THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE
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Hey!
I'm Estely Mijares. let's be real-
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- you had a basically unlimited selection of photographers that you could have chosen to photograph your wedding. You probably looked at different prices, different styles, different personalities, and so much more before you could narrow it down. And that’s why I’m so grateful that you chose me! Photography is so much more to me than a business transaction or a way to pay the bills. My favorite thing about what I do is human connection. Whether that’s me photographing the connection that you have with each other, or me making new connections with each one of my clients.
My job is an important one - your photos will last a lifetime and I want you to look back on them forever and ever and to be reminded of your day and everything that it meant to the two of you. I wrote this guide because I’ve picked up a lot of tricks over the years that will help me make sure that your photos are absolutely out of this world - and you deserve nothing less.
1
Engagement Sessions I love when couples add an engagement session to their wedding package. They’re a little (a lot) less busy and less stressful than the wedding day, so it’ll give us time to get to know each other no pressure, and no timeline to stick to. If you're like me, you haven't gotten professional photos taken since you were a senior in high school, and if you're like me, you feel horribly uncomfortable with a giant camera pointed at you. That’s okay - most people do. Engagement sessions are an amazing way to overcome a little of that anxiety, and a great way for me to learn about both of your personalities and how best to capture them. You'll get a feel for what it's like to be told what to do with your hands and asked to spin in a circle, and I'll learn about your little quirks and all your best angles. Whether you're serious and artsy, or laid back and playful, learning about your unique personality will help me tell your story on your wedding day, the way it needs to be told. I’ll already know which side is your good side, and you'll have one less thing to stress about. Plus, you'll get some photos for the save-the-dates!
The secret sauce for getting those
gorgeous engagement photos 01.Outfit I’m sure by now if you know one thing about me, you know that nature is my jam. I love beautiful scenery - mountains, oceans, trees, it’s all photogenic and wonderful. So of course, my recommendation is always to choose a beautiful outdoor location. BUT I don’t want you to think you can’t get good photos if your backdrop isn’t so scenic. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. So if the outdoors isn’t for you or if you don’t want to drive too far, or it’s cold outside, choose somewhere that’s special to the two of you - maybe it’s your home, or the diner where you had your first date. Whatever location you choose, just make sure it reflects your personalities. If you can't think of a specific place, no worries, I have a resource for my couples of location ideas based on your package on preference. Just ask me and we
02. Location
can get this plan started.
This is possibly the most important part - choosing what to wear. It’s important because the colors, patterns, and textures of your clothes should compliment your location. That might sound overwhelming, but I have a full style guide that I will send you that goes over all of this. But I will give you one tip here - dress like yourself. Wear what makes you feel good, and what you feel comfortable and confident in. And of course, if you need outfit tips, just ask me! I’ll be able to tell you which specific colors will look good in the location you chose, and if you send me photos of your outfit options I’ll give you my honest opinions.
03.Timing The time of day that we take your photos is so important - because while I could take photos in harsh sunlight and they would look good, you would inevitable have a lot of shadows on your faces and the photos wouldn’t be amazing. The best times of day are sunrise and sunset - I recommend starting either half an hour before sunrise, or an hour before sunset for the best lighting. That way, there won’t be any shadows, and we’ll get that gorgeous glow that makes everything look soft and pretty. If you’re a morning person, I like sunrise because there tend to be less crowds, especially if you choose a popular location. But I can’t blame you if you’re not into waking up before the sun does.
04. Have Fun I know I said outfits were the most important part, but I take it back. This one is just as important. I know wedding planning gets hectic, and you might be worried about how you look or how your engagement photos will turn out. But leave that to me - I’ll do the heavy lifting to make sure you look your best and I’ll make sure you have a good time. So just relax, enjoy the moment, think about how you’ll be married soon, and have fun! Photos are best when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself - and a lot of my job is to help you do that and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. So come to me with a positive attitude and come exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
THE
wedding DAY
The Timeline. I won’t lie, it’s intimidating. But unfortunately it’s also pretty important, so I’m here to help! This is a sample timeline of the photography of wedding day that includes a first look, and has the ceremony starting at 5:30 pm. Of course, it’s not a one size fits all, so feel free to talk to me about the specifics of your day! I’ll help you work it out, and we can decide how long you want your want me to be there to make sure we capture everything you want. Your timeline will also depend a lot on the season because we need to take into consideration the amount of day light that we have.
