Wedding magazine

The guide for the Michaela Kessler Bride

You're Getting

Married!

What to expect MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

WORKING ON YOUR TIMELINE

Hi, your biggest fan here

I want to help you as much as I can. So I added some tips for building a timeline

YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION All the things you need to know for your first session with me

WEDDING DAY Check lists, advice, day of, etc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Meet Michaela 2nd shooter The process Your engagement session color pallets Do you want a first look Sample timeline Timeline planning

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Wedding tips Getting ready Mini check list Ceremony Toss traditions Reception tips Planning worksheet

m a I o h W Hey you!

Oh right, this is when I tell you a little about me.

Well... most days you can find me trying to avoid my responsibilities.... Kind of kidding, kind of not. If I am not doing that I am eating, at the gym, or booking a plane ticket that I probably cant afford.

I am a photographer, Lover of adventure, and BBQ

I am so happy you're here, Seriously. You rock.

3. Since I was a kid I've been terrified of the Wizards of OZ and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But yet my favorite movies are the Insidious series and The Conjuring.

4. My family is my everything.

Instead of a long intro and B.S. Let's get to the things that matter:

5. Instagram is supposed to be my passion as a photographer, but I spend 80% of my time on

1. I LOVE BBQ... I suddenly eat it on everything. I blame college, But I truly couldn't image my life without it. I would like to thank Sweet Baby Ray's for it's dedication.

2. I literally bought "hiking shoes" recently and I don't hike. But I want to start. So if you're all about the scenic route like I am let's take a hike and break in my new shoes.

Facebook. How could I not?! The endless loop of dogs, cute baby videos, and food. So pretty please tag me in all the good stuff.

Why mic you ask?

I mean I was like 12, what do I know?

I was 15 when I started my business, so I was basically 12 right? I was literally a child and hadn't even had a real boyfriend. Yet, I was telling everyone I knew what it's like to be in love and plan a stressful event like this. They told me "fake it til I make it" so I did!?

Look ma, I made it because now you're here! (only this time I am not 12, and I do have plenty weddings under my belt) Let me be completely honest, the day you booked me, I may have screamed a little. BUT a good scream!!

I am so thankful you chose me.

In case you didn't know I am a photographer!

Duh, you already knew that by now. I have spent lots of long hours on Pinterest filling up my boards. Specifically with all the things wedding related hoping to give you a place to go to strike up inspiration for your day!

Let me be honest, I will probably never let the camera drop from my face during your ceremony. If I do then all your guests will see me sobbing. I get emotional during weddings being all happy tears, laughter, and little bit of sadness at the end of the night when I have to say goodbye.

I care. I take clients and turn them into friends.

Though out your day I am watching everything unfold and documenting it all. Moments that I try to get are ones that you may not have known even happened. Plus a little selfie action in the end because you guys are awesome.

I am capturing it all in a way that will give you the ability to relive it for years to come. Every little hand grab, the drunk uncles, and awesome details that you worked hard on.

ONE LAST THING Meet my 2nd shooter, my dad I call him dad, but you can just call him Kyle. I felt it was only right to tell you who my side kick is. For almost ALL of my weddings you can find this guy with an extra long camera getting all the candid, far away shots.

My dad Is my 2nd shooter and the one who got me into photography in the first place. I think he's kind of cool, mostly because he laughs at my jokes and makes life fun.

He's the one that takes these kind of photos during your day

The process Initial Email YAY, I am so happy you showed up in my inbox!! At this point you've booked the date, and now we get to work on the fun stuff.

Early planning Now, we work on planning your engagement session, and the details of your wedding day. I want you to send me all the Pinterest boards and details that you're excited for!

Engagement session Want to grab food after or before to do some wedding talk!? This is our first time taking pictures together, and I don't want you to be nervous! It will be so much fun I promise.

Timeline Wedding planning!! About a month or two before your wedding, I will ask you to work with me to create your timeline. ( If you have questions or want to put it together sooner, I am all for that!)

Wedding day IT'S HERE!!! I hope it's all you ever wanted it to be and more. I can't wait to see it all unfold as you start a new chapter with your Hubby!

Image Delivery I will send your images through an online gallery after your wedding. With the link you can share it allover and access it on any device!

your

Engagement

session

Your Engagement session

Summer

Fall

Sessions this time of year usually take place two hours before sunset. Between the time frame of 6:30- 8:30 pm.

