THE WEDDING GUIDE
hello
WELCOME! The Wedding Guide was created to be a resource for you as you plan and prepare for your wedding day. My hope is that you’ll reference this guide over the coming months, gleaning inspiration for your wedding and equipping yourself with the information you need to make the most of this special tie in your life. I want to be a resource for you as you plan your celebration so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or thoughts you’d like to share. From creative team recommendations to helping you style the day, I am happy to share my knowledge of weddings to help you plan the best day ever. Thank you again for choosing Deborah Zoe Photography. I’m honored to be a part of this season in your life and I look forward to getting to know you and your loved ones over the coming months!
Much love, Deb
c o n tac t i n fo r m at i o n e m a i l : deborah@deborahzoephoto.com p h o n e : 617 388 6593 v i d e o c a l l : deborah@deborahzoephoto.com
mission Before we dive into all the details of planning a wedding, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you the heart behind Deborah Zoe Photography, the reason why we do what we do.
We believe in the power of family, building beautiful and
sacred marriages, and celebrating the connections that make us who we are. Our mission is to create images that will serve as a family’s history, honoring what was and celebrating what is to come.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Now that the booking process has been completed you may be wondering, “what’s next?” Here I share what you can expect in the coming months as you plan and prepare for your wedding day.
W h at to E x p ec t
TIMELINE : PRE-WEDDING 1 week following booking —
3 weeks after the engagement —
You booked your date with Deborah Zoe Photography, your deposit is received and we connect on Social Media.
You will receive your images via your online gallery.
2-3 weeks following booking —
Your second payment is due.
You will receive a Couple Questionnaire that asks questions about your relationship like how you met and some of your favorite activities. Often the Couple Questionnaire will spark inspiration for your engagement session. 3 weeks following booking — We begin to plan your Engagement Session including location choices, potential dates and style. 4 weeks following booking — We will schedule your Engagement Session and I will share a Mood Board for outfit inspiration.
5 months before the wedding —
2 months before the wedding — You will receive an extensive Wedding Day & Timeline Questionnaire which is a vital step of the planning process. It will go over your timeline, family formals, vendor contacts and relevant Wedding Day information. We will schedule a phone call to walk through this information together. 1-2 months before the wedding — We finalize your Wedding Timeline & Family Formal groupings. 1 month before the wedding —
4-7 months before the wedding —
Your final payment is due.
Your Engagement Session can take place at any point of the planning process, which is discussed on page 6.
5 days before the wedding — We connect to go over any final details and confirm wedding day locations and starting times Day of wedding — The Wedding Day is here, it’s time to celebrate!
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W h at to E x p ec t
TIMELINE : POST-WEDDING 1 week after the wedding —
7 weeks after the wedding —
I share a sneak peek of the day on the blog as well as social media.
You approve your Wedding Album design and album production begins.
3-4 weeks after the wedding — You receive your images via your online gallery. 3 weeks after the wedding — Your Wedding Album pre-design is created and shared via an online gallery. 6 weeks after the wedding — Your Wedding Album revisions are received and your final album design is created.
15 weeks after the wedding — Your Wedding Album arrives and is inspected by me. I carefully package up your album to be shipped to your home. 18 weeks after the wedding — You receive a Wedding Experience Questionnaire where you can share about your experience and provide any feedback you would like to offer.
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THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION
You may be unsure of what to expect for your engagement session or perhaps you are wondering if you really need on. What value does the session hold? In this section we will cover everything you need to know about your session and how to make the most of this experience together!
engagement
Do We Really Need An Engagement Session? I believe that the engagement session is a vital part of the photography experience. Often your session may be the first time you’ve been professionally photographed. Naturally, you might have questions about what to expect or may even be worried that it will be an awkward experience. An engagement session is our opportunity to diminish those anxieties and to build upon our relationship before the wedding day. You’ll learn what it feels like to be posed together, with lots of guidance from me, allowing
you to feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. Because of the trust we have built combined with the experience you’ve gained during the Engagement Session, you are much less likely to be nervous in front of the camera on the wedding day; in fact you may just forget you’re being photographed! Knowing that you’ll be well take care of, allows me to capture images that are true to who you are with natural movement and authenticity.
Planning Your Session Grooms, this one is for you. Grooms, this one is for you. You may think that an engagement session isn’t for you, whichI understand. Posing and being affectionate in front the camera can seem like an intimidating and uncomfortable experience. I want you to know that I work hard to ensure that your experience is fun, memorable, and that you feel comfortable. We will avoid awkward and strange poses or ideas that feel unnatural to who you are together. Often the Groom will walk away from the engagement session saying,“ That was a lot of fun!” and with a new positive outlook towards being photographed.
I want to ensure you that your engagement session will be unique and tailored specifically to your relationship. We do a lot of planning before the session to brainstorm ideas and locations that you feel connected to. Do you have a favorite place together? A favorite activity you enjoy? Often these ideas will be the inspiration for your session. Once we have chosen a location, I will create a Mood Board where we can gather style inspiration and tailor the vision of the session to you.
