I have shot close to 30 Weddings in my career so far, with 25 Weddings this season ahead! & I am SO excited to finally get my Wedding Season started!! I thought I’d share some wisdom from what I’ve learned, because being a Wedding Photographer is an incredibly difficult job & not everyone is cut out for it. I’ve taken note of some patterns that emerge & I think it would be a great idea to keep my clients (& perhaps other photographers) in the loop 😉

1. Photographer, Wedding Planner, Therapist :: Yes. While our main job is to capture your memories & let you relive your day through our eyes, we play many roles during the Wedding Day. With my camera still in hand… I’m there to do up your dress, fix your makeup, give advice on jewellery & headpieces. Make sure your groomsmen are dressed & their ties are tied & that their boutonnieres aren’t drooping to the side. I’m there to execute your entrances & exits, sneak you in & out of the church & I’m here for you before those doors open to give you a final pep talk about how you’re going to nail your vows. I’m the person everyone comes to for the time, directions & any other information they need. I track down missing bouquets while making sure your Mum has her van keys & I’ve gladly held a guests baby so they can eat a warm meal during supper. I’ll cry during speeches & share tissues with your Mum & I will be there to give you my ugg boots from the car because your feet are cold. & Of course, I will be your dance partner. You name it, I’ve done it & will continue to do it. We’ll be spending the ENTIRE day together-I’m here for you, not only as your Photographer, but your bad ass multi-tasker haha
2. Weddings never run on time, EVER :: This should just be a given? As much as your OCD kicks in & your micromanagement skills are on point, it will fail. Weddings never go according to your timeline, & although it is a key ingredient to have & to plan, don’t stress if things are running behind schedule. I have yet to attend a Wedding that ran exactly when it was suppose to. Don’t sweat it!
3. Always have a Family Shot List :: Sadly, this can be learned the hard way. It is solely your responsibility to inform me, your photographer, of who you want in your family pictures & that they are present… I find shots will get missed without a list. I make sure all my couples hand me a check list at our final meeting where I can have it during those portraits so everything runs smoothly. Although I try my best to get to know your family before the Wedding, I sometimes don’t know who Aunt Sally is that travelled overseas to attend. If it’s really important that someone you love makes it into the final delivery of your images, PLEASE let me know in your family shot list.
4. No matter what you do or say, people will only think of themselves & not the couple we’re all here celebrating :: I’ve come across this countless times & I hate to be so blunt about it. But it’s sad I feel the need to give reminders that THIS DAY IS NOT ABOUT YOU. This particularly goes to bridal parties. You guys, these people asked you to be a big part of their day. You will take off your sunglasses, tuck the shirt in that they asked you to wear & smile pretty for the next hour while we’re taking bridal portraits. You might not love the dress or colours you’re in, but you WILL wear it & wear it proudly. I hate having to become a mother when my kids aren’t even around me. Although I’d love to please everyone, my priority is the Bride & Groom & what they want. & What they want is something you should respect on the biggest day of their lives.
5. Weddings are mentally & physically exhausting :: I’d say this is a given as well. This is where my talked about “Wedding Hangover” comes from. No, I don’t drink at the Weddings I photograph… this hangover is from much continual mental & physical effort put in to these 10-12 hour Wedding days… 16 being my longest day ever. Those long hours do a number on my back & legs, carrying about 30+ pounds of gear. Not to mention my hands from carrying my camera-which weighs about 5lbs-literally all day long. It is SO important to keep hydrated & keep snacks with you. I personally keep cheese buns in my car with some iced tea 🙂