Lauren & Brian

The story of your wedding day began months before, when you carefully chose your invitation suite, your dress, shoes and veil, the jewelry you will wear, perfume, the sentimental piece you borrowed, his tie, cuff links, watch and of course the engagement and wedding rings. I start by photographing these items, either on the day of the wedding or the day before. 

Details

Wedding Day

For ladies, I photograph the finishing touches as the hair and makeup is completed. Then with the ladies still in their robes, we often photograph a champagne toast. Then it's time for the bride to button into her dress. Across the way, my associate photographer captures the groom tying his tie, tucking in his pocket square, his best man helping with his cuff links. We often do "first looks" with parents and wedding party. I encourage my couples to slow down, take a moment with mom, dad, or best friend, to say thank you for all the support given.

Getting ready

A "first look" happens when a couple decides to see one another before the ceremony. Some couples choose to exchange letters or read vows. It's often a very emotion moment, one of the few the couple has alone on their wedding day.

During winter months, when the sun sets early, a first look helps us get many of the photos taken before the ceremony.  It also helps on days when rain is threatening, giving us more opportunities to get outside.

Your closest circle. The ones who have been by your side. Your best friend from childhood. Your college roommate. Your big brother. Your cousin who is like a sister.

These are your people, and when we photograph them, we'll do the tradition photos, but also the ones that really capture the relationship. The inside joke that makes you roar with laughter. The tight embrace right after the ceremony.

I think these photos are so important. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sister. Nieces and nephews. These are the people who have loved you through it all. Whether your biological family or the family you have created, these are the strongest bonds. And it's an emotional day for them as a new chapter of your life begins.

We will have a detailed list - prepared during the planning phase, that we'll work through efficiently on the wedding day.

Just before the ceremony begins, I capture the the venue all set and ready. And then I turn to the guests arriving. I find this a great time to get photos of guests, asking them to pause as they arrive for a quick snap.

Of course I capture all the key moments of the ceremony, but I also snap your family and friends looking on. The flower girls twirling in their dresses. The moment he wipes a tear from your cheek as you say your vows.

Some venues, like The Cathedral pictured here, have guidelines for photographers. If your venue has guidelines, I will always respect and work within them. 

After the ceremony, we do additional family photos, as needed.  And usually a few more portraits of the couple. Often sunset is nearing and the gorgeous evening light is just too pretty to pass up.

Ah, everyone has gotten a drink and the hugs and the reunions are everywhere as family members and old buddies greet one another. This is such a joy-filled time, one of my favorites for catching candids of guests with a longer lens and group photos with a portrait lens. I also make sure either I or my associate photographer gets detail photos of the appetizers and signature drinks.  

Before the guests enter, as the last candle is lit, I begin to capture what will be the dinner and dance party of a lifetime. I take time to get each detail: the florals, the name cards, the linens, the table numbers, the cake. I take detail photos and photos of the full room. If there's time, I love inviting the couple in for a first look of the reception space and even a rehearsal of their first dance. It's a fun moment and makes for gorgeous photos!

As guests are invited in, I do final adjustments to my off-camera lights that I've set up prior to the start of the day. Then we capture guests entering, family, wedding party and couple introductions, welcome speech, blessing, toasts, cake cutting,  first dances, and then the rocking dance party. And the end of the evening, we often photograph the couple enjoying a final private dance as all the guetss head outside for the grand send-off. 

First look

Wedding Party

Family

Ceremony

Portraits

Cocktail hour

Reception Details

Reception