
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
6:45
PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION ROOM BEFORE GUESTS ENTER
7:00
RECEPTION BEGINS
7:10
GRAND ENTRANCE & FIRST DANCE
7:15
DINNER IS SERVED
7:45
TOASTS
8:00
SPECIAL DANCES
Bride & her father, Groom and his mother
8:10
OPEN DANCING
8:30
CAKE CUTTING
8:45
BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSS
9:00
5-10 MINUTES NIGHT PORTRAITS
10:00 PM
EXIT / PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE CONCLUDES
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THE FIRST LOOK: EXPLAINED
Your first look is an amazing part of your wedding day! If you’re not 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 reduces stress as well!
you’ll both be much more relaxed and your groom won’t be a nervous wreck! Instead, the pressure will be off and you’ll both be able to ENJOY the day! The nerves will be gone and when nerves are gone, true emotions are free to be expressed! A NEW TRADITION
WHY
When I ask brides who aren’t sure about a first look why they wouldn’t want one, the number one reason I hear is “I want my groom to cry when he sees me walking down the aisle” or “Having a first look might lessen his reaction at the ceremony”. As a bride a few years ago, I had the same mentality! I wanted that REACTION when my groom first saw me! And I think that’s a dream of most brides! What if I told you that your groom might feel less stressed and in turn feel more open to releasing his emotions when he first sees you at the top of the aisle because of the amazing moments he shared with you during your first look? Think about it - without a first look, your groom hasn’t seen you all day. He’s sitting with his buddies waiting for the cue to line up for the ceremony. He seemed calm and collected earlier that day but now is starting to get a little anxious. After all, he’ll be standing in front of 80-300 people in just a few minutes and each one of them will be staring at HIM to watch his reaction when he sees you! Talk about pressure!! This is the furthest thing from an intimate moment! It’s still amazing and powerful and something you’ll remember forever, but if you’ve had a first look,
Now imagine a different scenario. The nerves are starting to creep up on your groom, but instead of keeping him in a secluded space until his time to enter the ceremony, what if you took him to a private place...no people, no on-lookers, no distractions...and you, his beautiful bride, the love of his life, walked up to him and gently tapped his shoulder. He would turn around and finally get his first look at his stunning bride and not only would he get to see you, but he could embrace you, cry with you, kiss you, and really ENJOY that moment with you for as long as you both wanted. When you show him your dress, twirl a few times and then ask him what he thinks, his nerves start to diminish. After all, you’re the one that can make him the most comfortable anyway! Because you’re not on a time crunch, you casually move into your romantic portraits. No one is around, the coordinator isn’t announcing “15 minutes left”, and there is no pressure. It’s just the two of you (and me!), capturing the excitement and the joy of your wedding day. It’s your time to be TOGETHER and ALONE! When does that happen on a wedding day? Without a first look... it doesn’t.
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THE FIRST LOOK: EXPLAINED, CONT’D
After your romantic portraits are done, you get to meet up with your best friends! Your bridal party joins you and because you have plenty of time to spare, the bride touches up a little makeup while the boys act like boys. After a few minutes the bridal portraits begin and they’re FUN! 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 coming to find the photographer to get a time check! It’s great! 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. Soon it’s time for the processional music to begin and your bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one. Your groom is waiting for you and clasping his hands - not out of nervousness but out of EXCITEMENT! The music builds, your mom stands and all of the guests follow her lead. Your groom looks up and sees his bride! You’re his best friend, his companion, his everything and you look absolutely stunning! The closer you get, the bigger he smiles! Now, after all that I want to say: my clients are in no way required to have a First Look by any means!! I used to feel bad for sharing this option with couples who were against it because I didn’t want to push anything on them. However, I’ve seen the benefits of a first look and I share this only because I want the BEST for my couples! It’s totally okay if you choose not to share a first look! But let’s chat soon about how to create a special timeline to fit everything in! Keep reading to find out more of the benefits of sharing your first look privately!
