Congratulations! You’re getting hitched! I am so honored to be your wedding day photographer. Your love story is important to me, and I want to tell that story with your wedding photography. I photograph weddings because I truly believe in marriage. I think wedding vows matter, and choosing to live them out everyday is extremely purposeful. This guide is full of elopement wedding photography information. I don’t just love capturing details, I also love to communicate them. I created this guide so that Photography by Betty Elaine’s couples could see a clear plan and vision for their wedding day. By building a relationship with your photographer, you’ll become familiar and confident in my style and plan before the big day. The couples I work with place value on their wedding day photography, and are passionate, fun, unique people. They are adventurous, they are the type of people who see the fun in getting their wedding dress and shoes a little dirty, will climb trees and hike with me, they value capturing moments epically more than staying picture perfect.
About Me Working in photography, I have an intimate relationship with my camera and the photographs I create. I want you to see true emotion and beauty in my work for you. I believe that I am a curator of stories, and I tell those stories in photos. My life has been filled with a series of adventures. As a child I was always lost in a novel, or directing stories and make believe with my younger siblings. I was born in the Northwest but raised abroad in a small market town in England. I fell in love with travel, and I loved learning about and experiencing other cultures. One day I picked up my Dad’s Pentax camera, I didn’t know the journey it would start me on. I started to document life, searching for beauty in the unexpected. It wasn’t till I bought my first DSLR that I realized photography was the perfect opportunity for me to marry my geeky side with my creative side. With digital photography there is enough technology for me to constantly have something new and innovative to learn and challenge my skills with. The camera I shoot with, the memory cards I use, the software I edit with, how I back up my images, etc, I make these decisions with confidence in my knowledge of them. When shooting I take time choosing the perfect settings for the lighting available to me, and setting the scene, before directing my clients into poses. Then I start clicking. My photography style is intimate, romantic, and editorial. Behind my camera I feel a sense of freedom to explore, create scenes, capture details, and really see the couple’s vision for their wedding. I aim to encapsulate beauty and joy in each photograph. As a wedding and anniversary photographer, I am delighted to document my clients’ love stories, and their devotion together in all steps of their journey in marriage.
Fun Facts • I’m an ordained officiant and can sign your marriage license. • I am an extrovert. I use this part of my personality to connect with people, and to connect others. This really helps if you’re nervous about being photographed. I’m ready to interact with you and make sure everyone is having a good time. • I shoot with a medium format film camera for personal use, and sometimes enjoy snapping a few frames with it during portrait sessions. Getting a roll of film developed is so exciting! • On weekends I am not photographing a wedding, I am traveling, hiking, or camping. I have a passion for travel and outdoor photography. • I grew up in Hertfordshire, England. • I am madly in love with my Husband, Matt. He is my best friend and we’ve been together for 10+ years. We like to sing and play music together, experiment with Italian cooking, or order pizza, and do DIY projects on our house. Being married to him is my favorite adventure. • I’m a Mama to my sons Wilder, Emery, and my “baby dog” Indie. They are all bold, adventurous, and love the water. • One of my hobbies is mixology. Gin is a staple on my bar cart. My husband loves gardening. He grows herbs and edible flowers I can use all summer to flavor and garnish drinks. • I started photography to document all the places I traveled, but somewhere in that journey I started photographing love stories. • Being a Wedding Photographer is a joy in my life. Thank you for the honor of letting me be a part of your wedding day.
