Planning your wedding day? As an editorial wedding photographer in San Diego, I’ve captured countless special moments and learned what makes your day flow smoothly while creating stunning, timeless images.
Here are my expert tips to help ensure everything goes perfectly while providing opportunities for gorgeous pictures.
1. Groom’s Getting Ready:
If you’re planning to have your photographer capture the groom’s getting-ready moments, it’s best for the groom to wait until the photographer arrives before getting fully dressed. This allows the photographer to document the details of his attire - such as the suit, cufflinks, tie or bow tie, shoes, and other accessories. I also capture moments like putting on the jacket or shoes, creating stylish and memorable shots for your wedding gallery.
2. Boutonnieres:
Keep the groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnieres together in one place during their getting-ready time. This ensures they’re ready for photos and avoids unnecessary delays.
3. Bride’s Getting Ready:
The bride should also wait to dress until the photographer arrives. This allows the photographer to take pictures of the details, including the wedding dress, veil, shoes, bouquet, jewelry, and other accessories. Capturing the moment she puts on the dress - especially with the help of bridesmaids, her mom, or grandmother - creates editorial-style images full of emotion and beauty.
4. Rings:
Keep both the bride’s and groom’s rings together, either with the bride or groom. This allows the photographer to take picture of them during the getting ready moments and ensures the rings are ready for those iconic shots.
5. Wedding Stationery & Details:
Prepare any stationery items, such as invitations, save-the-dates, or ceremony programs, and keep them in a visible place. These details complete your wedding story and make for beautifully styled flat-lay pictures.
6. Walking to the Ceremony Arch:
Walk slowly down the aisle, especially the bride. This isn’t a moment to rush! It’s your time to shine, and this allows the photographer capture the emotions on your face, your family’s reactions, and the joy of the person walking you down the aisle.
7. First Kiss:
Before the ceremony begins, ask the master of ceremoniest to step slightly to the side during the first kiss. This ensures a clear, unobstructed photo of your special moment without distractions.
8. Post-Ceremony Congratulations:
After the ceremony, stay close to your guests. This is the perfect time for candid moments as friends and family congratulate you. These emotional interactions make for heartfelt and memorable photos.
9. Family Portraits:
Before the wedding, prepare a detailed list of family portrait combinations, including full names. For example:
• Bride and Groom + Bride’s parents
• Bride and Groom + Groom’s parents
• Bride + Bride’s mom
Assign someone, like a wedding planner, coordinator or close friend to help coordinate the portraits. This saves time and keeps the process efficient.
10. Wedding day weather
If your wedding day promises sunny, cloudless weather and your ceremony is set to take place in an open area without shade, consider scheduling it between 3 and 5 PM. The sunlight at this time will be much softer, which is better for your comfort and that of your guests during the ceremony. And in this case, plan the couples’ portraits after the ceremony, just before the reception. During these hours, the sunlight will be softer, creating a more flattering glow, and you’ll feel more at ease without the harsh midday heat - perfect conditions for capturing stunning pictures that reflect the beauty of your California wedding.
11. Cake Cutting:
Ask your planner to position the cake so you can stand behind it while cutting. This allows the photographer to capture both your faces and the cake in a beautifully framed photo, instead of just your backs.
12. Exit Shot (Sparklers/Smoke Bombs or e.t.c):
During your sparkler or smoke-bomb exit, plan to walk through the corridor 1–2 times. This gives the photographer the opportunity to capture the perfect shot, ensuring your grand exit looks magical and cinematic.
These tips are designed to make your day as seamless as possible while creating breathtaking, editorial-style wedding pictures. As a SoCal wedding photographer specializing in timeless and elegant photography, I focus on capturing every detail and emotion of your celebration, ensuring your memories are preserved beautifully for years to come.
If you envision a Southern California wedding and are looking for a dedicated SoCal editorial wedding photographer who captures your special day with a timeless, storybook style, I’d be delighted to bring your vision to life.
Reach out to me via my contact form to start planning your unforgettable celebration.