If you’re anything like me, the last couple months before your wedding day are a whirlwind of mixed emotions. You’re anxious and excited, you’re likely moving into a new home, you’re trying to make sure all of your vendors are paid, checking off the final details for your wedding, going through your last alterations… it’s a lot! I get it. Having been through the planning myself, I feel it’s only right to list a few things I would have heard before my wedding day. Relieve yourself of that stress, girl!

1.) Help Me – Help You, Map Out the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

When you show up to get ready in the morning, you shouldn’t need to worry about what you have planned every 30 minutes leading up to the ceremony. You should be enjoying your mimosa and relaxing! Working with me to prep your wedding day timeline will alleviate any stress, I’ll be on top of everything photography related and introduce myself/work with vendors for anything that I may need. When planning your timeline, we will want to be strategic, and we will include everything, all the way up to the family members in each group of your family formals.

2.) Be Prepared

As soon as I show up, the first thing I will jump on is styling the details so we can get to photographing you and your future hubby getting ready. These details help to tell the story of your wedding day, and all of the precious mementos and items that go along with it. One thing that is extremely helpful is to have your details box, wedding gown, veil, shoes, you’re bouquet, and any other details you can think of. But don’t worry, I provide you a list of items to consider for your details box so you don’t have to overthink it! 😉 If you don’t have these items prepared when I show up, that will take away time from me getting to the next round of photos, so it’s best to be prepared so we make it easier for both of us! <3

3.) Make Time for Photos

In addition to capturing the getting ready details, I’ll also be photographing the details of your ceremony and reception area to show off all of the effort and time you put into this! Allowing time for these is crucial when we map out your Wedding Day Timeline. Aside from the details, however, it is also very important that you and your family are open to capturing all photos and memories between events. The less time you allow for photos (which you are paying for) the less photos there will be in the final gallery delivered to you. No one wants to look back on their wedding day and wish they wouldn’t have rushed around and missed out on photo opportunities, trust me! These are memories you will cherish for the rest of your life.

4.) Don’t Sweat the Small Things!

THIS is something I wish I would have listened to when I was planning my husband and I’s wedding. When you’re in your last few weeks, and you realize your missing decoration items, or your linens aren’t the right color, don’t worry! Only you know the specific overall theme and look you’re going for, everyone else will only notice the incredible work you put into this! Plus, the most important moment of your wedding day is that you are marrying the love of your life. Don’t let the small mishaps (that are bound to happen) take away from one of the greatest days of your life.

5.) Be Present and Have Fun!

*Spoiler Alert*…..Your wedding day will go QUICK! Please make sure you take time to enjoy the day, the family and friends that are there to join you in celebration, and take a moment to breathe. Your wedding day is such an exciting experience, full of love and laughter, and girl, you are going to look absolutely STUNNING. Don’t mind me as I tear up a little behind the camera in awe 😉

I hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any questions at all, feel free to message me!