In This Guide
ENGAGEMENT SESSION WHAT TO WEAR YOUR WEDDING DAY SAMPLE WEDDING TIMELINES THE FIRST LOOK UNPLUGGED WEDDINGS LIGHTING & WEATHER SELECTING YOUR VENDORS VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS DO I NEED A PLANNER ALBUMS FAQ
Engagement Session If you’re tempted to not have an engagement session... give me a moment to convince you why you should. There is a huge value in the photographs I create during engagement sessions. An engagement session is a great way for me to get to know you both, and the best poses for you as a couple, before your wedding. It’s an opportunity for both of you to become comfortable in front of the camera... and it’s also a lot of FUN! If you’ve never invested in professional photography, trust me, there is something special about having photos of you and your loved one, in a more casual setting than your wedding day. Engagement sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes depending on the location and/or activity you’ve selected for your session. Special arrangements can be made for sessions needing more time. The last two hours before the sun goes down are when I typically photograph engagement sessions. However, I am very flexible with time and location because I want to create an experience that works best for you. So please don’t hesitate to ask if you have an idea or suggestion in mind. I love getting to know my couples, and an engagement session is one of the best ways to do that. Trust me, on the day of your wedding, you will both feel more confident in front of the camera if you’ve spent some time with me before your wedding day. The wedding day, while beautiful, is not the entire novel of your love story. Let’s capture this moment, this milestone. Your relationship is valuable and worth documenting.
What To Wear 1. 2. 3. 4 . 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Be you. Choose clothing and accessories that represent your style
and that you feel great in. You know your body type, so dress to flatter yourself. Be comfortable. Select clothing that fits well and that compliments your figure. Arrange your outfits ahead of time, and make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free. Try to avoid clothing with logos... otherwise you run the risk of looking like an ad for your favorite retailer. Coordinate your outfit selections and avoid being“matchy matchy”. Select outfits that compliment each other in color, style and level of formality. Light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds, and dark clothes look better on darker backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to bring a couple of Different Outfits. Some couples bring one casual outfit and one formal one! Generally, sleeveless shirts and shorts on adults tend to not flatter, avoid them. But Layered Clothing is wonderful. Layers and texture 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! Accessories, your favorite watch, nails, shoes. The level of care on even the little things can add up! A fresh manicure, polished shoes, new laces on boots, and even the simplest earrings can create a more polished and styled look. Consider having your hair and makeup done for your session, or visiting a barber. Having a professional hair and/or makeup stylist prep you for your session will help you look your best for your photos even if you’ve selected casual apparel for your session. Don’t Stress. Photo sessions should be fun and natural, it is important that you feel comfortable. Your photographer will be capturing a lot of shots during, and in-between directed ‘scenes’. Don’t worry about if you look okay or not in the moment, that is the photographer’s job. They should be focused on making your session fun and easy to capture you. Let yourself enjoy the experience, and enjoy being together.
Your Wedding Day One of the reasons you’ve invested in your wedding photography is because you want to remember your wedding day. 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. I want your wedding day photography to be a tangible representation of your legacy together so you can remember and continue to share your wedding day over the years, and as your family grows. When I arrive on the day of your wedding, usually I’ll begin by shooting the details: wedding clothes, shoes, accessories, florals, invitation suite etc.. Having all your “details”, including your flowers, ready to be photographed is a huge help and time saver. Photography is all about light, and finding the best possible light to use is my number one technical priority on your wedding day. So on your big day I will always be looking for the best possible light to shoot in. When choosing locations for getting ready, Irecommend choosing a location that is close to your ceremony spot, and has rooms that provide good natural light. Whether that is a hotel, or an airbnb, it’s up to you! I will make whatever you choose work. Another important detail for your day is to eliminate clutter in the background of your preparation images. Having your wedding party tidy up your getting ready room before I photograph the dress, suit, or other details, is always appreciated and helps to make your images more editorial and classic in style. Once I arrive I will help to guide you through a timeline that we’ll agree upon prior to your wedding day. The timeline is a “guideline”. Weddings, like all events, take on a life of their own and we’ll be flexible if for any reason the schedule doesn’t go as planned. I will coordinate with your planner, DJ, and anyone else on your vendor team to ensure that all of the highlights of your day are captured and to create a pleasant flow to your day for you and your guests.
