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Hey, I’m Michele.

photographing love since 2017

I’d be honored to capture your gorgeous wedding in my clean, artistic, and one of a kind style.

Having photographed and filmed weddings around the globe I can not wait to work with you to create something truly beautiful.

I know there is a lot of information in regards to planning a wedding out there and it can feel overwhelming at times. I have filled this guide with everything I have learned from my years capturing weddings to help you and your fiance have guidance from a wedding professional along the way.

The advice in here will not only allow for a stunning wedding film and photographs, but it will also ensure that you get to enjoy a relaxed and stress free wedding day.

That said, all tips in here are from my personal experience and are merely suggestions. Only you two know what feels right and I urge you to follow your intuition. After all, this day is here to celebrate you, your unique personalities and your decision to spend your lives together. 

I am so honored that I get to be a part of this amazing chapter of your story.

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WEDDING VENDORS

invest in quality wedding vendors if you want a stress-free, beautiful, and enjoyable wedding EXPERIENCE

Your wedding vendors are the most important piece of your wedding day if you want to truly enjoy the day. Your wedding planner (and their team) will seamlessly transition your entire ceremony setup into the reception and dance party you always dreamed of having. Your florist will make the most stunning and magazine worthy floral arch and hanging installs to say your vows underneath. Your DJ and bar service will keep the party going all night long so your friends always remember your wedding as the “most fun wedding they’ve been to.” Your photographer and videographer team (AKA. me and my team) will direct, pose, and guide your family, wedding party, and you in a time effective and enjoyable manner so that you don’t have to worry about where your hand should be place or if you got all the different family constellations you wanted.

Your wedding vendors are what makes your wedding uniquely yours and you want to invest in the best quality possible. You deserve having a stress free and amazing day, so give yourself the gift of an amazing wedding! I guarantee it’s worth it.

PHOTO + VIDEO

Booking with Michael Cozzens Photo + Video ensures you will be able to enjoy your wedding day fully and completely. We take care of posing, directing, lighting, and making sure you and your fiancé look your best in every single shot. We have shot hundreds of weddings so we know the most effective and enjoyable way to capture every piece of the wedding day in our beautiful and one of a kind style. You can (and will) feel calm the entire day knowing that you have hired a team who understands lighting, composition, and the importance of capturing each and every memory and emotion from the biggest day of your life. We can not wait to work with you.

when to book?

Michael Cozzens Photo + Video books up to 18 months in advance. As soon as you have a general timeframe for your wedding reach out and we will get your wedding on the calendar.

WEDDING PLANNER

Wedding planners are an absolute necessary piece of enjoying a stress-free wedding. Your wedding planner will be in charge of your entire timeline as well as taking all responsibilities off of your back on the day of the wedding. Wedding planners will offer a variety of packages from complete wedding design to wedding coordination, so reach out and find which package works for you and your fiancé. My preferred wedding planners are Britt Warnick Designs and Belle Bodas & Events

TO NOTE: A venue coordinator is NOT a replacement for a wedding planner - you want your planner to be on your side, not the side of the venue incase anything goes off plan.

when to book?

I recommend booking your Photo + Video team and wedding planner around the same time and before any other of your other vendors.

FLORIST

Have you ever dreamed of being married under a gorgeous floral arch of peonies and roses, a floating install of wildflowers, or maybe walk down an aisle of foraged pampas grass… no matter what vision you have either Denise Kay Floral with Cactus and Topicals or The Potted Pansy will create your vision in a beautiful and timeless style. A professional florist will make the absolute most of your vision. Your florals are what will make the content of your wedding look amazing, so working with a great florist is key. Make sure to choose a simple color palette that matches the look and feel of your venue to choose florals from.

HMUA

Feeling your absolute best and most beautiful is key to your confidence on your wedding day. A professional who has done wedding hair and makeup for all kinds of weddings and style is one of the most important investments on your wedding day. HMUA’s offer packages for your entire wedding party which I highly recommend taking advantage of, so no one needs to stress about their own and hair and makeup. My two favorite HMUA are Allie Laree Beauty and Simply Mindy K who have helped hundreds of brides look stunning no matter the vision they have for their hair and makeup.

INVITATIONS

Your invitation is the first thing your friends and family will see that portrays your wedding, so having a professional artist design with your unique style in mind is important. I have never met an artist who’s invitation suites I find more beautiful than Michelle Richardson Art.

