If you’re reading this you’re probably in the midst of planning your wedding (woohoo!) and dying for any suggestions on ways to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly so absolutely no portrait moments will be missed. ORRRR you love weddings and are just racking up ideas for when you get to plan yours in the future. Either way, you’re here and I got some knowledge to drop on you so get cozy. First, welcome to the whirlwind of wedding planning! Grab a cup of coffee, or that Stanley cup right next to you and let’s dive in.

Here are some extremely helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your portrait time on your big day.

1. Schedule Wisely: Utilize golden hour for extra portrait time with you and your fiancé! Not only is it nature’s filter for THE most perfect lighting but it will also give more variety to your final gallery. If you end up not being able to use golden hour for portraits, that’s not cause for concern! Another great way to maximize time would be stepping out for a few moments during your reception and taking fun night time portraits. Communicate openly with your photographer to create a timeline that optimizes portrait moments.
2. Prep for Efficiency: Have your bridal party and family aware of the wedding day schedule in advance. This includes the portrait moments during your wedding day. Here’s one example (this is a golden nugget)- if you plan on having your mom help you into your wedding dress and/or maid of honor, they will need to be dressed and ready for this to happen. That means their hair, makeup, and dresses will need to be on BEFORE you can get into your dress. This is something that easily can slow down your timeline if they aren’t prepared. Keeping these things in mind ensures everyone is ready and present when needed, saving precious time for the planned moments you want to happen on your wedding day.
3. Prioritize Must-Have Shots: Make a list (a great way to do this is to make a Pinterest board) of essential shots you’d like and share it with your photographer. Whether it’s capturing the intricate details of your attire, reception details (etc) or candid moments with loved ones, a list helps streamline the process.
4. Consider a First-Look: Reflect on the option of a private first-look with your fiancé. Not only does it make for heartwarming moments, but it also allows for a more relaxed and intimate portrait session before the whirlwind of the day truly begins. If you’re on the fence about including a first look on your wedding day, read more about the pros and cons of it here!
5. Embrace Candid Moments: While posed portraits are classic, candid shots can capture the raw emotions and genuine joy between you and your loved ones. I know it may feel odd at first having someone follow you around taking photos (Is this my movie star moment?! Yes it is. EMBRACE IT!) but the less you think about camera and the more you focus on the moments unfolding in front of you, the better your photos will be. Let loose, be yourselves, and allow your photographer to snap those intimate, unscripted moments.
6. Maximize Reception Lighting: Opt for an elegant lighting setup during your reception. Soft, ambient lighting can create a magical ambiance, offering excellent opportunities for romantic, modern portraits. We love DJ’s and know they love fun bright/flashing lights, we’re not exactly referring to those! They are amazing for those silly dance floor photos! We’re referring to the lighting around the venue that will be kept through the night (ex: on the walls and tables). Why are we talking about these? These light will reflect onto your skin tones, and the decor which will be captured in the photos.
7. Trust Your Photographer: Lastly, trust your photographer’s expertise. A skilled professional will not only capture moments but also guide and direct you for the most flattering and stunning shots. As a professional, these points are all things we include in our wedding day questionnaire and we like to go over them with our couples during our call before the wedding day. It’s so important you feel confident your wedding photographer is going to achieve the wedding gallery you’re dreaming of.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of love, and these portraits will be cherished for years to come. Trust in the process, stay relaxed, and let your personalities shine through!

Finding the right wedding photographer is key to ensuring you and your fiancé feel confident and comfortable when it comes to your wedding day. If you’re in search of a VA wedding photographer who understands the essence of modern elegance, you’ve come to the right spot. We specialize in thoughtfully capturing the unique moments that define your special day, blending modern aesthetics with timeless elegance.

From the rolling hills to the bustling cities, Virginia offers a canvas for your wedding dreams. With the right planning and a visionary photographer, your portrait time becomes a window into the elegance and modernity of your union. Contact us if you have questions about any of this or would like to know more about our services.

info@chantelcruz.com

All the blessings,

Chantel