Wedding Photography: The Engagement Photo Session

One wedding photography trend that’s gaining popularity is the engagement session. There are a number of reasons for taking advantage of an engagement photo session prior to your wedding. First, this type of photo session is the best opportunity for some great romantic and fun images you will enjoy for years to come.

Second, engagement photo sessions are a good way for you to get to know your photographer, and more importantly, for your photographer to get to know you. This is because a good photographer will use the knowledge of the engagement session to perfect the wedding day photos. For instance the photographer may realize the bride has a nervous habit or the groom has deep set eyes. By the time of the wedding day, the photographer will know tricks from the engagement session on how to loosen up the bride, or which camera angles to lighten up the grooms’ eyes.

After you and your groom have decided on the photographer to use for your engagement session, don’t just prepare for the shoot by making the appointment. Prepare for the session like it is a very crucial part of the wedding expedience. Here are some helpful hints to get you ready for your day in front of the camera.

1. Wear solid colored clothing versus stripes, florals or logos. The object is for your faces to be the star of the show. When someone looks at your engagement photos you want them to see the love in your faces, not the unusual flower print.

2. Coordinating attire is a must. For example, if you are wearing light colored jeans do not put your groom in dark colored jeans. Plus, you should try to match your tops as much as possible.

3. If you are wearing a dress, your groom should wear a complimentary shirt or tie. Accessories are also a good way to let your personality shine through clothing.

4. Hair and makeup should be considered, but do not go overboard with product. Your hair and makeup should appear soft and natural for the camera.

5. If you have a dark or pale complexion, stay away from contrasting colors (whites and blacks). The contrast makes the facial features less defined.

6. Practice your favorite type of smile. We all have different smile some we like some not so much. Know which one you like.

7. Engagement photo sessions take about 90 minutes to complete. You should be allowed an outfit or shirt change and you should have a few different backgrounds/set changes. Bring props if you have them to make the shoot more personable.

Your wedding day will pass by so quickly. You want to be able to enjoy every moment of it. Here are ten tips to make sure you and your guests get the most out of your reception.

1. Plan like crazy during the months prior to your wedding, but on the wedding day, let everything go. It is so easy to get caught up on all the details of your wedding reception, but when the big day arrives, there is very little you can do as events unfold. Don’t get upset over little things like the cake knife getting lost, or a flower falling out of your bouquet. You will waste precious time fretting over little details that no one else will notice.

2. Don’t make your guests wait. We tell everyone that the time prior to the start of dinner is firm. In particular, make sure your ceremony starts on time and that the photographer doesn’t take longer than the cocktail hour to complete your photos. A great photographer should be finished in 20 minutes with an average size wedding. Your reception doors should open up between forty-five minutes and an hour after your cocktail hour begins. If the guests are left waiting much longer than that, they will get restless.

3. Don’t plan too many events during the reception. Most wedding receptions have traditional events that must take place, the entrance, first dance, parent dance, toasts, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss and exit. Do not add too many other events that will interrupt dance time.

4. Make some music selections and give that information to your band or DJ, but don’t try and program the entire event. A professional entertainer will be able to read the crowd and adjust the music to keep people dancing. If you tie their hands with too many song requests, the energy of the evening may suffer.

5. Have proper lighting. If you want a great dance party, make sure the lights are dim. Your guests will be more likely to get up and move if the lights are down. Remember, if you are having a videographer, make sure to discuss the lighting with him. If it is too dark in the room, the video quality may suffer.

6. Make sure the temperature in your reception room is comfortable. It shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Many modern reception facilities have their room temperatures regulated by computers, so if the room is uncomfortable, it takes time to change the temperature. Make sure to discuss the issue with your catering manager or wedding planner prior to the wedding day.

7. Make sure your entertainment is right on the dance floor, not in a corner. Of course, the entertainment is not the main focus of the day, but your guests will respond better if they can interact with the band or DJ.

8. Make sure your feet are comfortable. Every bride wants to have stunning shoes on the wedding day. Usually the most stunning shoes have a three inch heal and straps or a skinny toe. They look great for the ceremony and beautiful in photographs, but they don’t do well on the dance floor. Make sure to bring some flat shoes, sneakers or flip flops to give your feet a break.

9. Don’t overspend. Nothing is more stressful than watching your beautiful wedding day unfold knowing that you are in debt because of it. Plan carefully and spend wisely, you will be able to enjoy your wedding and honeymoon in peace.

10. Eat, Drink and be Merry! Your guests will take their cues from you. If you are eating, dancing and enjoying yourselves, your guests will too. When I see a packed dance floor, typically the bride and groom are right in the center of the crowd.

