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Photos Wedding Tips

Photos Before the Wedding: Where Should They Take Place?

pre-wedding photosWhen it comes to commemorating the big day, you know that your photographer will be capturing all of those special moments at the ceremony and reception – but what about the photos before the wedding?

From the engagement photos to the photos that will be taken right before the ceremony, these represent an opportunity to reflect your unique style and personality.  It also gives you the chance to take the kind of pictures that you’ll want to treasure forever.  From intimate moments with your sweetheart in the park to delicate moments getting ready in the bridal suite, photos before the wedding give you and your love the chance to reflect your tastes and style.

So where should your photos before the wedding take place?  Here are a few ideas and more tips on how to make the most of these precious photographic moments:

  • You may want to consider taking photos before the wedding in a local park or anywhere else that makes the most of your local scenery.  Engagement photo sessions represent a perfect opportunity to do this, as many couples want to make the most of any natural foliage or scenery.  Additionally, this gives you and your honey the chance to celebrate your love in an outdoor space that’s precious to the two of you.  For example, you may want to consider taking photos in the outdoor park where he proposed or on the street where you met for your first date.
  • You may also want to request that your photographer take pictures of you and your honey as you prepare for the wedding.  For example, have your photographer take pictures of you and your honey enjoying a pre-wedding breakfast, or of you and your bridal party enjoying brunch together.  This is a great way to capture the moments before the madness, where you’re exhilarated by all that’s to come on your special day.
  • In the moments between the ceremony and the reception, considering requesting that your photographer take pictures of you outside the venue or in a nearby park, if weather permits.  If you’re having a winter wedding, consider requesting that your photographer take pictures of you and your sweetheart near a window with a picturesque view. Natural scenery represents a wonderful way to frame the beauty of such a special day – not to mention a special couple.

When it comes to photos before the wedding, make the most of natural scenery and spaces that represent pivotal moments in your relationship.

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Wedding Tips

How to Plan for Wedding Emergencies

wedding emergencyWhile you may feel like nothing can impact your happiness on the day of your wedding, it’s important to realize that Mother Nature may have other plans for your special day.  Weather, power outages, and other events can impact your plans in a big way.  Guests can be delayed in their travel plans by unexpected weather, or you may discover that your venue has encountered some power outages the evening before your reception.

No matter what happens, it’s important for you and your sweetheart to keep a cool and collected frame of mind – and to put these wedding emergency steps into action:

  1. In the months leading up to your wedding, be sure to check with the venue to see if they have special plans for any unexpected events.  For example, what will your venue do to accommodate your wedding in the event of a power outage?  How will the venue handle moving the guests and the reception to a new location?  How soon will the venue tell you, and what can you do to ensure that your guests have all the information they need?

Once your venue has answered all of these questions for you, you should make an emergency plan with your sweetheart.  Compile your guest information into a handy document that you can access by phone.  You may even want to consider writing an emergency email and saving it with all the details that your guests will need to know in case of an emergency.  That way, you can immediately shoot at the email as soon as your venue alerts you that there’s a problem.

  1. If inclement weather is preventing your guests from getting to you, you’ll want to have an emergency plan in place as well.  First, make sure that your guests know how to contact you in case they encounter poor weather during their travels.  You may even want to designate your wedding planner or maid of honor as the person to deal with this.  Ask the wedding venue what they can do to accommodate the late arrivals and shifted guest numbers.  You may discover that last-minute arrangements can be made with enough notice.

It’s important to note that the best wedding emergency plans will be made in conjunction with your wedding venue.  Therefore, consider scheduling a meeting with the owner of the venue to discover emergency plans and what will happen in the event of inclement weather, power outages and more.  Don’t forget to ask about how money will be handled, as your venue may refund part of your payment should they be at fault for any wedding emergencies.