Article for Bride / Groom

Published:  June 26, 2011

   Have more fun than everyone else at the wedding. It will show in your photos. Be yourself and relax, be in the moment and focus on each other. Be playful and daring - it is emotions that make a fabulous wedding photo. Don't start thinking about how you appear and how the pictures are going to look. That is your photographer's job.

   The most important thing you can do to make your wedding day go smoothly is to allow plenty of time for the unexpected. The wedding day will most likely be hectic, and having extra time to catch your breath will greatly reduce your stress level! Things in general will always take longer than you anticipate. Get a realistic idea of how long it will take to do your hair & makeup. Most brides tend to underestimate how long this will take, allow extra time!

   Hire a professional photographer. Your wedding photographs are so very important. When it's all said and done with ... it's all you have left. There are no second chances to do re-takes, so it's very important to find the right photographer who you can trust to capture those beautiful moments of your wedding. You'll look at your photos to re-live one of the most precious days of your life.

   Remember you look more graceful holding your bouquet lower which adds a nice curve to your arm. Holding the bouquets up to high looks awkward.

   Make sure the men check their tuxes before they leave the tux shop to make sure they are the right size, fit well, and don't have any tears, stains or loose buttons.

   Photographers are not mind readers and while we do our best to photograph your wedding, if there are specific poses, or particular family members you want photographed, be sure to let us know ahead of time!

   Use a professional makeup artist if possible. Have a pre-consultation so they already know what you want. If you decide to do your own makeup then visit the cosmetic counter and have the consultant try different colors to see what looks best on you. Avoid shimmer under the brow.

   Forget about the cameras and flashes around you, laugh, smile. You've hired the right photographer, she or he will capture all the shared looks, laughter and fun.

   When planning the times for your ceremony and reception, take into consideration the time that your photographer needs to take formal and family pictures between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception. Ask your photographer how much time is needed. I hope this will be of help in your wedding pictures.


Carol Gillis, Carol's Photography