Sample Timeline
12 HOURS
10 HOURS
8 HOURS
6 HOURS
9:00 Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup Begins 11:00 Bride’s hair and makeup begins 1:45 Groom Begins Getting Ready 3:00 Bride Puts Dress on 3:30 First Look + Portraits 4:00 Bridal Party Photos 5:00 hide while guests arrive 5:30 ceremony 6:00 Family photos Cocktail Hour 7:00 Entrance into reception 7:15 Dinner Begins 7:45 Toasts 8:15 first dance 8:20 dance floor opens 8:30 Couples’ Sunset photos 9:00 bouquet & garter toss 10:00 cake cutting 11:00 grand exit
stohS liateD
The first thing I’ll do when I get there (after saying hello and gushing about how excited I am for you) is take some detail shots. It’s helpful if you gather everything so that it’s all together when I arrive. Some items that I need for detail shots include rings, Invitations, jewelry, tie, dress, shoes, and cuff links. If you have any sentimental details, please throw them in there! Also - I highly recommend getting a nice hanger for your dress, and for the bridesmaids’ dresses. They don’t have to be fancy and custom made - but any wood hanger looks so much better than a plastic one.
30 minutes.
Getting ready... These photos often end up being some of my favorites. There’s just something about those pre-wedding jitters, the little moments of this is it, the (sometimes alcohol induced) laughs with your best friends. This part is mostly candids - but I usually try to make sure everyone is mostly ready before I take their photos - because you probably don’t want a photo of you with one eye of makeup on or hair half done :).
What to wear. While I know most of us like to get ready in an old t shirt and some sweatpants (or maybe that’s just me), but on your wedding day the photos of you and your bridesmaids chatting, laughing, and walking around will look so much cuter if your outfits give them a pop! I’m a big fan of white, lacy robes for the bride, and floral or pastel colored ones for the bridal party. There are also cute satin rompers that look adorable in photos. The possibilities are endless.
1-2 hours
The Space The location really defines the look and mood of every photo, and this is also true for the getting ready location. Hotel rooms are notorious for terrible yellow lighting. Consider renting a cute Air BNB to get ready in! Instead of being cramped in a tiny bathroom where the toilet will be in the background of your photos, try to find a big, open room with lots of windows. Windows are the most important part - soft, natural light will make all the difference. It’ll make you look radiant, rather than washed out and yellow. I also reccomend my brides to have bridesmaids clean and clear the entire room. Put chargers, water bottles, loose make-up away in a bag or closet.
Windows are the most important part - make sure you have some natural light to work with.
The first look... Let's face it - your wedding is the best day of your life, but it's also pretty stressful. I always recommend that my couples do a first look, because it gives you a chance to have a private moment with your love, away from all the eyes on you at the ceremony. You get a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle, and spend a little time together, to soak up the love and excitement. I totally understand feeling like you want him to see you for the first time as you walk down the aisle - because what pretty much every bride wants is a reaction. But, imagine this: you’re up there in front of lots of people, and it can be hard to think about something other than the faces starting at you.
What I’ve found, is that a first look provides a “safer” space for the groom to get emotional - when it’s just the two of you (and your third wheel - me), crying is less stressful. And with a first look, after you see each other you can hug, kiss, twirl, get a good look at each other without having to be on a time crunch and feeling like you need to move on with the ceremony to be done on time. This is one of the only times during the wedding that you’ll actually get to be alone, without keeping anyone waiting.
Needless to say, I love first looks. But this isn’t about me, so if you want to keep things traditional, that’s great! I’d never want my couples to feel like I’m pushing a first look on them, but I do want you to be informed! No pressure :)
30 minutes
Pros & Cons of First look Pros You can do all your photos before the ceremony to spend more time with your guests. It is one of the only moments you two will have together on the day. Once the ceremony starts, your whole day will go by so quickly so take a minute to yourselves! If you’re worried about crying, a first look might get that out of the way. This is a great time to share your vows or a prayer before the ceremony. In someways, this moment is more intimate than the ceremony.
Cons You will see each other before the ceremony so when you walk down the aisle, it won’t be a surprise. It is against tradition but who cares??
30 minutes
The first touch... An alternative for first look is first touch! A first touch is where you do not see each other before the wedding but instead you can hold hands and pray together or get out some of those prewedding jitters. You can achieve this by going back to back against a door frame or blindfolding the groom.
10 minutes
Unplugged weddings
What is an unplugged wedding?An unplugged wedding is where you ask all of your guests to put away their phones for the ceremony in efforts to have everyone preset and in the moment. It also makes sure there are zero phones in your wedding photos of the ceremony. How to asks guests to put their phone away: You can have your officiant or wedding planner make an announcement! Go on etsy and get a sign (type in “unplugged weddings� tons of cute and NICE options) hopefully everyone reads the signs!