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WHY IT’S WORTH IT
You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 30-40% more portraits of the two of you...and those are the images you will decorate your first home with! 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 your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeousness that 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 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction just isn’t the same! 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 you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your wedding day is extended by several hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits (read: 10 minutes max), you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST FRIENDS on your wedding day!! First looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day! Normally portraits are a little rushed after family formals and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey”
THE FIRST LOOK: EXPLAINED, CONT’D
mode...especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re ready to love on each other and I always capture super sweet images during those moments! You get rid of the nerves. I know a lot of grooms aren’t fans of the first look idea at first, but because they had never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be!! I have testimonials from 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 okay! Some guys show very little emotion when his bride is coming down the aisle (with or without a first look!) and that’s okay too! Just enjoy this amazing day and try not to put any expectations on him. :)
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Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. MOTHER TERESA
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T H E D E TA I L S
TO HAVE WITH BRIDE
Important marked with * • Bride’s dress* • Bridesmaids’ dresses* • Flower girl’s dresses, if you have them • Pretty hangers for dresses • Rings* (all three) • Bride* + bridesmaids’ shoes • Bride* + bridesmaids’ jewelry • Perfume bottle • Bride’s headpiece/veil • Bouquets*** • Boutonnieres* • Stationery (invites, programs, menus, save the dates, seating cards, anything printed)* • A few single flower stems* • Garter TO HAVE WITH GROOM:
• Tie/bow tie • Cuff links • Belt • Shoes • Letter to the bride OPTIONAL/OTHER IDEAS:
• Gift/letter from the groom to bride, vice versa • Heirlooms/keepsakes • Clutch • Something old/new/borrowed/blue • Gifts for the bridesmaids • Gifts for the parents
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When I arrive on your wedding day, I’ll first check in with you and say hi and introduce myself to all the girls! Then I’ll grab your dress and all the details and start photographing them right away. I usually spend about an hour photographing the details, and it’s incredibly helpful (I really can’t stress this enough) if they’re all in one place! One of the biggest obstacles I’ve run into during details is missing rings - either the bride’s wedding band or groom’s band or both! Make sure you have all three rings together that morning. Once they’re photographed I promise I’ll give them right back! ;) It’s really helpful if everything is together either on a tray or in a box - that way moving to different locations is much easier! (While we’re talking about trays - if you have a pretty one, bring it!! They’re amazing to photograph details on!) I also recommend designating someone to be in charge of all the details (maybe your maid of honor, bridesmaid, or close friend). That way if I need anything I can go directly to them. I recommend having your florist deliver your flowers to your getting ready location instead of the ceremony site! If possible, have them arrive right before I do. That way I can photograph the gorgeousness when they’re still fresh, and you’ll get to enjoy them for even longer! It’s always great to have a few single stems to work with while photographing the details - they look great surrounding the stationery! You may want to ask your florist to include any extra or leftover stems they have from the bouquets.
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W E D D I N G D AY : G E T T I N G R E A D Y
LOCATION
GETTING READY + PREP
If you’re getting married at a hotel or resort, I suggest getting ready in your honeymoon suite - so think about booking two nights instead of just one! There are so many advantages to this: you’ll be able to relax the night before your wedding and get a good night’s sleep, everything you need for your wedding night and honeymoon will already be in your room so you won’t need to worry about packing, you won’t need to travel on the morning of your wedding and will feel less rushed, and of course you’ll have a gorgeous space for photos!
After I photograph the details, you’ll hopefully be done with your hair and make up. Remember to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS schedule more time than you think you need for that portion of the day. I would say that this is one of the main reasons why a wedding will run late. Even if you’ve done a trial, add at least half an hour to that time. I’ve seen H&MU run over an hour late too many times! I would much rather have you sipping on some champagne with your girls and relaxing because you were done early rather than starting to stress because your hair is still not done and you were supposed to be in your dress already. Wouldn’t you?!