When To Schedule While your session can be scheduled anytime before your wedding day, I suggest booking 3-6 months in advance of your wedding day to avoid any undue stress. Engagement sessions are scheduled for weekdays, typically in the late afternoon or early morning. Timing will depend on sunrise or sunset for that specific day.
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engagement
PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
o n t i m e : Due to the timing of your session it is incredibly important to arrive on time to take advantage of the best light of the day. Take into consideration traffic, transportation, hair or makeup delays when planning your travel and arrival time. Your session will last 1.5 - 2 hours, often beginning 3 hours before sunset. Sunrise sessions are also available and can be a great way to start your day!
h a i r & m a k e u p : I highly encourage you
l o c a t i o n s : I recommend no more than
your personal style. Outfit and accessory choices can often determine the feeling and mood of your session. Your Mood Board will be a helpful tool when pulling your outfit choices together. A few things to mind : choose complimentary colors, fabrics and textures. Layering can also provide interest and variety in your images. Avoid things that are matchy-matchy and be sure that the style of your individual outfits coordinate together. Most couples will choose two outfits for the session, often starting with a more casual look then transitioning into something more dressy.
two locations for your session. Travel includes up to 40 miles from my home. We will brainstorm together and come up with a location that fits who you are as a couple. Think about the things and places that you love experiencing together and how we could incorporate that into your session. Destination Engagement Sessions are also available. R i n g & N a i l s : Don’t forget to clean your
ring, fingernails and fingertips before the session. Consider having a manicure in advance of your session. E x t r a s : I encourage you to bring a bag to
carry shoes, outfits and accessories. I suggest bringing extra bobby pins, hairspray, makeup etc. for any touch ups you may want as the session progresses.
to have your hair and makeup professionally done for your session. Consider scheduling your hair and makeup trial for the same day as your engagement session. Besides being a relaxing and pampering experience, having your hair and makeup done professionally ensures that you look and feel your best in front of the camera. s t y l e : Your session is a great time to express
R e l a x : Often couples will make a night of
it, going out to dinner or drinks following their session. Come ready to be affectionate, laugh and enjoy the company of each other as you celebrate this incredible season of life together!
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engagement
TESTIMONIALS FROM REAL COUPLES
“Our engagement session was a great time to practice being in front of the camera before the wedding day. It allowed us to relax and have fun together! We cherish the memories we made that day and absolutely love the images we received from our session. They hang in our home, a constant reminder of the joy we have together!” - K at h e r i n e & B r a n d o n
“Our favorite part of the engagement session was the fact that we felt so comfortable and could just be ourselves. That allowed us to let down our guard and shake out our nerves. Not only do we have great memories from our session but we felt so relaxed and at ease with Deborah and the camera on the wedding day. For us that was invaluable.” - Hannah & Barrett
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engagement
“There is something extra special about engagement photos because they are more representative of a couple’s everyday life. Our experience at our engagement session was invaluable. Not only did we receive beautiful images but we found we were extra comfortable in front of the camera on the wedding day, allowing Deb to naturally capture us as we were.” - A n g e l i c a & M at t h e w
Going into the session my fiance, being the typical groom, wasn’t all that excited to be photographed. Who would have known then that he would end up being a natural in front of the camera and I would be the one to freeze up?! We were both so glad to have had this experience because not only were we able to use our images for save the dates and a guest book but we got all the butterflies out of the way before the wedding! Now we will be able to jump in right where we left off!” - Lauren & Marshall
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engagement
ENGAGEMENT SESSION CHECKLIST
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Schedule your session, choose location
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Bring extra bobby pins, hairspray etc, makeup for touchups
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Receive session Mood Board
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Schedule Hair & Makeup
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Obtain permission / pay fee if needed for your location
Include any meaningful items or props (if desired)
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Schedule manicure *optional
Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for in between shots
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Outfits & Accessories (don’t be afraid to bring several choices including choices for shoes and jewelry)
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Bring a jacket for colder months or especially breezy locations
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Bring permit if location requires
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TIMING
As you begin to plan out your wedding day it’s important to keep in mind the flow and timing of events. In this section I share some of my favorite tips to help you plan the perfect wedding day timeline.