The Bridals
After the first look, we’ll get some shots of just the two of you. I recommend asking your friends and family to give you space for this part (most people find it easier to relax when you don’t have an audience - but if you prefer having your personal hype people with you, absolutely go for it). If you don’t do a first look, we’ll do this part right after the ceremony! Either way, you’re bursting with love and excitement, and these photos will show it! This is the part that people tend to worry about. I know, you’re “awkward in photos.” I don’t think anyone’s ever come to a session with me and said, “I’m the BEST at having my photo taken!” But the truth is, how comfortable you feel during your session is pretty much entirely up to your photographer. If I stood there, didn’t say anything, and clicked my camera while you stared into it, you’d probably be preeeeety unhappy - both during the session and when you see your photos.
So here is what I do instead I’ll use the chemistry that the two of you naturally have together to make sure you have a damn good time. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you and tell you what to do - if your hands are hanging awkwardly (a common issue :)), I’ll tell you where to put them instead. But for the most part, I don’t do the super pose-y stuff, and I let the session flow naturally. I’ll never say “Smile!” because fake smiles aren’t that cute, and they’re not that fun. If you’re feeling awkward, I’ll do something like ask you about your first date, or ask one of you to whisper something in the other’s ear - that way, we’re not just taking photos, we’re creating some moments, so that when you look back at each photo, you’ll remember the moment you learned something new about your spouse, or maybe the moment they whispered “cookies” into your ear, but either way - I’ll make sure your smiles are never forced.
30 minutes
The Bridal Party After your first look and couple’s photos, it’s time for the bridal party! I’ll get some photos of just the girls, just the guys, and some of everyone together. I’ll also make sure to get individual photos of the bride with each bridesmaid, and of the groom with each groomsman. And if you’re not doing a first look, I’ll do the girls’ and guys’ photos separately before the ceremony, and after the ceremony we’ll do a few of the whole party together! Make sure that the groomsmen arrive with boutonnières on, and the bridesmaids have their bouquets. I know you want all of your best friends to have a blast at your wedding - so just like with the couple’s photos, I stay away from stiff poses. One of my favorite prompts for the bridal party is to have the couple kiss, and everyone else give a big cheer. Another fun one is to have everyone shout their best marriage advice at the same time - I get a wide range of answers with this one :).
30 min- 1 hour
The Ceremony This is it! The moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s easy to get lost in all the planning and stress, all the bells and whistles. But try to keep in mind the most important thing - which is the start of your lives together. You’ll hear me say “lighting” a million times, but here it is again. Keeping lighting in mind, the best time to start your ceremony (photo-wise) is about 3 hours before the sunset. The lower the sun is, the better the lighting. The average ceremony is about 30 minutes long, but if you have special traditions that you want to incorporate, I’d allow an hour for the whole thing. One important tip that I have is asking your officiant to move out of the way before the first kiss that way they aren’t in the background of the photo. I also recomend for my couples to have an unplugged ceremony, I would encourage your guests to keep their phones away during the ceremony so all the screens aren't on your gallery! Don't worry, I got you, I will get the best shots for you! Lastly, I will go as close or stay as far as you want me during the ceremony. Some couples want me to be in the front and other couples prefer me to stay in the back. Regardless, I have all the equipment necessary for me to obtain the photos you want. It's all about your preference, just let me know which one it is that you prefer.
30 min- 1 hour
The family You love your family, but they’re kinda nuts. And the excitement of the ceremony is so contagious. Understandably so, because you just got married! How could anyone not be stoked? That’s why having a list of family members that you need photos with is always helpful. I recommend including names, as well as their role. For example: “Mother of the bride (Gina).” Since this is likely my first time meeting your family, this will make it easier for me to go down the list and call out names, and I can keep track of who’s gotten their photo taken and who hasn’t. Definitely make sure to let any family members who are part of these formals know that they have to be there! Tell them where to go right after the ceremony, so that they know where to be. People often tend to wander during this part - people who need to be in more than one photo try to leave after the first one. While I will of course keep an eye on everyone and do my best to let people know when they’re done, I find it helpful if you also send a list of the family shots to each member of the family - that way they’ll know exactly what’s going on. If you didn’t do a first look, after family portraits is when we’ll get some photos of just the two of you. While all this is going on, all of your guests will be at the cocktail hour.