DRESS

My two favorite dress designers by far are Rime Arodaky and Rue De Seine Bridal. If you are looking for a one of a kind, statement making wedding dress you will find your dress with them. Don’t limit yourself by what you think a wedding dress “should like”. Your wedding dress can (and should be) unique to you and your wedding. Once you find your perfect dress, send me a photo so I can get excited with you!

TUX + SUIT

Grooms, this one is for you. I guarantee you don’t want to look like you found the best deal at Suits-R-US for a $150 suit when your partner could be spending $4000 on her dress. You will feel better and much more attractive in a well-fitted suit and pants so invest in them. I personally use The Black Tux to rent my formal wear any time I have an event and I highly recommend you do the same for your wedding day.

Men’s Tip: Shawl collars look amazing and The Black Tux has a large selection of one of a kind suits and patterns to choose from.

VENUES

When you are choosing your venue consider what will look good in photos and video, not only what looks good in person. I ALWAYS recommend simplicity and minimalism over a busy venue with lots of little decorations. Your wedding will feel much more high end and luxurious if you follow that rule of thumb. My favorite venues are:

The Swan House in Atlanta
Snow Basin up Cottonwood Canyon
Tribeca Rooftop in New York City
Villa Treville on the Amalfi Coast
St. John’s Bridge in Portland

LET’S TALK WEDDING

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ENGAGEMENTS

THE EXPERIENCE

An engagement session is the perfect way to kickstart the relationship with your photographer/videographer. It will allow you to get used to being in front of the camera, calm your nerves before the wedding day and will get you stunning images for your invitation suites and/or beautitul footage for your wedding film.

POSING + DIRECTION

You do not need to know anything about posing or being in front of the camera if you book with me. I am experienced with direction and posing for fine art imagery and I will tell you EXACTLY how to create stunning, natural looking images.

LOCATION + STYLING

No matter what vision you want to create, we will curate it to be even more beautiful than you imagined. I travel the world for engagments so no matter where you would like your photos know that I am cofortable and confident shooting in any location.

TURNAROUND TIME

Engagment photos will be delivered via an online gallery within 10-14 days. If you have chosen to have me film your wedding the footage taken at your engagment session will be incorporated into the final product to give your video depth and emotion.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For engagment photos I guarantee 80+ high resolution edited images, and for engagement films I will incorporate the best and most stunning clips into your wedding film.

 
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PLANNING ENGAGEMENTS

INVEST IN YOUR SESSION. IT’S WORTH IT.

You only get to take one set of engagements, so go all out.

Designing your photos to be detailed, magazine worthy, and filled with love takes a little bit of extra planning, but is always worth it.

No matter what vision you have for your session, we will work together with your dream vendors to create something stunning and one of a kind or you and your fiance.

 
 
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BRIDALS

THE EXPERIENCE

Bridal Sessions are designed to help you feel confident and sexy in your wedding dress before the wedding. Your bridal session will allow you to have a “trial run” for your wedding day look and get the picture perfect images you want of your wedding dress, ring, veil, and florals. in a relaxed and comfortable timeframe seperate from your wedding day.

POSING + DIRECTION

You do not need to know anything about posing or being in front of the camera if you book with me. I am experienced with direction and posing for fine art imagery and I will tell you EXACTLY how to create stunning, natural looking images.

LOCATION + STYLING

No matter what vision you want to create, we will curate it to be even more beautiful than you imagined. I travel the world for bridals so no matter where you would like your photos/what vision you have for them know that I am comfortable and confident shooting in any setting.

TURNAROUND TIME

Your bridal photos will be delivered via an online gallery within 10-14 days of your session date.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For bridal photos I guarantee 60+ high resolution edited images covering the details of your session, bridal portraits, full body shots, and anything else we decide to create together.

 
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PLANNING BRIDALS

INVEST IN YOUR SESSION. IT’S WORTH IT.

Similar to your engagements, you only get to take one set of bridals, so go all out. Whether we decide to shoot in the heart of New York City or a gorgeous natural light studio your photos will be stunning and one of a kind.

Your bridal session can be as beatuiful and detailed as you want it to be. Working with a professional hair and makeup artist, florist, and photographer is key to getting the magazine worthy images you have always dreamed of having.

 
 
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FORMALS

THE EXPERIENCE

Formals take place either before or after your wedding day (depending on the first look you decide on). If you and your fiance decide to have a traditional first look while walking down the aisle we will shoot your formals the day after your wedding . If a traditional first look is not your style we will go somewhere (anywhere you like) and capture your first look and a gallery of stunning, bridal magazine worthy images.

