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Whew! We’ve had a busy weekend, setting up a facebook page (!!!), poking around town, booking rock shows, shipping photo books, and navigating Amazon.  We did manage to squeeze in some free time, we scored a $2 slice of pepperoni pizza at Cayucos Pier!  Can’t beat a great slice of pizza and watching the surfers shred.  Today, life has slowed down slightly!  I noticed that I can make out the leaves on the trees, (there are still leaves on the trees in Cambria!), and took some time to reflect on the past year.  What matters most in wedding photographs, I think, is honesty.  A little planning can go a long way to making sure you’re free to be yourself, and let the photography flow as a seamless part of your day.  In that vein, here are a few tips Doug and I compiled for nearly wed couples to help make the most of their wedding photography experience!

Generous planning made this incredibly calm and quiet moment possible. Asako was able to relax before the ceremony began.

Plan early, and generously:

• Book your photographer at least one year in advance to ensure availability and peace of mind!  Many photographers fill their dates quick, and may, like us, only accept a limited number of weddings per month/year.  It’s sad for us when we miss opportunities to work with amazing people because we’re already booked!!!
• Let the day play out naturally and allow for that *magic* in-between time so you may savor the different scenes of your day.
• Think in fifteen minute intervals or more between each station!

Wedding planner extraordinaire, Jessica Ray of Southern California, has her hands full with various materials, multiple purses/handbags, and a walkie talkie, but everything went smoothly because of her dedication and care.

Delegate:

• It may be wise to hire a wedding planner, or position a trusted bridesmaid or other motivated person to direct the flow of your day.  He or she will care to the details, (make sure everything runs on time, communicate with the vendors, etc.)  This will give you liberty to ride the wave of the wedding.

A calm, playful moment of guest photography as Ploy smiles for her friend!

Consider guest photography and videography:

• In this world, you know just about everyone owns a digital camera or camera phone!  If you’re keen to help your guests get great shots at your wedding, but still let your contracted photographers work freely, The WPJA has a STELLAR list of ten photo tips for wedding guests here!

Jillian's sister gently brushes her with sparkles in this amazingly lit moment.

Keep extras close:

• Place your hair and make-up in the hands of artful professionals you trust.  Consider keeping them close for touch-ups!  With your hands and mind free, you will shine like a star.

Incredible natural light from the window on the right, and behind Eun made this image magical.

Ode to light:

• If at all possible, find a room with beautiful, natural light for make-up and dressing.
• Did you know the word photographer means ‘one who writes with the light’?  Write your story in natural light whenever possible.  If light from the sun is not available, twinkling candles and enthralling, captivating light will make the atmosphere ring.

Natural light can be enthralling. Here, Doug captures the stars over Boothbay Harbor, outside Kara and Mike's wedding tent.