Your wedding day is a monumental day in your life, so the least amount of “to-do’s” and stress on your wedding day the better.

That’s what I’m here for, I’m here to make your experience the absolute best & also to help you along the way so here are 5 tips to help make your wedding day as smooth as possible.

1. Keep your “getting ready” space as clean as possible.

I know you’re thinking how in the world do I do that with 5-10 ladies in a small space, hair & makeup artist, people coming & going. I’m not saying the space has to be spotless, but try to keep the areas where I may be photographing clean of trash, soda cans, etc. Of course I do my best to tiddy up areas when I get there, like when you’re getting in your dress, or if there is something near the makeup & hair chair. But if y’all can keep it tidy, the less work we have to do & the less time it takes to move things out of the “shot”. So just be aware when you start throwing things around in the bridal suite that it’ll probably have to be cleaned up for photos.

2. Keep your details in a box or bag!

Another way to keep things moving & from having me come in several times looking for your shoes, your veil etc (not that it’s a huge deal, but it’s your wedding day & I want you to relax & enjoy the day, not search for things). So the morning of or night before make sure to have all of your details together. This includes all 3 rings (sometimes the groom shows up later & has your rings, but I need them for details), jewelry, veil, shoes, dress (doesn’t have to be in a box–obviously). Your invitations, florals (ask for extras form the florist if possible for me to use), include anything else you want in photos (special perfume bottle, gifts, something borrowed or blue. Put it all together and when I arrive it’s ready for me to grab & get started.

3. First Looks! Guess what they’re not just for the bride & groom!

I always recommend doing a first look with your groom, but did you know you could do a first look with literally anyone?
Your dad, your mom, your girls… how about your fur baby! Lord knows I love when your dogs are included in your wedding day! These are all special first look moments & they’re a fun part of your wedding day!

4. Make sure your makeup is done before I arrive!

I know this seems like a super simple tip, but I’ve arrived numerous times and the bride doesn’t have her hair or makeup done. It’s your wedding day so it’s pretty important that you’re partially ready when I arrive since once I arrive the photos start! Your makeup should at least be done, since most brides want to be photo ready & that includes having your makeup done. You’ll look fabulous while your hair is getting done for photos. Also, this helps keep us on our timeline, we can’t do too many photos wthout the bride!

5. Hire a Coordinator!

Hiring a wedding planner or day of coordinator is so much MORE important then you may think! They not only help keep the day running smoothly, help put out any fires and keep the stress at bay among many other things. If you don’t have one the task falls on your mother, the maid of honor, YOU, or ME, now I love y’all and of course I’m always going to keep us on time, do anything I can to help etc, but I’m there to photograph & capture your day, I can’t be everywhere and do everything and your family shouldn’t have to either. Y’all are there to enjoy the day, get married & have fun! So do yourself a favor & hire someone!