1 hour
The reception
You did it!! You got married, and now it's time to party! During the reception I'll take some candids and some group photos, so if there are any friends or extended family members that you need photos with, now's the time! A lot of stuff happens during the reception, and I'll take photos of all of it. You have the freedom to make your reception your own! I once had a couple that did a �first game� instead of a first dance, and they played a game of basketball against each other. Super fun, and they had a much better time than they would have with a first dance, because a first game fit their personality so much better. So don’t be afraid to make the reception your own! Here are some common reception events: - bridal party entrance - first dance - parent dances - anniversary dance - toasts - bouquet/garter toss - cake cutting - grand exit
3-5 hours
Blue hour I always recommend that my couples schedule half an hour during the sunset for a few more couple’s photos. You’ll get that gorgeous golden light, and maybe a new location so that you have some variety in your photos. The best time to start these is about 15 minutes before the sunset time - which you can find with a quick Google search of your wedding date. However, reception events tend to run behind, and it’s difficult for the bride and groom to leave because everyone wants to say hello or to give more hugs or to take photos. Which is totally understandable - but of course photos are hard to take in the dark. Because of this, I recommend blocking off an hour for these portraits - 30 minutes before sunset, and 30 minutes after.
THE
planning PROCESS Wedding planning is fun - but I’d be lying if I said it was easy. Here are some RESOURCES to help you get through it.
Prefered Vendors
Vendors that I love and Trust
Dress Shops Planners Sincerely Yours Events Free Indeed Events Elegant Savannah Weddings Flower Child Weddings Victoria Waler Events & Design Free Indeed Events
Lovely Bride Atlanta The Sentimentalist BHLDN Daci Gowns Daughters of Simone I do, I do Bridal
Videographer Seven Foot Films Vida Motions
Florists
Alex Radelich
Flaura Botanica
Lovebird Films
Funky Mountain Flowers
Peyton Mariah
Wild Heary Blooms Bloom Theory Studio Monarch Flower Co The Woodstock Flower Company Belle's Flower Truck
Hair & Make-Up Ellis Paige Make-Up It Means Pretty Make Up By Ashton Bonnie Jean Beauty Hair and Make up by Allison
My shot list
What you can expect from me
Getting ready BRIDE GETTING HAIR DONE BRIDE'S GOWN HANGING OR DRAPED STILL SHOTS OF BRIDES JEWELRY, SHOES, ETC. DETAILED SHOTS OF THE BRIDAL AND BRIDEMAID BOUQUETS MOTHER BUTTONING OR ZIPPING BRIDES DRESS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER GETTING READY. FULL LENGHT OF THE BRIDE LOOKING AT HERSELF IN MIRROR BRIDE GETTING READY WITH BRIDESMAIDS GROOM GETTING READY WITH HIS FATHER AND GROOMSMEN CLOSE UP OF WEDDING BANDS GROOMS WITH BEST MAN GROOM PUTTING ON TIE
Ceremony EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SHOTS OF VENUE GROOM WALKING DOWN AISLE CLOSE UP OF GROOM SEEING BRIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME BRIDAL PARTY WALKING DOWN THE AISLE BOTH SETS OF GRANDPARENTS WALKING DOWN AISLE BRIDE AND HER FATHER WALKING DOWN AISLE CLOSE UP OF BRIDE RIGHT BEFORE SHE WALKS DOWN THE AISLE. PARENTS WATCHING CEREMONY WDE SHOT OF GUESTS SPECIAL MOMENTS. CANDLE LIGHTING. KNEELING TO PRAY. ETC. CLOSE UP OF COUPLE RECITING VOWS BRIDE AND GROOMS HANDS WHILE EXCHANGING RINGS THE FIRST KISS BRIDE AND GROOM LEAVING THE CEREMONY
My shot list
What you can expect from me
Before the Bride & Groom BRIDE WITHÂ MOTHER BRIDE WTIH FATHER BRIDE WITH BOTH PARENTS BRIDE WITH IMMEDIATE FAMILY GROOM WITH MOTHER GROOM WITH FATHER GROOM WITH PARENTS GROOM WITH IMMEDIATE FAMILY BRIDE AND GROOM WITH BRIDE'S FAMILY BRIDE AND GROOM WITH GROOM'S FAMILY
Before the reception & wedding party BRIDE AND GROOM WITH BRIDESMAIDS BRIDE AND GROOM WITH GROOMSMEN BRIDE WITH BRIDESMAIDS GROOM WITH GROOSMEN BRIDE AND GROOM WITH FLOWER GIRL/RING BEARER BRIDE AND GROOM WITH ENTIRE WEDDING PARTY BRIDE & GROOM
Reception
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SHOT TABLE SETTINGS PLACE CARDS CENTERPIECES, ETC. FOOD AND SPECIALITY DRINKS BRIDE AND GROOM ARRIVING CLOSE UP OF FAMILY FRIENDS MAKING A TOAST BRIDE AND GROOM DANCING CAKE CUTTING BRIDE AND GROOM DANCING WITH PARENTS
THE
wedding QUESTIONNAIRE
Wedding Questionnaire & Reminders Hey! This is a questionnaire I need you to fill out that gives me every ounce of info I'll need to be ready for your big day! I've also included some helpful tips to remember to get your wedding started off on the best foot!