POSING + DIRECTION

You and your fiance do not need to know anything about posing or being in front of the camera if you book with me. I am experienced with direction and posing for fine art imagery and I will tell you EXACTLY how to create stunning, natural looking images in every location and setting.

LOCATION + STYLING

No matter what vision you want to create, we will curate it to be even more beautiful than you imagined. I travel the world for formals so no matter where you would like your photos/what vision you have for them know that I am comfortable and confident shooting in any setting. Remember that working with wedding professionals to design your session is key to having luxurious and high end looking photos. Investing in your wedding photos and film will always be worth it. They are the only things you get to keep after everything is said and done.

TURNAROUND TIME

Your bridal photos will be delivered via an online gallery within 10-14 days of your session date.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For formal photos I guarantee 80+ high resolution edited images covering the details of your session, formal portraits, full body shots, and everything else we decide to create together.

 
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PLANNING FORMALS

DECIDE WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU.

The main consideration when deciding to take your formals before or after your wedding is your first look.

Talk with your fiance about what is important to you two and let me know you envision for your wedding formals.

I have photographed formals on the tops of mountains, in vast deserts, at stunning studios, and many more locations. No matter what you have in mind, we will create it together.

 
 
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PLANNING A WEDDING

The different stages of planning a wedding are very exciting, but things can get stressful, too. Trying to realize your own vision and listening to a mountain of (well-intentioned) advice from all sides , add on top of that, figuring out how to plan a wedding day (something you are most likely doing for the first and only time in your life) is a challenge. Don’t worry though the wedding vendors I will refer you to are the absolute best of the best and will make your wedding day a dream come true. Here are a few things to keep in mind as a whole when tackling your wedding planning to do list:

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CELEBRATE THE PROCESS

With all these big and small stepping stones approaching your one big day, it’s easy to lose sight of how precious the here and now is. That’s why you should make an effort to celebrate every milestone, every get-together, every rehearsal. Grasp every opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Looking back it will seem like the time just rushed by and you’ll be thankful you took time.

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DON’T DO IT ALONE

Hiring a wedding planner and a team of professional wedding vendors is the difference between enjoying the wedding planning process and dreading every decision you have to make. I will help you gather a team of talented, wonderful people to make your wedding day (and every day leading up to it) an abslute joy.

 
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ONLY INVITE WHO YOU WANT TO

This should be a no-brainer, shouldn’t it? You’d be surprised at how many of my couples long for an intimate wedding day, only to find that their invitation list keeps growing. Your friends want to bring new partners you’ve never met, your grandma expects you to invite all those very distant family members and there’s this aunt you just know will have zero nice things to say, but she’s family after all… STOP! Instead of your invitation list escalating along with your stress levels, I recommend sitting down and putting together a list of the people you won’t need to introduce yourself to and have that be your guest list. If you want to invite more go for it, but almost all of my couples wish they would have kept the guest list to close friends and family for a more intimate and love filled day.

FOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT

When something doesn’t go quite as planned, try to take a deep breath and relax. You two have decided to spend your life together and, with that one important thought in mind, most incidents truly aren’t that big of a deal. Trust me on that one.

 
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INSPIRATION

FIND A VISION AND STICK WITH IT

The internet has an abundance of wedding inspiration in store for you - so much so, that it can feel overwhelming when you first dive in. Below you’ll find a collection of my favorite blogs & online magazines that have a ton of helpful advice and beautiful imagery to get you inspired for the big day. 

www.pinterest.com/michael_cozzens/

www.junebugweddings.com

www.stylemepretty.com

www.greenweddingshoes.com

www.weddingsparrow.com

Pinterest is undoubtedly every couple’s favorite place to surf throughout the wedding planning process. There’s a whole world of inspiration right there at your fingertips and that’s amazing. However, it can get super addictive. My advice would be to take regular breaks and check in with yourself: Is this truly what you want or did you just get carried away? Does this really fit you and the style of your wedding or does it only make for a pretty picture? Let your intuition be your guide.

 
 
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TIMELINE

A lot of weddings are structured in a similar way, but that doesn’t mean that you need to stick to this procedure religiously. Here are a couple of things to consider when creating the timeline for your day.

