One thing I have dearly missed doing, is finding the time to blog all the etceras in wedding world that I have an opinion about, want to passionately share and stress to my clients, or simply just give someone a new idea to make the day, and the photographs, extra special. While my girls frolic in Oregon and my week has been spent discovering the avenues in this business I want to pursue, I am excited to share these tips again . . . if you followed my old blog, you have probably seen this before, but they still stand true.
1. The First Look. I typically become a key planner in the timeline of a wedding so that portraits are happening efficiently and at the best time according to the couple's wishes whether to see each other before the ceremony. Let me start by saying, I am a big time traditionalist. I will happily stand in the kitchen and do dishes and make dinner while Joe is taking out the garbage and cleaning the gutters. I have no problem ironing his clothes while he reads the paper. There are so many traditions I will never let go of, and feel strongly it is my personal right not to do so. The tradition of not seeing each other prior to the ceremony, however, is slowly changing, and it is this change I always have, and always will, suggest to my couples. My reasons are simple. First, that tradition goes back to the times when you didn't see your spouse prior to the ceremony because you simply had not met them yet. The decision had been made - this is who you will marry. But let's call a spade a spade . . . the real reason most of us choose not to see our future husband prior to the ceremony is because we want to make our grand entrance after spending a thousand dollars on a dress, and hours in the hair and makeup chair, and have everyone present see his expression. As a woman, that idea is thrilling and exciting . . . it is also the exact reason so many brides spend the time up until that moment feeling fidgety and nervous, and why I hear "I'm going to pass out" or "I think I'm going to throw up" quite a few times a month. ;)
The First Look allows for the grand entrance, and it allows for your groom not to see you until you are ready . . . but it happens prior to the ceremony. We set aside the time for you two to have your first look, which is photographed from a distance so it is still private and personal, and after a few moments of time together, we move right into portraits of the couple, wedding party, and then family. The photos are typically wrapped up with about 30 minutes prior to ceremony time so you can relax and freshen up. The best part is knowing that when the ceremony is over, the posed photos are over as well, and your cocktail hour and reception are yours for enjoying. As you should.
2. Shoes. Let me start by saying, I am a fashion lover. If I won the lottery, I would immediately lose ten pounds, and then embark on a blessed shopping spree that replaced every article of clothing I own, right down to my beloved slipper socks. This piece of advice came full circle for me yesterday morning, actually, while I met with my Saturday bride to go over the day's details. She broke out her Nine West purple high heels, handed one to me and asked, how do you like my wedding shoes? I may have slightly gasped because one, they were beautiful. But two, they had a heel. And a strap. And a frilly piece of fabric that covered the top of the foot. I expressed my love for a bride wearing a beautiful pair of heels, and Stephanie said it perfectly. All these people are here to see you. All of these people came for YOU. They traveled far, and they placed an expensive gift on that beautiful gift table. For YOU. Suffer for a few hours.
I completely understand that what we want on a long, hot summer day in a 20 pound dress is something comfortable on our feet, which is why most brides these days are choosing flip-flops. You absolutely should choose what is you. It is, after all, your day. But don't underestimate the power of a pair of comfortable heels, and between wonderful, inexpensive brands like Nine West, Charles David and Nina, just to name a few, and the fancy inserts they make to make the shoe even better, you can have your heel and comfort, too. If you want to spend a bit more money, I am a Stuart Weitzman believer, and have been wearing the same pair of basic black pumps for about 8 years now. It is the perfect place to add your something blue, or just choose a loved color, or color in your wedding decor, and enjoy them over and over again.
3. Natural Light. Okay, ladies, I cannot stress this one enough. Especially with makeup application, find a place in your preparation area where you are using window light, not light bulbs, to light the area. Makeup artists know this, but many girls do makeup themselves, or have a friend do the makeup for them. Open the curtains, pull up a chair, put up your feet, and watch your makeup go on looking exactly as it will look to everyone else. I also stress this with getting into your dress. With respect for privacy, if there is an area you can step into your dress near a window, or pull the dress up and then turn towards the window light for the rest of the dressing photos, it will make all the difference in the world between using flash.
4. Relax. :) Okay, maybe I can't stress this tip enough. Breathe deeply. Pour a glass of champagne. A relaxed bride is a happy bride, and a happy bride looks much better in photographs :).
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