wedding timing tips
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE Here I share an ideal photography timeline. This timeline based on a couple choosing to have a First Look, which you can read more about on page 20. Remember that all wedding days will look different and your timeline may differ due to travel time and unique situations. Details—1:00-2:00pm As you and your loved ones get ready I will photograph all of the Bridal Details including your dress, bouquet, shoes etc. These details tell the story of your day and are an integral part of your wedding portfolio, often setting the tone for your images. Into the Dress — 2:00pm-2:30pm Once your hair and makeup is finished, it’s time to get into your dress! I like to give you at least a half an hour to ensure you can enjoy a stress free moment with your loved ones. 30 minutes is especially needed for gowns with elaborate backs or buttons. Once your dress and jewelry are on, we’ll take a moment for a classic Bridal Portrait. First Look—2:45pm - 3:00pm It’s time to see each other for the first time on your wedding day! I will make sure we have space for you to enjoy this time together in a secluded area. This is a precious moment to share together before the rush of the day begins. Romantic Portraits — 3:00pm - 3:30pm Following the First Look I will photograph your Bride & Groom Portraits. We’ll take time to explore the venue, create romantic images and give you an opportunity to soak in all that this day represents. Wedding party Portraits — 3:30pm - 4:00pm Wedding party Portraits will start with the Bride and her Bridesmaids, followed by the Groom and his Groomsmen and finishing with a large group portrait. I make sure to include extra time if Groomsmen are needed for usher duties as well. Bride & Groom in Hiding — 4:00pm - 4:30pm Ceremony — 4:30pm - 5:00pm Family Formals — 5:00pm - 5:30pm To avoid confusion, I recommend photographing all family formals during this time when all members will be present. If there are any elderly family members that cannot attend we will allot time at the cocktail hour or reception. Cocktail Hour — 5:00pm - 6:00pm My second photographer will capture the cocktail hour and candid shots with your guests.
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wedding timing tips
Reception Details — 5:30pm - 6:00pm I will use this time to photograph your reception details untouched. I recommend hosting your cocktail hour and reception in different rooms to ensure your details are not disturbed by guests. Reception Start — 6:15pm My team follows the flow of the evening from introductions, First Dance, toasts, Cake Cutting and Parent Dances. Romantic / Sunset Portraits — 6:45pm I love sneaking the couple away for a few “Just Married” portraits in the late evening sunlight. This is especially beautiful during the spring and summer months when the sun sets later into the evening. Coverage Ends — 9:00pm Photography coverage will end about 1-2 hours before the last dance. Approximate Times •
Details & Prep: 1.5 Hours
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Family Portraits: 30 Minutes
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First Look & Portraits: 45 Minutes
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Wedding party: 30 Minutes
*Extra Romantic Portraits: 15 Minutes or as much time as you’ll give me!!
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wedding timing tips
TIMING TIPS
C r e a t i n g A C u s h i o n I’m an advocate of
H a i r & M a k e u p I highly recommend that
padding in time throughout the day to ensure that if something runs late we don’t have to sacrifice coverage elsewhere. An extra 10 minutes here and there throughout the day can make all the difference.
the Bride has her hair and makeup done first. Additionally I recommend telling your beauty team a finish time of 30 minutes ahead of the actual timeline.
T r a v e l It is very important to take into
account any travel that may occur throughout the day. Will there be traffic? Will your driver know the route? All of these things can affect the timeline. You’ll need to factor in enough time to avoid unnecessary delays. S h a r e Y o u r T i m e l i n e Share your
timeline with family members and your Wedding party before the wedding day to ensure they know exactly where to be and when on the day of the wedding. The more you can communicate ahead of the wedding day, the more smoothly the day will flow. B o u q u e t & B o u t o n n i e r e If you
are taking portraits before the ceremony, you will need to have your florals ready to be photographed. Ask your florist to have your bouquets and boutonnieres delivered to where you will be getting ready. We will ensure that the florals stay in water and are well taken care of.
G r o o m P r e p The Groom and his Groomsmen can be mostly dressed when the second photographer arrives. The photographer will capture details such as bouts, ties, shoes, cufflinks etc. Once those things have been photograph and it’s time to get “dressed”, the Groomsmen will be putting on final details like shoes and ties. B r i d a l P r e p I suggest that your Mom and
Bridesmaids be ready to be photographed when you put on your dress ensuring that they look their best and feel comfortable in front of the camera. G i f t s If you are choosing to exchange gifts,
please wait to open your gift until a photographer is present to capture you opening the gift.
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GETTING READY Months of planning and preparation have lead to this moment. If there are any details left to check off, it’s time to hand them over to someone else. Delegating is a key part of a stress free day (as is champagne!) Read on to learn more about to make the most of this part of the wedding day!
getting ready
GETTING READY A few things to consider as you plan this part of your day Would you like your loved ones with you as you get into your dress? Some Brides choose to be alone while others like being surrounded by their Wedding party. Would you like to have a “First Look” with your Father or an important male figure in your life? Will you be exchanging gifts? If so, who would you like to deliver them?
While there may be a lot swirling around you in the Bridal Suite, take this moment to simply sit back and take it all in. Sip on champagne, eat something and laugh with your Bridesmaids. Write a note to your beloved or rock out to your favorite jams. Because guess what? You’re getting married!!
