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Plan Well, Party Often

What Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

What Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

There’s a reason that one of the things brides are most excited about when it comes to their wedding is their wedding photographer. I mean, your wedding photos are the one tangible thing (well, besides your wedding video) that you can look back on for a lifetime. You spend so much time looking at wedding inspiration on Pinterest, and you can’t help but imagine how your wedding day will be captured in the midst of all those pretty images.

My planning style is authentic. 

It’s no secret that my approach to wedding planning is simple and authentic. I prefer to tell it like it is, and I know I’m not the only one. From the outside looking in, being a wedding professional can sound like a glamorous job. However, there’s a lot that goes into making your wedding day your best-day-ever.

Last week I took the liberty of asking wedding photographers from all over the world about what they wish their couples knew about wedding photography and their wedding. And, oh boy, did they deliver! Grab some coffee and sit back, they got extra real for you. (But, I promise it’s in a good way!)

What Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

What Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew – Straight From Professional Photographers Themselves

“I had one of the worst reviews I have ever gotten from a wedding guest that I didn’t even know. They said that we ‘wasted time’ creating a same day slide show for the bride and groom. (I did it 30 minutes before the ceremony and while guests were eating.) They also said we sat around the whole reception and didn’t take pictures. But, we sat down to eat dinner when the guests did. I wish this person had been informed that we are working 8-10 hour days often and deserve to sit down and eat as well. We aren’t being lazy just because you see us sitting down for a short break.” – Mandi of Mandi Mitchell Photography (Roswell, Georgia)

“I wish my clients knew how important the little details are. We love those tiny little touches that they add to make the ceremony unique to them.” – Beth of Beth Waterman Photography (Mooresville, Indiana)

You all know I’m a sucker for the little details!

“I always tell any couple I know who is getting married, whether they are my clients or not, one thing. Make sure you genuinely enjoy being around your wedding photographer! They will be around you for about 90% of one of the biggest days of your life, so be sure to hire someone whose work you love and whose personality fits well with yours!” – Heather of Heather K. Purdy (The Netherlands)

“I wish my clients knew how much a simple thank you means at the end of the night. Were fortunate it almost always happens, but it just makes the sore body all worth while. 🙂 ” – Tracy of This is You… (Atlanta, Georgia)

It absolutely melts my heart when I hear the sweet couple thank me before they do their grand exit! 

“Remember that your photographer is a photographer and not a planner. We help in as many ways as we possibly can and love to help. But, in the end, we are photographers.” – Malachi of Shell Creek Photography (Schuyler, Nebraska)

Should you hire a wedding planner? The answer is always ‘Yes’! Read why, here.

“I wish they knew how beautiful they look – regardless of their body type or the texture of their skin or what they are wearing. Love brings out the best in people, and it shows!” – Melissa of Melissa Miksch Photography (Marysville, Washington)

“I am a single person business and so there are times when I am out shooting, at a meeting, or running errands and I am not checking my emails or my phone. We live in a world where it is very easy to get a hold of people technology wise. But, as a one person business, I need to delegate time to be the editor, the photographer, the graphic designer, the face of the company, and the secretary. On top of that, I need to have time to myself so I don’t burn out. It is difficult to run all these functions of your business at once, so it is hard to have communication around the clock.” – Livi of Livi Shaw Wedding Photography (Toronto, Ontario)

“Hire a really good experienced photographer – not just someone ‘trendy’ or cheap. I’ve done tons of bridal/portrait sessions because the random wedding photographer aka ‘my cousins friend thats starting out or this girl my aunt knows’ didn’t get decent, if any, portraits that they liked. Also, hire a great professional makeup artist! Have them stay extra time if the portraits will be later on, or on a hot day. Great makeup makes a huge difference in photos. Contouring, false lashes, and lip stick will make you a legit supermodel on your most important day!” – Bella of Bella Dorsey Photography (Roswell, Georgia)

If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.

