Wedding Tips by Mimi: Photography Hints and Tips

In my line of work, I've had the pleasure of working with tons of talented and seasoned event professionals. From caterers to florists, photographers to DJs—I've learned a thing or two about the events industry outside of my stationery design bubble ;)

And with that, I would like to introduce a new series called "Wedding Tips by Mimi". Wherein I will take a break from designing invitations to pass along some of the tips and tricks I've learned over the years in hopes that they will prove helpful to the planning bride (or groom) to-be!

To kick things off, I'd like to share some things I've learned about photography.

Photo via Gustavo Fernandez

Hiring a talented photographer (with whom you "click") is so important. After the vows have been exchanged, the cake has been eaten, the last dance has been danced and the guests have all gone home, you will want to have some lovely and telling photos (and hopefully videography, too!) to look back on. I, unfortunately, have first-hand experience as a testament to this...but hopefully my loss will inspire your gain.

When I was engaged to my now-husband, I was working in the layout department designing advertisements for the Yellow Pages. One day at work I came across a photographer's ad and, wanting to quickly cross something off my rapidly growing to-do list, decided to book him. Did I interview him? Barely. Did I carefully inspect his work to see if it matched up to the photography I envisioned to capture my own wedding memories? Sadly, no.

I paid the price for my lack of effort. Not only was my photographer late come wedding day, but he was rude to my very friendly family. Furthermore, he took none of the posed photos I requested and ran out of film (yes, this was when photographers still used film—did I just age myself?). After the wedding, things just go worse. He claimed the package I agreed to and paid for only covered the cost of taking the photos—no actual photos themselves. Thus all I was left with were mediocre 5x5 unedited proofs (all of which had "DO NOT REPRODUCE" printed all over them) and a headache. This "photographer" simply disappeared after he had my money...never to be found again.

So, take it from me! Do your research (read reviews!) and find a photographer you get along with and whose visual aesthetics are in sync with yours—you won't regret it.

Now once you've done that, here are a few tricks I've picked up from my photographer friends!

• Create a list of must-have shots. Depending on your photographer's preferences (be sure to allow room for creative freedom—that's why you hired them, afterall), this may be a short list of mandatory family portraits or a comprehensive list noting every desired detail close-up. Talk to your photographer to discern what you can do to help facilitate both of your needs!

• Kindly remind guests to be mindful of your photographer. Whether this is your Great Uncle Jim stepping into the ceremony aisle to photograph your entrance or your new second cousin snapping a (super) close-up of your father-daughter dance—sometimes, these well-intentioned guests can prove to be an obstacle preventing your photographer from getting the perfect shot.

• Get a head start. I've heard from quite a few photographers that brides often underestimate how long it will take to get ready. Starting the day behind schedule will only continue to throw you off as the likelihood of gaining back that time will be fairly slim. So as not to stress or be rushed through the necessary family and bridal party portraits, get ready as early as possible. Even if you're not having a "first-look" try and get all of the separate bridal party and family photos taken care of before the ceremony, leaving only a few group photos and bride and groom portraits for after.

• Have an engagement shoot. If your budget allows, schedule an engagement session with your photographer. (Many photographers even include these with their basic packages.) This affords you and your significant other and your photographer some time to get to know each other. Not only will this help make you more at ease in front of the lens come wedding day, but it will give you an opportunity to see how your photographer works best. Oh! And you'll have some beautiful engagement photos to cherish forever too ;)

Anyway, these are just a few of the helpful photography tips that have been passed down to me! Be sure to tune in next week for another edition of "Wedding Tips by Mimi".

~Mimi!