In the fall the sunset time changes drastically. Through the months of September you can expect your session to be at 5:30- 7:30pm. After the first week of November it will be around 3:00- 5:00pm.

Winter

Spring

December through March you can expect your session taking place around 3:005:00pm.

Similar to the fall times, the times in spring change often. Early months you can expect your session between 5:30-7:30pm. In April you can expect between 6:00- 8:00pm.

1. Fashion I want you both to be comfortable and totally you. This is because I want you to connect with your images. So if that means y'alls go to is jeans and a t shirt, make it happen! I encourage two outfit options, but definitely NOT required.

I have made a little Pinterest board with outfit inspiration for you both if you're stuck. I am always open to chat clothes if you get stuck ( hello I am a girl that loves to shop). Don't feel like you have to go for plain classics the entire time. Have fun with color, texture, and accessories! This is to remember a special time in your lives, so don't limit yourself!

Some of my favorite places to shop are American Eagle | Roolee | piper and scoot| Francescas | Called to Surf

Here's my Pinterest page link : https://www.pinterest.com/mkesslerphotogr/

2. Location

o t s g n i h t Few t u o b a k n i h t

When you think of your engagement photos, what do you visualize? An open field? Your favorite hiking spot?

Favorite burger joint? An epic view?! What is it that feels the most like you two. Are there any special location that might be ideal for your engagement shoot. If not, don't panic!!!

It's not about where you are but who you are with. I love going places you know of. A family farm?

Someones cute backyard?

The way I shoot, the focus is on the the two of you and your beautiful faces, not the background. However, the location helps give your images a vibe. In case you were hoping to, you're more than welcome to include a save the date, a pet, or something meaningful.

3. Timing Timing is everything for your session. As a natural light photographer, I plan my engagement sessions around the lighting of the day. I usually begin them an hour and half prior to sunset. This allows for an outfit change and location change while shooting during golden hour.

Being on time ensures that we do not cut into your session time. So showing up ready and on time will allow us to focus you two!

Once the sun goes down, there is not much we can do, so I beg of you to show up on time so we can stay on track.

At times when mother nature works against us I always reschedule!!!

4. Smaller things 1. CLEAN THAT RING, make sure it's all shiny for the ring shots.

2. BE AWARE OF YOUR SETTING, We could be hiking through woods, fields, going up hill. Either one just bring a spare pair of shoes just in case!

3. CLEAN NAILS, if you're anything like me my nails are almost always chipped. Learn from my mistakes and don't be like me!! Paint your nails or not at all.

4. ACCESSORIZE, It may be easily forgotten, but the little additions to an outfit can completely transform them for the better!

5. PETS, I am a big fan. Always for the furry friends 10/10. But if you decide to bring your pet, please have someone extra to tag along to watch them while we're doing images without them in it!

Color palettes for outfit inspiration

Hey you, as you are planning outfits for your session here are some things to keep in mind; color, comfort, and style.

I am a HUGE advocate of originality and being 100% you! I love all the the neutrals with pops of bold colors.

BUT I do suggest to stay away from the neon colors because they don't photograph well. More than anything I want you to feel comfortable and totally you!

"We have grown to call her our friend and our family" WORDS BY LINDSEY + JON

"Jon and I have known michaela now for about a year and a half. We first met michaela when we asked her to do our engagement pictures at Presque Isle July 2017. Jon and I were blown away and completely stunned with the work michaela did! She captured every picture I could've ever imaged! The one thing Jon requested was a more "natural" look and not the posed pictures. Michaela definitely did that for us! We were comfortable with michaela within the first few minutes of the session and I knew we were going to share a special bond. When Jon and I were looking at photographers, Michaela hadn't done any weddings. I hired our main photographer from Bradford and months later I find out michaela is now doing weddings!!! I knew I had to have her at my wedding! So, we had a step and repeat at our wedding and I knew the perfect person. I asked michaela if she would be comfortable doing the step and repeat photos and also doing some pictures of the reception before the guests entered. By the time our wedding rolled around, I had hired michaela as a second shooter for our wedding. To say that I was impressed and blown away is an understatement! Michaela photographed our wedding on August 4, 2018 and I can't even begin to tell you the amazing work we received from her! From the morning of, to the ceremony, to the reception, the step and repeat, the details, everything I could've ever imagined michaela captured. She took the best day of our lives and captured everything we could ever want to remember and will now be able to remember. We don't call michaela our "photographer", we have grown to call her our friend and our family.

