After 200 weddings, these are our top 5, no-bullshit tips for an awesome wedding
Planning your dream wedding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. After photographing nearly 200+ weddings, I’ve seen it ALL.
The good, the bad, the wild, the mellow, the creative and the boring.
And being a weddig photographer means that im with my couples from the very beginning of their wedding journey, all the way to the very end when the photos and videos are delivered.
So that gives me a unique perspective into things.
We interact with every vender, help structure the timelines of our couple’s weddings, see what works and what doesnt. So whether you're just starting your planning journey or putting the final touches on your big day, these tried-and-true, no-bullshit tips will help you create a wedding that's not only beautiful in photos but also a joy to experience. Where our list differs from others is that we arent going to give you the same generic advice youve seen time and time again.
So here it is!
Our no-bullshit, top 5 list of things you
must-know as you enter your wedding journey!
Pick your venders wisely
Nothing, and I mean nothing, will de-rail your wedding faster and more abruptly then picking venders who are unreliable or dont know what they’re doing. That goes for every vender. We’ve seen hair stylists cancel on their couples THE DAY OF THE WEDDING (literally 30 minutes before their schedualed arrival time). Weve seen limo drivers not planning their routes properly and get stuck in traffic for over an hour. Weve DJ’s using old audio cables that kept cutting the music and totally ruin the grand entrances and dancefloor.
The list goes on-and-on….
So do your research on every single vender you work with. Read their reviews, scheduale video calls with them and come prepared with complex and in-depth questions. Go the extra mile and see who’s tagged them on instagram, and DM their past clients to get their feedback. Ask your other venders for their recommendations - chances are they wont lead you astray since thats a reflection of their judgement and reputation.
Make sure that no matter what, your working with professional that you trust.
If a vender starts to get defensive, aggressive, sketchy, or make you feel disrespected throughout the interview process…RUN!!
Invest in What Matters
Some wedding expenses deliver A LOT more value than others.
Smoke Machine? (nobody will even notice)
Super expensive cake? Not worth it (honestly, most of it will end up in the trash)
Live Performances or a Live Band? YES! People will LOVE that.
Most importantly! Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator will be the best money you spend on a wedding day. They'll think of and handle so many things you probably haven't considered, and they'll make sure your day runs smoothly and on time. When you're caught up in the emotion of the day, having someone else manage the logistics is priceless.
Same thing applies to a good DJ! Spend the money on a professional DJ who knows how to keep the party going all night! Most of your guests are coming to your wedding to have fun and celebrate, and your DJ is the backbone of the entire festivities. Your guests will remember having fun and dancing all night with you and thats the most important aspect of planning a wedding
focus on the vibes
Let's talk about the secret ingredient that transforms a lovely wedding into an absolutely unforgettable celebration - it's all about the VIBES! 💃🕺
While timelines and locations are important, it's those unexpected moments of pure joy that create the most magical photos and memories.
Imagine the epic shots of dollar bills flying through the air from money guns during your grand entrance, or the absolute elation on everyone's faces as champagne bottles pop and spray during a toast! These aren't just fun additions - they're memory-makers that give your photographer incredible candid moments to capture.
Little touches like custom newspapers announcing your marriage, elegant paper fans for summer ceremonies, or gorgeous parasols that double as shade and stunning photo props elevate your aesthetic while serving practical purposes.
Bringing a mini Bluetooth speaker to keep the energy flowing between venue transitions! This keeps the party atmosphere alive and creates a soundtrack to your day that prevents those awkward silent moments.
These thoughtful extras don't just look amazing in photos - they create an immersive experience for you and your guests that makes your wedding distinctly, memorably YOURS.
The best part? Most of these items are surprisingly affordable and easy to incorporate, but the impact they have on your wedding's vibe (and photos!) is absolutely priceless.
Trust me - after photographing hundreds of weddings, these are the elements that truly make the difference between a beautiful day and an absolute BLAST that you and your guests will reminisce about for years to come!
Get ready earlier than you think!
Nothing derails a wedding faster than running behind schedule right from the start. I've seen it countless times - someone wants an extra makeup touchup, another person's hair isn't cooperating, or someone dislikes their look and needs a complete redo.
This creates a devastating time-stealing snowball effect. Each delay eats into precious minutes you've scheduled for other important moments. Suddenly, you're facing impossible choices:
Those cute robe photos with your bridesmaids? No time left. Special moments with parents? Have to postpone. Relaxed portraits with your bridal party? Now rushed and stressful.
As each activity gets delayed, it pushes everything else later and later. Your carefully planned timeline crumbles hour by hour, forcing you to cut meaningful moments you've been dreaming about.
Even worse - if you're an on-time, type-A person (I see you!), watching your schedule collapse creates stress that shows on your face in EVERY photo. That tension isn't the memory you want captured forever.
Add a full 30-minute buffer to whatever time your hair and makeup team promises. You'll thank me when you're the calm, radiant bride enjoying every moment instead of watching the clock in panic as your timeline disappears! Its SOOO much better to be early and have plenty of time to enjoy an extra mimosa rather than be rushed and stressed from the moment you start your day!
The Later in the Day We Can Take Photos, The Better They'll Look
The secret nobody tells you early in your wedding planning journey is getting those incredible lighting in your photos actually starts WAY before your wedding day - like when you're first booking venues! This mistake happens all the time:
You book a church that only has an 11am ceremony slot available, then your reception venue doesn't open until 5pm... and suddenly you're stuck taking ALL your photos in that harsh midday sun with nowhere to go.
When you're venue hunting, pay close attention to the available time slots. If your ceremony venue only offers 11am slots, but your reception venue doesn't open until 5pm, you've created a challenging gap that forces your photos into harsh midday light. Hers what youll want to be looking for:
Ceremony spots with afternoon time slots (ideally 1-3pm)
Reception venues that can start shortly after (around 4pm)
Reception venues that can accommodate guests shortly after your ceremony ends
Or better yet - venues that do both in one place!
The Ideal Wedding Day Flow
Here's what works beautifully:
Ceremony ending around 2-3pm
Reception/cocktail hour beginning around 4pm
This timing naturally places your portrait session in that gorgeous late-afternoon light
Your guests can flow directly from ceremony to reception without awkward waiting periods
This creates the PERFECT flow: ceremony → cocktail hour (while we sneak away for those dreamy portraits) → reception.
Your guests are happy sipping drinks and mingling, and you get those frame-worthy, golden-lit photos that'll make your Instagram followers double-tap so hard they might break their screens. 😂
If you're already committed to venues with challenging schedules:
Consider a first look and some portraits before the ceremony
Arrange transportation or activities for guests during any necessary gaps
Schedule a "portrait break" during the reception when the light is perfect
Plan a post-reception mini session for just the two of you
Remember: When selecting your ceremony time, don't just take the first available slot. Ask yourself: "How will this timing affect our photos?"
The difference between harsh noon lighting and golden hour portraits huge. By planning your day with optimal lighting in mind from the very beginning, you're making an investment in photos you'll truly cherish forever.