Focus on Forever; Your Wedding Playbook: Best Kept Secrets
Focus on Forever; Your Wedding Playbook: Best Kept Secrets
Welcome back to your ultimate wedding playbook! Today get ready to dive into some amazing tips for a successful and memorable wedding!
Planning a wedding is no small feat, and when it comes to a destination wedding there is even more to consider. As a photographer who has captured countless love stories, I’m here to share some of the best-kept secrets that can help you make the most of your wedding experience. Whether you're dreaming of a sunset ceremony on the beach or a lively reception under the stars, these insider tips will ensure your photos not only capture the beauty of your destination but also the essence of your celebration.
First and foremost, have a detailed conversation with your photographers about your ideas for the wedding day. Share your thoughts on what traditions or activities you have planned for your day so we can give our recommendations and prepare our own shot lists. You should also check out our blog on creating a wedding day timeline with your photographers. It is advised that you put your coordinator and photographer in touch as they will work closely to document your incredible day. Out of all the outstanding vendors you'll hire for your wedding, the photographer is the one who will capture it all and at the end of the day will be the most important to helping you relive every moment.
Speaking of; a second photographer is a great consideration for an active wedding. A second shooter can capture different angles and moments, ensuring nothing is missed. Videography is also an important consideration; videos bring your day to life with movement, sound, and emotion that still images alone can’t fully convey. From the heartfelt vows and spontaneous laughter to the music and ambiance of your celebration, video offers a dynamic way to relive your special day. It allows you to experience the day’s energy and excitement again and again, offering a more immersive and personal keepsake that complements your photo album perfectly.
Now from my experience at dozens of weddings, the number one factor when it comes to the day running late is the bridal make up. No matter how much time you have planned, add an hour. It's so much better for the bride and her bridal party to finish early and have more time to relax. This time of day is crucial for photos because after we shoot details like the dress and rings, we can head over to the boys room and capture them- but typically we already need to make them get ready early as is. If the bride is ready early she has more photography options for her solo portraits.
A first look can be such a beautiful moment for two future spouses to see each other privately before walking down the aisle. And another benefit to the first look is that afterwards you can take some of your couples portraits to save time after the ceremony. You'd be able to join your guests for the cocktail hour and enjoy more of the day with your loved ones. It could also create enough time to set up an opportunity to take a quick portrait with each guest as you officially greet them.
Even if you don't decide to do a first look with your spouse; you can choose another special loved one like a flower girl or grandparent. These are such special moments to share with your favorite people. And you can always do a first touch. If you've prepared a gift of a note for your lover, let us arrange a location where you two can hold hands around a corner. the moment and the photos are absolutely remarkable.
If you're planning a sparkler exit have a plan in place for where everyone will stand and when and who light the sparklers, or for fireworks make sure you have time to set up the perfect shot with your photographer. Timing is everything on these images!
In general it wouldn't be a terrible idea to assign one or two of your bridal party to assisting with your photos. They can master the art of tossing a view and play defense so that no one walks in on your first look or fireworks shot. This is especially helpful if you've planned a ceremony with no phones present.
Now that we've covered the photos, what can you do to make your wedding a fun experience for your guests? Here in Mexico one of my favorite traditions is to hire Mariachis for your cocktail hour.
Mariachi music adds a vibrant and lively atmosphere that can instantly elevate the mood. Their energetic performances, colorful outfits, and lively tunes create a festive environment, making the cocktail hour feel special and celebratory. Other ideas for memorable experiences could be to hire a live painter to create a stunning portrait from a moment at your wedding and you and your guests can watch them paint it right in front of their eyes! For that edgy couple, find a tattoo artist that can create some flash tattoos that are significant to you and your partner. This cocktail hour or reception experience will be the ultimate party favor!
Recently, I have had some brides and grooms include handwritten letters to each of their guests and have used them for their seating cards at dinner. It's such a beautiful way to honor each guest and make them feel truly special. Local treats make amazing favors; many couples even choose to have their favors customized for each guest, like a shot glass or maraca with their name. Thoughtful gifts that they can take home will be the perfect souvenir to immortalize your special day.
There are so many amazing moments to be had on a wedding day. And when it comes to the mother of the bride, take a moment to find a special way to honor her; The mother of the groom and the father of the bride both usually get a special dance with their child during reception; don't forget about mom. I've also had numerous couples offer special moments to their guests and bridal party; a birthday cake for a groomsmen or a dance with dad for the brides sister that didn't get her father daughter dance at her Covid wedding, etc. Take this opportunity to show your guests how much they mean to you; you won't leave a dry eye in the house!
Personally I love a sweethearts table. Instead of having the entire bridal party at your table; let your team sit with their spouses or plus one's while you and your new spouse have a quiet space to relax, connect and appreciate everything that went into planning and executing such a masterpiece. Reflect on all the beautiful moments together.
Last but not least in experiences; food! Most resorts or venues have amazing food for your dinner but late night snacks after hours of drinks and dancing are the real showstopper. Hire a taco or churro stand to make hot delicious treats right in front of your guests and pair them with a signature cocktail or mocktail for a wedding win!
Well there you have it, some of my best tips for your perfect wedding day! Leave a comment with your best kept wedding secret or favorite moment from your own wedding.