What to Gather
DETAILS The dress, jewelry, invitations, and florals all tie together to tell a beautiful story. They are an important piece of the wedding day portfolio and I love having the opportunity to style them together. I’ve included a list of the various items that I will be photographing during Bridal Prep. To save time, you can gather these items beforehand and have them ready when I arrive. Don’t be afraid to include any items like extra fabric, decor elements, family heirlooms and personalized touches.
Brides •
Family Heirlooms
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Extra Decor Elements
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Something Borrowed & Blue
Bouquet & Florals
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Special Gifts
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Dress with a speciality hanger
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Veil/Hair Pieces
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Shoes
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Jewelry
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Bouquet & Florals
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Perfume
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(Engagement & Wedding band)
Rings
Invitation Suite
grooms •
Tie or Bowtie
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Watch
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Shoes
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Cufflinks
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Socks
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Wedding Ring
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getting ready
TIPS FOR GETTING READY
d e t a i l s Gather your details before I arrive
so they are ready to be photographed and I can begin right away. p e r s o n a l i z e Sometimes it can be the
smallest of details that makes the biggest difference. Don’t be afraid to include extra decor or floral elements, ribbons or heirlooms. R i n g s I like to include the wedding rings
(wedding and engagement) in the detail images. If you are planning on having the Wedding party portraits before the ceremony, a Bridesmaid or loved one can deliver the rings during this time to ensure that the Best Man has the rings before the ceremony. F l o r a l s Don’t forget to ask your florist
to deliver the bouquet and flowers as you are getting ready. That way you’ll have the bouquet and boutonniere available for the First Look or portraits before the ceremony. We’ll be sure to keep the florals in water and avoid humidity.
P r i v a c y Would you like your loved ones with you as you get into your dress? Some Brides choose to be alone while others like being surrounded by their Wedding party. O t h e r f i r s t l o o k s Would you like
to have a “First Look” with your Father or an important male figure in your life? Sometimes including a special loved one can be incredibly special and meaningful. G i f t s Will you be exchanging gifts? If so, who
would you like to deliver them? Please wait to open your gift until a photographer is present.
While there may be a lot swirling around you in the Bridal Suite, take this moment to sit back and soak it all in. Sip on champagne, eat something and laugh with your Bridesmaids. Write a note to your beloved or rock out to your favorite jams. Because guess what? You’re getting married!!
L a s t d e t a i l s When it’s time to get dressed
your Mom and Bridesmaids should be ready. Wait to put on jewelry, shoes and last minute details so I can photograph this while you are in your wedding dress.
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getting ready
Getting Ready Suite One of the most important parts of Getting Ready is where you get ready. You want a space that has plenty of room for your Wedding party, photographer and your beauty team to move about freely. A space that has separate room is best to help eliminate clutter and give people space to move about freely. Choose a suite that has ample window and natural light. All I need is one large natural light source. Often that is a large picture window. Remember your hair and makeup team will most likely need a window with natural light as well, so the more windows the better. Consider the feeling of your Getting Ready space. Spaces that are tastefully decorated with simple color palettes work best. If getting ready at someone’s home, don’t be afraid to rearrange or remove pieces of furniture to create space and provide a clean and simple background.
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FIRST LOOK The First Look can be a beautiful addition to the wedding day but how do you know if it’s the right fit for you? Over the next several pages we’ll discuss what a First Look is, the benefits of seeing each other before the Ceremony, and why you may want to consider this new tradition for your wedding day.
first look
WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK? A First Look is a time of the day where the Bride & Groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. This is an intentional period of time set aside just for the couple. Often this is the first and last time you’ll be alone together on an otherwise very busy day. It’s an opportunity for you to express all this day means to you in a safe and private atmosphere.
brides, this one’s for you. If you have never seen your fiance become emotional or cry, you can’t expect them to be overly emotional on the wedding day. Some Grooms simply embrace their Bride and never cry...that’s OK. This applies to his reaction as you come down the aisle as well. Just try to enjoy the day and these incredible moments you are sharing together!
Couples can sometimes worry that if they see each other before the ceremony, it may not be as emotional or meaningful as seeing each other at the aisle. In my experience as a wedding photographer I have found that the First Look only works to enhance the emotionals that a couple have when they see each other at the Ceremony.
THE BENEFITS OF A FIRST LOOK Couples can sometimes worry that if they see each other before the ceremony, it may not be as emotional or as meaningful as seeing each other at the aisle. In my experience as a wedding photographer I have found that the First Look only works to enhance the emotions that a couple have when they see each other at the Ceremony. Read from real couples about their First Look experiences.
grooms, this one’s for you. Grooms, this one’s for you. Your wedding day is the time where you can express to your fiance exactly how you feel about them. It’s ok to get emotional or teary, in fact your fiancé is most likely craving this type of reaction. Feel free to let go and express yourself in a way that is true to you. Trust me, it will be a gift your Bride will cherish forever.
