THE WEDDING GUIDE.
Welcome to Alai Photography!
I cannot possibly tell you how excited I am that you made your way here, and how excited I am to be the one documenting the biggest day of your life!!
This guide is made up of three main parts: The Wedding Day, The Aesthetics, and The Experience. It's every main thing I can tell you about weddings, photography, and working with me crushed down into this one document, so you can benefit from more than just an email here-and-there from me! Instead of just dropping little breadcrumbs of my advice and expertise, I want to serve you up this entire full-course meal!
Photography is far more than just showing up with a camera on wedding day and hoping for the best. Absolutely not. I take your experience with me, the actual moments of your wedding, and the photos I create for you VERY seriously!
THE WEDDING DAY
Here's my creative and logistical experience with the big day...
SO—YOU READY TO DO THIS THING? Let's do it!
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As a photographer, I’ve been so blessed to be a key part of so many weddings over the years! And not only did I attend them, but I meticulously learned and experienced each one from the minute the first dab of makeup is applied until the getaway car leaves. And as your friend, here’s the most honest thing I could tell you after all that experience: the quality of a photograph is dictated by two things: (1) the photographer, and (2) what is being photographed.
Let me explain: The photos with stunning lighting, not only had an incredible photographer to catch that lighting, but the actual stunning lighting was probably there. Photos with breathtaking backgrounds were likely shot in breathtaking locations. Relaxed, authentic photographs were likely shot at relaxed or authentic moments. Do you see what I mean? (And don’t worry, this has NOTHING to do with budget, or faking something, etc...)
Now, as your photographer, it's my job to create amazing photos no matter what! I'll make anything work! It's my job to make the moment look even better than it actually was! But these are all the things I would tell my best friend, because instead of sending you what I can "make work", I want to send you my best work.
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That’s why I’m handing this to you. From my experience with shooting weddings, here’s everything I’ve learned, everything that I can promise you works well and doesn’t, the things that make it hard and the things that make it easy, what to expect while working with me, and everything in-between! I want to send you the absolute BEST VERSION of my photography that is worth every single penny you spend and every single hour you prepare. In order to do that, I need your help!! :)
Let's start at The beginning of your day. it’s one of the most special moments of the entire wedding day.
GETTING Ready —
Getting ready photos are always some of my absolute favorites. Some people skip them to cut down on time, but I would not recommend skipping them! The beginning of your day, while you get your makeup done, your hair done, your dress on, your suit on, etc… it’s so special and creates the most stunning photographs with your closest friends and your family.
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Keep in mind that wedding days often start slow, clunky, and a bit off schedule. So give yourself time to let that happen without stressful time constraints! If you can, try to have a getting-ready space and time set aside for each group beforehand. This can sometimes be a point of conflict for wedding parties when no one knows exactly where and when they are supposed to be getting ready. Setting those expectations beforehand is so helpful!
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Try to choose a getting ready space that has as much natural light (windows) as possible, is uncluttered, and has bright and neutral (white is best) walls! This will ensure that elegant, bright, bridal look! So as an example: try a naturally lit master bedroom instead of a cluttered basement. Or, ask your venue if they provide you with an official bridal suite, at least for the girls! As much as possible, stay away from rooms with no windows, or fluorescent lighting, or small space/low ceilings.
Try to make sure that you and your bridal party members do your best to keep the space clean of messy makeup stations, tons of hair products, etc… The cleaner the space is, the more YOU will stand out in your photos!
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Brides, thinking of doing a first look with your bridesmaids? DO IT! It’s so worth it. Even if it’s just them seeing you in your dress for the first time. They can leave the room while you get your dress zipped up (by your mom or MOH, maybe?), and then we’ll call them in and I’ll capture their reactions!
Thinking of doing a first look with your dad or mom? ALSO DO IT! These are the photos that always make me emotional the most, full disclosure. If you have a parent (or a sibling, friend, mentor) that is extra special to you, do a first look with them! It will mean the world to them!
The DETAILS —
When I arrive, the first thing I will often ask for is your details so I can take detail shots! I try to make sure that this part is not rushed, because even though these might not be the most important photos of the day, they are still so meaningful!