Sample Timeline First Look 1:30 PM Photography Coverage Begins Details, exterior venue and location photos, wedding clothes, accessories, florals, special items, paper invitations and signs. 2:30 PM The First Look 3:00 PM Couple’s Portraits 3:30 PM Wedding Party Photos 4:00 PM Family Photos 4:30 PM Hide Away Couple Photograph ceremony site and ceremony. Photograph reception details if ready. 5:00 PM Ceremony 5:30 PM Marriage License Signing. Cocktail Hour Begins. 6:30 PM Reception Begins Grand Entrance & First Dance Dinner is Served Toasts Special Dances Open Dances Cake Cutting 9:30 PM Photography Coverage Concludes Closer to your wedding date, we will go over thee schedule of photography for your wedding day. This is when we will plan out when I arrive, and at what times we are taking portraits, when, the ceremony starts etc.
Sample Timeline Portraits After Ceremony 1:30 PM Photography Coverage Begins Details, exterior venue and location photos, wedding clothes, accessories, florals, special items, paper invitations and signs. 2:30 PM Spouse A Portraits & Their Wedding Party Portraits 3:00 PM Spouse B Portraits & Their Wedding Party Portraits 3:30 PM Hide Away Couple 4:00 PM Ceremony 4:30 PM Marriage License Signing. Cocktail Hour Begins. 5:00 PM Family Photos 5:30 PM Couple & Wedding Party Photos 6:00 PM Couple Portraits 6:30 PM Reception Begins Grand Entrance & First Dance Dinner is Served Toasts Special Dances Open Dances Cake Cutting 9:30 PM Photography Coverage Concludes Closer to your wedding date, we will go over thee schedule of photography for your wedding day. This is when we will plan out when I arrive, and at what times we are taking portraits, when, the ceremony starts etc.
The First Look So what exactly is a First Look? Before the ceremony, I photograph just the couple, seeing one another for the very first time. It’s a special moment to photograph, and the best way to start your wedding day! Unlike your walk down the aisle when all eyes will be on you, the First look is a private moment just for you two. A First Look has a huge impact on your wedding photography timeline for the day and provides the opportunity for additional wedding portraits. It also makes the moment you see one another an intimate experience that’s truly just about you. Why would we want to break with tradition, and have you see each other before the ceremony? If your wedding photographs are a priority in the planning of your perfect day, then you’re likely to appreciate the benefits of a First Look. Those benefits include having additional time for wedding portraits, getting to your reception sooner following the ceremony, and creating a moment just for you and your beloved. Many couples also find it a wonderful way to calm their wedding day jitters before walking down the aisle. If you still would not like to see each other before the ceremony, then I suggest you only do so if your ceremony start time is before 4pm. This is so that when your ceremony is over you will still have light to take your pictures with. These suggestions are what I have found works best for a flow to the day to allow for both excellent photography, and for a wonderful celebration for you and your guests.
Unplugged Weddings If you’ve ever attended a wedding and noticed that more than half the guests are holding a device like an iPad or smartphone in front of their face the entire ceremony... you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve even been the one holding the phone taking photos or video. The term “un-plugged” wedding has become a hot topic in the wedding photography world. In a world where just about everyone has a cell phone equipped with camera and video, we’ve all become “iPhoneographers” and are constantly pulling out our phones to snap a photo, or capture a quick video. But on the day of your wedding do you want your guests focused on you or focused on photographing you? As a professional photographer I can see both sides of the coin. Guests are excited to be there and want to capture and share images from your wedding day, while at the same time you’ve invited them there because they are special to you, and you want them to be a part of your day. It’s entirely up to you whether you suggest to your guests that they refrain from taking photos or video during your ceremony and reception. Your wedding day is about you as a couple and the focus should stay on you.