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first look
TESTIMONIALS FROM REAL COUPLES “I ’ve come to cherish the moments that our First Look provided because they would not appear again until the reception was over and everyone went home. While it’s wonderful to be around so many loved ones, it’s easy to be swept up and carried away from the most important person there - your new spouse! Seeing each other before the ceremony lifted all the stress and butterflies away and allowed us to truly enjoy the ceremony and the special moments -Mark & Marlo of the rest of our wedding.”
“The morning of the wedding I was a roller coaster of emotions but seeing RJ for our First Look took all those fears and worries away. As soon as I saw him I felt so at ease and relieved, which allowed me to live in the moment and enjoy our ceremony! The wedding day goes by so fast and I recommend any opportunity to spend more time with your guests and wedding party. The First Look allowed us to attend cocktail hour with our guests and enjoy every moment of the day with the people that we love!”
“Our first look was the best part of the day! While primping and prepping I had worked myself up and became incredibly anxious. When I walked outside for our First Look and I tapped Rob on the shoulder, I immediately felt at ease. We were able to be ourselves while Deb captured these private moments. That time alone to reflect on how lucky we were to be getting married was just what we needed. From there on out, I just knew what an amazing day it would be and all those pesky nerves disappeared!!”
- Meredith & RJ
-Rob & Rachel
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first look
FIRST LOOK TIPS TO CONSIDER
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The First Look affords you more time. Typically the day would start when you walk down the aisle, but with a First Look you can actually start the day with your loved ones in a relaxed environment up to 2-3 hours before the Ceremony.
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A First Look will give your Wedding party an opportunity to be guests at Cocktail Hour. Your attendants will be more focused (and excited) to be a part of portraits knowing that they’ll get to enjoy drinks and appetizers as guests during Cocktail hour.
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A First Look can help to diminish nerves and jitters that may have bubbled up while you were getting ready. Having the opportunity to embrace each other and talk together about the day can have an incredibly calming and reassuring effect. You now feel ready to take on the day together.
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Instead of rushing to fit in as many portraits as you can between the end of the Ceremony and the start of the Reception, you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. You may even have time for more sunset images!
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You’ll receive more images of your Wedding Day. A First Look allows for more time in the day for photography which means you’ll have more variety in your images, especially your portraits.
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A First Look allows my team to capture more during the Cocktail hour. While my second photographer is capturing candids of your guests I am freed up to photograph your Reception Details before they are disturbed by guests. (If you’re interested in having your wedding published, editors are especially interested in seeing your reception details.) Additionally if having candids of your guests is important to you, having the majority of your portraits finished before the Ceremony ensures that we can focus more of our attention on your guests during Cocktail Hour.
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If you choose to forgo the First Look, I highly encourage you to extend your Cocktail Hour by 30 minutes to ensure enough time for portraits as well as capturing reception details following the Ceremony.
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While I am an advocate the First Look and it’s many benefits, I do not require that couples have a First Look. The choice of seeing each other before the Ceremony is a personal decision and one only the couple can make together. Neither decision is right or wrong, pick the option that is the best fit for you and your Wedding Day.
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PORTRAITS Over the next several pages we’ll talk about your Wedding Day Portraits including Wedding Party & Family, how much time will be needed and who to include.
portraits
ROMANTIC PORTRAITS I ’m often asked what my favorite part of the wedding day is to photograph. I’d have to say that capturing emotive and romantic portraits of a couple on their Wedding Day tops that list! As your photographer, creating portraits that will live in silver frames on your mantle or in a beautifully bound Wedding Album is something that is deeply meaningful to me. These portraits take time. They are not something to be rushed through or simply checked off a list. I am incredibly intentional about the images I create and it requires time. Nothing is less romantic than needing to rush from one thing to the next. Being intentional with this time is an investment in the memories of your Wedding Day.
I like to have 30-40 minutes allotted for your Romantic Portraits to give you an opportunity to relax and really enjoy this time together. These portraits often happen immediately after the First Look or Ceremony. I also like sneaking the couple away just before sunset after the formalities of the Ceremony and Reception have taken place as this is when you are the most relaxed and the joy of being married is highly evident!
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portraits
FAMILY PORTRAITS In advance of the Wedding Day I will collaborate with you to put together a list of your desired Family Portraits to ensure that your loved ones are included and photographed during this time. Planning in advance of the Wedding Day means you know exactly what groups will be included and you can simply enjoy this time with your loved ones! Below is an example of a Family Portrait list to help you prepare the groupings you may want. o n d a y o f t h e W e d d i n g we allot 30 minutes for the groupings shared above. If there are larger group portraits that we don’t accomplish during the Family Portraits, we’ll be sure to capture those during the Cocktail Hour or Reception.
