| The wedding day has arrived, and hearts are beating | | | | photographing the bridal portrait, father of the bride, |
| just a little faster than usual. "Butterflies" in the | | | | the bridesmaids and flower girls. |
| stomach, a nervous glance towards potential pending | | | | A good time to get shots of the groom and best |
| storm clouds gathering. On arriving at the wedding | | | | man, away from distraction, is before the guests |
| venue, it is customary for the photographer to | | | | start to arrive. This is also an ideal opportunity to |
| announce his/her arrival to the bridal suite for the | | | | photograph the rings and floral arrangements in detail, |
| pre-wedding photo opportunity. Many brides request | | | | you might use any spare moments to document |
| a photo shoot documenting the preparation of the | | | | guests arriving. It is advisable to use a prepared list |
| bride and her bridesmaids, however during these | | | | of family and guests for the formal portrait |
| often frantic preparations she may be simply too | | | | photographs, a copy of which can be given to one |
| overwhelmed with anxiety, so close to the wedding | | | | of the ushers or someone elected for the task of |
| ceremony, to go through with it. If the bride does | | | | gathering people for the group shots. Most |
| decide to go ahead with photography at this time, it | | | | importantly ensure readiness for the arrival of the |
| is imperative to be considerate and respectful in your | | | | bride, there may also be a little time to photograph |
| conduct, adding no further pressure. This is a good | | | | some bridal party shots before entering the wedding |
| time to detail photographs of the dress, bouquet, the | | | | venue. |
| veil and accessories, these make beautiful anecdotes | | | | With regard to church weddings, discuss in advance |
| in the wedding album. Oh and be sure you get a shot | | | | with the minister any protocol regarding the |
| of the Jimmy Choo's and Manalo Blahnik's. | | | | photography of the ceremony. Nobody likes intrusive |
| Make good use of any time between the preparation | | | | or disruptive behaviour and many ministers disallow |
| photography of bride and bridesmaids by setting up | | | | photography of a religious ceremony. If permission to |
| lighting inside the reception venue for formal group | | | | photograph the ceremony is granted, care and |
| portraits. This may not get used but provides an | | | | discretion is required so as not to disturb the |
| alternative setting should the outdoor option become | | | | proceedings, this means not constantly taking |
| untenable due to rain, strong winds or even cold | | | | pictures paparazzi style and certainly not moving |
| wintry weather. Timing is crucial to the smooth | | | | around the church, rather position yourself in |
| running of a wedding thereby preparing the indoor | | | | readiness to capture the exchanging of rings, the |
| lighting ahead of the arrival of the groom and guests, | | | | first kiss and the bride and groom as they make their |
| means no time is lost in the event of moving from | | | | way down the aisle. Take the opportunity to |
| an outdoor to an indoor photo session. By making | | | | photograph some formal groups before moving on to |
| arrangements with the wedding coordinator early on | | | | the reception part of the day. |
| means more time can be freed up to focus on | | | | |