My daddy darling has been photographing weddings for more than twenty years, so I interviewed him to find out what he suggests for the big day.
First and foremost- show each other you love each other- it shows in the photographs!
I think I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating- make a list of “must-have” photographs and ask someone responsible to help make sure you get them all! Remember- your photographer won’t know everyone and who’s who, so if you want a picture of yourself and your Great Aunty Mabel who flew in from Timbuktu because you haven’t seen her in ten years- make a note of it so someone can make sure that Great Aunty Mabel is close by and ready for a picture!
If at all possible, meet with your photographer a couple of times before the big day, try to get to know him or her a little so that when he arrives on the day you’re not intimidated and self conscious. It also helps the photographer if he knows the couple and their personalities a bit too. If your pro knows you’re a reserved, quiet couple, he’s not going to ask you to do something outrageous in your pictures just for fun! Casual pre-wedding photos are also a fabulous way to get to know your photographer and get used to smiling and posing. The vast majority of photographers who ply their trade at weddings really do know what they’re doing and half the time you probably won’t even know he’s there.
If you’ve spared no expense on your reception venue to have it decorated and so on, try to make sure no-one goes inside before your pro gets there to take some pictures (sherry or nibbly bits outside- with the doors to the venue shut- is usually sufficient to keep your guests occupied)!
If you are having a traditional church wedding, be sure to check with your minister or pastor as to what he will and won’t allow in the church. Have no fear- a photographer will not go mad with the flash during a prayer, but some pastors or ministers don’t like to be photographed during the ceremony at all. If this is the case, speak to your pastor and make arrangements to pose for a few pictures after he has finished. There’s nothing more embarrassing for a photographer than to be “reprimanded” by the man in charge because he’s doing his job!
And last but not least- and very importantly- make sure all the other snap-happy people understand that when it comes to the pictures, they must stand back… at least until your hired professional is done. “Hired Professional” being the key words here people- its costing you money. And while your pro is busy- you will doubtless have several other cameras of all kinds going off as well- make sure everyone is looking at the “right” camera first!
Most likely, your guests will be waiting at a reception venue while you have the formal pictures done, and if the photographer battles to get the shots you want because cousin Ritchie keeps pulling faces at his girlfriend with the phone camera instead of looking at your pro- you’ll just take that much longer getting back to your party!
And finally, relax and have fun! Trust the pro you’re paying- put a little Vaseline on your teeth (yes, it really works) and smile!