When you’re thinking about which room to book, look for a large or spacious suite. Prep photos are always enhanced when the background is clean and simple, so look for neutral walls and furniture that will compliment your photos and the overall feel of your wedding. Large windows are always a huge plus as well! I recommend booking a room with non-west facing windows - that way the light will be streaming through them in the morning! If you won’t be getting ready at a hotel, a lot of the above suggestions still apply! A clean and simple space is always best, and natural light is a must! When deciding on your space always look for windows! Try to keep the space around the largest window clean - water bottles, bags, and clutter will detract from your images! Asking your bridesmaids to keep their bags and belongings on one side of the room is super helpful!
Typically, we won’t photograph you until your hair and makeup is done unless you really want us to and request otherwise. We will, however get some touch up shots to help tell the story of your day! If you’re interested in a wedding day boudoir session, we’ll schedule it immediately following your H&MU. We’ll need an extra hour for this, so contact me if you’re considering this and we’ll talk about your timeline in more detail! If you and your girls are wearing cute robes/ tanks/apparel we’ll make sure to photograph ya’ll in those! A quick side note on that: don’t get those big fuzzy robes - although they’re super comfortable they’ll make you look bigger than you are in photos - instead, check out places like Plum Pretty Sugar. They have gorgeous getting ready apparel and it makes great bridesmaid gifts! Etsy also has a plethora of stores that offer bridal robes, and some offer monograms!
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W E D D I N G D AY : G E T T I N G R E A D Y, C O N T ’ D
CHANGING INTO YOUR DRESS
PORTRAITS
Next we’ll have your girls change into their dresses. Anyone that you want to be present while you put on your dress should also be completely ready at this time (mom, grandma, etc). Again, make sure to schedule their makeup and hair with plenty of time to spare. :) Once all the ladies are ready, you’ll slip on your dress (we won’t start photographing until it’s covering you - but unbuttoned/laced - unless otherwise requested). Make sure to use the restroom before you put on your dress! And if you’re wearing spanx under your gown, get the kind with the hole in the crotch trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
Then we’ll find a spot with some beautiful light and go right into your bridal portraits! If you’ve decided on a first look, we’ll bring your groom out for your special moment together as soon as we’re done. First looks will put you in the perfect state of mind for your bride and groom portraits. We’ll then take bridal party photos as well before the ceremony (both the entire party together and bride + girls/groom + guys separately). If you decide to not do a first look, after your bridals we’ll take photos of you and your girls.
We’ll first get photos of your dress getting laced/ buttoned/zipped up by your mom or maid of honor. Then we’ll have all of your bridesmaids gather around you, fluffing your dress and loving on you. It makes for such great photos! We’ll then direct you while you put on your jewelry, garter, veil, and perfume and give you a few minutes to take in the fact that you’re GETTING MARRIED! DAD’S FIRST LOOK
I absolutely LOVE this part of the day and always recommend it to my brides! Having a “first look” with your dad is such a sweet and tender moment. We’ll pick a place with the best lighting (usually outdoors), ask your dad to turn around, and have you walk up behind him. Once you’ll about 5-10 feet from him you can ask him to turn around! The reactions are always so sweet and the photos are priceless!
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At some point in the day, if your groom is getting ready in the same location as you, I’ll go hang out with the guys for a little while. Your groom should have his pants and shirt on when I arrive and the groomsmen should be completely dressed. I’ll photograph some of your groom’s details first (socks, shoes, cuff links, belt, watch, tie, etc), and then direct him while he puts on his jacket, tie, and the rest of the details. It’s always nice if his mom, dad or both are there to help him with his boutonniere, jacket and tie. Once he’s ready, we’ll take a few shots of him outside and then of him and his groomsmen if you’ve not decided on a first look.
