Wedding Photography: What to Expect

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Hannah Hix, photographer

Kate + Co Photography Arielle Humphries Photography

Gingersnap Studios

DETAIL SHOTS

Your photographer will show up a few hours before your ceremony to capture shots of you and your bridesmaids getting ready, and to get detail shots of all the elements that go into your day. It is worth making time for the photographer to take these pictures because these detail shots are an important part of your story. RECEPTION DETAILS If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, your photographer will be able to get detail shots of the reception space once your guests start arriving and the bridal party hides before the ceremony. If the reception is at a different venue, most photographers recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the reception area so the photographer can take photos of the untouched reception space before guests start arriving. GETTING READY

After the detail shots, it’s time for the bride to get dressed. Everyone assisting will want to be fully dressed at this point so the bride can be the center of attention. Once the dress is zipped, buttoned, or laced, the rest of the details, such as jewelry, veil, and shoes, will be photographed as you put them on. If time allows, you can squeeze in a few bridal portraits. THE CEREMONY When it’s time for the ceremony to start, your photographer will be there to capture all the details, with the most important being the first kiss as a married couple! Following the ceremony is a great chance to take family portraits. It is best to save the majority of these until after the ceremony because all family members will be present at that time. THE FIRST LOOK

Most couples are doing first look shoots these days, and we love them. It is such a lovely, private moment when the couple get to see each other before the ceremony, and we love seeing the reaction shots of the grooms when they first see their brides! If you can afford it, this is a great opportunity for two photographers - one

trained on each of you. THE RECEPTION

Based on the wedding package selected, the photographer will offer you a set number of hours. When planning your reception’s timeline, consider how much of the photographer’s time will be left to capture the highlights of the reception. In addition to the cake-cutting and first dance, some couples plan a faux exit with just the bridal party and a few select guests to capture that moment before the photographer’s time is up.

THE FIRST LOOK EXPLAINED

A fi rst look photo session can be an amazing part of your wedding day! The goal is to capture the raw emotion of the couple seeing each other for the fi rst time, away from family and friends. If you're not sure about this break from tradition, let us explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration that not only adds to the experience but reduces stress as well!

Some of the biggest reservations around the first look are about capturing the reaction. We often hear, “I want my partner to cry when they see me walking down the aisle” or “Having a first look might lessen their reaction at the ceremony.”

Most couples don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and see your partner for the first time, there isn’t really a moment for each of you to talk, touch, or embrace. You have to wait until after the ceremony is over, and the reaction just isn’t the same.

Now, imagine the scene: a private placemaybe outdoors or in a nice room- no people, no on-lookers, no distractions, just the two of you (and your photographer). You approach your partner from behind, gently tap them on the shoulder and watch their face as they turn around and finally get a first look at you. Not only do you get to get a good look at each other, but you can embrace, cry, laugh, kiss, whatever comes to you in the moment and really enjoy your private time together.

A practical consideration of adding a first look shoot is that you’ll receive 30-40% more portraits of the two of you and those are the images you will decorate your first home with. It also allows you to extend your wedding celebration. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look. your wedding day is extended by several hours!

The walk down the aisle, and the first time you see your partner is still an amazingly powerful moment, and something you’ll remember forever, but if you’ve had a first look, and you’ll both be much more relaxed. Instead, the pressure will be off and you’ll both be able to enjoy the ceremony. The nerves will be gone and when nerves are gone, true emotions are free to be expressed!

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WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?

MORE THAN NUDITY Boudoir photography is becoming more and more popular, with photo shoots and boudoir albums making excellent wedding day gifts for your future husband. “Boudoir” is the French word for a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom and in photography terms, boudoir photography is a style in which women pose for photographs partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful and nudity is typically implied rather than explicit. That means you’re not wearing much of anything, but you’re also not showing off anything either.

Boudoir photographers are masters of creating elegant, sensual and classy images of you in your lingerie. As with your wedding photographer, finding a boudoir photographer that you are completely at ease with is important, or the session won’t be worth it. When you start speaking with potential candidates, think about how relaxed and at ease you are with them. PLANNING THE PHOTOSHOOT Planning a boudoir shoot can be a fun way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Just like a bridal portrait session, it is worth investing in the details like hair, makeup, nails and even a spray tan. It’s also important to choose outfits that make you feel confident and sexy. If you bring in outfits too far outside your comfort zone, you may struggle with being comfortable and it will show in your face and body language in the resulting photos. To prepare for the session, you can do a bit of searching on the internet for poses you might like to try, but a good boudoir photographer will have some suggestions of their own.

photos by Hannah Hix, Photographer