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Bride with Mom
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Bride with Dad
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Bride with Mom & Dad
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Bride and Groom with Mom & Dad
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Bride with Mom & Dad, add siblings
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Bride and Groom with Siblings
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Bride with Siblings
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Bride with Grandparents
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Bride and Groom with Grandparents
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Bride and Groom with Bride’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Sibling’s significant others//families, Grandparents) Bride and Groom with both Immediate Families (Parents, Siblings and Significant others// families, Grandparents)
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Bride and Groom with Both Sets of Parents
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Groom with Mom
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Groom with Dad
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Groom with Mom & Dad
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Groom and Bride with Mom & Dad
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Groom with Mom & Dad, add siblings
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Groom and Bride with Siblings
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Groom with Siblings
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Groom with Grandparents
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Groom and Bride with Groom’s Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings, Sibling’s significant others/families, Grandparents)
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wedding party
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS Your Wedding Party Portraits are a special time to share with your best friends and loved ones. You’ll celebrate and honor those who have supported and loved you over the years, first as individuals and now as a couple. Some choose a large Wedding party while others simply pick a best friend or sibling to stand with them. Regardless of size, we want this to be a fun and memorable time with your loved ones.
If you have chosen a First Look the Wedding party Portraits will immediately follow. Please remind the Groomsmen to be wearing their boutonnieres and Bridesmaids to have their bouquets. If you have a ring bearer or flower girl, remind all parents or guardians when and where the younger attendants are needed.
If you choose to forgo a First Look we will take the Bridesmaid and Groomsmen portraits separately before the Ceremony. Again remind attendants to have their florals on and ready to be photographed. The Flower Girl and Ringbearer will also be needed during this time. Following the Ceremony, your Wedding party (including younger attendants) will gather for a large group photo.
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wedding party
Resources For Helping To Plan Your Bridal Party b r i d e s m a i d s — These days there are many beautiful
choices for your Bridesmaids attire. Long and flowy or short and flirty, you can find options to fit any personality, style or size. I love when a Bride chooses to mix and match the dress styles or let her attendants choose their own dresses. If you’re looking for a more classic look there are many options available that are traditional with a modern twist. g r o o m s m e n — Purchasing a suit for the Wedding Day
is a great investment in something that can be worn again and again. Renting a suit can be very expensive and often the suits or tuxedos are not fitted or tailored to each Groomsmen’s specific shape. Consider putting the money you would spend on renting towards a custom or tailored suit.
S o m e o f m y fav o r i t e p l a c e s t o s o u r c e Bridesmaid dresses are:
BHLDN JCrew
Flair Bridesmaids
Rent The Runway
Anthropologie
Nordstrom
Dillards
A f e w o f m y fav o r i t e p l a c e s t o s o u r c e G r o o m o r G r o o m s m e n at t i r e a r e :
The Tie Bar
Blank Label
Bloomingdales
Vineyard Vines
Boston
JCrew
Ralph Lauren
Brooks Brothers
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THE CEREMONY The Ceremony is the centerpiece of the wedding day, the event everyone has anxiously been awaiting. Months of wedding planning and preparation have led to this moment; one that most couples have long dreamt of. Take a deep breath and remember what this moment is all about : the journey of two people coming together to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
the ceremony
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY
P e r s o n a l i z e In a world filled with wedding
blogs, Pinterest boards and endless opinions on what you should or should not include in your ceremony, planning this part of the day can be overwhelming. Make this moment about the things that mean the most to you as a couple, keeping your vows and promises to each other at the center. Including personal touches, inviting loved ones to participate and incorporating the story of your relationship can help to make your Ceremony incredibly meaningful and memorable to you and your guests. I n d o o r o r O u t d o o r Have you always
envisioned your Ceremony in a church? Are you having a wedding in the heart of summer and an outdoor Ceremony would be most appropriate? As you consider what would be meaningful to you keep the comfort of your guests and the vision of your day at the forefront (and always have a backup plan in case of rain or inclement weather!) Take note of how much natural light your indoor Ceremony venue will have, especially if your venue does not allow flash photography. Be sure there is ample light so that you, your officiant and your guests are properly lit. If getting married outdoors, consider the time of your ceremony to ensure that you are not covered in harsh light or forced to squint in the midday sun. I n c o r p o r at e L ov e d O n e s o r U n i q u e T r a d i t i o n s The Ceremony can
be the perfect time to honor special loved ones who may not be in your Wedding party. Perhaps they can share a reading, play a song or even sing; ask them if they would be willing to share a special talent or skill as part of your Ceremony.
There are a myriad of different ways you can highlight the special people in your life. Similarly, the Ceremony can be an appropriate time to incorporate special traditions that are meaningful to you and your families. R e s t r i c t i o n s It is important to ask
your officiant or Ceremony venue if there are any restrictions in regards to photography. For example the photography team may be asked to stand in a singular place for the entirety of the Ceremony or flash photography may not be allowed. Knowing what restrictions may be in place before the Wedding Day gives me an opportunity to plan and manage coverage expectations. C o o r d i n a t i o n Consider a Day-Of
Coordinator to help facilitate your Ceremony and Reception. Handing over this coordination of your Wedding Day or events such as the Ceremony, allows you to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about the flow of events, your guests or other aspects of the day. If you need any recommendations on wedding coordination services I would love to share some of my favorite vendors with you! P o r t r a i t s If you desire portraits with
natural light, you’ll want to consider the time of your Ceremony very carefully. In the early months of winter or later weeks of fall the sun will set very early, limiting the amount of natural light available before the Ceremony. Consider moving your Ceremony to an earlier time to take advantage of the best light of the day for your First Look & Portraits.