 
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DON’T START TOO EARLY

Oftentimes, couples are worried about how to keep their guests entertained throughout a long wedding day. The best solution that I’ve found? Don’t start your day too early! A ceremony in the late afternoon (or even in the early evening hours) allows you to sleep in and start the day in a relaxed manner. There’s a natural flow to how things progress and people won’t even realize how time flies by. It’s so much more pleasant than having your guests wait around with a champagne glass in their hands, wondering when things will pick up speed.

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LEAVE SOME BREATHING ROOM

Try and abstain from filling up the day’s agenda down to the last minute. Instead, add an extra 10-15 minutes to every activity, because, from my experience, a lot of things take longer than originally anticipated. That’s normal and shouldn’t be a reason to get stressed out. Instead of spending your day chasing down your own schedule, give yourself some breathing space so that you can relax and enjoy every moment.

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PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHT

From a photography standpoint, light is a key factor and will greatly influence the mood I am able to capture during the ceremony, the couple shoot, the evening etc. Simply keep that in mind, especially for everything taking place outdoors, and feel free to consult me for any questions that may come up. I have also included lots of advice on how to make the best of different light scenarios in the upcoming chapters.

 
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STYLING

When it comes to wedding dresses, every person is different. Maybe you’ve had a vision of your perfect dress ever since you were a little kid. Perhaps you want to surprise yourself. Maybe you’ve decided to have your dream dress tailored for you. Or you’ve been browsing vintage shops for the last couple of months waiting to find a golden oldie to walk down the aisle in. Styling is such an individual thing, but no matter what your dress goals are, there is one thing you should never forget:

Stay True To Yourself

While there are certain traditions, there’s absolutely no rulebook when it comes to what a bride or a groom has to look like. Follow your heart. Stand your ground when bridal shop owners, makeup artists or relatives want to convince you of anything that doesn’t sit right with you. Believe me, a couple of hours into the wedding day, these choices will make all the difference. And how comfortable you are will shine through in every photograph.

 
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REHeARSAL HMUA APPOINTMENTS

This advice applies no matter how lovely and competent your makeup artist seemed on first impression, and no matter how much you adore every portfolio shot of your hairdresser’s creations. Scheduling a rehearsal date is crucial to ensure you have a similar vision, discuss your preferences and no-gos beforehand and try different things without time pressure. 

On the day you have your HMUA rehearsals done I recommend shooting your bridals while you have your stunning hair and makeup done.

CHOOSING THE DRESS

Only bring a small group of people to your dress fittings. They should know your style, shield you from obtrusive shop owners, be kind and honest and also know when to shut up. This is exactly the squad a nervous bride-to-be needs by her side.

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KEEP IT NATURAL

I urge both you and your fiance to choose something you can move around in with ease. I promise you want to be comfortable on your wedding day. A dress and tux that won’t stop you from dancing. Shoes that won’t stop you from walking to an epic lookout point. A hair style and makeup that look beautiful, but effortless and natural in photos. And remember - it’s perfectly normal that over the course of the day a strand of hair loosens or an epic location session leaves some traces on your dress. Don’t worry about it and don’t let yourself be limited by an outfit that you will most likely only wear once in your lifetime. Instead, create the epic memories you want to in these clothes.

 
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FOR GROOMS

WHETHER THERE’S ONE OR TWO OF YOU

This part of the wedding guide is written for you, the groom. I don’t know how big a role you’re playing throughout the wedding planning process. Maybe you are actively engaged in every part of the journey, or perhaps you are standing on the sidelines, nodding through ideas, not quite sure what all the fuss is all about. Either way, that’s totally cool and my intention is not to convince you that table decoration and color concepts are the bee’s knees when you simply don’t feel that way. But I have accompanied many couples through this time in their lives and there are a couple of things that I would like you to know.

 

THIS IS YOUR DAY TOO

A huge part of the wedding industry caters towards brides and their ideas and visions. However, this is your wedding, too, and you get a say in what it will look like. Take a moment and ask yourself what’s important to you. What are you looking forward to the most? What do you need in order to enjoy the day? Whether it’s amazing food, a live band playing all your favorite songs or a relaxed morning with a ton of time for your buddies. Make sure to set some priorities and communicate these things clearly with your fiancé and everyone involved. Your fiancé will be ecstatic to have you actively participate in the wedding planning process instead of just being a sounding board for ideas.

 
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THINK JAMES BOND

Your future spouse is most likely putting a lot of thought into your wedding, the accessories they will wear, and so much more, but what about you? Are you still procrastinating on what you fear will be an endless odyssey through men’s apparel stores until you finally find a decently fitting suit that’s an okay color? Don’t make that mistake. Get inspired by what’s possible for you on the day. Think James Bond, Liam Hemsworth and Ryan Gosling. No matter your taste and style, I guarantee there is a suit out there to emphasize your personality instead of making you feel like your going to junior prom.

