Choose your vendors wisely

This should go without saying, but hiring a wedding planner you trust and vibe with is crucial to a stress-free wedding day. They are professionals and can see ten steps ahead, always anticipating disaster and planning accordingly for rainy days, toppled cakes and difficult family dynamics.

From florals to event rentals to caterers, it takes an army to pull off a wedding. Make sure you trust your vendors professionally and enjoy their company personally. They’re going to be around all day, so it’s vital to a stress-free day that you trust their vision and you all get along.

Remove distractions

You’ve got one job on your wedding day, and that’s to celebrate your love. Have a friend hold onto your phone to keep distractions to a minimum, and let your wedding planner field any questions.

Location matters

Whether it’s a family home, a boutique hotel or an AirBnb, choosing the right environment sets the tone for the day. Consider a space that’s large enough for your party, and keep clutter to a minimum. Having some private areas to sneak off to for sentimental moments and portraits is also a smart idea. Spend this time with your favorite people for the start of a great day.

Put it in writing

Write a love letter to your future spouse that they can read before the start of the day. Taking the time to put pen to paper to tell them everything you love about them is such a meaningful gesture. Tell them how you’re looking forward to seeing them, share the funniest memory that you have together, or something you’re looking forward to doing together 50 years in the future. A little note goes a long way.

It’s all in the timing

Timing is key to soaking up your day. To ensure a relaxed pace, make sure to allow for plenty of time in your timeline for each beat of the day. With the help of a wedding planner, and even your photographers, you can plan a leisurely day where you can revel in each moment and we have time to capture them.

Plan a “first look”

A “first look” with your soon-to-be-mate is a great way to connect before the craziness of the day. You can share some time together and words of encouragement, and we’ll be there to capture it. We also love when couples set aside time for first looks with close friends and family. Getting their reactions always feels so special, and results in some of the sweetest shots.

Pause at the altar

Nerves are probably at their peak when you’ve made your way to the altar. If you can remember, try to take in your surroundings. The ceremony itself can seem like it’s over in a blip, and you’ll want to remember the smiling faces of your friends and family in the crowd. Some officiants will offer the newlyweds a moment to pause and take in their loved ones and enjoy the moment. We’re all about it!

Hear them out

Not everyone loves speeches at a reception, but we’re fans. Give your best friends and closest family members the opportunity to tell you how much they love you and how much you mean to them, and take the opportunity to say it back. It’s a great opportunity to soak in the day and create new memories.

Embrace imperfections

Not everything goes according to plan, and that can ring especially true on wedding days. Sometimes, the best laid plans go awry. Embrace your day, rain or shine, snafus and all. Stay in the moment, and along as you get to say “I do,” the rest is inconsequential.

As your photographers, we’ll be there on your big day to help you soak up your wedding. And the moments you miss? We’ll capture them so you can cherish them forever.