Lighting & Weather I’m confident shooting in dynamic weather conditions. Rain or shine, we will be as prepared as possible to have the best time. Some of my favorite images are created on the rainiest wedding days! When choosing your ceremony spot at your venue, it’s important to know where the sun will be at the time of day you are exchanging your vows, so you will have an idea of what to expect for your wedding ceremony photographs. Open Shade This creates soft even lighting all around. It’s easy to take photos of the processional to the recessional with a cohesive look for the duration of the ceremony. Direct Sun This is when the sun is shining directly on to you. Have you ever taken a picture while the sun is shining on your face? If you’re not wearing sunglasses it’s hard to see in front of you without squinting. Direct sun lighting is very harsh and high contrast. Your backdrop of your ceremony will be very clear. Indirect and Backlighting Walking down the aisle the sun will be direct on you, but with the sun behind you during the ceremony and recessional, there can be sun flares and lighting glows from behind you. It’s really dreamy and romantic. This is my favorite for late afternoon and into sunset! Overcast Even soft lighting, with moody skies. Overcast days make it easy to photography a ceremony in a open field, or anywhere that wouldn’t have even lighting on a clear sunny day. Clouds also create a really dynamic sky which can be really epic in the background. Reception Lighting Once the sun goes down, a well lit reception is going to really make a difference in your reception images. Cafe lights, curtain lights, string lights, candles etc will all create a beautiful glow, and allow you and your guests to still see each other! If your event is outdoors, and uncovered, you will want extra lighting. Indoors, lighting can bounce off of walls and the ceiling. Outdoors there is no where for the light to bounce, and so extra lighting will be extremely helpful!
Selecting Your Vendors 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, caterer, 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, over the phone or in person. 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. What about hiring someone that’s just getting started in their business? Inexperience can be good and bad. If you’re considering hiring a vendor with little to no experience, you can certainly expect to pay less than you would for an experienced vendor. Inexperience doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll receive a bad product or poor service, because remember, everyone starts somewhere and some people just have a natural talent or ability to provide great products and services from the very beginning. On the other hand there is a lot to be said for experience. An experienced vendor has “been there, done that” and will know how to handle things if an unexpected situation should arise before or during your wedding. Choosing vendors that you love for both their work and their personalities will definitely make wedding planning a more enjoyable experience.
Vendor Recommendations Vow Books & Calligraphy: http://www.krisannaelizabeth.com https://www.thekeeperco.com
Catering: https://tablecateringco.com http://www.derumarket.com
Planning: http://www.elegantaffairswa.com http://khancockevents.com http://thegreatestadventureweddings.com
Rentals: https://rentwander.com https://balancingballoons.com https://www.cortpartyrental.com https://seattle.pedersens.com
Officiant & Vow Writing Workshops: https://www.rootedandwild.co Officiants: https://www.aweddingwithheart.com https://www.instagram.com/officiantjimmie http://www.celebrantinstitute.org Hair & Makeup: https://www.pacificbrides.com https://michellewight.com https://www.annetimss.com https://makeupartistangela.com Rings: https://www.greenlakejewelry.com https://pointnopointstudio.com Florals: http://www.bondinbloom.com https://www.botaniqueflowers.com http://www.snoqualmieflowers.com https://www.rhrhorticulture.com/weddings https://rustedvase.com Bridal Shops: https://www.bhldn.com https://www.meamarie.com https://aandbebridalshop.com Menswear: https://www.pocketsquareclothing.com https://us.suitsupply.com/ http://www.tuxedoclubseattle.com https://www.studiosuits.com
Event Rentals & Gifts: https://potterybyeleni.com Acoustic Music: http://www.quinnfitzpatrick.com Cake & Dessert: https://honeycrumb.com https://www.saltadena.com Paper Invitations & Announcements: https://sablewoodpaper.com https://www.dahliapress.com/invitations https://pikestreetpress.com/ https://lahappy.com
Do I need a Planner? I hear this question a lot and my answer is always the same; that depends entirely upon 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. Working with a wedding planner can help you avoid common mistakes that are made when working with out-of-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 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 couples that have chosen to invest in having a “day-of” planner never regret it. Many couples don’t realize that the venue coordinator/director at their reception location doesn’t act as a wedding planner for them. Rather, the venue coordinator is focused on making sure that their team of professionals provides proper service throughout your wedding. You can’t expect that will mean your venue coordinator will coordinate all of your outside vendors like your florist, baker and DJ on the day of your wedding. 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!
