23Jun

Get Ready to Get Ready | Pre-Ceremony Tips

By, June 23, 2017

To ensure a nice flow throughout the wedding day, it is vital to start the day off right. The more we can accomplish before the ceremony, the more time we will have later to get creative with pictures of the two of you. By being prepared for us, and knowing what to expect, it helps us capture amazing photos for you!

When we first arrive, it is very important that the bride and everyone in the room be hair and makeup ready. We always suggest asking your bridal party and stylists to be finished 15-20 minutes earlier than necessary. The last thing you want to have to do is wait for a person in your bridal party! Only the bride should be putting on finishing make-up touches at this time. The groom and groomsmen should be nearly fully dressed. It will also be a good idea to put your bridal party to work to ensure the room is nice and tidy, as many photos will take place in the getting-ready area.

As you will see below, the “getting ready” portion of the wedding day is a time for many unforgettable photos. The ideal amount of photo time for this part of the day is 1.5-2 hours. If you are doing a first look, typically 2.5 hours is suggested. To maximize photo time, we designate one photographer for each spouse, which enables more coverage during this time period.

Here is a list of what to expect during the getting ready portion of your day, in chronological order:

1. Detail Photos – For the bride, this includes photos of the dress before it is put on, shoes, jewelry, florals, gifts and even invitation suites. Its a good idea to have these items ready when we arrive. For the groom this may include shoes, gifts, boutonnieres etc.

Shoe and floral detail wedding photo
Details photo of Wedding Invitiation Suite
Groom shoes and tie
Hanging wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses
Bride earrings macro shot
Hanging dress and Louboutin Shoes
Wedding dress and shoes at Rancho Valencia
Wedding invitation Suite
Detail photo of Valentino wedding shoes
Details shot of Bridal Style
Groom style at a destination wedding
Colorful red pink wedding shoes
Salvatore Ferragamo Wedding Groom Shoes

2. Candid Getting Ready Photos – For a bride, these include photos of finishing make-up touches, photos in special outfits before the dresses are on and of course putting on the dress. Putting on the dress photos occur about 20 minutes after we arrive, and typically take about 10 minutes, with the understanding that some dresses take longer than others to put on. While these shots are occurring, all of the bridesmaids and immediate family (ex. mother of the bride) should be fully dressed and ready to go.Rather than photographing a bride actually putting the dress, on we typically photograph the final lace up / zip up, along with bridesmaids/family helping with the finishing touches like shoes and jewelry. For a groom, we may photograph moments like friends/family helping with the suit, putting on shoes, and overall fun with the group.

Bride having her makeup touched up
Getting ready photo of bride and groom in their hotel rooms
Candid photo of bridesmaids wearing pjs
Groomsmen having a pillow fight
Bride getting ready pre ceremony
Fun Bridesmaids Getting Ready Photo
Fun groom adjusting hair
Bride getting ready and having fun
Candid Bride Make up Photo
Bridesmaids jumping on the bed
Bride getting ready with mother
Groom getting ready photo
Bride Getting Ready Photo
Silhouette of groom getting ready
Bride and groom finshing touches wedding photos
Bride and proud mother at wedding
Glamor photo of Bride
Getting ready photo at the Machester Grand Hyatt

3. Individual and Group Portraits Next, we will photograph some formal and stylized shots of the wedding couple in the room, and around the property. This is also the time for fun and formal  portraits with each individual bridesmaid /groomsman, along with full group shots. Including family members is optional at this point, as there is usually time (after the ceremony) specifically set aside for family photos.

Stunning bride in glamorous dress
Groomsmen style portrait
Bride with accessories lying down
Portraits of bridesmaids at a wedding
Dapper Groom
Bohemian bridesmaids having fun
Stylized portraits of bride and groom
Groomsmen with American Flag
Portraits of handsome groom and beautiful bride
Groomsmen having fun
Photos of brides pre ceremony
Groomsmen Style on A Playground
Stylized portraits of bride groom
Bride with Maid of Honor and dapper groom
Beautiful bride at a destination wedding
Creative Wedding Photography
Groomsmen being silly before the wedding ceremony
Beautiful Bride in San Marcos, California
Creative Groomsmen Photo
Bride smelling flower
Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
Glamor photos of stunning brides

4. More Photos! Additional photo opportunities may take place throughout the getting ready portion, such as a gift exchange, a no-look meeting with each other, or even a first look with the Bride’s father. These can make for some unforgettable images. Then, before the ceremony, it’s a good idea to schedule in a 15 minute break. This allows you to decompress, and to get ready for the big moment.

Candid Photo of Bride writing vows
First look with father and bride reading note from groom
Bride and groom prayer
Bride reading card from Groom
Emotional Father and Bride
Boudoir album for Groom
Bride and groom exchange gifts before ceremony
Bride opening gift from Groom
Bride right before the ceremony

With all of this said, it’s important to remember that a wedding is a live event! Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, it is important to be adaptable. Embrace the excitement of the day, and we’ll be right there to capture amazing photos :)

Check out more unforgettable getting ready wedding images.

