"Where Does The Time Go?"

With wedding season in full swing I have been meeting with lots of couples recently both for initial consultations and for finalizing details right before their weddings.  During these meetings we talk about time lines {{doesn't it seem like everything is about timing on  your wedding day?}}.  First, we get the obvious out of the way... "Our ceremony starts at 4."  "The reception ends at 9pm."  "Yes, we will have a cocktail hour from 4:30-5:30."

Great.  But then comes the question I ask that makes your forehead wrinkle just  a little bit... "What time would you like me to show up?"

A lot of people go back to the ceremony start time.  "My ceremony starts at 4, so I guess 3:45."  Nope.   And this is why I think it's important for us to actually get together for a nice chat to finalize the details.  There is so much to consider before your walk down the aisle!

When are we going to do photos of the bride/groom and their individual wedding parties?  After your ceremony you'll want to get right to your reception and start partying the evening away. Trust me, you will!  Your tolerance for photo shoots goes way, way down after the words "I do"  sweetly slip from your lips.  You're done.  You're ready for champagne and dancing.

So  yes, we should get the photos of you with your bridesmaids and groomsmen and your brothers/sisters/moms/dads/dogs out of the way before the wedding if we can.  That way right after the ceremony we can do a few quick group shots and spend a little time with just the two of your.  Then you're FREE!

And there's always, "I think my maid of honor/mom/sister will have a camera while I'm getting ready. Do I need you there during this time?" YES YES YES!

This is really one of my favorite parts of the wedding day!  There are so many emotions flying around the room as the bride gets into her dress and the groom adjusts his tie.  There are few more {{if any}} times in your life  that your mom will help you get dressed.  How often are all your best friends and most important family together, getting prettied-up for such a special moment?  Not too often!  Some of my favorite wedding photos are taken during the getting ready stages because of the pure anticipation that shows up on your faces.  And guess what... these often end up being some of the couples favorite photos too!  You don't want these moments missed because your mom (the one with the camera) is too  busy helping you into your dress to capture these once in a lifetime moments! 

"But I want you there for my entire reception, and I only have you for six hours!" Okay.  Now you have a choice to make, and I am always very honest about this.  You can either add on an extra hour or two -OR- really think about your reception time line.  Do you really need me there for your entire reception?  If you slow down and think about it, I bet your answer is going to be, "probably not."

Of course you want photos of the traditional reception happenings... I'll be there for your frist dance.  Your cake-cutting, and all that.  But as soon as the bouquet has been tossed to a lucky single lady, there's not much left for me to do!  Of course, if you're having a grand send off, that's another story, but for the most part the last hour or so is strictly party time.  The bride and groom might leave a little earlier as the guests finish up. Then you definitely don't need me there. And I take plenty of photos of your guests during the rest of the day, so you'll have plenty at this point! So if you consider this, voila, you have another hour to add on to the start of your day!

And that, boys and girls is why I always like to spend a little time with you before your wedding to chat.  I am here to help you, afterall!  I want to capture the images that you'll treasure for the rest of your lives, and the memories that you'll pass down to your future children! I want to make sure you're covered at all the right times and that the time we do spend together is spent effectively. So use me.  Feel like you need an extra meeting to go over a few more details?  I'm a fan of coffee shops and deserts, so I will almost never say no.   :)