Just a reminder... Make sure there is a lot of natural (window) light in the room where the bride will be getting ready. This makes a WORLD of difference in your images- I promise! And don't forget about the groom! His getting ready photos are just as important and rooms with natural light and lots of windows will do WONDERS to how the photos will turn out! However, if this is just not possible, no worries, I got your girl! Please have all the bridal details together before I arrive, including anything you want photographed. (Dress, jewelry, rings. shoes, bouquet, garter, veil, invitations, etc..) I will knock these out right when I arrive, so if they're all ready for me then I can finish them quicker and get to photographing YOU! As much as you can, PLEASE keep the bridal room area free of trash, bags, snacks, etc. A great idea is to have one dedicated area for food/snacks/drinks/bags/purses etc AWAY from where everyone will be getting ready. Trust me, no one wants that Aquafina water bottle in the back- ground when the bride puts on her dress! Allow more time than you think you need to get ready! It's better to be safe than to be RUSHED. Relax and have fun! You're getting married! AAAHH! Be as detailed as possible, and have it completed no later than 2 weeks before your wedding. If you have any quesitions at all feel free to email me!
Questionnaire Pg 1 Bride's Name: First:Â Last: Bride's phone number: Groom's Name: First: Last: Groom's Phone Number: Names of Bridesmaids: (specify who is Maid of Honor)
Names of Groomsmen: (specify who is Best Man)
MOH's Phone Number: Best Man's Phone Number:
Wedding Planner's Name: (If there is no wedding planner, name of whoever will be in charge day of)
Questionnaire Pg 2 Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator's Phone Number:
Ceremony Address:
Reception Address: (If different from ceremony)
Any other addresses I may need: (For example, getting ready location if different from above)
Does the Venue have any rules regarding photography:
Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?
What time is hair/makeup scheduled to start?
How many guests will there be attending the wedding?
Questionnaire Pg 3 Ae there any specific photos you or your family would like? (Of course I will be taking traditional family portraits. This is more for something specific I wouldn't know about like if your grandmother made your veil and you wanted special photos of it... etc..)
Are there any divorces. deaths. or tensions in the family that I should be aware of so that I don't embarrass anyone? (If so, are divorced parents or grandparents ok being in photos together?
Family Portrait Shot List (Include every combination of family photos you want. To make them run more smoothly please include their names.)
Questionnaire Pg 4 What time does the ceremony start and how long do you expect it to last? Do you know where you'd like family images taken? How about bride and groom? (I can pick a location that I think your pictures will look BOMB)
What time have we decided my coverage will start:
What time will I be free to go:
Ceremony time & length:
Will you be doing a first look? If so, do you know where you want it? (If YES, and don't know yet, I can help you pick a location!).
Will you be doing any type of "Exit" from your reception? (If so, describe what type -i.e sparklers, confetti, tunnel, etc.- and what time will that take place.)
Questionnaire Pg 5 Please include all vendors that are involved in your wedding so that I can credit them appropriately! (planner, florist, wedding attire, rings, hair & make up, videographer, dj/band, caterer, cake rentals, and anyone else you've hired!)
Which photos are most important to you? (Which photos if not captured would you be sad about?)
In a paragraph, remind me again how you both met and fell in love! How did your fiancĂŠ propose? don't leave anything juicy out! I'll use this story in your blog post! ;)
Lastly, is there ANYTHING else you would like me to know before your wedding day?
Thank you
Thank you for putting your trust in me. This job means the world to me - and my couples are what make it happen. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Don’t forget - I’m here for whatever you need, whether that be help with your timeline, help deciding on a dress, or questions about your photos. My job goes beyond clicking the button of my camera - I’m here to make sure you have the best wedding day possible. And I can’t wait to be there :).
Sincerely -