hello, i’m chelsea

to the newly engaged

Congratulations on your engagement, you love birds! Now it’s time to start the planning process. Overwhelmed? Understandable. Need help? Have no fear, I’m here to help!
As someone who has attended hundreds of weddings at this point, I have created this guide to give you some of my professional insights to help you navigate this stage of the wedding process and to reduce as much stress as possible.

Taking photos is much more than just clicking a button on a camera. There are plenty of behind the scene work that goes into capturing beautiful imagery. Below I have tried to break down my top tips and thoughts that will help us to best collaborate together for your wedding day. I will cover scheduling, lighting, intentions, and many other topics that will help us to plan out your day as a whole. I am so excited to start this journey with you and work together to capture memories that are made from the heart.

Plan with Intention

Make a day that reflects you two as a couple.

Building a wedding can be overwhelming at times, but there is NO WRONG WAY to have a wedding. I have nothing against standard traditions, but if you want them at your wedding, make sure you know why. Because if you don’t know why you are doing it then maybe it shouldn’t take an important place on your day. Plan the day together, do things that will make you happy because it is the start of one of the best journeys you will ever go on together.

Don’t Forget

You and your BEST friend are getting married. 

It seems like an obvious reminder, but getting caught up in all the details is a very real thing. Plan your little heart out beforehand, but the week of the wedding, start celebrating and focusing on the person you are promising your life to. Your wedding day will go super fast, and you don’t want to miss it because you were worrying about the centerpieces. You are marrying your person. That’s a big freakin deal!

GETTING READY SPACE

I encourage you to think about the area you are getting ready. Sometimes hotels don’t match the aesthetic you are going for, if this is the case, look at nearby Airbnbs to find a cool, unique space to get ready in.

READY TO GO

When I arrive, I would love to focus on the finishing touches. Try to have all your bridesmaids 98% ready to go! Funnily enough, it is usually bridesmaids who take the longest to get ready, and if they are all ready to go, then we can focus on the lovely moment when you step in your dress.

KEEP THE CLUTTER AWAY

In any way possible, try to tidy up the space you are getting ready in a little before I arrive. I know there is a lot going on, but try to keep bags, suitcases, and other large items in another room.

WINDOW LIGHT PLEASE

I love to shoot in natural light, whenever possible, so don’t be alarmed if I turn off the overhead lights to help let the natural light be my main source, or direct you outside to put the final touches on you getting ready.

STEPPING INTO THE DRESS

Whoever is helping you into the dress (mom or an aunt, or anyone else) let them know what time they need to be fully ready so that way, when it’s time, they are ready to lend a helping hand.

DON’T FORGET THE GUYS

Usually, the guys are forgotten about and shoved into the smallest, darkest rooms. Make sure you don’t forget aboutthe area they are getting ready in too.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

I always put 30 minutes into the schedule right before the ceremony, so you have a chance to breathe, drink some water, and prepare your heart for what’s next.

UNPLUG

I do not mind other people taking photos at any other time of the day, but try to encourage your guests to stay off their devices during the ceremony. I will be there taking photos and will want them to witness this beautiful celebration.

FREEDOM TO ROAM

I will not be in the way, but I do try to continually move around ceremony locations to get the best shots. This includes aisles. If you are in a venue that has strict rules about where I need to be, please tell me before your wedding day.

Equippment

If you have speakers, microphones, or any other equipment, think about their placement for your ceremony. If they are near you and the partner while saying your vows, they will unfortunately probably be in your images. Try to make those decisions beforehand, so any equipment might discrete.

CELEBRATE

Have you ever thought of your walk up the aisle as the ultimate exit? If you don’t want an exit at night, flower petals, lavender, confetti are all fun things to make your exit from the ceremony an instant party.

AFTER SAYING I DO

I know this might be hard, but find a place to retreat to after your ceremony. Try to stay away from your guests, so they can be ushered to cocktail hour. This way, any photos we have remaining, we can get done quicker and you will be able to join your guests sooner.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Try to keep the family shot list simple. If you have other groups or large families we can always take those shots at the reception where everyone will be enjoying the party.  

SETTING EXPECTATIONS

Let your family members know who are going to be in the photos after the ceremony. Tell them at the rehearsal dinner, send them an email, or tell whoever is marrying you to make a short announcement. This way, they know to stick around, and we have less chance of people wandering off.

HELPFUL HAND

Ask a bridesmaid or groomsmen to help round the family after the ceremony. It will help things go much quicker since I don’t know what everyone looks like.

Candid Family Moments

I understand how important the traditional family photos are, but don’t forget throughout the day we should be getting plenty of candid images of the family, and to be honest, those are my favorite. Invite your family in on special moments, and see what emotions come naturally. Those will be the photos you love the most, I promise.

FIRST LOOK

If we do a first look, this will be the perfect time to do the first round of portraits. About 20 minutes here would great.

AFTER SAYING I DO

I love to snag a couple of great photos of you two right after you walk up the aisle. It’s true happy emotions, that I never want to miss.

GOLDEN/TWILIGHT HOUR

This is the most important time to really soak in being husband and wife and It’s the best light of the day. I usually love to spend 25 minutes here.

*If I only get one time for pictures with you two, I would choose right at golden hour.

MOOD LIGHTING

Set the romantic mood! String up lights, candles, but make sure to have enough lights for the best photos. A completely dark reception area is never good for the party vibes, or for me.

DETAILS

During our scheduled meeting, make sure we put some time for me to capture the details. Knowing when the reception space will be all set up is essential to getting this aspect done.

MEAL

If possible, I would love to be considered as a guest so I can eat food early and not wait until everyone has been served. I don’t want to miss any moments because I am eating.

EXITING

Think about the time of day or night you are exiting.If it is taking place at night, it is probably wise to have something that illuminates. If you want something else other than sparklers, then consider doing your main exit while walking up the aisle, right after you say I do.

Don’t Rush

Don’t rush your exit. These are the last moments of your wedding, soak it in. Stop to kiss, dance, have a fun time with your guests before you officially end your party. It will be well worth it.

CONTACT us about your upcoming wedding

let's work together