Mawwiage....

"Mawwiage is what bwings us togevah...today". ~ The Impressive Clergyman
If you've seen "The Princess Bride", you will get that.  If not, I probably sound like an idiot.

I get so many questions from people, and since this is the season for wedding planning, I thought now would be a good time for some photographer-ly advice.

I've designed a set of suggestions to help prospective brides get the most out of their wedding photography.  I know I have a vested interest in this advice, and I suppose the importance of this advice is in direct proportion to the importance you place on your wedding photos.  I've seen both end of the spectrum, from brides who are flippant about photos to brides who plan their entire day around the photographs.
Personally, I have more fun with the latter :)
Let's face it, ladies.  When, again, will you ever wear a dress as elaborate and expensive as the one you will wear on your wedding day?  When, again, will you have every hair in place (with an Aqua Net insurance policy), every fingernail immaculately manicured, every blemish professionally Mary Kay'd, and 6 of your closest friends at your every beck and call?
If there is ever a day in your life to exploit Paparazzi, this is IT!

Suggestion #1:  Do your photos ahead of time!  Yes, you will need to see your groom.  No, this doesn't cause any increase in the divorce rate :)  As of today, I can still say I have received 100% positive feedback from this decision....some going as far as saying it's the best decision they made in the wedding planning.
Why?
Unless you designate 2 hours between ceremony and reception (which is pretty rough on guests, especially if they are elderly), then you will have to squash your important "together" photos (plus all the group shots) into a very rushed timeslot.  This causes a lot of stress on the wedding party (who now wishes to get to the reception and eat/party/dance) which in turn can affect the images.

Seeing your fiance' before the wedding is a great time to sit and talk together....ALONE!  You won't get another moment alone until it's all over!  Brides say it alleviated their fears to speak with their finace', they know he has arrived, is dressed, and is ready for the big day.  It's also a perfect time to exchange personal gifts for one-another.  And as one bride put it:  "I wanted HIM to see me in my dress first! I wanted to see his reaction and get photos of his reaction.  I didn't want to share that special moment with 200 other people!"

And the biggest reason to ditch this archaic tradition is the history behind it.  This tradition stems from the age of arranged marriages, where a father was paid a dowry and a woman was married off (with or without her consent) to the guy with the largest sum of money.  If she was unattractive, this tradition kept the groom from backing out ahead of time.  Um...EEEEK!!

SUGGESTION #2 : Don't overdo the makeup, at least for the photos.

Sure, you're going to want a professional makeover, and if the makeup artist is experienced with bridal makeup, s/he may already know this tip.  Some brides will go light on the makeup, then "touch up" before the ceremony.  Imperfections will be retouched in post-production, so there are no worries about a flawless complexion.  Too much makeup can cause pictures to look un-natural (the "Barbie Doll" look) and can cause extra facial shine.
And guys?  This would definitely be a good day for one of those "clean, close shaves".  It's also a good idea for the guys to get a haircut about a week before the wedding, and not immediately before.  Hair looks more natural and "tan lines" even out better when there is a small gap between the haircut and the wedding.

SUGGESTION #3:  Don't forget to include your photographer(s) and DJ in the dinner count.  We really don't have time to stop off for a Happy Meal between the ceremony and reception (especially if you don't go with Suggestion #1) and we're usually famished come reception time :)  We thank you, and we appreciate it!


SUGGESTION #4:  If you have any aspiring photographers in the family, please let them know that you've hired someone for the day.  I don't mind it when other guests take pictures at all, unless they try to take over or get in my way.  It just seems easier if they arrive at the wedding with prior knowledge that they aren't obligated or expected to produce.  I rarely have problems with casual shooters.  I want guests to get lots of pictures!  It simply makes for awkward situations when they get carried away :)  THANK YOU in advance!

SUGGESTION #5:  Please don't stress out if the little ones in your wedding party are not as cooperative as you'd like them to be.  The more you stress, the more they sense it and act out accordingly.  If they refuse to pose for a group shot, simply don't include them in the photo.  A majority of the time the little guy/gal will realize that he's not so happy being excluded, and the problem will solve itself.  If not, there will probably be plenty of other opportunities to get some natural candids of those children.  They won't be forgotten!  In 10 years you can chide them about why they aren't in some of the group photos, and you can all have a good laugh over the deal.  :)

And finally, SUGGESTION #6:  Take the advice of Suggestion #1  :)