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the ceremony
RAINY WEATHER On a hot and sticky day in late July we were married. Just after I had finished my hair and makeup the skies opened up, pouring down rain that wouldn’t stop until after the reception. I remember standing in the salon and crying as the dark clouds rolled in. But you know what? It’s not the rain that I remember the most about our wedding day. It’s the special, unscripted moments I never expected. Like how my Dad held my arm as we walked down the aisle or how I felt as my Husband embraced me after we said our Vows.
As you plan for your wedding day, it’s always good to have a plan such as an indoor location for your ceremony or a covered area to take pictures in case of inclement weather. I f i t d o e s r a i n o n y o u r d ay, h e r e a r e f e w t h i n g s t o k e e p i n m i n d :
You will be well taken care of and regardless of the weather I will work hard to create beautiful images you’ll cherish forever. My team can work in a myriad of lighting and weather related scenarios and come prepared to handle whatever Mother Nature has in store.
Consider embracing the weather and making it part of your day. If it’s sprinkling why not dance in the rain? If it’s snowing, head outside and play. It’s all about having a positive outlook and remembering what the day is about.
I carry with me four clear umbrellas to every wedding, just in case. If it’s pouring or snowing outside and you want naturally lit photos, all I need is one porch or overhang to work with. Let me take care of worrying about the photos, all you need to do is enjoy the day!
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THE RECEPTION
The Reception is your time to let loose and celebrate! It’s important to thoughtfully plan out this part of the day and your DJ, caterer and venue coordinate will help walk you through how to best plan for the evening. In the next several pages I share tips to consider as you bring together details for the reception with your planning team.
the reception
RECEPTION PLANNING TIPS
C o n s i d e r F l o w : A plated meal or buffet will determine the flow of the floor plan, even the decor. Work with your venue coordinator to find a setup that allows for movement and gives guests a clear sense of what to expect. S m a l l e r D e t a i l s : Smaller details like
escort cards, menus and favors can all enhance your guest’s experience. These details help to give your guests direction in what to expect next and further the vision of the Wedding Day. The smaller details can be beautiful and elaborate, or you can choose to forgo certain items, it’s all up to you! For example in lieu of favors, some couples choose to make a donation to a favorite charity, a great way to celebrate and give back.
perspective, uplighting and professional lighting can be a great way to provide character to the background of your reception while enhancing the experience for your guests. D J o r B a n d : A DJ or Band will give your
guests two different reception experiences. A DJ can provide a flow and direction while engaging with your guests. A Band provides a live music atmosphere and has an added wow factor. Choose the option that represents your personalities and the type of environment you want to give your guests. T i m i n g : As you plan when the events of
your Wedding Day published you will want to focus on your Reception Details and create beautifully styled vignettes with unique touches. Working with a planner or florist can help bring these details together.
the reception will take place keep your guests in mind. You do not want long periods where nothing is happening nor do you want to cram too many events into a short period of time. Also consider elderly guests who may not stay till the end of your reception. If there are any events you would like them to be part of or experience, keep them towards the earlier part of the evening.
L i g h t i n g : Your DJ, Band or venue may
C o v e r a g e : Often photography coverage will
provide additional lighting for the reception. While it is not needed from a photography
last through the main reception events including an hour of open dance floor.
p u b l i s h i n g : If you are interested in having
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the reception
RECEPTION EVENTS TO CONSIDER J u s t l i k e y o u r C e r e m o n y , the Reception is your opportunity to express your unique personalities and tailor the evening to exactly what you want. Here are list of several key events you may want to consider including in your Reception:
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Wedding party Introductions
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Father/Daughter Dance
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First Dance
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Mother/Son Dance
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Toasts
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Money Dance
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Welcome by Father of the Bride or Special Loved One
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Anniversary Dance
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Traditional Religious Dances
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Thank You from Bride & Groom
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Cake Cutting
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Blessing
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Large Group Portraits with Friends or Family
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TANGIBLE HEIRLOOMS When the wedding is over one of the few things that remain are your images. I believe strongly that those images are meant to live curated in an album to be enjoyed for years to come. Read on to learn more about our Heirloom offerings.
ta n g i b l e h e i r lo o m s
HEIRLOOM OFFERINGS
Each heirloom offering is hand crafted by artisans in the USA and all images are printed with museum quality inks and paper. Whether creating your wedding album or a curated collection of prints, my desire is that these heirlooms will help you celebrate the precious moments of life. T h e S i g n a t u r e A l b u m is a leather
T h e P a r e n t A l b u m is the perfect
or linen bound album featuring a layflat design and includes custom lettering on the cover. This 10x10 album includes up to 30 pages curated in a uniquely designed presentation of your wedding day. Add on’s include additional pages, a cover image and upgraded size. Your album comes in a protective presentation box.
compliment to your wedding album and makes a great gift for loved ones. The Parent Album is an 8x8 duplicate of your Signature Album and will include the same design and cover choices as your album; custom lettering is available. Your album comes in a protective presentation box.
