Weddings can be years or a few months in the making. It doesn’t matter how far in advance planning starts, it still takes time, thought and effort to organise the big day. And it’s something that’s only done once. Urban Avenue’s Phil Winton has the tips to a picture perfect wedding.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
I’ve shot a lot of weddings and these days almost anything goes, shorter ceremonies, less formality at receptions, male bridesmaids and female groomsmen, uneven bridal parties, weekday and even morning weddings. The most important thing is that your wedding reflects you as a couple – and you enjoy your day with no regrets.
TIMING
Be realistic. Factor in travel time between locations, remembering that bigger bridal parties are slower moving so allow a little extra time for dawdlers during photos. Family photos can also take longer than you realise. I always ask my couples for a list and to have someone prepared to help usher family members out of the crowd so it runs smoothly.
LIGHTING
Work backwards from sunset. Organise the ceremony time around how long you want for your photos and when the sun will set at that time of year. Rushing your photos because the light is going is a stress and is easily avoided.
EAT
Feed your bridal party. It’s a big day and often you and your bridal party will skip lunch or just have a small snack. By the time you get to your photo shoot, you’ll all be hungry, have some food and drinks ready to keep everyone peppy.
SHOOT
Choose the right photographer – and trust them. You spend so much of your day with your photographers, it’s important that you click with them. Make sure you meet with them before you book. Ask lots of questions about what’s included so you don’t get any nasty surprises after your wedding. Will they have two photographers or just one? Will you get your digital files? Will you get an engagement shoot so you know what it’s like to be in front of the camera? Look at their galleries and make sure you like their style. Do they only do formal posed photos or do they shoot a lot of relaxed, candid shots? If you’ve chosen the right photographer for you, then trust them to capture your unique day and personality as a couple.
RELAX
Things might not go perfectly to plan but if you relax and roll with it, you’ll have a wonderful, fun day that will be memorable for all the right reasons.