“It is so important to have a family/people herder who has a shot and name list for the family portraits! Also, whether you have a first look or not, bride and groom portraits are that time when you both can just take each other in and take a breath together. So important!” – Kelsey of Kelsey Butcher Photography (Atlanta, Georgia)

“Lighting isn’t something a bride is often thinking about when planning her wedding day. I wish more brides knew the importance of timing an outdoor ceremony well. I’ve had bride’s in the past consult me before choosing the time of their outdoor ceremony & it has made ALL the difference in their photos! (and prevented lots of guests from squinting!)” – Amanda of Amanga Donaho Photography (Cincinnati, Ohio)

“Listen to our advice…and trust it! I have been shooting for 14 years. I have a pretty good idea how timelines, family photos, sunsets and locations will play out.” – Jason of Jason Angelini Photography (Tampa, Florida)

“Sometimes a list of who not to put together is just as important as what combinations they do want. Also, unplugged weddings are the best.” – Mike of Mike Glatzer Photography (Atlanta, Georgia)

I totally agree, unplugged weddings are the best!

“Three Things: Tell me if there is any family drama, of any kind. On the questionnaire when I ask “is there anything I need to know”, this is it! Also, would you prefer to not have inebriated guests or family members photographed? Sometimes we think these moments are funny and candid and we have to capture them. However, if you’d rather not see them, tell us! We won’t waste our time. Finally, communication is key. If you don’t tell us something that means a lot or is specific to you, we won’t know. Don’t assume as photographers we should just know to capture certain things. What may not be important to me might be very important to you. Tell me.” – Kandi of Kandi Daniel Studios (Newnan, Georgia)

“Ask your photographer for videographer recommendations. (and vice versa, if you choose your wedding filmmaker first) The photo and video teams need to work well together to capture everything.” – Steve of Sonnet Wedding Films (Chicago, Illinois)

“When considering which photographer to hire, think beyond the pretty posed shots. A good wedding photographer is a portrait artist, a photojournalist, and a sports shooter, all wrapped into one. Ask to see a whole wedding or several finished albums so you can get a sense of their ability to handle different situations.” – Chris of Witzgall Photography (Annapolis, Maryland)

“Timelines matter in order to leave lots of rooms for photos!” – Heather of Heather K Cook Photography (Atlanta, Georgia)

April 10, 2017

« Tips for Embracing the Rainy Wedding Day
How-to Write the Perfect Thank-You Note »

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Comments

  1. Theresa Bailey says

    April 10, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    These are all so very true! Your photographer can be a great asset to your day running smoothly, but they can’t read your mind. Make sure to communicate with them and iron everything out you think is necessary before your wedding day.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 7:55 pm

      Yes Yes Yes! If problems arise, it is often due to a lack of or miscommunication. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Misty Eilar says

    April 10, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Love the one with letting them know about family drama. I wish I could have kicked a certain person out of my wedding lol. If you can afford a good photographer, make it happen!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 7:56 pm

      Yes!! I even ask this question as a planner on my own coordination planning meeting questionnaires. It’s so important to keep us in the loop so we can help avoid any drama on the day-of!

      Reply
  3. Linda says

    April 11, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    Amen to everything that was said. They all got it perfect.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 7:56 pm

      I’m so glad you agree! 🙂

      Reply

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Atlanta based Award Winning Interior and Event Designer and Home Blogger Cathy Nugent

Hi, friends! I'm Cathy, an award winning published designer of spaces to gather and southern belle blogger based out of a small(ish) town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most people know me as the Monica Geller of my friend group – a coffee connoisseur and dog mom with a huge heart for hosting and an eye for design. The heart behind what I do is simple. I want to help you be intentional on creating spaces to gather and celebrating life's precious moments - whether that be weddings, parties, or something as simple as having loved ones in your home. Living Simply, Loving Generously, and Hosting with Heart.

