How To Do Wedding Family Pictures Well! They're Important!

There is a rhythm to weddings. As the day begins with the wedding party gathering to dress and get ready for the big moment, the momentum builds. The event builds to a crescendo as guests arrive, the bride walks down the aisle, the ceremony unfolds, and the magic moment occurs when the couple is announced husband and wife! Then the march out and all the well wishes, tears and joy of the moment occurs. And then…the couple has to rally the family for the photos. This is the time when things can go awry. However, family photos grow in importance over the years as cherished loved ones move on. Here’s what to do:

After all the drama, it’s sometimes a big letdown to have to get the family organized so that everyone gets photographed and there are no hurt feelings or missed photo opportunities. It’s one of the most important things to plan before the wedding so that it goes smoothly! Someone in the family can be appointed to organize the people for the photos so that the bride and groom can relax. A written plan made in advance can be given to the photographer and the appointed family organizer. Family photos can be great fun if done well which means well planned. Your family that has assembled to love and support a new married couple is important. Take the time to take all the photographs needed so that everyone ends up happy. Taking the time to organize it well before wedding day is time well spent!

How to Understand the Photo-editing and Selection Process for a Wedding

It’s daunting that an engaged couple planning a wedding has to make some of the most important decisions of their lives about things in which they have no experience! There are no classes in high school or college about planning a wedding or being married for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer is near the top of the list of challenging decisions.  A professional photographer knows the important moments of the wedding, so you’re sure to get photos of those, however, there are other important aspects to understand.

The post-wedding editing and the actual number of photos and format you’ll receive them in is an overlooked aspect of the process. Most brides book the photographer and check it off their list with relief. That’s just the beginning. Booking the photographer should be followed by an agreement of what the deliverables will be.

Professional photographers often take hundreds or even thousands of shots at a wedding. The process of going through them and selecting the best is long and tedious. It’s also a photo editing skill that is learned only through experience. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more is better! Talk with your photographer before the wedding about what you think you want in terms of the photos taken and the editing of specific photos. If you receive 400 great photos but know that 2000 were taken, understand that the 400 are the best. Photography involves skill, talent, and experience. Successful, professional photographers will release only their best work. After all, social media allows it to be used forever so it’s important to honor the standards of professional photographers. Take the time to work with your photographer so that you know what you’ll receive before the wedding. Then on the Great Day, focus on the joy of getting married, knowing that all is well with the memories your photographer is creating.

Why are Flowers a Bride’s Best Friend?

Flowers and plants are a bride’s best friend when it comes to decorating. They can transform an altar or an entire wedding reception space if chosen wisely with an overall plan in mind. How do flowers and plants do that? They mask the plain or dull background around them because color and interesting shapes draw the human eye toward them, so that people see and feel beauty. Flowers and plants arranged in groupings from tall to small also draw the eye and give a sense of pleasure. That’s why you can put a big green plant in a plain space and transform the room. It’s easier to turn the floral decorating over to a florist but much more expensive than doing at least part of it yourself. Plus, florists promote the flowers that are easily obtainable and that have higher profit margins. By using her own plants and those of friends, and supplementing them with fresh flowers purchased locally, a bride can create plant and flower groupings that provide just the look and feel that she wants. From a photographer’s point of view, flowers and plants are ideal for enhancing a setting. There’s usually a lot of waiting that goes on with weddings and receptions. Give your guests beautiful, colorful things to look at while they’re waiting for what everyone comes to see - the bride!