PREPARE THE DETAILS
If you wouldn’t mind, please prepare all your details you’d like photographed, and keep them prepared in one designated spot! This creates a seamless start to the day, instead of trying to track down each detail! These details can include:
Both wedding bands, and engagement ring.
Wedding bouquet.
Official wedding invitation.
Both pairs of shoes.
Groom’s tie, socks, belt, etc…
Wedding Dress/Veil
Anything else for desired photographs.
The First Look & ROMANTICS —
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A "First Look" means taking a special time to see your partner for the first time all alone (and I’ll be there to photograph it!). This moment usually flows directly into "The Romantics" which are the photos of you and your lovey dovey.
Whether or not you do a First Look is up to you! If you'd like one, I will walk you through this process on wedding day! I will admit, First Looks create a much easier flow of the day to have your photos before the ceremony as opposed to after the ceremony and before the reception. On top of that, many brides and grooms are immediately less stressed when they finally see their partner instead of waiting until the ceremony. But it is up to you!
Best of both: if you want to wait to see your partner when they walk down the aisle, try a blind first look! I'll bring both of you together while wearing a blindfold or just touching hands.
Personal Tip: Write your partner a sweet note and/or get them a gift, and then give it to them at your first look! If it’s a note, bring it, and then read it aloud to them! Or, some couples read their vows aloud to each other at their first look! It’s always so sweet to bring something to exchange or read to each other during this moment, and it creates truly meaningful photos.
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I will be sure and scout the best locations for a first look, couple photos, and bridal party photos on wedding day, and I will be sure and find the best possible places, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with these! If your wedding venue doesn’t provide some incredible scenes or backgrounds, look at what is near that location! Maybe there is a gorgeous open field nearby! Maybe there is a beach just 20 minutes away! Maybe the prettiest forest is a 10 minute walk down the road! Or ask me for ideas! Don’t worry - we will easily fit the travel time in! :)
—Est.Time: 1-2 Hours—
When you think of the lighting, you’re going to want to try for the early morning or the late afternoon for most photos. The harsh, unflattering lighting (especially if it’s sunny) is between the hours of 11am and 1pm, so try to schedule the majority of your outdoor photos before or after those hours! Or, try to make sure there is some shade at your venue where we take photos!
BRIDAL Party —
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For bridal party photos, don't forget to take it all in! This is one of those rare moments where you are with your absolute best pals, and not just one of them, but all of them in one place at the same time! Instead of getting caught up in the typical "boring" bridal party photos, take a second to enjoy the company, and just be your fun selves!
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It's super important to make sure your entire bridal party knows where they need to be, and when they need to be there. Often something that can be forgotten at this point is the girls’ bouquets or the guys’ boutonnieres, so it’s good to remind everyone to have their personal florals with them/on them.
It’s super helpful to me if you can have some idea of what you want for your bridal party photos if you want something unique! Otherwise, my standard go-to bridal party shots are: formal shots, fun/candid shots, and individual shots (example: Bride with each bridesmaid). I would highly recommend individual shots with each person standing up on your side. These are so nice to have for the future, for posting on social media, and just for having a solid shot of you and each friend that you have!
As stated before, try to keep these photos outside of the 11am to 1pm harsh lighting of the day, if possible! Especially with that many faces, it’s hard to keep unflattering shadows and backlighting to a minimum during that time of day. Also, shade is GREAT! If your venue or shooting location has lots of shade, that is so helpful!
FAMILY Photos —
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These might not be the most “artistic” part of the day, but for most people, there are usually still very important! So let’s talk about them—
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It helps me greatly if you know, in advance, exactly the photo combinations you want for your family photos. I always recommend that you write out a list of all your desired photographs with combinations of family members, and send it to me before the wedding day! I will bring that list with me!
If certain family members are desired in photographs, make sure each one of them is informed of exactly where they need to be and when they need to be there for family photos.
Personal recommendation: Try to emphasize the family (and friends) that mean the most to you for these photos. Feel free to take the photo all alone with your Grandma! Take the photo with your mom! And then don’t feel pressured to take photos with your entire extended family if it’s probably not something that is going to get used. Whatever photos and people mean the most to you - get THOSE photos!