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ta n g i b l e h e i r lo o m s
HEIRLOOM OFFERINGS
T h e H e i r l o o m F o l i o is a unique
T h e L e g a c y A l b u m is the perfect
alternative to the traditional wedding album. Your folio includes 20 matted prints in a beautifully bound linen archival box. These mounted prints are ready to be framed and make a beautiful presentation on your coffee table or as a custom gallery display for your home. Matts are 8x10 in size and fit print sizes up to 5x7.
compliment for your wedding reception and can be used for display of your engagement images or as a guestbook. The album is bound with a beautiful linen cover and includes 20 pages. Your album comes in a protective presentation box.
Wedding Albums are an investment. For some it’s simply of out of the budget to plan for an album in the midst of wedding planning. Because of this, I have made albums available to order at any point, whether during the planning process or years after your wedding day.
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YOUR ONLINE GALLERY As your photographer I work hard to ensure a quick turnaround time so you can begin enjoying and sharing your images soon after the Wedding Day. Here I’ve shared some easy ways to utilize your online gallery, download your images & share socially.
online gallery
HOW TO USE YOUR ONLINE GALLERY
Downloading Images
Gallery Expiration
You will have access to your high resolution digital images via your online gallery. These are high resolution, unwatermarked images that you can print, share and upload to social media. Following the Wedding you will receive a link via email with instructions on how to use your gallery.
Your gallery will be live for one year following your wedding date, giving you and your guests plenty of time to save and archive images. Following, you’ll have the opportunity to extend your gallery if desired.
Sharing with Loved Ones
Your images are yours to share anyway you like, for personal use. When sharing your images online I ask that you attribute photo credit. On Facebook you can simply tag the Deborah Zoe Photography business page. On Instagram you can use the hashtag #deborahzoephotography or you can tag @deborahzoe. Elsewhere you can use Deborah Zoe Photography or share my website http://www.deborahzoephoto.com. I know this may seem a little stodgy and formal, but it is simply to ensure that all photographic content is protected from various social media photo policies and that your images and my artistic credit is presented appropriately. Please remind family and loved ones who may be sharing your images online of this policy as well.
Once you have received the link to your online gallery you can easily share that link with your family and friends. They will have access to view your images as well as purchase prints or digital downloads of their favorite images.
Purchasing Prints Following the release of your gallery you are welcome to take your images to a print lab of your choice. I offer competitively priced printing options and highly encourage you to purchase your prints directly through your gallery. I work with one of the best print labs in the country which uses the finest archival paper and ink to print your images. This means your images will resist fading, discoloration or warping and be a lasting memory for many years to come.
Sharing Your Images
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RECOMMENDED VENDORS
I am always happy to share recommendations for talented wedding creatives. Here is a sampling of several vendors who can help you bring together an unforgettable celebration!! If you need any recommendations or referrals for your wedding day, please do not hesitate to ask!
recommended vendors
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
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Whim Events
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Flair Boston
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Gus & Ruby Letterpress
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Always Yours Events
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L’Elite
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Extras by Alaina
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Cristen & Co
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BHLDN
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Yennygrams
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Les Fleurs
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Cakes for Occasions
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Peterson Party Rental
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Beach Plum Floral Design
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Mayflour Confections
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Be Our Guest
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Sweet Annie Floral Design
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Pipedream Cupcakes •
Kahootz Band
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Brighter Lights Media
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Fireside Catering
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Night Shift Entertainment
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Meg Simone Wedding Films
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Chez Vous
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Jay Foss DJ
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Capers Catering •
The Danger Booth
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The Swoon Booth
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Boston Wedding Films •
Hair That Moves
•
Amanda McCarthy Beauty
•
Love Notes By June
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thank you
THANK YOU Married to my best friend for over a decade, I’ve learned that the Wedding Day is just the start. There will be many things ahead : Adventures. Jokes only two people will ever understand. Hard places to visit. The chance to fall in love with one another as new roles come to the forefront : mother, father, caretakers, grandparents. A love story that is going to change with you each passing day. That’s what you have to look forward to : the chance to become someone new beside someone you love. Thank you for trusting me with your story. I am honored to be your photographer. I hope that this guide will be a useful tool for you as you plan for the Wedding Day. If you have any questions during your planning, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to celebrate with you and your loved ones soon!!
much love,
DEB
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