I’m not going to lie, I get a high from photographing weddings. I get goosebumps, I get emotional, I cry, I laugh… It’s a fast paced day full of love and energy and it feeds my soul. With having photographed over 100 weddings my pre-wedding workflow is spot on. Here’s what I do before every single wedding I shoot: 

1. Get final details from bride: I like to email my brides about 1-2 months before their wedding to let me know I’ll need a final timeline, family formals list, list of vendors, and a couple more items. Then I make a document with the couple’s name, wedding date, contact information, timeline and family formals list so I can print and bring along on the wedding day. I also make an extra copy of this list just in case I lose it or someone else needs a copy. 

2. 1-2 Days before the wedding I prepare my equipment. I charge all my batteries, format all my cards, and put everything in my rolling bag. I have a printed list of all my equipment to make sure nothing gets missed. 

3. Pack Snacks. A wedding day is normally 6-10 hours long, and I have to admit I eat every two hours or I get crabby (truth!). So I add some snacks to my rolling back as well. And water! 

4. Equipment Check. I always double check my back before I go and do a mental note of the 4 things I need to shoot: Camera, Batteries, Lenses, CF Cards. 

5. Check my Notes: I always make notes as I talk to/e-mail my brides in case they want something specific, and I write those down and read them before I leave my house so I can remember. 

I’ve learned that planning ahead makes my day less stressful and leaves my mind clear to just be creative! Cheers!