The CEREMONY —
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The moment we've been waiting for! Here's a tip: Before the ceremony is a sweet time to just calm down, and find some peace and quiet before the ceremony and reception. So, keep your favorite people close, take a deep breath, and enjoy the calm before the party!
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You will want to block off 30 minutes of "do-nothing" time before the ceremony for you and your bridal party to hide away while guests arrive and the music starts.
Most ceremonies take around 30 minutes, or some religious services can take up to a full hour! So, just make sure you allocate enough time to that part of the day, and keep your officiant informed on how much time they are given to perform the ceremony!
Directly after the ceremony, have a nice designated room or outdoor space where you and your partner (and then your bridal party) can go right after the ceremony is finished. This moment is probably one of the most special and emotional of the entire day! You just got MARRIED and you’re sharing your first moments together as a married couple! So, don’t hide yourselves in a random dusty, dark room! I would highly recommend making intentional time and space for this moment!
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I love outdoor ceremonies! If you’re holding your ceremony outdoors, keep in mind the possibility that it may rain, and try to have some sort of back-up plan in mind (even if that simply means bringing umbrellas). As far as lighting goes, it is CRUCIAL to hold your ceremony in the early-morning, or late-afternoon/evening hours. Once again, 11AM-1PM is the time frame you want to stay away from at all costs! Ideally, make sure the the sunlight is coming in from behind the altar of the ceremony, not in front of it. Or, if there are many trees nearby, place the ceremony space under the shade of the trees. This will avoid harsh shadows on people's faces and unflattering image tones from direct sun!
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If you are holding your ceremony at an indoor venue, natural lighting (windows) is going to be your best friend! I can work with any lighting, but if I have to depend on my artificial light (camera flash) for the lighting, the photos of your ceremony will not match my normal style that you have seen from my work! Try to avoid incandescent lighting directly above your head on the ceiling, as this creates harsh, unflattering shadows on the face while you’re walking down the aisle or saying your vows. Avoid at all costs any sort of fluorescent lighting. Indoor ceremonies can be beautiful, but natural lighting is highly important!
- AND THEN WE PARTY
- AND THEN WE PARTY
The RECEPTION —
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That’s right...now it’s time to partayyyy! This is the time of the day that gets so fun, and I genuinely want you to remember the celebration of it all! Here's a few logistical and lighting related tips to remember as you are planning your reception!
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Try to set a time for your reception to officially begin (which usually starts with your grand entrance with your bridal party), and then stick to it! This will ensure that your reception doesn't feel like it's "delayed" for your guests, and it won't keep them waiting around longer than they expected, so they will be more likely to stay for the whole thing!
Personal tip: The classic events of a reception are so fun! First dances with your new spouse, or one of your parents on either side are always so special, and you will absolutely love and cherish those photos. These first dances are the PERFECT way to start the open dancing. If guests see the head couple out there dancing, they will want to as well!
And cut that cake! Cake cutting photos are so playful/special, so make sure and schedule it into your reception time! Keep in touch with your DJ so they know when to announce this!
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Once again, natural light is going to be so important for reception photos as well! If you have a big barn you’re getting married in, make sure and open those barn doors and windows! If it’s an indoor venue, make sure the curtains or blinds are open. If possible, try to have the head table facing the light as opposed to having the light shine in from behind so your faces are bright and not backlit. Having your reception out in the open air or under a tent is perfect!
Quick tip: if you could, request to your DJ that they only use neutral white lights on the dance floor! Don't worry, this is NOT an odd request! Many DJs will use multi-colored lights, and it tends to create really funky-colored dancing photos (think: random red or blue or green spots on people's faces and outfits). The neutral white lights make such a difference to create stunning, timeless, share-worthy dancing photos!
SUNSET Photos —
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You know that glowy, soft, romantic light that hits right during the last hour of the day's sunlight? Yeah, it's pretty incredible. Without a doubt, I always recommend sunset photos of the married couple. These are often past clients' favorite photos of the day!
Depending on when the sunset is on your wedding day, this moment of the day is the hour or half-hour before the sun officially sets on the horizon. We'll have to be mindful that, if there are tall trees nearby, the sun will "set" behind those trees about a half hour before it sets on the actual horizon. I'll keep my eye on it!
