On the Day of your Wedding

I (or we) will arrive about 45 Min. to one hour before the contractual shooting time at the location. I will use this time to get familiarized with the setting and to set up the equipment etc.. I may take some time to shoot photos of the guests' arrival and other little scenes that may unfold. Flowers arrangements, children, informal groups.

There is no charge to you for this hour of preparation. In this, it is however my hour, so if you want to shoot specific events before the ceremony, please move my official start time up.

The Ceremony
We prefer to hold back and just document your wedding ceremony as it unfolds. Myself and Shelley are very discreet and we try to stay in the background during your ceremony. We will always work with the clergy, or site coordinator as far as what they would like us to do.
If you have a program of the ceremony, you may send it to me ahead of time, maybe just E-mail it a few days before the wedding.

Lights and the use of Flash
We usually try to balance out the use of flash. Depending on the location (outdoors for example) flash might not even be a necessity. In dark churches we will need to use some flash, but we will still be able to take many photographs with ambient light alone. We can use "no flash" during the sacred part of the ceremony if required.

Please keep in mind, to tell me ahead of time what the lighting conditions might be. If you are planning a candlelight wedding, I need to prepare beforehand!
Also, be aware that photos taken without a flash in low light may show some (digital) film grain.

Group & Bridal Portraits

A wedding is always a wonderful opportunity to make group photographs of all the important people in your life.

Download the list of "Must take Photos" to help organize this part of the day. Also it would be helpful to enlist a helper who knows most of the V.I.P.s.

Time
We like to allow up to half an hour for group photographs. Any longer seems to hinder your guest's enjoyment in the festivities; it can cause a break in the cheerful mood and could ultimately bore everyone.

Location
Finding the right location for the group pictures is very important. Do you want to take some pictures inside the church, or is there a beautiful view outside? Or should be take the group photos at the reception site? Of course, outside is always beautiful, but remember to find a bad weather alternative. We should talk about this in our advance planning of the event.

The Reception

After the Ceremony
If you wish to have a receiving line, or to go directly to taking formal family photographs, the clergy will most likely be happy to make that announcement on your behalf as to avoid confusion.

Photographer's Break and Meal
We will need to take a short break during the event to eat. We will eat while you eat, and it usually works out just fine, since no one wants to have their picture taken while they are chewing. Most caterers will provide a light meal for the photographers and musicians. We prefer to just have it served separately in a different room if possible, and not having to go through the buffet line with your guests. Please don't forget! : )

The Table Shots:
We would hate to disturb you guests during their meal. If you would like for your photographer, however, to follow the bride and groom from table to table when they greet their guests, we would be happy to do so. Otherwise we would shoot candid groups after the main course.

More Events
Please plan to have all events, like the cutting of the cake, the bouquet toss, etc. take place before we are scheduled to leave! Please set a time on your schedule and try to stick with it! Enlist a friend to remind you and to round up the guests. The DJ will usually help with the schedule at the reception as well.

The End
Please let me know at the time of the booking if there is a chance for overtime so I can plan ahead. I usually don't rush out, but just in case....

If you want me to photograph your departure please let me know ahead of time. In this case you must keep track of time. However, if you have an open ended reception evolving into a real party you may not choose to pre-set your departure time.

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