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There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps. RONALD REAGAN
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W E D D I N G D AY : C E R E M O N Y
PRE-CEREMONY
Once all of the portraits are done, you’ll be whisked away by your bridesmaids and be put into hiding before the guests start to arrive! You’ll be able to touch up your hair and makeup if needed, and enjoy the last few minutes before the ceremony with your girls! This also gives me and my second shooter time to photograph your ceremony details (and possibly reception details, if they’re completed) and set up so we’re ready when you walk down the aisle! Tip: Make sure to have a towel with you to blot the bottoms of you and your bridesmaids’ bouquets - that way you don’t end up with water marks on your dresses! WALKING DOWN THE AISLE
The moment is here!! You’re about to marry the love of your life! I’ll be down at the front across from your groom, and my second will remain back with you to capture last minute excitement. When you and your bridesmaids are coming down the aisle, stand up straight, keep your shoulders back, chin forward and down, and look straight ahead. And don’t forget to SMILE! Hold your bouquet down towards your belly button and tilt them forward slightly - that way we’ll be able to see your gorgeous dress AND your stunning bouquet! These suggestions will help you look your absolute best! When you start walking down the aisle, lock eyes with your groom and let everything else melt
away. Those few moments are so precious! When you first start your walk, I’ll be locked on your groom to capture his reaction, and then I’ll come back to you and follow you through your dad giving you away. Once you get up to the aisle, don’t forget to hand your bouquet off to your MOH, and be sure to get it back for the recessional! FIRST KISS
You might want to ask your officiant to step back during your first kiss so that only you two are in the frame. And don’t be afraid to smooch! Kisses that last longer than a peck allow my second shooter and I to get a few different photos. If it’s possible, it’s always fun to get a shot from behind you so that your guests are in the background! During the recessional make sure you and your groom stop halfway down the aisle and kiss! It makes for an incredible photo as your guests will be standing, clapping, and possibly throwing petals, confetti, etc! I’ll follow you out to capture your first few moments alone as husband and wife while my second stays back and photographs the recessional. TIPS
• Be sure to discuss the photography rules with your venue! Every venue is different - some restrict use of external lights/flash photography (which I try to avoid anyway if at all possible during the ceremony), and some may restrict where I can stand to photograph you!
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W E D D I N G D AY : F A M I LY P H O T O S
LOCATION
CREATING YOUR LIST
If you’re getting married in a church and don’t have your heart set on the church altar, I strongly recommend heading outside to a location with beautiful natural light. We’ve found that outdoor photos are much more relaxed, natural and fun!
When creating your family photo list, it would be helpful if you would break them into the following four categories: must have during family photo time, must have at some point in the day, would be nice to have, and only if time allows. Since I don’t know everyone’s names, it’s also helpful to write something like “B&G with bride’s immediate family (Lori, Joe, and Andy)” so that I know what the group is and have the names in case we have to track someone down. Once I have the list, I’ll put it in the order that makes the most sense!
TIMING
Family photos add up quickly because we need to set aside about 3 minutes per group, and the more time we spend on family photos, the less time you’ll have for Bride + Groom photos, which is what most couples will want for the next 60 years! We politely ask that you limit your family photos time to your immediate family, grandparents, and any other extremely important people, and save the rest of your group photos for the reception. The reception is great for those group photos of your coworkers, cousins, sorority sisters, and high school friends! Make sure to tell everyone that is expected for family photos to stay immediately following the ceremony. Having to wait for family members is the number one reason your family photos take more time than is scheduled into the timeline. A great tip is to appoint someone from each of your families to assist us in making sure everyone is present for your family photos. I might not realize that Aunt Sally is missing, but your point person will be able to make sure your family photos have everyone that is supposed to be in them actually in them! And the point person can help us get the next group on deck.
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COMMON FAMILY GROUP PHOTOS
• B&G with B’s Grandparents • B&G with B’s Immediate Family + Grandparents • B&G with B’s Immediate Family • B&G with B’s Parents • B&G with G’s Parents • B&G with G’s Immediate Family • B&G with G’s Imm. Family + Grandparents • B&G with G’s Grandparents • B&G with Both Sets of Parents • B&G with Both Immediate Families TIPS
• A tip for making sure that your family members aren’t stepping on your dress or three feet away from you: lightly pick up your dress, let them put their feet under your dress, and then drop your dress. Just make sure to do this with every new group!