You can have your wedding attire custom-tailored and made to you, or if you prefer to rent www.theblacktux.com is the absolute best place for grooms inspriation. Having a suit that is perfectly fitted and the correct length will make a world of a difference and you’ll look damn cool next to your partner.

 
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A WORD ON PHOTO + VIDEO

From my experience many grooms are a lot more skeptical when it comes to photo and video. I assume it’s because you are worried I will force youinto a bunch of lovey-dovey poses and expect you to put on a cheesy “picture-perfect” front for the sake of a romantic picture. I guarantee that my sessions are not like that. I wouldn’t have any fun either if my sessions were like that.

Here’s my promise to you: If you show up for yourcouple shoot in a great mood, readyto create something one of a kind and different, and trust my approach and ideas, then I have everything I need to create epic photographs with the two of you. I have NEVER had a couple leave a session with me without saying “that was way more fun that I thought it would be.” The photos and video of your day will last a lifetime, so I make sure that you have fun creating them.

 
 

THE WEDDING DAY

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GETTING READY

The morning hours of your wedding day are exciting and truly unique to you and your wedding party. It is one of my favorite parts of the whole day to capture in a candid and documentary style.

When the groom-to-be buttons up his shirt with trembling fingers and the prospective bride’s mom can hardly hide the tears seeing her little girl in her wedding dress. When little love notes are exchanged, hugs are shared and you can almost taste the anticipation in the air.

Putting a little bit of thought into the setting and details of this emotional and very exciting first chapter of your wedding day will set the perfect tone for everything to come.

CHOOSING YOUR GETTING READY SPACE

An open and calm space with lots of natural light (big windows) is perfect to document everybody’s preparations. I would usually recommend a hotel room or AirBnB whose interior fits the overall feel you are going for on your wedding day.

If you decide to get ready at home, choose the brightest and biggest room in the house and transform it into a sacred space. That means getting rid of any distracting elements (goodbye laundry baskets and home trainers!) and surrounding yourself with beautiful things and your favorite people.

Keep in mind: whilst the bride usually receives the most beautiful room, it’s important to put some thought into where the groom will get ready, too. A scarcely lit hallway or a tiny room with no natural light isn’t good enough. Instead, check in with the hotel staff whether it’s possible for the guys to get ready in another free hotel room in the morning, check for some cool barber shops (or other awesome venues) close by or make sure that another room on location is being prepared for the groom and his groomsmen.

 

Here Are The Best Tips To Make Your Getting Ready A Success:

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How Much Time Do I Need To Capture The Getting Ready?

There are a few factors to consider when calculating the time needed for capturing the Getting Ready. How many people are going to be there? When will the makeup artist and hairdresser get to work? How many hours have you booked with me?

Usually, two hours is a perfect timeframe. It allows me to capture the setting and mood, the beautiful details, you (and your wedding party) getting the finishing touches of hair and makeup done, you putting on your wedding attire, as well as lots of candid moments in between.

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1. Detail Shots

Often the Getting Ready starts with me taking detail shots of your dress, jewelry, shoes, cuff links, invitation cards etc. It will save us a lot of time if you’ve already put all these things together in one place, so that I can access them easily and arrange them for some lovely detail shots.

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2. Sit By The Window

When you get your hair and makeup done, please make sure you sit by a window facing outside. This guarantees the best light for the photographs. Your makeup artist and hairdresser surely won’t mind, as they will look for optimum lighting anyway. It will also ensure that your makeup looks just right in the daylight.

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3. KEEP IT CLEAN

Even if you’re in a hotel room, things quickly get messy with hair straighteners, (plastic) bags, clothes, half-eaten energy bars and makeup containers lying around everywhere. Sometimes it makes sense to decide on a certain corner (or room) where everyone can drop their stuff or, perhaps you could ask your bridesmaids to do a quick cleaning session before I arrive. Keeping the space tidy will ensure that we don’t constantly have to move distracting (or straight up ugly) elements before taking a shot.

4. ONLY YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE

Having all seven of your awesome girlfriends, your two sisters, your aunt and your mother join you in the morning may sound like a good idea at first. But keep in mind that with too many people around it often gets very busy. Things take longer than anticipated and you will have a hard time relaxing and taking it all in. My advice would be to choose a handful ( 5 max) of your favorite humans to share these precious first hours of the day with and give the rest of your beloved friends a big hug as soon as you see them later in the day.