03May

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! | Bridesmaid Inspiration

By, May 03, 2016

Ladies, let’s be honest – the wedding day is a great excuse to hang out with your BFFs. With champagne flowing, music playing, and your girls decked out in their finest, there is nothing left to do but celebrate. It’s a perfect occasion to let loose, share a laugh, and enjoy the results of your planning.

As a bonus, there’s also that whole “getting married” thing :) Right now, though, it’s all about the ladies.

On the wedding day, we suggest starting the photography coverage early, before you change into your wedding dress. It’s fun to have images captured while you are relaxing with your bridal party, with the final touches of make-up being applied. This is a time for us to get creative, shoot details and candids, and capture the excitement in the room. Whether your crew is sophisticated, boisterous, or all-out silly, we’ll be there to create unforgettable images.

We hope you enjoy these recent bride and bridesmaid inspiration photos :)

Bridesmaids and Bride toss wedding bouquets up in air

While getting ready, Courtney’s bridesmaids surprised her with impromptu pillow fight (below), and we captured her priceless reaction.

Bridesmaids have fun pillow fight with bride in room

Before getting dressed up, Jaclyn and her ladies couldn’t resist a little taste of Del Taco (below). Still in her pre-bridal wardrobe, Jaclyn made sure to not get any hot sauce on her dress for her wedding day at Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery.

Bride and bridesmaids grab a bite of del taco before putting on the wedding dressBride and bridesmaids toast with craft beers

During Brooke and Matt’s wedding at Rancho Valencia, we noticed an empty golf cart near Brooke’s room, and had the ladies hop in for a fun cruise around the venue (below). We are constantly keeping an eye out for unique photo opportunities, and ways to to transform everyday items into creative props.

Bride drives her bridesmaids in golf cartBridesmaids throw rose petals around Bride after ceremonyBridesmaids Eat Apples in Old TownBridesmaids share mirror with bride on wedding dayBridesmaids hold up mirror for Bride to reveal herself

Another great benefit to having your ladies helping out before the ceremony are fun moments like the one above, taken during Katie and Gene’s wedding at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. As Katie stepped into her dress, we had her bridesmaids hold up a mirror for a grand reveal. We love the ecstatic, candid smiles of Katie and her girls, and the genuine reactions all around.

Bridesmaids and Bride show off fun rustic cowboy bootsBridesmaids toast with a shot of tequila before wedding ceremony Bridesmaids blow bubbles at camera before wedding ceremony Bridesmaids pose with bride and show off fun striped socksBridesmaids make it rain as they toss money in the air before wedding ceremonyThings got a little “en fuego” before Rachel and Jason’s wedding at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa (above), as the ladies brought out the cash and made it rain dollar bills.

Bridesmaids lay with Bride on bed in circleBridesmaids blow kiss towards brideBride and bridesmaids pose with pink robes before wedding ceremony

Let guests know who your bridesmaids are!  At Mariam and Farhad’s Wedding at Maderas Golf Club, Mariam’s bridesmaids rocked yellow sunglasses, which were gifted to them to match their wedding attire (below). By gifting your ladies with colorful robes or matching glasses, your squad will rule the day in style.

Bridesmaids pose with Bride and wear yellow sunglasses Bride and bridesmaids eat burgers from In N' Out during reception Bridesmaids make fun grand entrance and dance during wedding reception

For their grand entrance during Shannan and Mathias’ wedding at Beverly Mansion (above left), the bridesmaids had a little surprise up their sleeves. Serenading the crowd with air guitar skills, the ladies brought out their inner rock stars, and kicked off the party in high gear.

Bridesmaids pose with Bride as they wear Harry Potter props Bridesmaids pose with props in photobooth

Check out more ways to have fun with your bridesmaid photos :)

18Feb

Bridesmaids Dresses that Impress

By, February 18, 2015

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids dresses, there are absolutely no rules. You control the look of your ladies! Whether formal or funky fresh, your posse’s style helps bring the overall wedding day vision to life. The options are endless, and totally up to you.

Traditionally, formal weddings have featured bridesmaids in long identical gown. However, trends have evolved over time, and often depart from the classical look. For example, casual outdoor weddings lend themselves to shorter or mis-matched gowns. We’ve also caught glimpses of embellished gowns and patterned fabrics. Other current trends include bridesmaids wearing an array or colors, or monochromatic gowns in a variety of styles.

When dolling up your girls, you’ll want to keep in mind the season, time of day, and location, and vibe that you are after.  For a little inspiration, we’ve compiled some of our favorite bridesmaids dress combinations we’ve captured at recent weddings.  Enjoy! :)

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