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W E D D I N G D AY : B R I D A L P A R T Y P O R T R A I T S
TIMING
If you choose not to have a first look, most likely I’ll photograph your bridal party two separate times. The first time will be before the ceremony with the guys and girls separate (so, just you and your girls, and then just your groom and his guys). The second time will be immediately following family portraits and will include you, your groom and the entire bridal party (including flower girls and ring bearers - so make sure their parents know they’re need for pictures before the wedding day!). If you choose to have a first look, you have two options. The first is very similar to the scenario above, but the entire bridal party will be photographed right before the ceremony (this is how it’s laid out in the sample timeline). The other option is to do all the shots back to back - so you and your girls, your groom and his guys, and then all of you together. Let’s chat and figure out which option works best with your timeline!
but just look to the right or the left! I also recommend not talking during these types of photos - but instead start laughing! Often times when we talk the photos may not be super flattering, but a big fake laugh usually ends up in genuine laughter and adorable smiles! And that translates to great photos! TIPS
• Remember to have fun! Your wedding day is a huge celebration and often one of the few times where your family and friends from all over can be together at once! During group photos you have your very best friends standing next to you - have fun with it and enjoy yourself! Those moments will make for some of the best memories!
I’ll also be taking individual photos - each bridesmaid with you, and then each groomsman with your groom. Usually I’ll take one or two normal, smiling photos and then ask for one silly one (which can either be extremely silly or could just be you and your maid hugging each other - it’s up to you!). WHAT TO EXPECT
There will most likely be group photos where I ask you to look at each other and interact/laugh. You might not be physically looking at someone,
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W E D D I N G D AY : B R I D E + G R O O M P O R T R A I T S
My time with just the two of you is one of my favorite parts of the day! I approach bride and groom portraits with an editorial eye, and my main goal is for you two to be in the moment with one another. That alone will help me create classic, romantic images overflowing with emotion and beauty! LOCATION
The bride and groom portrait time is often the only time all day that the two of you will be alone. Because I respect that time so much and know from experience how valuable that time is, I recommend and politely request that the only people present during this time are the two of you and my team. We’ll try to choose one location that has beautiful natural light and lots of different features within the same area, which will help us maximize our time together and will give you gorgeous images! If possible, I like to choose a different location for bride and groom photos than the one chosen for bridal party photos and family formals. However, beautiful light always trumps the background as we want you to always look beautiful (and my style is to usually separate you from the background by having the background fall out of focus anyway). This is especially true if your timeline requires photos to occur mid-day. When the sun is high in the sky we’ll need to find an area that is largely shaded and free from hot spots (bright sun patches that can sometimes leak through tree branches - we don’t want half of your face lit up and the other half not!) unless the sky is overcast.
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TIMING
If at all possible, try and schedule your portrait time in the hour prior to sunset! The light is always SO MAGICAL and adds romance to your images! If we need to schedule your portrait time mid day, I always ask for at least 10-15 minutes later during that “golden hour”. I promise you’ll love the photos! If you’re having a first look, we’ll have between 30-45 minutes for portraits earlier in the day, and then I LOVE getting a few during “golden hour” after the ceremony while you’re in newlywed bliss! If you choose not to have a first look, we’ll need to have more time scheduled after the ceremony - preferably around 45 minutes (it all depends on your timeline, reception location, and more!). Typically you’ll receive about 30-40% more bride and groom portraits if you choose to have a first look. TIPS
• If you have a long veil, definitely bring it for at least some of your portraits! Veils are SO romantic! • Don’t forget your bouquet! :) • Feel free to gaze at each other, don’t be afraid to show emotion, and soak in these precious moments!!
