I kind of consider myself somewhat of a wedding planner. I’ve photographed almost 70 weddings since October of 2009 and, like I tell all of my couples, I’ve seen a lot. From a 20-minute lace-up of the bride’s dress, a tiered cake falling on the floor just hours before the reception and just about every shade of bridesmaids dresses, there’s probably no wedding detail or situation I haven’t encountered. Because of the natural tendencies of the wedding photographer job, I unintentionally have some wedding planner knowledge and experience, and I tell my couples to take advantage of that.

When chatting with a prospective wedding client on the phone or meeting them in person at a local cafe (I’ll have a new home office by the end of this year!), I always share my unofficial wedding planner role. I’m happy to offer advice when it comes to various wedding activities, colors and decorations, and of course the timeline of the big day. Anyone that’s planned a wedding knows they’re normally filled with tons of decisions like the bridal dress, the venue, the caterer, the flowers, the honeymoon, the guest list, the favors…the list goes on and on! If I can help make any of that decision-making easier, I will! Not only do I hope my couples’ wedding photography experiences will be enjoyable, but I also hope their overall wedding day experience will be enjoyable as well…because a happy couple means a happy day…and pretty pictures, of course. 🙂

I’ve consulted on what colors the groomsmen should wear and whether or not they need a full suit or tux. I’ve also been sent pictures of linen colors and asked which combination I think would look best.

A handful of brides have asked about bridesmaid dresses…what kind of style, what colors show up best in pictures…

One bride even sent me the proof of her wedding invitation and asked my opinion!

One of my recent favorite questions is “What time should I start my outdoor ceremony?” This question is music to a photographer’s ears! Good light means a lot in photography and if I can suggest a sunset or near sunset ceremony (when the light is at it’s best!) and actually have my opinion count for something, I’m beyond excited! Knowing that my couples are aware of good light and want that captured in their ceremony pictures is awesome…and reminds me that I’m working with the right kind of clients.

Sparklers have been a hot topic with my couples. Should they use them for their grand exit? What are the best kinds to buy? Is there an alternative?

One of my biggest wedding planner-like jobs is putting together the wedding day photography schedule. 1-2 months before the big day, I email my couples a list of questions…where are they getting ready, are they having a receiving line, who will be included in the family pictures. I want everyone to be on the same page and know what to expect from me during the wedding day, so the photography schedule is HUGE in my book. With almost 70 weddings under my belt, I’ve gotten pretty good at predicting how long different activities might last and when possible hold-ups might occur…all important when putting together a schedule that will work for everyone involved.

I absolutely love everything about weddings and would talk about them and all their details for hours! So when a couple seeks my advice about their bridesmaid dresses, invitation design and ceremony start time, I am completely flattered and love my job that much more. I’m not at all saying you don’t need an official wedding planner because they can be super helpful when planning and conducting your big day. But don’t be afraid to ask me some non-photography-related questions. I’m happy to help…and like I said before, I’ve seen a lot. 🙂