Today on the blog we are happy to share our guest writer, Photographer Olivia Sanchez.
Meet Olivia Sanchez
I'm an Arizona native with over 8 years of experience photographing weddings, portraits, and families. I utilize both film and digital photography to achieve a classic aesthetic that will never go out of style. I truly love being a part of and capturing people's most memorable moments! When I'm not editing or serving on my clients, you can find me spending quality time with my husband of over 3 years and our 6 month old boy, Isaac.
The worst nightmare of every wedding photographer is hearing back from a disappointed couple that didn’t get all the images that were important to them. We want you to get every last detail beautifully captured for you to cherish and remember. Details you spent years dreaming of and hours to plan and coordinate with your wedding team. We want to get that picture of your Grandma Jean who made the trip to be there and might not be around much longer. We want you to have gorgeous portraits of you and your sweetheart the day you became husband and wife, because those feelings and memories - your story - can be portrayed through photographs.
If you want all those things too, and don’t want to be that disappointed bride when you receive your wedding gallery, this blog post is for you! Now, there are so many variables that photographers can’t control on your wedding day, and it definitely is a team effort to create the best photographs. Each vendor ( your venue, planner, florist, etc. ) works together to make your vision come to life! However, this advice can help you have the best chance at getting all the images that are important to you. And it all starts with having a solid timeline! I’ve put together my top 3 wedding timeline tips for having a smooth, stress-free wedding experience.
Tip #1
Incorporate a first look!
Hear me out. I know it’s tradition to not see the bride before she walks down the isle, but more and more couples are moving away from this practice when they realize the benefits of having a first look before the ceremony. For one, the wedding day is fast paced and you will be the center of attention. Imagine seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the isle, and then immediately after you say, “I do,” being whisked from one item on the agenda to the next. Going straight into family photos, bridal party photos, and the reception with little to no time to slow down and just BE in that moment with your love, with no one clamoring to wish you congratulations. A first look allows for capturing the special anticipation of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day, and allows you to have a sweet, intimate moment away from the crowd. Often, a first look can be followed by a few portraits, as well as getting some of the family or bridal party photos done early. This puts less pressure on your timeline later. Let’s be real, often after the ceremony it’s close to your dinner/reception time and the last thing you want to be stuck doing is taking ALL the photos. You’re probably hungry and would love to head to the party with your family and friends to celebrate! The moment you walk down the isle will be special regardless. Nothing can take away from it. Also, a first look just might be necessary depending on your ceremony time if you want to have enough light for beautiful photos!
Tip #2
Consider an earlier ceremony time!
If I haven’t convinced you to incorporate a first look, then this tip is essential. Even the best photographers cannot bring back the sun once it has set, taking all its beautiful light with it. I once photographed a wedding with a couple whose hearts were set on not seeing each other before the ceremony. With a short ceremony set for an hour before sunset, we were already looking at a tight window to get all the formal photos done. When someone important to the bride was running late, they decided to wait to start the ceremony until their guest arrived. They exchanged vows as the sun set and we squeezed in a couple minutes of bride and groom portraits with the little light that remained. All the family and bridal portraits were taken with a flash, in less than ideal circumstances. In order to avoid something like this, I would plan for your ceremony to end at least 2 hours before sunset. This will ensure that you maximize the light for your formal group and couples photos!
Tip #3
Plan your timeline with margin!
You might think it will only take 20 minutes for bridal party and family photos, but plan double! Better yet, coordinate with your photographer. Your photographer will know how much time is realistic, depending on how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you have, and the size of your family. It’s always better to have extra time, versus not enough. Every wedding I’ve photographed has gotten behind SOMEWHERE in the timeline, and the margin allows you to catch up and not stress so much!
Enjoy ,
Olivia Sanchez
http://oliviagunnellphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/oliviagunnellphoto/