She is so professional and easy to work with we have clicked instantly. She was there for me through every single detail and stressor I was feeling for my wedding day. We will not hesitate to hire michaela to capture every single detail and moment Jon and I have on our journey through life together."

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your

Wedding

Do you want a first look?

I think most couples are on the fence when it comes to first looks. There are so many questions around it like; What even is a first look? Why should/ shouldn't we do one?

Would it take away from him seeing you at the end of the aisle?

I am here for YOU, and I want you two know all the things about a first look so it helps you make a choice! I am all for doing things that feel like you. If you want to ditch the traditional let's do it. If you want the first time seeing each other to be when you walk down the aisle, let's do that! Anything you two chose will be SO special!

Okay Mic, what is a first look exactly?

This is the time during your wedding day where it's just you two before your ceremony. Couples would opt to a first look if they wanted time together alone before going through with the rest of the day! BUT it is your day, you do what fits you two best.

How would this effect the flow of the day?

Don't you worry about a thing, I will help you every step of the way! If you are curious about how the day would go, I added a sample timeline for you to look at! ( If you don't do the first look we would move all the image taking of family, wedding party, and bride and groom will happen after the ceremony!)

I am not here to sway you one way or the other, but I am just simply letting you know all your options!

Not into that are you into this?!

Look into a first touch if a first look doesn't interest you. Standing around a corner or on two sides of a door?! A way to be in each other's presence without seeing each other!

Sample Timeline (with first look)

First Look

Details Your details are an important part of your day. I love taking time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. These allow me to get warmed up for the rest of the day.

I usually allow an hour for this part of the day. During this time I am also sneaking in some getting ready shots.

I will do a search for the location before the getting ready portion of the day. Don't you stress about it at all! This will be a private in timate moment for you both, so I will try to find a secluded location. ( Not everyone wants to do a first look and that's okay!)

Portraits

Bridal Prep Once the details are all photographed, it's time for everyone's favorite bridal images!

This is a huge moment, the moment everyone sees you as a bride. I will ask every one to be all ready and dressed by the time the bride gets in her dress. Then I will shoot images of the dress being zipped up, jewelry being put on, etc.

After your first look we will take some portraits. This will be while the two of you while your excitement is still present!

Remember, the LIGHT determines where we will shoot, so I cannot decided on portrait locations til the day- of. These will be 20 minutes at the most!

Wedding Party Now, its wedding party shots! I buffer in extra time in case of a delay. A little tip to make this go smoothly, is if someone puts the boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they arrive for portraits. Here we will to all together shots and separated.

Ceremony IT'S TIME TO TIE THE KNOT!! Most ceremonies are 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 minutes, we'll make adjustments to the timeline! Cherish these moments. It will go by so quickly!

Reception Details If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to get the reception decor UNTOUCHED. If the ceremony and reception are in separate locations. I would recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible. During this is when I will grab shots before people start laying coats on chairs and purses on tables!

Family Portraits Family portraits normally take place immediately following the ceremony. It's best to save all of the family formals after the ceremony because ALL family members will be present at that time.

We will need about 1530 minutes for family formals. Before the wedding I will ask for you to put together a list of the shots you want. ( I recommend we take these outside).

Golden Hour A few just married portraits. These allow us to soak in the golden glowy light before you are released to your guests and get your dance on! . The best times for these are the times listed for engagement sessions! ( 7:15 l ate spring, summer, early fall)

The Exit This is optional, and usually additional time to my packages. If you're interested in this kind of coverage, email me so we can chat more about it!

Reception This is when the party begins. My job during this part of the timeline isn't as strict. Here, I will be just focusing on those dance floor m oves, and capturing all the good stuff.

Approximate times: Details & Prep - 1.5 hours First Look & Portraits - 30-40 minutes Bridal Party - 30- 40 minutes Family Formals - 30 minutes Golden hour portrait time - AS MUCH TIME AS YOU'LL GIVE ME!!

