The ceremony is the most hands-off part of the day for us. There’s not much we can adjust once you are up at the front, but I can help prepare you beforehand for perfect ceremony photos!

Ask that guests not take photos, or at least stay seated and not use flash, especially if it’s indoors. Insist that immediate family leave their cameras, phones and ipads off or tucked away. You can always share the professional images with them & this way they can enjoy your big day and be present with you!

Make sure you walk slowly down the aisle, and make sure you inform your bridal party to do the same.

Hold your bouquet at bellybutton height, that way we can see your face & the top of your dress.

Don’t tuck tissues or hankys in your bra, fold them and hold your bouquet with it.

When you do your rehearsal, make sure you know what the center of the arch/alter is and make sure you know your mark so you stand centered! You can even put a small piece of clear tape on the floor to mark your place.

Have markers for your bridal party as well, make sure that the best man and maid of honor are standing the same distance from the bride and groom, often one ends up much closer than the other. Make sure you leave enough space for your train to be spread out!

The key thing that I have noticed over the years that will help create beautiful images is to reduce the distractions and keep the surroundings as simple as possible so the focus is on you. Ask if it’s possible for your officiant or priest to stand off to the side during the vows, ring exchange and first kiss. Ask that they do not stand directly behind either one of you during this time, but move completely to the side. Also either provide for them or ask that they have a small neutral colored booklet instead of a large brightly colored binder to read from. See if it’s possible to go without a microphone, if you must have one, explore a wireless hand held microphone or a clip on microphone, avoid the large microphone stands if you can.

When saying your vows, make sure you look at each other not the officiant/priest.

Hold your first kiss for longer than a millisecond! Embrace this moment.

When you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, WALK SLOWLY, don’t run and pay attention to each other, don’t be shy. Go ahead and snuggle up, kiss a few more times as you walk!