The Guide
Before we get to the good stuff I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for deciding to get me on board for one of the most exciting cerebrations you will plan. It means the world to me and I cant wait to hang out with you both and capture some truly beautful moments.
My job is an important one - your photos will last a lifetime and I want you to look back on them and be reminded of your day and everything it meant to you.
I know there is a ton of information out there and it can feel overwhelming at times. I have shot well over 500 weddings as well as organised my own so I have picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way. I hope the advice in here will not only allow for stunning wedding photographs, but it will also ensure that you get to enjoy a relaxed wedding day.
That said, all tips in here are merely suggestions. Only you two know what feels right and I urge you to follow your intuition. This day is here to celebrate you, your unique personalities and your decision to spend your lives together.
Please get in touch at any stage if you would like to throw some ideas around together. We will meet up again 4-6 weeks before your wedding date and I will send you a wedding day timeline to fill out around that time too.
Susie xx
wedding Day
Styling & Vision
The Feeling
Firstly Imagine the feeling you want to have: This goes for the guests too! Nailing down the ambiance you want to create is the first step in determining your wedding style.
Beyond the formal vs. casual question, ask yourself how much time you want to spend with each guest, what kind of dining experience you envision, what kind of entertainment you’re drawn to, elevate what’s familiar (and what you love), rather than mimicking a day you’ve been told is the “right way” simply for the sake of having a wedding that people expect. Your day should be unique to you both and its always nice to add an element of surprise for your guests.
THE Vibe
Starting with the vibe of your venue you can usually build a mood board that encompasses the feeling you want to capture. Grab a few words and build on the feelings such as Modern, Romantic, Italian, Long Lunch, Candle Lit, Casual, Classic, Glamorous, Boho, Eco, Natural, Tropical, Mediterian, etc
Colour Palette
Choosing the right colour palette for your wedding will determine the overall look and style of your day and your photos. Sometimes it’s easier to choose one colour you love, then pair it with complementary colours. Or you can get creative and really work it into your florals.
The Pros
Get the professionals onboard. This will save you so much stress, there are some amazing talented people around who can literally transform your vision into something quite spectacular.
The Planners
If your budget allows, hiring a professional wedding planner can be a great investment. But don't worry—if it's not in the cards, we can still manage just fine. It's important to understand the difference between a coordinator and a wedding planner or designer, so make sure you know what kind of service you need. A "day-of" coordinator is another option (and some venues even include this service) to help manage the flow of the day. While DIY weddings can save money, they often come with the added responsibility of setting up, tearing down, and answering logistical questions throughout your big day. A planner, on the other hand, lets you enjoy the celebration without the stress. They specialize in finding cost-effective solutions, connecting you with vendors, and bringing your wedding vision to life with ease.
Ideas
A few ideas to add to your day......
Cocktail Bar
Oyster Bar
Champagne Tower
Cigar Bar
Espresso Martini Bar or Tower
Ice Cream cart
Grazing Table
Lawn Games
Beer pong
Candy Floss Machine
Photo Booth
Drinks Caravan
Food Trucks
Bouncy Castle
Comfy spaces
Live Music
Dessert Table
Softserve machine
Fire Works
Sparklers
Dance Floor Confetti
Limbo
Cheeseburgers (Maccas Delivery)
01.
Hair & Makeup
One of the most crucial tips I can offer is to focus on preparing your skin and hair well in advance of your wedding day. No matter how skillful the makeup artist or hair stylist, it's challenging to conceal dry or damaged skin and hair, and this can be especially evident in photographs. Have a chat with your stylists and plan a trial session a few months ahead so that you can address any hair or skincare concerns. It's essential to carefully choose a makeup and hair artist whose style aligns with yours, and it's crucial to show them the look you want. If you have an engagement shoot booked in it's great to get your hair and makeup done so you can see how you look in photos and make any adjustments as needed.
FLOWERS
For me flowers play a huge part of the asetehics and styling of your day. Find a florist who's style and work you adore. Send pictures on the vibe and exact size you would like your boquet etc
The type of flowers avilable will depend on the season but your florist should communicate this to you in your consultation. Even if you dont have a huge budget going towards styling , having a beautiful fresh boquets can make all of the differerce. Avoid artificial flowers in your bouquet at all costs as these always look fake in photos. Also tight bunches or waterfall style can be really heavy and hard to photograph. It's always nice if there is a little bit of movement to your bouquet. Once you've communicated your vision and budget, trust your florist's expertise. They have the experience to make recommendations that will suit your wedding style and theme.
02.
THE DRESS
The best time to shop for your dress is 10-12 months out from your wedding day. If you’re planning a long engagement
(of over two years), don’t rush yourself to buy the dress now – you’ll be giving yourself way too much time to change your mind according to styles, trends and taste – or even your body – changing.
It’s best to have most of your big decisions made before you buy too – many influences such as season, venue, and the colour palette for the rest of the wedding may guide your decision as to the dress. Or the dress itself might help you evolve the style of your wedding.
Only bring a small group of people to your dress fittings. They should know your style, shield you from obtrusive shop owners, be kind and honest and also know when to shut up. This is exactly the squad a nervous bride-to-be needs by her side.
04.
THE RECEPTION DRESS
Reception dresses offer brides the opportunity to have fun, be comfortable, and express their unique style during their wedding reception. Many brides change just before their first dance to add an element of surprise for their guests.
This also is a nice time to do a wee flash session with a bottle of champagne or with some cocktails or to practice your dance before the big reveal.
05.
The dance
Often a lot of couples are reluctant to do a first dance but trust me it's you it's a great way to get the dance floor up and really going for it. It doesn't as to be choreographed but you just need to bring some energy or romance to the dance floor and a couple of twirls. If it's really not your thing, Limbo is a fun way to get everyone on the dance floor or it's a great time to do an espresso martini tower.
04.
second Photographer
I usually go solo, but sometimes having a second photographer can be a real game-changer. Here's when it really makes sense:
Getting Ready Spots: If the bride and groom are getting ready at places that are a good hike apart (like more than a 20-30 minute drive), having a second photographer just makes sense. They can kick things off with the groom and hang around for as long as you need. Usually, they stick around until the party starts at the reception.
Late Start for the Guys: You know how some guys aren't exactly morning people? If they're not up for getting ready too early, no worries. The second photographer can handle their prep. Making a much more relaxed timeline.
Candid Magic and Guest Love: While I'm hustling through family photos and the wedding party shots, the second photographer is out there catching all those spontaneous, heartfelt moments. They're the ones who can really focus on your guests and capture the fun and feels.
So, it's kind of like having your wedding day documented from every angle, without missing a beat. Just more photos, more memories, and more of the stuff that makes your day uniquely yours.
Half Day - $500 (5 Hours)
Full Day - $1000 (10 Hours)