Wow what can I say another perfect fun wedding. I had been looking forward to this wedding for months. And I can promise you it did not let me down. Kerri and Jason are so much fun to be around, and they make my job so easy. Thanks for allowing ERIC KEITH SCOTT photography to participate in a special day of your lives.

A List of “Must Take” Wedding Photography Shots

On your wedding day, you’ll want to make sure your photographer captures those essential details you worked so hard on. To help him or her out, provide a list of “must-take” wedding photography shots. Check off your essentials below, and add any of your own creative ones. But don’t check off too many – you’ll want the photographer to have some time for creative license.

Wedding Photography Shots Before the Ceremony

___ Wedding dress lying over a chair
___ Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress
___ Mother of the bride fastening the bride’s necklace
___ The bride’s garter
___ The bride’s veil
___ A close up of the bride’s shoes peeking out from under the dress
___ Bride looking into a mirror
___ Bride looking out window
___ Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup
___ Bride pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
___ Bride hugging parents
___ Bride touching up
___ Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
___ Groom tying tie
___ Groom looking into mirror
___ Bride looking out window
___ Groom pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
___ Groom hugging parents
___ Bride and parents leaving for ceremony

Wedding Photography Shots At the Ceremony

___ Outside of ceremony site
___ Guests walking into ceremony site
___ Bride and father entering ceremony site
___ Parents being seated
___ Grandparents being seated
___ Maid of honor walking down the aisle
___ Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
___ Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle
___ Groom waiting for bride
___ Ceremony musicians
___ Officiant
___ Altar or canopy during ceremony
___ Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
___ Bride and father walking down aisle
___ Groom seeing bride for first time
___ The back of bride and father walking down the aisle – with the groom waiting in the distance
___ Bride’s father and Bride hugging at end of aisle
___ Shot of the audience from the bride and groom’s point of view
___ The unity ceremony
___ Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
___ Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
___ Exchanging the rings
___ Close up of hands
___ The kiss
___ Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
___ Receiving line
___ Bride & Groom outside on steps
___ Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed
___ Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations
___ Bride & Groom getting in car
___ Bride & Groom in back seat

Posed Wedding Photography Before the Reception (These can also be taken before the ceremony)

___ Bride alone (full length)
___ Bride with Maid of Honor
___ Bride with bridesmaids
___ Groom with bridesmaids
___ Bride with parents
___ Bride & Groom together
___ Bride & Groom with parents
___ Bride & Groom with families
___ Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
___ Bride & Groom with flower girl and ring bearer
___ Groom with parents
___ Groom with best man
___ Groom with groomsmen
___ Bride with groomsmen

During the Reception (to help your photographer, you may wish to list these shots in the order they will happen at your reception)

___ Outside of reception site
___ Bride & Groom arriving
___ Bride & Groom greeting guests
___ Table centerpieces
___ Table setting
___ Bride & Groom’s table (head table)
___ Musicians or DJ
___ Guest book
___ Place card table
___ Close up of bride and groom’s place card
___ Wedding cake
___ Groom’s cake
___ Gift table
___ Decorations (specify which _________________________)
___ A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
___ Bride with college alums
___ Groom with college alums
___ The buffet or, if having table service, a dinner serving
___ Bride & Groom’s first dance
___ Bride & Father dancing
___ Groom & Mother dancing
___ Guests dancing
___ Bride & Groom cutting the cake
___ Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
___ Toasts (specify who is giving them: ____________________)
___ Bride & Groom drinking champagne
___ Signing the marriage license
___ Bride throwing bouquet
___ Groom retrieving garter
___ Groom tossing garter
___ Garter/Bouquet dance
___ The getaway car
___ Bride & Groom leaving party
___ Bride & Groom driving away

Guests the photographer shouldn’t miss: (provide your photographer with a seating chart so that he can easily identify them)
_________________________________________
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Hiring a wedding photographer may seem like a simple task, but choosing someone to capture all the moments and details of that special day can be much more difficult than most couples realize. The professional you select will create a photographic record that will be treasured by your family for generations, and making this decision is a critical step in the wedding-planning process. In some instances, hiring the wrong person might not only result in poor wedding photos, but could also have a negative effect on your entire wedding day.

One of the most common and unfortunate mistakes couples make is hiring a family friend or an enthusiastic relative to photograph the day. Some may even ask guests to take as many photos as possible with the hope of piecing together an album composed of candid shots, most of which are unusable. Keep in mind that even with the proper equipment, photographing a wedding properly is a daunting task requiring significant experience, the finesse’ to be virtually invisible, and most importantly the talent and artistic vision to capture the memorable details and emotions of your wedding day. It is certainly not a job for the faint of heart.

