Tip #4

*Your Prep Area*

Where will you be getting dressed? I know you think this is not a big deal, but it really is. You want a nice large room with lots of light---the more natural light the better. It’s this natural light that will produce a softer, natural image and it’s also great applying your makeup by rather than the typical harsh, fluorescent bulbs. You also want a larger room, if possible. Think about it: the room has to accommodate the bride, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, grandmothers if they’re there, the bridesmaids, your make-up artist and/or hairstylist and other friends that may hang out in there while you dress. Another thought: where you get dressed doesn't have to be at the same location as the ceremony. Consider another place to get dressed if your venue doesn't have what you're needing.

This is one of my favorite (and award winning) preparation pictures. This was taken in one of the rooms of the Grand Marriott Hotel in Point Clear, AL.

Tip #3

Consider a First Look for pictures before the ceremony.

A few things to think about:

*What time of the day is your ceremony? If it's a late in the day ceremony or even a night service there may not be any outdoor light left for pictures, so with that we may be limited on where we'll take your pictures together.

*If you opt for a First Look, your bride and groom formals will be first; if you wait, then your bride and groom formals will be last....you want your hair and makeup to be as fresh as possible and you want to feel fresh, too.

*Time. With a First Look, we'll usually have more time for pictures. If you wait, this may limit your time as you may feel rushed to get to your Reception to keep your guests from waiting. (There are other options here to allow us more time such as having an hour before the Reception for a Cocktail Hour).

*Stress. Believe it or not, when I see my couples see each other for the first time, it's an instant stress relief for them. Everytime. It's something about seeing one another that makes the rest of the world go away. : )

When my couples decide on a First Look, we choose a location that will be intimate and without an audience. We want your time together to be as special as can be so we can produce the most natural, genuine images of your time together. : )

Here are a few favorite First Looks:

Tip #2

The second in the series Tips From the Photographer.

*Wedding Planner*

Consider hiring a Wedding Planner. I know you think you can probably take care of everything, and you probably can, but it’s hard. If you can work a Wedding Planner into your budget, I don’t think you will regret it. I’ve heard so many brides say how stressed they were trying to take care of everything, especially all the details--this is what a Wedding Planner does--let her/him take care of it for you so you will have a more stress-free day! Wedding Planners have several packages available from full event planning to the day of coordination. Here are a few great Planners I've worked with:

Jill Sampson
Weddings by Jill
www.weddingsbyjill.com
Erin and Jonathan's Wedding

Pat Hearndon (Mobile/Baldwin Counties)
251.554.1055 phpr@bellsouth.net
Cher and Sean's Wedding

Alene Gamel
IdoIdo Wedding Planning
205.837.8869
www.idoidoweddingplanning.com
Beth and Tyler's Wedding

Amy Petruzelli
Spot On Event Planning
www.spotoneventplanning.com
Kristen and Robert's Wedding

Carol Crabbe
205.824.9403
cdcrabbe@yahoo.com
Lindsay and Adam's Wedding


Don't forget to share the love and tell them I sent you! : )

And because posts are better with pictures, here is a picture of Shelby from her recent Middle School Pageant.

You can see more on my Facebook page!

Tip #1

Here ya go! The first in a series Tips From the Photographer. Hope it's of help to you! : )

*Book Early*

Book your more important vendors early...eh, hem....cough, cough...your photographer...cough, cough....me.....early. : )

Seriously, my average booking is 8-12 months before the actual event date. I have also booked as far out as 18 months before the date, so book early! : )