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W E D D I N G D AY : R E C E P T I O N A N D E X I T
RECEPTION
TIMING
During receptions, I tend to shoot very candidly. I don’t typically take photos of guests at each table, but if this is something you really want please let me know! It’s also a great idea to have someone that can point out the VIPs - that way I can be sure to grab some photos of them!
If you’re planning a sparkler exit, I’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help make the photos look amazing! Believe it or not, these exits take some planning to get the best results!
I recommend that you put two people you trust in charge of the exit. They’ll need to have everyone in two lines facing each other (I’ll help with this as well). Only after everyone is in place and you’re ready to go should the sparklers begin to be lit! Depending on how many guests you have, I recommend having 4 (for small weddings) to 8 (for large weddings) people with lighters. Position them equally throughout the line. Once one sparkler has been lit, the guests can help and light the sparkler of the person next to them. This assures that the sparklers all get lit quickly and efficiently!
THE SPARKLERS
FAKING IT
SPARKLER EXITS
The sparklers you use make ALL THE DIFFERENCE!! I recommend buying 36 inch sparklers that are advertised as “smokeless”. Although no sparkler is ever truly smokeless, the ones that are advertised as such produce much less smoke than others. Too much smoke takes away focus from you and hides the pretty part of the sparklers! The 36 inch varieties usually last about four minutes. Yup - FOUR WHOLE MINUTES. There are so many advantages to these! You’ll only need one per guest, and it makes timing the exit so much easier! They burn brighter and provide more light which is always a plus with sparkler exits. 4 minutes also gives you ample time to make your exit instead of sprinting the whole way! You can stop towards the middle of the line and kiss without worry that they’ll go out - making for beautiful photos! Extra time also means more photos!
If you’re planning on partying late into the night or I’m just not scheduled to stay until your exit but you would still love sparkler photos, we can fake it! Before I leave we’ll take you, your bridal party and maybe some close friends and family (depending on your bridal party size) outside and go through the same process I just described. No one will be able to tell that the exit photos weren’t actually taken during the exit! TIPS
• Always bring more lighters than you think you need. • Take your time and enjoy the last few seconds of your wedding!!
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PHOTOS ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED
Have you ever heard it said that “a gift isn’t truly a gift until it is given away”? I think the same theory applies to photographs. They are meant to be SHARED. Every day a photograph grows in significance and value because every day after it is taken we are one day further away from that precious moment in time that is captured in the image. Your wedding photographs should be enjoyed and shared by you, your friends, family and even future generations! Because I believe your photos should be shared I have chosen to be what is known as a “Shoot & Share” photographer. I provide photography coverage as a service to my couples and include a complete gallery of digital images with every wedding collection. I want you to have your images, enjoy them and share them! They don’t do either of us any good if they’re locked away on a hard drive. They are meant to be shared! PASS: YOUR ONLINE GALLERY
PASS is a photo sharing solution that was created for professional wedding and portrait photographers that “Shoot & Share”. When your wedding images have been fully edited, a collection of your photos will be uploaded to your unique PASS online gallery. You’ll receive a URL where you can view, download, share and order prints and products on any computer, tablet, or smartphone device that has internet access! To share your images with family and friends you simply share your unique PASS URL with them and they
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too can view, download, share and order prints and products of your images. PASS does allow for your unique URL to be password protected at your request. Downloading and printing can be turned off if you prefer, just ask! One of the things I love most about PASS is that your gallery will remain online for 10 years! I don’t use CDs or USBs because they can easily be scratched, damaged or lost. Your PASS gallery will last much longer than those, since there is no risk of it being lost due to fires, floods, or break ins! Professional lab quality prints and products (like gallery wraps and thank you cards) can be ordered directly within your PASS gallery and basic shipping is always a flat rate of $5. PASS also offers a free app for Apple and Android! The app makes it easy to share, download, or order prints from your phone. You can also make your photos available for offline viewing! PASS is easy to use, but I’ll go over exactly how to get the most use out of it’s features in person, most likely before or after your engagement session! If you’d like to see a sample gallery, feel free to visit: bricibene.pass.us/hollombe on any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