Albums There is something special about not just seeing your photos, but holding them, and experiencing the tangible representation of your dearest memories. It’s important to print your photos, and to preserve your memories in a way that you can cherish them forever. A wedding album can be the first heirloom for your family. I proudly offer my couples wedding albums. These albums are so special, they are handmade with the finest materials to help preserve the quality of your image for life. They are a legacy item, something you can cherish forever. These albums beautifully display your photographs with a classic design bound in lay flat pages. We live in a digital age where images are most commonly shared via social media and electronic devices, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t invest in legacy pieces that can be handed down from one generation to the next. A wedding album is something you leave behind for your children and your grandchildren. It’s a tangible item they can hold in their hands and experience your wedding day and your love story while turning the pages fifty, sixty, seventy years from now.
FAQs WHEN WILL MY IMAGES BE READY? I will deliver your complete collection of images from your engagement session 10-14 business days after your session; and your wedding within 4-8 weeks of your wedding. I will notify you via email that your images are ready for viewing, downloading, and sharing. I might even post my favorites to social media before then, so be sure to look out for any sneak peeks! WHAT FORMAT ARE IMAGES DELIVERED IN? Your high-resolution fully-edited images are jpg files. I do not release any unedited photos. I choose all final images. You will receive a print release form in your contract. This will allow you to order prints anywhere you wish. You will receive your photos in an online gallery. You can order prints and other products through the gallery, and share your images with friends and family if you would like to. This will allow you to order guaranteed high quality prints. HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP MY IMAGES? I store your images on several repeated drives and on an online off-site backup while I am working on completing the editing for your session/wedding. Once I have uploaded your images to your gallery, and you have confirmed that you have been able to access your images, I then “archive” your wedding to an external hard drive. Following the upload to your gallery, I pass the responsibility of storing your images to you. If you have questions about how to best secure and save your images, please ask me. I’m happy to put my “geek” hat on and help you preserve your memories. CAN I HAVE SOME IMAGES EDITED IN BLACK & WHITE? Yep. Some images just scream “edit me in black and white”... some don’t. I select the images I love in black and white and make that choice for you. HOW MANY IMAGES DO I GET? On average, during your wedding day, I shoot 2-3 pictures per minute. About one third of those images are selected and edited for you. I keep busy and I love capturing ALL the details and moments. CAN I PRINT MY IMAGES ANYWHERE? Sure. But the better question might be; should I print my images just anywhere? No. I always recommend that if you want to print images, that you print directly from within your gallery. Print orders from within your gallery store are fulfilled by one of the leading professional print labs in the United States, Bay Photo. You certainly have the option of printing your images on your home printer or at your neighborhood Costco or Walgreens... but the colors won’t be as rich as what you see on your computer screen.
DO YOU OUTSOURCE YOUR EDITING? No. Consistency is very important to me and my clients hire me because they love me and they love the images I produce. The editing style is a huge component of that so it’s a priority for me that all images are edited by me, with my photographic style. WHAT TYPE OF GEAR DO YOU USE? I am a Canon photographer and shoot with Canon EOS R6 professional camera bodies and Canon professional lenses. I love prime lenses, and will primarily shoot with these for portraits. Prime lenses have a singular focal length and do not zoom. I move around a lot to find the best angles! During your ceremony, I might switch it up and use a zoom lens. This allows me to keep my distance during the ceremony. HOW MANY HOURS WILL I NEED FOR MY WEDDING? Wedding collections start at a 6hr minimum for booking, and can even grow to 8hrs+ of coverage depending on the timeline for your day. Photography coverage is consecutive, so this will depend on where you are having your ceremony and reception, if you want portraits off site or at the venue, if you want getting ready coverage, etc. I am here to advise you on the amount of coverage you need. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? As a professional adventure photographer, I’m confident shooting in dynamic weather conditions. Rain or shine, we will be as prepared as possible to have the best time. Some of my favorite images are created on the rainiest wedding days! CAN I ORDER AN ALBUM AFTER MY WEDDING DAY? Yes! If you booked a collection without album credit, you can still choose to purchase an album designed by me after you have received your images.