How, then, does one choose an accomplished, professional wedding photographer? The key items to consider are your personal preferences in photography, your budget for the event, and the professional relationship you have (or don’t have) with the photographer.

Wedding photography is usually classified as traditional, photojournalistic (candid), and artistic. There is a wealth of information online regarding these categories, if you would like more explanation of each. Although some photographers may declare that they are “hardcore photojournalists” (the current buzz-word in the wedding photo industry), I believe that a good wedding photographer must be able to do all the styles equally well.  If they only shoot photojournalist style, it usually means they do not know how to light a wedding properly.  It is a true PRO who can work with available light and also bring their own strobes.  It is important to review a good selection of the photographer’s work, and you should love most (if not everything) you see. You should insist on viewing complete wedding albums to see how your final album could look. If you don’t feel an emotional connection with the photos, you need to interview another photographer.

Couples also either under-budget for their wedding photography, or they try to shop around for the cheapest package, forsaking quality. As with any creative service, with most photographers you normally “get what you pay for. ” If you see an all-inclusive package with albums under $1000. 00, the quality of all the products and services is usually poor. If the package is above $5000. 00, you should expect at least 12 hours of coverage, and high-end wedding albums. Make sure you compare apples to apples when reviewing various wedding packages, since they can be confusing. In most cases a typical wedding photography budget would be in the $3000.00 – $6000. 00 range. Don’t treat your wedding photography as an afterthought – photographs are the most enduring and viewed remembrance of your wedding day (more so, even, than a video recording).

Make sure you feel a personal connection with your photographer. Some of the best photos of the day are usually taken “behind the scenes” as the wedding party prepares for the day, when you will be interacting with your family and friends. You should feel comfortable inviting the photographer “backstage. ” As a wedding photographer, I regularly get invited to see the most intimate parts of the wedding day that are normally not visible to most guests or even family. Your photographer should be calm and assertive and have a positive energy about them. Make sure he shows a genuine interest in you and your family. Do not hire a photographer that makes you feel that your wedding day is just another job for them. Your photos would certainly reflect that.

Selecting a wedding reception venue for your big event can be an overwhelming task. We’ve taken the legwork out of your search to help you find the perfect location for you and your groom.

1. Hotel Plazas & Ballrooms
Today’s hotels run the gamut with stunning interior design and panache, making it a breeze for couples to find one that suits their particular theme or personal style. Most luxury hotels will provide everything you need for the wedding reception (linens, stemware, dance floor and entertainment setup), as well as appoint coordinators to assist in organizing even the smallest detail.

Good to know:
Hotels can book months—even years—in advance, and depending on your wedding guest list, these exclusive services can get pricey. Typical reception costs include food and beverage fees per person, valet accommodations and various service fees—all separate from the site fee.

Some hotels also restrict the use of outside catering companies or work exclusively with a select list of vendors, limiting your choices for photographers, bands/DJs or other special event companies.

2. Private Homes
Using a private home for your wedding reception venue certainly has a more intimate feel than receptions created in a larger space. Here, you can really let your personality shine— without decorating restrictions or limits on hiring particular vendors.

Good to know:
Having your wedding reception at home may cut out some of the miscellaneous costs associated with renting a private space.

3. Banquet Halls
Banquet halls can accommodate as many or as few people as your reception guest list allows. Often the most sought-after banquet halls are ones with a romantic atmosphere, breathtaking views of city skylines, or those in close proximity to waterfronts and other scenic areas. Another selling point: banquet halls usually include setup of tables, chairs and other party supplies in the site fee.

Good to know:
Like hotel plazas, banquet halls can book far in advance, which means the venue might not be available on the day of your reception.

Depending on the day of your wedding reception (weekends being the most popular), your minimum food and beverage fee can cost anywhere from $8,000 and up.

Other logistics such as guest parking and/or valet service may also incur costs not associated with the rental fee for the venue.

4. Outdoor Pavilions
An outdoor wedding reception venue provides an effortlessly romantic setting. The lighting and landscape displays a natural ambiance that’s often recreated for indoor receptions. Plus, taking your celebration outdoors gives you plenty of space for entertaining guests.

Good to know:
Depending on what part of the country—or world—you’re located, temperatures may vary. For example, if you’re planning a Texas wedding in the middle of July or August, you might want to rethink using an outdoor venue.

While you can’t predict the forecast too far in advance, you should consider providing outdoor tents or booking an indoor venue in case you need an indoor space. Outdoor wedding receptions also require portable bathrooms, which can cost an extra $800-$3000 per day.