Wedding Timeline Planning

YOUR NOTES

WEDDING TIPS "Focus on the person you are about to marry, not everyone in attendance."

"Be as quirky as you want"

"Make an email JUST for wedding things."

"Try not to do it all alone, there are people who are willing and want to help you!"

"Have an unplugged wedding, we hire a photographer for the purpose.

Encourage guests to put the phones down and leave cameras at home."

"Splurge on a perfume and wear it that day. So that when you smell it you think of your wedding.

"Have the cater pack a to-go box for you, because you will be hungry after the reception"

"Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen wisely or not at all."

"Brides and grooms make the guest list, NOT the parents."

"It's a wedding not a reunion, invite people who you feel YOU want there.

Not your mom's uncle's son's kid's girlfriend" "Have clear umbrellas on stand by in case!"

"Have a nice hanger for you and your bridesmaids, you will thank me later" "When altering your dress make sure you can sit" "Don't wear a bra in the morning so that it doesn't leave marks on your skin" "Best way to pee in a wedding dress is backward facing the wall"

"she captured all the smiles, happy tears and laughs"

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WORDS BY KYLIE + TIM

"Michaela did a wonderful job with our engagement photos as well as capturing our wedding day. She was well prepared, thorough and made us feel at ease during the engagement session and especially on our wedding day. We can relive our wedding day through the photographs because she captured all the smiles, happy tears and laughs. We can't say enough positive things about her! She truly has as eye for photography and can't wait to book her for future sessions!"

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Getting ready yay's and nay's

I know where you're getting ready isn't the first thing on your list of things to worry about. Although, that's probably the case I want you to keep these things in mind because I want your images to be beautiful!

Yay's

Nay's

- Open space, big rooms - Lots of natural light and windows - Airbnb/ bridal getting ready rooms - Wooden hangers - Details gathered ( so I can get started)

- Neon colored rooms - Clutter throughout the space ( they would get into the images) - Hotel rooms - Plastic hangers

This is for you and your bridal squad to be aware of! I am listing all the items you may

Stay fresh

want to have around you on your wedding

TOOTH BRUSH/ PASTE

day.

MOUTHWASH

For touch ups

BREATH MINTS FLOSS

BOBBY PINS

DEODORANT

HAIR TIES

PERFUME

HAIR SPRAY

LOTION

CURLING/ FLAT IRON

TISSUES

NAIL CLIPPERS

TWEEZERS

NAIL POLISH REMOVER

EYE DROPS

LIP GLOSS / CHAPSTICK

TAMPONS/ LINERS

MAKEUP REMOVER

COTTON SWABS

To fix a dress STAIN REMOVER WHITE CHALK NEEDLE AND THREAD HEM / DOUBLE SIDED TAPE SCISSORS SAFETY PINS LINT ROLLER

ETC. BANDAIDS ADVIL /IBPROFEN FLATS/ COMFORTABLE SHOES MIRROR EXTRA PHONE CHARGERS BUG SPRAY WATER BOTTLE + NON MESSY FOODS

Your own items ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ────────────────── ──────────────────

e l t t i l e h t l l A s g n i th The day starts with details. This is often the time when things are still moving slowly. You're enjoying getting ready with your girls, I am taking detail shots, and guests are arriving.

What to bring

During this time I get to be creative with the details. I try to style all the little pieces in these images to go with the rest of your day.

Here's my tip, have all your details together in a box or in a corner so that when I walk in I can just give you a bear hug and get to it. Don't worry I will take GREAT care of your dress I promise!

Dress Veil/ Hair pieces Rings ( all three) Bouquet & boutonniere Jewelry Perfume Invitation suite Borrowed & Blue

Anything that is important to you

It's all in the moments you didn't see happen

CEREMONY TIME

It's here!! You're about to officially make it official! This is when the music is playing, the guests have been seated. ushers make their way to the back, and the coordinator is lining everyone up. The bride is about to walk down the aisle and marry the love of her life.

This is a moment that was dreamed about for so long. Vows said, promises made, and your about to say I do. In the chaos of wedding magazines, Pinterest, and wedding blogs. The only thing that matters is you two, and this new life together. Please, don't lose sight of what this day is really about.