5. WHAT TO WEAR

I will take quite a few photographs before you put on your wedding dress, so maybe you want to put a little bit of thought into what to wear beforehand. A morning gown or a Kimono look beautiful in the photographs and are just as comfortable as your favorite sweat pants and a shirt.

6. WRITE LOVE LETTERS

It’s very likely the two of you will be incredibly nervous during those hours you spend separately. So, why don’t you write each other little love notes that both of you can read before you head off to the First Look or ceremony? It is a beautiful, loving gesture that calms the nerves and will make you overflow with gratitude. You’ll get goosebumps every time you look back on these moments through the photographs.

 
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FIRST LOOK

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What is important to you two

The First Look is a unique way of celebrating the moment that you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. It takes place before the wedding and the setting can be anywhere, from your favorite national park the week before your wedding, an alleyway by your chapel or even just a beautiful room at your venue. You will get to enjoy some quiet minutes, while I keep a discreet distance and capture this emotional encounter.

Personally, I love a separate First Look for its intimacy and emotion. It gives you the chance to share a moment all to yourselves before the wedding day to exchange a few words in private and to calm each other’s nerves before all eyes are on the two of you.

It also has the advantage that we can use the time to take some couple shots before the big day and/or family formals that later on may interfere with the flow of the day.

The setting and mood of your First Look are completely up to the two of you - let you6r imagination run wild! I’ll be more than happy to help you plan it.

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Unplugged Wedding

your guests will enjoy the day more if you have them present

I understand that capturing important moments with a smartphone is second nature to most people these days. However, asking your guests to refrain from using cell phones and tablets during the ceremony or even throughout the day allows them to take everything in. It also gives me the opportunity to capture the raw emotions and reactions to what is happening. It’s a shame to witness emotional moments unfolding while people’s faces are hidden behind small screens, or seeing guests too engrossed in operating their smartphone camera to even realize what is going on around them.

It also ensures that no enthusiastic guests will limit the frames I am able to capture during important parts of the ceremony. It’s sad to be unable to take a proper picture of the groom waiting for his bride at the end of the aisle because guests are in the way, trying to capture a grainy iPhone shot. Or manoeuvring themselves in awkward positions to get a good photo angle throughout your First Dance instead of simply enjoying this special moment.

It is not a concern for everyone, but definitely something to think about. If you decide to unplug certain parts of the day, put it in the invitations so your guests are aware beforehand. Let people know that they will have access to your wedding photo gallery afterwards. That way they can relax, knowing they will receive beautiful memories of the day, too.

 
 
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CEREMONY

The ceremony is one of the highlights of your day. Whether you have chosen to get married with a view of NYC in the background or you are going for an outdoor ceremony with an awesome view - I am convinced it will be breathtaking.

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LIGHTING IS KEY

When choosing the perfect place for your ceremony, keep in mind that light is a key factor that will greatly influence the mood of the ceremony setting. A time later in the day is ideal for outdoor ceremonies, when the sun is already a lot lower in the sky. This obviously changes throughout the months, so my advice would be to do a quick check on Google and keep in mind when the sun will start to set on your wedding day.

If you are set on having your outdoor ceremony around noon, potentially on a sunny and hot day, make sure you position yourself in a way that you are backlit and provide some shade for your guests, too, e.g. with trees or parasols in nude colors. Feel free to ask me beforehand or on site if you are not sure about how to set everything up.

OFFICIANT COMMUNICATION

If you are having a religious ceremony, make sure to check in with your pastor or religious leader beforehand and see how they feel about photography throughout the ceremony, or even in the church in general. Some are very sensitive when it comes to these topics as they are worried the photographer will be a distraction or could even interfere with the ceremony. If you tell the person conducting the ceremony about your photographer a couple of weeks or months before your big day, you will have enough time to clear potential concerns and can let me know about regulations upfront, too, so I am prepared.

I am very respectful and cautious when it comes to the ceremony. I don’t move around a lot and only approach throughout key moments. When the timeline allows for it, I introduce myself to the person conducting the ceremony beforehand to win them over. Politeness always goes a long way!