It is so nice to take photos at this time of day, not only because of the lighting, but because the responsibilities of the day are over, you both are far more relaxed, and all that’s left is the love and the joy!
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Good question. Well, I will come steal you two away during your reception when people are all busy mingling or dancing. Don’t worry, it might sound odd to have the married couple leave their own reception for a bit, but it’s truly not odd at all! Guests usually don’t even notice, and we probably don't have to go far to get some really nice light. And then, we’ll find the prettiest spot away from the reception, and snap some photos! All in all, this should only take up about 15-20 minutes of you two being away from the reception.
SEND-off—
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This is obviously an optional part of the day, but it is also so special if you decide to have me there for send-off photos! Especially when you think of receiving a full wedding gallery, send-off photos can provide the perfect book-end to your memories of the entire day, and these shots always perfectly encapsulate the celebratory energy of the wedding and all your guests!
For send-off photos, wedding guests can form a line that you can walk through that leads up to your getaway car! This can take place after the ceremony as you two take off for the reception (if it is at a second venue), or it can take place at the end of your entire wedding day when you and your spouse take off for your honeymoon!
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If it’s going to be dusk or completely dark during your send-off photos, sparklers are always the best option! Make sure you get the long-lasting sparklers as well, so they aren’t quick to burn out!
If it’s going to be still light during your send-off photos, there are so many options: bubbles, eucalyptus leaves tossed in the air, ribbon streamers, biodegradable confetti, etc…
If you know someone with a unique or vintage car, see if they’d be willing to let you borrow it as your getaway car!
If you’re determined to get send-off photos, make sure that you and your boo start getting ready to leave your wedding reception before almost all of your wedding guests leave! No need to be the first ones to leave, or to cut your wedding short if you want to stay longer, but it's great to have a good chunk of guests still there for these photos!
HERE ARE SOME FULL SAMPLE TIMELINE ——
The AESTHETICS —
Color, style, and functionality tips for your wedding day...
TRUE to YOU —
When it comes to aesthetics, styling, and colors, I want to be careful not to impose too much opinion, because it’s YOUR day! Above anything, above trends, above Pinterest or Instagram telling you what to do with your day, the most important tip I can give is to make this day feel like you. And based on what feels like you, this section is how I can guide you best with those fundamental stylistic choices you've probably already made! Sound good?
CHOOSING your venue(s)
I will be brief with venue input, because usually couples often have their venue picked out prior to inquiring with me, or venue options (all things considered) are very limited for couples, but here’s the few things I would say when picking a venue: (1) try to choose a venue that has as much natural light as possible. If your venue is outdoors, perfect! If your venue is indoors, make sure there are many windows or large open doors present! (2) If you’re getting married inside a church or chapel, try to choose one with minimal features and bright, neutral/white walls! This will create that effortless elegance/timelessness, and keep YOU as the focal point of the images!
LOCATION, SEASON, & STYLE —
My main advice is, try to choose selections that blend well with three main things: (1) location of your wedding (2) season of the year (3) style and vibe you've chosen for your wedding as a whole.
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Because almost all of the weddings I shoot involve naturally lit or outdoor venues, it’s best to stick with earth tones and light, neutral colors. Bold, primary-esque colors are going to look out of place in an outdoor setting. Muted or forest greens, sky blues, warm rust or golden or burnt orange tones, beige, white and off-white, browns--these are all colors ideas that will blend so incredibly well with an outdoor venue!
If your wedding is more indoor, I would say the same thing for colors, but I would be mindful of the main colors or neutrals (if any) of your indoor venue, and then select colors/neutrals that blend well with it!
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If your wedding is in the later Spring, Summer, or Fall, you have a bit more freedom with color! Obviously, you want the colors to make some sense with the season in which your wedding falls. So especially for autumn, it might be best to look at the autumn colors and choose something that would blend well with autumn color!
If your wedding falls between the months of November-March, I would be extra mindful of your color selections. Oftentimes, winter landscapes are naturally more dull (color-wise) during those months, so it’s AMAZING to add some pops of color if your wedding is within that time of year!
Quick tip: brides, make sure you and your bridesmaids come prepared with coats or shoulder coverings for winter weddings!