YO U R O N L I N E G A L L E RY
EASY SHARING ONLINE FOR 10 YEARS AVAILABLE ON ANY DEVICE BEAUTIFUL PRINTS AND PRODUCTS MOBILE APP WITH OFFLINE VIEWING DOWNLOAD HIGH RES PHOTOS
SEE THIS GALLERY ONLINE: BRICIBENE.PASS.US/HOLLOMBE
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C H O O S I N G YO U R W E D D I N G V E N D O R S
Selecting your wedding vendors is one of the most important aspects of planning your wedding! You want to choose vendors whose work you love, that you trust and that you enjoy working with. Of all your vendors you’ll spend the most time with your wedding photographer... but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carefully select your florist, cake baker and other vendors with the same level of care. My number one recommendation is that you communicate very clearly with your vendors. The best way to start a relationship with a potential vendor is to meet with them in person (or at least have a phone conversation with them). Get a feel for their personality and how they interact with you. If you get an uneasy feeling... trust your instincts and continue searching until you find a vendor that you feel you can trust and work well with! Choosing vendors that you love for both their work and their personalities will definitely make wedding planning a more enjoyable experience! DO I NEED A WEDDING PLANNER?
I hear this question a lot and my answer is always the same; it depends entirely upon you! Maybe you’ve been planning your wedding since you were four years old, or maybe you haven’t given much thought to your wedding and haven’t dog-eared the pages of wedding magazines or created invitation mock-ups in your notebook. But regardless of where you fall on the bridal spectrum, working with a wedding planner really depends on you. How much time do you have to
spend planning your wedding? Do you have the resources to hire a planner? From simple weddings to lavish ones, working with a wedding planner can alleviate a lot of the stress of planning your big day. Perhaps you’re planning a destination wedding in Napa Valley or in the Caribbean. Working with a wedding planner can help you avoid common mistakes that are made when working with outof-town vendors and helps you to avoid the risk of the unknown. If you love details and enjoy planning events, you might still want to consider hiring a “day-of” planner to help execute your plans on the day of your wedding. A day-of wedding planner allows you to focus on being the bride on your wedding day instead of worrying about whether the cake has arrived or the tables have been set. Many wedding planners offer “day-of” packages and I’ve found that my brides that have chosen to invest in having a “day-of” planner never regret it! TIPS
• When selecting your venue be sure to ask the venue coordinator what services they provide on the day of your wedding. Communicating clearly from the very beginning of your relationship is always a great idea!
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RECOMMENDED WEDDING VENDORS
CAKE DESIGN
DECOR RENTALS
Alleycakes Dessert Company www.alleycakes.com
Jacksonville, FL
Sweet ‘n’ Flour www.sweetnflour.com FLORAL DESIGN
Ruby Reds Floral www.rubyredsfloral.com
Set Rentals & Design www.seteventrentals.com Southern Charm Vintage Rentals www.southerncharmevents.org Destin, FL
Shea Hopely Flowers www.sheahopelyflowers.com
Lovegood Weddings Rentals & Custom Designs www.lovegoodweddings.com
MAKEUP DESIGN
Central Florida
Makeup by Jamie B www.makeupbyjamieb.com
Wish Vintage Rentals www.wishvintagerentals.com Also delivers to Tampa area
PLANNING + COORDINATION EVENT DESIGN
Dairing Events www.dairingevents.com Megan Martin www.meganmartin.net
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Amber Veatch Designs www.amberveatchdesigns.com
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If you are interested in having me shoot your upcoming engagement and wedding I would absolutely love to chat with you! I accept a limited number of weddings each year in order to maintain a balance between my personal and professional life by keeping my focus on my faith, marriage, family and business. This also allows me to provide high-end service to all of my couples! Although every wedding is different, the average investment for a wedding collection is $2,900. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. C O N TA C T B R I www.bricibene.com 484.264.6217 bricibenephoto@gmail.com
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