TAKE YOUR TIME

The moment the bridal party enters the ceremony site is exciting, and while that excitement may lead to a certain hecticness, I urge you to take your time on your way down the aisle. That not only allows you to enjoy your big entrance, but also gives me the opportunity to capture everything going on. Keeping your distance from the person ahead of you is also important so you are not blocking each other out. Same goes for the first kiss by the way - instead of a peck on the lips, linger a tad longer. We know you want to!

AFTER THE CEREMONY

Right after the ceremony is when everyone will want to naturally form a line and hug you. Decide beforehand if you want this to happen, and make a conscious choice of whether to allow or avoid this. If you decide to hug your guests, I recommend a very quick line (15 minutes max) becuase I pormise you don’t want to spend 3 hours of your reception saying the same things over and over again.

Be sure to put a little bit of thought into where you want the congratulations to take place (if you allow them) - neither a dark corner of a chapel nor outside in bright sunlight is ideal for photographs. Instead, look for a quiet shaded area with a lot of space for people to line up.

Or, just roll right into family/wedding party photos and we can get the recpetion party going.

 
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WEDDING DAY FORMALS

Wedding day formals are the perfect chance for you two to enjoy a few quiet moments with each other away from the wedding day buzz. It gives you time to catch your breath, reflect and create more beautiful memories with me. Whether we go for a little walk not far from the venue or drive a few minutes to a stunning view - there is always a great setting to be found and I am confident we will create something beautiful.

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED?

An hour is usually great, not including the drive to and from the venue (if necessary). Depending on the flow of your day it can also make sense to split the couple session into parts. We might do a little session right after the First Look and then head out once more in the evening to catch some of that warm, glowing sunset light.

WHAT TIME IS BEST?

This all depends on what you want your photos to look like.

For sunset “glowy” photos the best light is right before and after sunset, during what is called ‘golden hour’ and ‘blue hour’. The sun is very low in the sky, immersing the world in a warm light that looks incredible in photographs.

For more dramatic and fine art looking photographs mid-day and/or window light is much more desirable. No matter what look you want for your wedding day formals, we will work together with you planner to be sure you get the wedding photos of your dreams.

LOCATION + STYLING

There are lots of beautiful places to be found almost anywhere. Whether we shoot your formals at your wedding venue or somewhere an hour away we will create somehting stunning for you and your fiance to always look back on.

BE SURE TO REMEMBER

Taking wedding day formals is not madatory and remember that most of my couples choose to take their wedding formals the day after there wedding so we have more time to create stunning magazine worthy images. We will have floral, styling, and location freedom if you choose to do your formals on a day seperate from your wedding. If you can’t decide talk with me and we will decide what works best for you and your fiance.

TO NOTE

In addition to a beautiful backdrop I always pay extra attention to posing you and your fiance in a natural and flattering way, composition of each and every frame, the the light in a particular place, the position of the sun and possible distractions in your phtoos. These are the kind of things a photogapher and videographer considers to ensure you get the best results. You can always trust my judgement.

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RECEPTION

After the ceremony…

Your guests will move to the reception area. Make sure you offer a variety of drinks and snacks to keep everyone happy while you move around and talk to people. It’s also amazing to have some live music at this point. It creates the perfect atmosphere.

Ask your location manager about the position of the sun throughout certain parts of the day, as it may mean you need to make some adjustments. Will the sun vanish behind the house by the afternoon? It might get chilly and you could consider providing your guests with some blankets. Is the reception area open and exposed to the sun on a summer day? If so, provide enough shade for everyone. Usually the staff on site has a ton of experience, so make sure to check in with them upfront for some insider tips.

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FORMALS

As the recpetion begins we will take a moment to capture family formals. I suggest keeping the list short and sweet. I personally recommend only immediate family. I am very directive and great with large families, so do not worry if you have a rowdy family. I will tell every person where to stand and how to pose in a quick and efficient way so you can get on to enjoying your reception. After family photos we will move on to wedding party photos (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) and finally we will finish with your bride and groom portraits.

TO NOTE.

Having shot hundreds of weddings I am very efficient with family formals. I am great with direction and I will tell every person exactly where to stand, how to pose, what to do with hands, etc. You do not need to worry about ANYTHING because I have done this so much.

 

DINNER

A great portion of the day has already passed and it’s been a great success. Approaching dinner time you will be happy, filled with joy, but most likely starving and eager to sit down for a delicious meal. Here are a couple of things to consider around dinner time:

PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHTING

I always prefer to work with natural light and save my flash for the party and dance floor. That way I can work almost unnoticed and will not interfere with the event, or the work of the videographer (if present). Bright spots or disco lights in all kinds of colors don’t look good in photos (hello green/purple skin and harsh shadows!) and won’t make the food look very appetizing either. Instead, opt for candles, fairy lights and tons of warm, indirect light sources. The party lights can come on once it’s time to let loose on the dance floor!