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Get the details on this super easy and inexpensive Christmas DIY over on the blog ➡️ ahostinghome.com or click the link in my profile bio. ☃️❄️ #ahostinghome
Instagram post 2195235283042025798_5687345742 I’m not quite sure how @fromsimplyearth knew I loved Peppermint lip balm so much. (My mom puts peppermint chapstick in Rob and I’s stockings every year at Christmas! 🎄❤️) So you can imagine that I was so excited when I saw a recipe in the December box where I could make my own from their exclusive Candy Cane essential oil blend. 🙌🏼🎉 // Little recipes like this one are seriously so easy and inexpensive to make — and make perfect stocking stuffers! The best part? It’s included with five other recipes in this month’s essential oil recipe box from #simplyearth!
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Take a peek at my other favorite recipes this month over on the blog ➡️ ahostinghome.com or click the link in my profile bio. Then get your own December box PLUS a free $40 gift card and free bonus box by using my code AHOSTINGHOMEFREE ➡️ link in profile bio! ✨ Hurry, this month’s box is already almost sold out! ❤️🎄 // sponsored #ahostinghome #eorecipebox
Instagram post 2194726241672596426_5687345742 I know I’ve talked about this a little bit (and I’m sorry if too much! 😬 I just want to share with other women how Jesus is getting me through this season of my life to hopefully bring them through too.) But one of the hardest parts of going into this holiday season was just the fact that Layne wasn’t going to be here to be a part of them. I so desperately wanted to include him in the festivities like every mom gets to do with their baby, but I didn’t know how. One of my friends gave me the idea that I should come up with a tradition that I could realistically do to include Layne in the holidays each year. Thankfully, I had Rob and I’s family to help inspire me — and this year we’ve started some new traditions to remember Layne during the holidays. // If you’re also walking into this holiday season with the grief of the loss of your child, I am so sorry. I am SO sorry. I hope this post, when you’re ready, helps you take that step to remember your angel this holiday season. ❤️🎄 Today on the blog: A Way to Remember Your Lost Baby This Christmas ➡️ ahostinghome.com or click the link in my profile bio. ✨ #ahostinghome #infantloss
Instagram post 2193827147445848570_5687345742 Happy Weekend, friends! So yesterday I did something new and totally out of this introvert’s comfort zone (but SO fun! 🎉) My sweet friend @kaitswaff.realtor is a local realtor here in west Georgia who not only helps you find your dream house - but also wants to help you turn it into your dream home. ✨ Kait came over yesterday and we filmed some videos talking about all things hosting this holiday season for her video series she’s launching. We had SO much fun and so many laughs (and of course puppy snuggles!) I can’t wait to share it with y’all soon! // Would y’all be interested in more videos in addition to the blog? Let me know! 👇🏼#ahostinghome #ahostinghomepups @ahostinghomepups
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Instagram post 2191924690767693959_5687345742 To be 100% transparent and real and not only show you my life through the rose colored glasses of social media (because we’re all friends here, right?)... I have been struggling with the holidays this year. If you know me, the holidays are my jam. They always have been - especially Christmas. So, I’ve been thinking of realistic ways I could still include Layne in Christmas each year since I’m not able to do any of the normal ‘mom’ things.
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Last year as we dreamed of this Christmas, I had wanted to start a kid tree where our children would pick out an ornament each year and decorate their tree. But while Layne isn’t physically here with us, Rob and I decided to buy a little 4 ft one anyways to start the tradition this year. As we were pacing through the store looking for an ornament for Layne’s first Christmas, this little guy was sitting out in the open all by himself. We walked around forever to see where it came from to look at other options, and we couldn’t find them. It was like God placed him right there on purpose... like this would’ve been the ornament that Layne would’ve picked. And, y’all, it’s perfect.
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❤️🎄 Merry Christmas, bud. (P.S. I’m still jealous you get to go to Jesus’s birthday party.) #ahostinghome @thecathynugent #infantloss #griefandloss
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Get the deets on this month’s #eorecipebox from #simplyearth && make sure to get yours before they sell out! Use code AHOSTINGHOMEFREE for a free $40 gift card and free bonus box when you first subscribe ✨➡️ ahostinghome.com or click the link in my profile bio! #ahostinghome // sponsored
Instagram post 2189687273423691399_5687345742 Here comes @amazon, here comes amazon, right down my driveway 🎶🎵 Anyone else take advantage of online shopping sales this entire weekend? 🙋🏼‍♀️ // Keeping it real... Rob and I have been in the same spots since getting home from church this afternoon with a cozy throw, two snoring pups, and Hulu marathon with all the Christmas trees on and glowing in the background. (Talk about the perfect lazy Sunday. ✨) We’re finally home after traveling for a week visiting family for Thanksgiving, and I’m so excited to be kicking off all things Christmas at home — and sharing with y’all all things holiday this month. Here’s a look at the tree in my dining room this year. I can’t get enough of that giant bow and candy cane marquee light I turned into a tree topper. 😍 Would y’all want a bow tutorial on stories or the blog?
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ICYMI, I’ve got a blog post live on how to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro stylist this season. I’m spilling all my decorating tips and secrets of how to easily get a designer look with confidence. ➡️ ahostinghome.com or click the link in my profile bio ❤️🎄

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