Pre Bride/Groom Session Prep

Avoid the following items for your bride/groom portrait session:

Glitter makeup.
Avoid styling hair with tendrils. These loose strands can cast shadows, blow in the wind, and require constant fixing. Keep hair pulled back and off the face.
The bride should avoid white or solid deodorants, as they can transfer onto the groom’s suit. Choose a clear gel deodorant instead.
Avoid bulky items in pocket (wallet, cell phone etc.).
Avoid tanning 4–7 days before your session. A little color is fine, but avoid sunburn.
Avoid spray tans, as they don’t photograph well and can look overly orange.
Avoid tan lines that may show with your dress, including neckline, sleeves, sunglasses, and watches.
Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.
Limited number of attendees: Avoid bringing too many people along for the portrait session, as it can hinder the relaxed atmosphere for the bride and groom. If you have a friend, sister or family member with an exuberant and fun personality, they are the perfect companion to keep your spirits high during your portrait session.
Avoid vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle.

Here are some general suggestions for your bride/groom portrait session:

Bring a bouquet: Having a bouquet can make a significant difference in your photos. I highly recommend it. It will give your hands something to do in photos.
Bouquet advice: A well-rounded, neatly shaped bouquet is recommended. Avoid twigs or elements that extend outward, as they can cast shadows or appear distracting in photos.
Groom's boutonniere: Don't forget to accessorize the groom with a boutonniere for a nice touch. Optional.
Women, spray down all fly away hairs prior to your portrait session.
Men, ensure that the stitching on your new suit in undone. When you buy a new suit, there is white stitching on the jacket shoulders, the vents are sewn closed and the pockets are stitched shut. These all need to be removed to prepare the jacket to be worn.
Punctuality: Be ready in your wedding dress and suit at the designated start time. It is far better to arrive too early to your session than being late. You will be more at ease and photograph your best if you arrive early and are prepared ahead of time.
Personal grooming: Ensure manicured nails and shaped brows for women, and trimmed ear and nose hair for men.
Bring water, eye drops, moisturizer, and a coat or blanket if needed.
Men's grooming: Cut hair 2-5 days before the session and make sure the neckline is neatly shaped and clean.
Dental care: Teeth clean and flossed. If you want to you can whiten/bleach your teeth a couple weeks prior.
Comfortable footwear: If wearing high heels with your wedding dress, bring a pair of flats for walking around (more for mountain locations).
Plan your travel: Factor in traffic and rush hour during your commute.
Be mindful that thicker and longer eyelash extensions might affect the visibility of your eyes which are the most vital element in a portrait. This can make it challenging to showcase the catch lights in your eyes, which are crucial for creating a captivating portrait. If you tend to squint when you smile, it’s recommended to opt for shorter and lighter eyelash extensions to ensure your eyes, the centerpiece of a portrait, remain unobscured.
Check attire details: Make sure buttons and small dress details are secure and that the groom's suit coat pockets are unstitched.
Consider eyewear: Eye glasses may be worn, but non-reflective lenses are recommended. You may also considering wearing frames without lenses in them. It is recommended not to wear glasses with transition lenses.
Check your dress: Ensure everything fits properly and double-check buttons and small details on the dress.
When you're tying your necktie, remember the guideline that the lower end of the tie should just lightly reach the top of your belt. Avoid tying your necktie too long! Also, don't overlook the importance of wearing a belt with your suit. Opt for a necktie in solid, earth tones, and refrain from choosing one with loud patterns. Select an earth tone that complements your hair/eye color, complexion and the suit. Avoid wearing pastel neckties. My personal favorite brand for neckties is JZ Richards which can be found at Nordstrom and Utah Woolen Mills.
You should plan for where you'll be getting ready in your wedding dress, whether it's conveniently located near your chosen photo spot or at your residence. Ensure that you arrive dressed in your wedding attire, fully prepared for the portrait session.
Bouquet advice: I personally recommend a bouquet that is well-rounded and neatly shaped, without twigs or excessive elements hanging from the sides. Items protruding from the bouquet can cast shadows on your dress and might appear odd poking out or covering your arms, potentially being distracting. Please consider this as a suggestion, with exceptions possible.
Remember that these are general suggestions, and exceptions can be discussed with your photographer as needed.
Other Information
Avoid a drastic hair change as you may not be happy with the results. If hiring a hair and or makeup stylist I highly suggest doing a trial run beforehand. If hiring a stylist make sure your hair is done well in advance to ensure you are on time. If you color your hair be sure that the roots of your hair and touched up prior to photos.
Please be on time. Daylight waits for no one!

Pre Bride/Groom Session Prep

Avoid the following items for your bride/groom portrait session:

Glitter makeup.

Avoid styling hair with tendrils. These loose strands can cast shadows, blow in the wind, and require constant fixing. Keep hair pulled back and off the face.

The bride should avoid white or solid deodorants, as they can transfer onto the groom’s suit. Choose a clear gel deodorant instead.

Avoid bulky items in pocket (wallet, cell phone etc.).

Avoid tanning 4–7 days before your session. A little color is fine, but avoid sunburn.

Avoid spray tans, as they don’t photograph well and can look overly orange.

Avoid tan lines that may show with your dress, including neckline, sleeves, sunglasses, and watches.

Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.

Avoid vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle.

Here are some general suggestions for your bride/groom portrait session:

Bring a bouquet: Having a bouquet can make a significant difference in your photos. I highly recommend it. It will give your hands something to do in photos.

Bouquet advice: A well-rounded, neatly shaped bouquet is recommended. Avoid twigs or elements that extend outward, as they can cast shadows or appear distracting in photos.

Groom's boutonniere: Don't forget to accessorize the groom with a boutonniere for a nice touch. Optional.

Women, spray down all fly away hairs prior to your portrait session.

Men, ensure that the stitching on your new suit in undone. When you buy a new suit, there is white stitching on the jacket shoulders, the vents are sewn closed and the pockets are stitched shut. These all need to be removed to prepare the jacket to be worn.

Punctuality: Be ready in your wedding dress and suit at the designated start time. It is far better to arrive too early to your session than being late. You will be more at ease and photograph your best if you arrive early and are prepared ahead of time.

Personal grooming: Ensure manicured nails and shaped brows for women, and trimmed ear and nose hair for men.

Bring water, eye drops, moisturizer, and a coat or blanket if needed.

Men's grooming: Cut hair 2-5 days before the session and make sure the neckline is neatly shaped and clean.

Dental care: Teeth clean and flossed. If you want to you can whiten/bleach your teeth a couple weeks prior.

Comfortable footwear: If wearing high heels with your wedding dress, bring a pair of flats for walking around (more for mountain locations).

Plan your travel: Factor in traffic and rush hour during your commute.

Check attire details: Make sure buttons and small dress details are secure and that the groom's suit coat pockets are unstitched.

Consider eyewear: Eye glasses may be worn, but non-reflective lenses are recommended. You may also considering wearing frames without lenses in them. It is recommended not to wear glasses with transition lenses.

Check your dress: Ensure everything fits properly and double-check buttons and small details on the dress.

You should plan for where you'll be getting ready in your wedding dress, whether it's conveniently located near your chosen photo spot or at your residence. Ensure that you arrive dressed in your wedding attire, fully prepared for the portrait session.

Remember that these are general suggestions, and exceptions can be discussed with your photographer as needed.

Other Information

Please be on time. Daylight waits for no one!