You have your guy.  You have your venue.  You have your dress.  You have your photographer.  Even if you hired the #1 photographer in the world, there are still some things you can do to ensure that you get the best possible photos of your wedding day.  Here are a few of my tips for great photos:

1.  Don’t schedule your wedding ceremony after dark.  I know the idea of a nighttime ceremony might sound romantic, but for amazing photos you need great light!  If you want to have your ceremony during sunset, I highly recommend doing a FIRST LOOK since there won’t be any light left after a sunset ceremony for family formals and bride and groom portraits.  If a FIRST LOOK isn’t for you, make sure you schedule your ceremony at a time that allows ample time after the ceremony to get all the photos you are wanting while there is still light out.

2. If possible, get ready in a room that has lots of natural lighting and space.  Often times the bride and her girls are getting ready in the basement of a church or in a dark room with almost no natural light.  If there’s one available, try to get ready in a room with lots of light and space.  You don’t want to be falling over each other if you’re trying to fit ten bridesmaids in a room that’s only fit for four people.

3.  Have your details ready for your photographer when they arrive.  One of the first things I tackle when I arrive to photograph a wedding is to get all the details together to photograph first so I can get them back to the bride.  I tell my clients ahead of time to try and have everything together in one bag so they don’t have to go searching for everything once I arrive when they should be relaxing and enjoying their day.

4.  If your budget allows for it I always recommend uplighting at a reception.  It’s an easy way to dress up a space and the lighting adds so much dimension to your photos.  It really makes a huge difference!

5.  TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

6.  Relax!  You’ve planned for this day.  Try to enjoy it!  At the end of the day, as long as you’re married to the love of your life that is all that matters.  Don’t let the stress of anything else get to you.  Be happy!  It’ll show in your photos!  🙂