5. Church/Municipal Auditoriums
Churches and municipal halls are typically the least expensive of wedding reception venues to rent, allowing couples to book for a flat fee. You also can bring in anyone you’d like [photographers, caterers, florists, assembly crews] to do the job. Unlike outdoor wedding reception venues, indoor public facilities come equipped with a number of restrooms for guests, and you shouldn’t incur any of the incidental rental fees that you could have with holding your reception on a private property.

Good to know:
Keep in mind, these venues are a blank slate. Church auditoriums often need a lot of decor, so you’re responsible for bringing in lighting, candles and any other decorative accents to create the ambiance you desire.

Even though tables and seating are included in your rental fee, a downside, is they may not be in the best condition due to constant use.

6. Restaurants
Food is the cornerstone of any celebration, and what better place to commemorate your wedding than at your favorite restaurant. Most fine dining establishments offer large party rooms for wedding receptions and can arrange a special menu with dishes of your choice.

Good to know:
The “look” of the venue is already in place, so be sure to select a location that you love for its fare as well as its decor. If you select a restaurant in a popular area (downtown, riverfront, town square, etc.), parking may be an issue and you’ll want to hire a valet service or reserve a nearby parking lot for your guests.

Also, if you’re not renting out the entire venue, more than likely you’ll have to share common areas such as the bathroom and main bar with other patrons.

No matter what you choose for your wedding reception venue, the space should always reflect your personality, put your guests at ease and create an atmosphere for making memories to last a lifetime.

With a multitude of entertainment options to choose from, how do engaged couples select the right entertainer for their once-in-a-lifetime celebration? The stakes are high, as guests are less likely to remember a cold fish dinner than a wedding entertainer whose performance was ice cold! Here, we offer six suggestions on how to find the perfectwedding DJ to rock your reception and get the most of your wedding planning.

1. Word of Mouth and Referrals: A wedding entertainer is very hard to describe via websites, blogs and brochures. If you have attended a wedding where you loved the music and entertainment, this can be a great starting point in your research. Similarly, if a friend or co-worker raved about their DJ, this is valuable information. What in particular did they like about their wedding DJ? Was it their thorough preparation, transparent business practices, musical selections, dance skills, or something else?

2. Experience Counts: A wedding Emcee’s duty is to keep the reception program moving smoothly. Transitions should be smooth and pacing is important. An experienced DJ understands the flow of a wedding reception and offer seamless transitions. They understand the importance of working with the team of vendors (banquet manager, photographer, videographer). They will better be able to address potential problems that can crop up at receptions. Ask your prospectivewedding DJ what percent of their annual events are weddings, and how many weddings they have worked at in the past.

3. Styles Vary: Are you looking for an elegant event with music at moderate volumes, or for extreme party rockers? Is a magnificent light show important? Are you seeking a high or low level of guest interaction? Do you like the typical line dances, or are you looking for something more contemporary? There is no right or wrong answer, but it is important to align yourself with awedding DJ whose style matches the intended style of your event, or else is flexible to incorporate your preferences. You can get a sense of style compatibility in your initial phone or meeting interviews. First impressions are important – do you connect on a personal level and believe that you can work well with this individual?

4. Professionalism: The term “professional DJ” is hard to verify. However, characteristics of a professional DJ include:

* professional grade equipment (i.e., no dilapidated, carpeted speakers from the 1970s or home stereo equipment);

* a professional website;

* testimonials, preferably gained over a period of time, as well as a list of references;

* member in professional organization such as the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA)

* carries liability insurance;

* participates in industry conventions and continuing education, to elevate their craft;

* carries back-up equipment to each event; and

* responsive to your phone and e-mail communications.

5. Planning: The level and modes of reception planning vary. One option a wedding DJ could offer as incentive to book is online planning forms that allow brides and grooms to plan their reception casually from the comfort of their own homes. Other DJs rely on in-person planning meetings, while other use a combination of mediums. How important is the planning process to your event? Be sure that you have access to the specific DJ who will be performing at your event. The better that the wedding DJ understands your program specifics, the more successful your event will be.

6. Pricing: Particularly in today’s challenging economy, engaged couples may be operating on a tight budget. Our advice is to secure the bestwedding DJ entertainment that your budget will allow for!

I had the privilege of photographing Kai when he was only 5 days old.

What a great fun couple to work with. We had the pleasure of creating their engagement pictures this week. We will get to have fun photographing their wedding in just a few more days. Can’t wait it will be a great time.