Wedding Planning Tips for the best photos possible.

Summer weddings mean brighter sun during the middle of the day. It’s a great idea to have your ceremony later in the evening when the light isn’t so bright. Ceremonies in bright midday sun also cause people to be squinting throughout your ceremony and portraits, so the later the better. Winter weddings are always beautiful and the light in winter takes on a softer, more magical appearance. Remember to plan your wedding in winter means shorter daylight hours and an earlier sunset. Plan an earlier ceremony to leave time for your photographer to capture your portraits.

Travel time and traffic jams might be the biggest thing that couples tend to let slip their minds when planning their photography and wedding day schedule. Especially if your ceremony and reception are in separate locations. This ususally take time away from your portraits.
The key for how to plan your wedding is to simplify it for a stress free day. This will allow time for your photographer to create magic without being under time pressure.

It’s not always true that “heavy makeup will look better on camera”. I use natural light, and my style reflects more truly what is there, so I just recommend that if you want to look like yourself, don’t overdo it. This is entirely personal preference though, so just be yourself!


Bonus tip: Makeup artist more often than not place the bride in the worst possible artificial light. Make sure you sit facing the window.

I know there’s a lot going on, but try to keep bags, suitcases, laundry, etc. in a different room, or the closet. Imagine this photo in a room full of clutter. It would not be strong as this one. I always say: If something doesn’t add to the story, it takes away from the picture.

Window light is best. I always turn all artificial lights off and rely only on window light whenever possible! As long as the windows look to the south, I’m good to go.

Before you book your church, please be sure to ask whether photography is allowed and if there are any restrictions. I'm happy to work with anything, but it’s important for your own peace of mind to have realistic expectations in advance.

Generally, the best time for an outdoor ceremony is 2-3 hours before sunset. The later time ensures the sunlight falls more evenly on the skin tones (no harsh shadows), and is consistent for both the bride and groom (so you don’t have one person in the light, and the other in shadow). For an outdoor ceremony earlier in the day, choose an open shade spot for gorgeus even light. Otherwise you’ll be super squinty or very harshly lit!

Microphones and speakers are fine, but they are are distracting and not pretty. If possible, have your officiant use a hand-held mic (or lapel mic). Position the speakers far to the sides, and avoid umbrellas by reconsidering time of day or choosing open shade spots for the ceremony.

If a big wedding is too much for you and you just want a small gathering of close friends/family, or maybe totally alone with your partner, then elopements are perfect option. The ability to choose a remote location, exchange your vows on a secluded beach or in the silence of the mountains can make your day totally stress free, casual and much more intimate, emotional and epic in the end.

I've made a guide for planning elopements. You can download it here

If we do a “first look”, that will be the first time slot for portraits. About 15 minutes for this is great. It doesn’t have to be a grand staged moment, in fact, I prefer it not to be. A quiet moment alone is the best thing to calm the nerves. I’ve seen couples relax significantly after seeing eachother before the ceremony. If we do a first look, we can also take all family/bridal party portraits before the ceremony, which means more time at cocktail hour! However It’s your day, we can do it your way!

Right after you walk down the aisle the energy is the happiest! Another quick 15 min would be just good.

Most of my couples tell me this was their favorite part of the day. These are the first moments where you two are alone without guests. It also happens to be the best light of the day! 30min is ideal.

During the wedding reception and when I have a chance I love to do a mini night-time photo session with the couple. Many photographers avoid it because of heavy light conditions, but for me, it has always been inspirational. I always set up everything and steal you for 5-10 min.