Tip #7

Your final Tip in the Tips from the Photographer series.

This is a biggie...and as important as it is, I think is too often taken for granted and overlooked.

*Time Management*

If there is ever a bump in the wedding-day road, this is it. Talk to other brides who have already traveled that road and I bet they will tell you something very similar: schedule plenty of time. Time for hair and make-up, time for donning your gown, time to eat, time for travel to different locations, time for bride and groom formals, time for family formals and even time for extra time--there will be the infamous family member or attendant who will run late. : )

For me, this is an example of a typical eight hour wedding day photo itinerary:

1 hour for your prep time. This hour usually only covers your last minute touch-ups and your dressing time. You will need at least 2 hours for prep time if you want your full hair and make-up covered as well. And possibly more depending on the number of bridesmaids you have and if they will also have their hair and make up professionally done.

1 hour for formals before the ceremony. This hour usually includes only the bride and groom and the wedding party. I typically do family formals after the ceremony (see below).

1 hour of "down time". I prefer to complete all formals at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before the ceremony begins. This will allow you as the bride to get tucked away before any of your guests see you, as well as time to freshen up and relax for a moment before saying "I do". : )

Ceremony Time. Consider how long your ceremony will last when planning your day. I've had ceremonies as short as 15 minutes and as long as 1 1/2 hours. This is a major considering when planning for pictures and scheduling your reception time.

1/2 hour after the ceremony for family formals. Again, the time will is specific to your needs, family size, number of pictures to take, etc. We may not need the full 30 minutes or you may need more.

Reception Time. From my own experience, I notice receptions last an average of three hours. This includes first dances, cake cutting, toasts and mingling time. This doesn't include a cocktail hour or all night partying. : )

Also remember to consider travel time in between locations. Where will you be getting dressed, where will your pictures be taken, where will your ceremony be in relation to your reception, etc?

I hope this helps!!

And just because I couldn't possibly post without a picture. Here's a recent picture of Joseph on the mound. I'm so proud of him! As a 9th grader and member of the Junior Varsity Baseball team, he never thought he'd be pitching for the Varsity team, but he's pitched several games now and has done a great job! In this particular game, he was chosen as MVP of the game and was interviewed by the local radio station. GO JOE! : )

Tip #6

Two weeks late, I know... All I can tell you is that my computer crashed, we made an emergent trip to Birmingham and attended two funerals in one day. Please forgive my lack of blogging these last couple of weeks.

Tip #6 in the series: *Bridal Sessions*

It's only appropriate that as my the last tip was for Engagement Sessions that this Tip refer to Bridal Sessions. It's funny because I've discovered that it's my brides who want the E Session, but it's my bride's mom who wants the B Session. : )

A Bridal Session is also something I highly recommend. A few reasons include:

*It gives you a trial run of hair and makeup...you may wear your hair one way for the session and realize you'd rather wear it another way instead. Great reason alone really!
*It helps you see how your dress fits and how well it wears and moves. Gives you more of an idea of how it will be on your wedding day and any adjustments you need to make.
*It's a couple of hours that we spend together really 'playing around', trying new poses and getting great pictures of you...anywhere from the classic portrait to a more relaxed, contemporary glamour shot! : )
*It takes pressure off of Mom. One of her most important details is to make sure she has an amazing wall portrait of her daughter. Then on the wedding day, she won't worry so much if the time line is rushed or if it rains, etc. She's happy knowing she already has that great picture!

Here are a few of my favorite Bridal Images!

Tip #5

*Engagement Sessions*

Love them, love them, love them. Can you tell I really like to do E Sessions? :)

Engagement Sessions are awesome because it gives me time with my new clients. For the most part, my communication throughout the wedding process is with the Bride. The E Session also gives me time with the Groom. It's this time that helps him to loosen up abit and begin to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and in front of me. Sorry guys, but you know it's not many of you who like to have your picture taken. :)

I really think this session helps me out just as much as it helps my couples. I get to know more about them as a couple and who they are. And they get to know me (and Clark) more too and how we'll work with them on their wedding day.

The E Session though is primarily for you: the bride and groom. Time for you to spend together to hang out and in the mean while have some fab pictures taken of the two of you. And it's tons of fun!

Here are a few favorite E shots and Engagement Album. It's also this album that my couples use as their Guest Signature Album on the wedding day!