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Lighting Ceremony Lighting is really important. If you chose to get married outdoors at 12pm, the lighting will be extremely harsh. Not only will you get harsh lighting lines, but you'll also be squinting. I always suggest planning your ceremony 2 hours before sunset IF you have a first look. If not then 3 hours so that we can do portraits after the ceremony, The lower the sun is, the more romantic the lighting can be. IF your ceremony is indoors, it's best to have EVEN lighting at the altar. So please no spotlights.

Programing

Order of Service

The best advice that I have for the program making process is to remember that not EVERY guest needs a program! Brides tend to order more than needed. But families tend to grab one for the whole group instead of one for each member. I would keep that in mind to save you from having extras or spending more than you need to!

I've seen so many couples do so many AMAZING things during their ceremony.

Couples have washed each other's feet, some light a candle, others have done sand ceremonies. You name it, your options are endless!

Cordination Having either a full event planner or just a day of coordinator is SO important!!! Brides realize very quickly that if they do not have someone in charge of the coordination it falls into the hands of the wrong people.

Usually it ends up falling into the hands of the mother of the bride, photographer, or the bride! When the photographer is in charge of more than just images, then I'm unable to 100% do my job. So please make this a priority.

The images that last a lifetime Swaying back and forth, kissing her forehead, laughing out loud.

I love photographing at beautiful locations, but that doesn't mean I can't take something ordinary and make it look like a million bucks. I select portrait locations for a reason. It may not look pretty, but there is a method to my madness.

You'll be able to soak in the fact that you are now husband and wife. Yesterday, you weren't and today you are! It's crazy right?! Actually, it's beautiful and worth taking a moment to let it sink in. This is when you really get to love on each other.

I will promise to get all the feels. The laughter, tears, little moments, dance moves, and everything in between. Your wedding is a big deal, so I make it my goal to make you FEEL your images.

Toss those Traditions & Personalize

I DONT want you to think I am discouraging you from the traditions! If you want to continue to do what your mother did, grandmother did, and etc.

DO that. I am just sharing some traditions that are starting to change and why.

Desserts

Cakes during weddings can absolutely stunning. I have seen some beautiful cakes from small to large! BUT couples are starting to change direction to satisfy more than one sweet tooth. Because some people simply just don't like cake they get cookies, pies, ice cream Sundays, etc.

You could add some more variety while still having cake!! Cake is still great ( I personally LOVE cake), some guests will get a slice of cake and snack on cookies later in the night.

Bridal Party

Hear me out I love seeing the different things that people do for their wedding parties. Different tones of a color for dresses, completely different colors, short dresses, etc. I have even been seeing the trend of having men and women on both sides, standing with the person they are up there for!

Reception Activities

Some traditions seem like they will never go, no matter how many new ones will arise. The bouquet and garter toss are a favorite, I mean it's so much fun seeing your friends and family get so competitive for flowers or garter.

But a new game making it's way in is the popular Pinterest shoe game!

etc

some traditions seem like they will never go, no matter how many new ones will arise.

The bouquet and garter toss are a favorite, I mean it's so much fun seeing your friends and family get so competitive for flowers or garter.

But a new game making it's way in is the popular Pinterest shoe game!

Tips FOR YOUR RECEPTION It's time to get down on the dance floor and have a blast! Now is when I want you to forget all the order of things and let your DJ and coordinator be on top of everything.

Guest consideration. If you know you're going to have elderly guests that will leave early, make sure to have the cake cutting earlier so they can experience it!

Keep it moving. Have a chat with your coordinator and make it so guests stay engaged and moving all night!

Make it your own. If you want to dance with a grandparent or sibling, do it. Make sure your reception is a reflection of who you are. Don't let traditions hold you back.

DJ. Give him a "DO NOT" playlist of songs you absolutely don't want heard at the wedding Reception coverage. If you don't have full coverage of the reception til the end of the night it's okay, I am going to get all the shots I can in my time with you. BUT if you do want me longer, just ask and we can make it happen! ( Extra time is $250/ hour)

Dance your heart out and eat all the food

l i a m e t s u j n M o r e th a f r ie n d s I CAN'T WAIT!! I seriously am so happy that you are here and that you chose me to be a part of your day. I don't want you to be shy, feel free to text me all your decor, dresses, invite options, etc. I am here for all of it! xoxo

Send a text my way: 814.969.9276