Why You Need a Wedding Planner | Love Your Photographer

Dear Couples, 
Are you just starting the wedding planning process? (and oh what a process it is-former bride over here!!) 

Venue? Check
Florist? Check
Photographer? Check Check Check! 

But what about a wedding planner? 

You're thinking you don't need one right? Your cousin is going to help organize people for family portraits and your sister's boyfriend's youngest half-sister is going to keep the reception running on time. 

Stop yourself right there. 

Would you have a dentist color and cut your hair? A chef design your living room layout? 

Everyone has a specific skill set related to their job. Especially the vendors involved on your wedding day! 

I can't say enough about how much smoother weddings run for EVERYONE when a wedding planner is involved. It means I can come to them with questions and not you while you're trying to enjoy your party! It means your timeline is AWESOME and your day runs ON TIME. 

So often photographers get pulled in to keep the day running on time (which is important to be on time) BUT I want to be in my creative place so I can capture the best moments of your day. I really don't want to be shuffling your guests from cocktail hour into the reception and to please please please take their seats so we can get the first dances underway. I should instead be setting up my gear and positioning myself in the best spot to shoot your first dance as a married couple! 

Wedding planners help your vision come to reality, manage any surprise snafus and keep your day running on time! (I realize this is a SMALL sampling of ALL the tasks a wedding planner does, they do SO much more!).  

Let us each do our jobs, so you (and your family) get to enjoy every moment of your day and the time leading up to it! 

Myself with Caitlin Krebs of Caitlin Krebs Events at our first wedding together. Our second is this weekend! 

Love, 
Your Photographer
 

Why you should do a First Look | Bridal Advice

First Looks are something that have become more popular over the last couple of years. I always felt on the fence for my own wedding (in 2 months!) about doing one. I'm getting married in a big church and the walk down the aisle is going to be so magical. I love the idea of walking down and Bryce seeing me for the first time. But I eventually decided on doing a First Look. 

Why? 

Your wedding day is as much about all your family and friends as its about you. For 99% of the day, you are surrounded by all these people who are so excited for you, to talk with you and give lots of hugs! Oddly, you get very little time with your new spouse.  A First Look gives you the opportunity to have 20-30min of time together, just the two of you, to take in the moment. I can guarantee, that emotion comes through the photos more than you think it will. It's incredibly touching. I cry at most First Looks. Just a little tear. I love it. 

There are other kinds of First Looks also. Recently I did a First Look with the bride's parents (individually), the bridesmaids and finally her groom. It was so fun to do this big reveal to all these important people. I know I'm doing one with my dad for our wedding. 

First Looks can take as little time or as much time as you would like. We can turn it into your portrait session, so I don't have to grab you later, or just a way to increase your bridal photos. 

Here are some recent "First Looks". Consider adding a first look to your wedding day timeline!