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Firstly, let’s talk about making it cohesive. This probably goes without saying, but it’s best if all the decor, venue, outfits, etc. all look like they flow well together! Don’t overthink this too much, but I’ll try to give some quick examples:
Tip/example for bridal party wardrobe: if your bridesmaids are all in highly boho dresses, it’s best to not have your groomsmen wearing classic tuxedos. Instead, I would try putting your groomsmen in something like leather suspenders, or textured suits, etc… something that matches the vibe/style of the bridesmaid dresses!
Tip/example for florals: let’s say your wedding dress was very boho or classic-elegant. What I would do is, grab some inspiration or expertise from Pinterest (or even better, your florist in this case) as to what boho florals look like, or what classic-elegant florals look like, and then make your selections from there based on what fits your dress!
Tip/example for brides: if you are holding your wedding outdoors, or at a natural-esque venue, be mindful to choose a dress, jewelry, and hairstyle that matches that style. Flowy hair worn down or half-up-half-down always pairs well with those more natural spaces instead of a tight up-do.
Secondly, let’s talk about movement and texture! I promise you, movement and textures are going to serve you well! Especially in the wardrobe selections, the softer and more flowy the fabrics and designs (especially for the girls), the better! This creates movement and depth to photos that stiff fabrics or cuts just don’t provide.
The EXPERIENCE —
From start to finish, here's what to expect as we work together...
FAQs —
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If it rains on your wedding day, I’m not scared at all! The only thing that might put me in a difficult situation as a photographer on a rainy wedding day is if the couple is completely unwilling to take photos outside or if they lose heart over the weather. Don’t worry, I’m not saying you have to be willing to get soaked! But, if you come prepared with some pretty umbrellas, or you’re willing to put up with a light rain on your hair, or you’re willing to duck under some trees and all the while you stay positive--then there is nothing to worry about!!
I say this truthfully: rainy wedding days are some of my favorites. Rain is so incredibly romantic and sweet if you stay positive and flexible! And hey...if you ARE ready to get fully soaked? I am SO down. Rain photos are so stunning, I’ll prove it to you!
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That's up to you! But brides, I say this with your absolute best in mind... DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET THAT DRESS A LITTLE DIRTY! Here’s the truth: it’s probably the one day of your life that you get to wear this stunning gown! So, don’t be afraid to get that crazy shot, or walk through the sand, or trek through the tall grass! Almost always, people are never looking directly at the bottom of your dress, and the dress never gets as dirty as you think it might!
Want to know one of the best ways you can help me as a photographer capture the type of photos that are going to BLOW YOU AWAY? Be willing to let the dress get a little dirty. :)
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For every wedding venue I haven't yet seen, I show up early to scout the best shooting locations on-site. That said, I truly have worked with so many different types of venues, I know fairly quickly where the best shooting locations are after a short scouting walk!
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Don't worry about it! This guide is simply created to HELP you, not to stress you out or pressure you into something that doesn't feel like you. Obviously, I stand by the things I say in the guide, and they are important, but if you can only implement a solid handful of tips that I laid out in this guide, you're already ahead of so many other weddings!
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Absolutely! I would be happy to add a second shooter to the wedding package. Just let me know, and I will add it!
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OH MY GOODNESS. YES. I don't know how "expensive" became synonymous with "beauty." Some of the most stunning weddings I've ever been to were "low-budget" weddings (whatever that means). Creative intentionality, effort, and heart will always always always create the most stunning wedding days.
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Either way is fine! But it is easier to be seated at a separate vendor table, or if there are no other vendors present, I can totally sit at a table alone! I'm fully willing to sit at a table with other wedding guests as well, I just prefer to sit away from wedding guests as I will be coming and going throughout the reception and probably stuffing in food at random times, and I don't want to come off rude to others!
THANK YOU —
Thank you so much for your time!
The fact that you have this wedding guide is reason enough to say thank you thank you thank you! We are honored and forever thankful to God for this incredible gift and the people we get to share it with. Know that we are praying your wedding day and marraige is full of light, love and overflowing can’t-hold-it-in-Joy!
Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Hugs,
Alai + Amol