FEEDING YOUR PHOTO + VIDEO TEAM

I take photos and video while your guests are seated and have their first drinks, but will stop shooting once dinner is being served. Eating guests don’t like to be photographed and filmed which gives me the opportunity to take a break, eat and safely store some equipment that I don’t need for the rest of the night. Please make sure that I am being served dinner at the same time as the other guests (not afterwards, as venues tend to do with vendors) since I need to be ready to go again as soon as speeches commence.

 

PLANNING SPEECHES

Personally, I quite enjoy capturing speeches and the emotional moments that unfold. My advice would be to keep them humorous, to the point and have no more than 2-3 throughout dinner (e.g. in between courses).

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IT WILL ALL BE AMAZING

It’s totally understandable that you’re worried about the day being a success, the timeline working out and everyone having fun. Here’s just a quick reminder that it is all going to be wonderful.

After all, your wedding day is one big get-together of all your favorite people in the world. The same people that have seen you grow into the person you are today. That you stay up all night with, talking with over a bottle of wine (or two). That have been by your side through the good and the not so good times. These folks will have a great time regardless. Because they love you. And they are so, so happy for you.

 
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CAKE CUTTING

I always suggest cutting the wedding cake right after dinner when everyone is in the mood for dessert. The photos of the cake will turn out gorgeous nd your guests will enjoy their delicious piece much more than at the end of the recpetion close to midnight.

 
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FIRST DANCE & PARTY

 

Make Your First Dance Magical

Your first dance is a one of the final highlights of the day so make sure to put some thought into the setting it is going to take place in. Look for a nice area with a beautiful background and lots of space for your guests to stand and watch. Natural light sources such as sparklers and fairy lights create a nice and romantic atmosphere. For the sake of getting beautifully lit photographs, ask the venue to switch off any colorful spotlights. There is one exception; a warm light in the background pointed at you two can have a beautiful effect.

And Now, It’s Time To Let Go And EnjoY

It’s party time and that means there’s nothing left to do but dance your heart out. Make sure people are allowed to join you on the dance floor right after the First Dance, so that the vibe will be at its absolute peak.

Grand Exit

Most weddings tend to wrap up by midnight. To round things off, you might consider planning a Grand Exit to end your day with a real showstopper, like a bubble, rose petal, or glitter throw exit. Let me know ahead of time if you’re planning something like this so that I can make sure I get in the best position to capture this last big moment of your day as it unfolds.

No matter what exit you are having, know that I have shot and directed hundreds of them and I will position everyone exactly where they need to be. I have everything needed to capture these last magical moments perfectly and full of light.

Your venue might only allow certain things for exits, but there are plenty of options. The only things I recommend AGAINST are glowsticks and electric wands. They do not photograph and video well. Some absolutley stunning alternatives are confetti canons, petals, rice, or bubbles.

I can’t wait to show you all the stunning photos we will have created together!

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AFTER THE WEDDING

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RECEIVING YOUR GALLERY + FILM

I know you cannot wait to get a glimpse of your photos and watch your stunning wedding film, which is why I offer a quick turnaround time of 4-6 weeks for photo and video. If you book ed with me for both photo AND video your photos will be delivered in 4-6 weeks and your film 4-6 weeks after that.

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SHARING YOUR PHOTOS + FILM

It makes me so happy when you share your images and wedding video with friends and family. Please be sure to credit and tag me when you post anyt of my work online. It’s highly appreciated, and love seeing everything you post of mine. Also, I kindly ask you to not add any filters when posting on Instagram (or similar apps).

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TIPPING YOUR VENDORS

Tipping your wedding vendors is never required, but if you feel we went above and beyond ( which I am sure you will) gratuity is always apprecatied. A standard tip would fall between 10-15% of the total service cost.

REVIEWS

Reviews are the life blood of the wedding industry, and if you loved your expereince working with me PLEASE leave a review on my pages, so other couples can have the same expereince.

 
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THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN YOUR WEDDING

now let’s do this! I can’t wait for your wedding day

I hope the advice here has helped you and given you new ideas and confidence for the rest of the wedding planning process. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here for you every step of the way and I can not wait to see what we create together.