So, you've picked your date and (probably) booked your top vendors. Now what?! No worries, I've got you covered!
engagement session!
If you booked my 6 or 8 hour package, that includes a complimentary engagement session. This typically lasts around an hour, and you are more than welcome to bring two outfits if you'd like!
How to decide on a location?
Here's a couple of questions to ask yourself. Are there any special places that you and your fiancé enjoy? Maybe a favorite park, lake, or other place? What kind of background are you interested in? Maybe outdoors with lots of grass and trees? Maybe a more urban setting? Do you have any family members that have land we could use? Does your venue allow for engagement sessions?
Don't know the answer to any of the questions above or don't have any ideas? No worries! I'm more than happy to help you find a place.
What do we bring?
Whatever you want! Think about things that are important to your relationship. Furry friends are always welcome (as long as the location allows), as are any favorite beverages or champagne! A session usually includes some standing and sitting poses, so you will probably want to bring a blanket to sit on as well.
What do we wear?
No matter the season, neutral colors with subtle patterns always photograph well. If you choose to do two outfits, many people will do one "dressier" and one "casual." Whatever you choose, make sure it's comfortable and reflects your style. Check out my Pinterest board here for style ideas!
wedding timeline
The timeline is probably the most overwhelming part of the wedding planning process if you aren't hiring a day-of coordinator. I will help you design a timeline based on what we will need for pictures, but I am not in charge of the timeline on the day-of. I highly recommend putting a responsible family member in charge of that on the wedding day! Many brides will also print out schedules on the day-of and give them to the wedding party/immediate family members. Although we will finalize a timeline two weeks before your big day, it's great to start thinking about what you want your day to look like! As always, if you have a wedding coordinator, they will likely help you design a timeline as well.
Check out my sample timelines here.
throughout the wedding day
As you work through your timeline, you will see that there are generally 4 "sections" of a wedding day. I've added some information about each below so you can know what to expect!
getting ready
When we arrive, we will begin with "detail photos" of any small details that you'd like to include. Some ideas are: dress, veil, shoes, bouquet, cufflinks, rings, invitations, special jewelry, gifts for each other, etc. After that, we will move to the "getting ready" shots of the bride and groom.
Tips
- have all of your "details" in a box so they don't get lost or misplaced
- a wooden hanger for your wedding dress photographs well
bridal
Bridal portraits will be done either before or after the ceremony, depending on whether you choose do a first look or not. One benefit of doing a first look is that you will have ample time for photos before the ceremony and more time to spend with guests at the reception. Bridal portraits include the photos of the wedding party and the bride and groom alone.
Tips
- make sure the wedding party knows exactly what time they need to be ready by
- weather permitting, I also recommend that we sneak out for a few additional portraits during sunset for that dreamy golden light
ceremony/family
We will move around quietly during the ceremony, getting various angles of your reactions. Family photos are usually done before the ceremony if you do a first look, otherwise we will do those afterwards.
Tips:
- put a responsible family member in charge of calling out names during the portraits
- churches typically have dim, yellow lighting which is not ideal for portraits. if this is the case, think about doing family photos outdoors (weather permitting)
reception
Reception coverage begins when your wedding party enters for the party! Unless you are having a mid-day reception, flash will be used for your photos. We prefer to eat dinner at the same time as the wedding party in order to be ready for the next event (ex. dances, speeches, etc.).
Tips:
- put your dance floor in the middle of the room! as you can see in the picture above, being away from walls will help add depth to your dance photos
- your DJ will usually help you design the reception timeline. make sure to ask!
how will I get my photos?
I use an online gallery called Pixieset, where your edited/finished gallery will be uploaded digitally. You will have unlimited downloads and full printing rights to all of the photos in the gallery.
Your final number of images delivered is based on an average of 50-75 photos per hour!
if you are local to Clinton, MO (or Henry County), Simple Pleasures of Clinton is a mom-and-pop shop that does in-person wedding registries!