Wedding Day Photography Preparation

It's important to acknowledge that no wedding day is perfect, preparing and following the suggestions below can help make your wedding day the best it can be.

Wedding Ceremony Tips and Pointers:

Walk down the aisle with your head up, not looking at the ground. I’ll be at the front as you come down the aisle.
For outdoor ceremonies, have the couple stand in full shade to avoid harsh light and unflattering shadows.
Line up centered to the aisle and backdrop when standing in the front with the officiant.
Talk to your officiant weeks in advance to set a ceremony length (typically 15–25 minutes) and keep it on schedule.
Ensure someone takes the bride's bouquet when she reaches the end of the aisle for two reasons: it allows her to hold both hands with the groom and prevents the bouquet from obstructing the view during the ring exchange.
During the ring exchange, face each other, keep your hands visible, don’t turn away, and move slowly.
Have the wedding party walk down the aisle at least 25 feet apart so everyone can be photographed clearly without being blocked.
The bride should avoid white solid deodorants and opt for a clear or gel version, as solids can transfer onto the groom’s suit and leave visible marks.
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony with an arch, position it with the sun behind it to avoid harsh shadows, or place it in open shade for the best lighting.
Avoid having the bride and groom stand under anything that will cast a shadow on them, such as lattice pergolas, arches, or any other structures. These are fine to be married in front of but DO NOT STAND UNDERNEATH THEM. If the structure is fully covered and fully shaded you should be fine to stand underneath. Shadows across their faces or bodies cannot be removed and will affect the photos. Standing in full shade is recommend whenever possible.
If possible, plan your ceremony later in the day for softer, more flattering light, but not so late that it gets dark before photos. Midday sun can be harsh, especially in spring and summer, but if you’re scheduled then, I have experience working around it.
The bride and groom should face each other, not with their backs to the camera and audience.
Make sure the officiant instructs guests to silence and put away their cell phones. Amber Alerts have disrupted several ceremonies, and guests leaning into the aisle to take photos can block my line of sight.
Ensure all members of the wedding party, especially the groomsmen, remove all distracting objects from their pockets before the ceremony, including keychains, phones and any other items.
Ask guests to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid delays, as many show up right at the ceremony start time. Add another 15 minutes if parking is complicated.

Items to Avoid:

Avoid glitter makeup and items (It will transfer onto the grooms suit).
Avoid chewing gum.
Avoid styling your hair with “tendrils” — those thin, wispy strands left loose to frame the face. They can cast shadows, blow in the wind, and require constant adjustment in photos. It’s best to keep bangs pulled back and out of your face. Wearing your hair down is fine, just skip the loose tendrils.
Avoid tanning/Sun 3-5 days before your wedding. It is not a bad idea to add color to your complexion by sun tanning, avoid sunburn.
Avoid spray tans, as they often don’t photograph well and can create unnatural orange tones. If you’re considering one, do a trial run a few months in advance.
Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.
Avoid having tan lines that will be evident with your wedding dress. Neckline, sleeves etc. Avoid sunglass, swimsuit and watch tan lines.
Steer clear of vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle. Less is more.
Avoid open toed shoes during cold winter months.

Suggestions:

Pick simple, classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years. This applies to clothing, hairstyle, hair color and jewelry.
Manicured nails, shaped brows for women. Trimmed ear, eyebrow and nose hair for men. Men, also pay attention to your eyebrows and if they need to be trimmed. Men clean-shaven, be detailed in your shave. If you choose to have facial hair or stubble that is fine. If you easily get razor burn, shave at the right time to have the least amount of razor burn on the wedding day. Please prepare by wearing chap stick and moisturizer weeks before the wedding (men and women). Trimmed and clean finger nails for men.
During the hot summer months be sure to drink plenty of water the night before the wedding. The groom should carry a handkerchief in his pocket for brow perspiration during hot summer months (June through September).
Apply eye drops and moisturizer the day of your wedding.
Men, remove the temporary stitching from new suits — including shoulder threads, vent stitching, and pocket closures.
Avoid overly thick or long eyelash extensions, as they can hide your eyes and reduce catchlights. If you squint when you smile, choose shorter, lighter lashes to keep your eyes clear and visible.
Men should cut their hair 2-5 days before the wedding day. Cut to the length you want it to be on the wedding day. Neckline should be neatly shaped and clean.
The bride and groom should stick together side by side as often as possible. This allows for both to be in the candid images. Be conscience of your body language for I am constantly photographing candid images of you throughout the day.
Cufflinks for men are a small detail that adds a nice touch. You will need to buy a French cuff shirt to make this work.
A two-button suit coat should typically have its top button fastened. The only instance when it's appropriate to leave the suit coat unbuttoned is when you're wearing a vest underneath it. Please check out this brief and informative YouTube video from Real Men Real Style.
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.
Pack a lint roller. Run a link roller over tuxedo/suit.
DON’T FORGET THE WEDDINGS RINGS AND MARRIAGE LICENSE.
Check your car the day before the wedding to ensure it has a full tank of gas.
Make sure you have a bouquet. It is an important part of your wedding photos. A boutonniere for men is generally worn. The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel.
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.
If it is a hot summers day it is not a bad idea for the groom to have a secondary clean white button up shirt and secondary pair of clean dress socks for the reception.
Ask that your getaway vehicle be decorated in “class” without profanity. I seen many wedding cars decorated in profanity and it can take away from the photos taken at the wedding exit.
For a sparkler exit, bring a torch lighter if the venue isn’t providing one. If buying sparklers, check Zurchers locations and call ahead for availability.
For walking down the aisle, grand entrance, and sparkler exit, walking slowly is ideal as it helps me maintain sharp focus and capture more photos with precision.
An important reminder. Please make sure both families understand.
OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS: There are to be no other professional photographers, and/or photographers building their portfolio taking photos during the scheduled events for which the Photographer has been hired. Client is asked NOT to encourage family or friends to take photos with professional cameras during the event for which the photographer is hired. Other photographers present can adversely affect the final outcome of your images (example: during group photos half the group can tend to look in the direction of the other camera present). One hired videographer taking strictly video is acceptable. A photo booth at the reception is acceptable. I don't mind people taking photos on their phones as long as they don't disrupt or distract the subjects I'm capturing. Client understands and agrees that he or she has hired Brandon Burk Photography as the exclusive Photographer for this event. In order to provide a high level of satisfaction and quality product, no other service providers (including family members) may be allowed to disrupt the event by photographing the services outlined in this Agreement. No other venders/family members will be permitted to provide the same or similar services or products, paid or unpaid, at the locations and dates specified in this Agreement.

Hairstyle and Makeup

Make sure your roots are touched up if you color your hair. Avoid a drastic hair change, as you may not be happy with the results. If hiring a stylist and or makeup artist I strongly suggest doing a trial run with them before the actual wedding. Hairstyles should be off the face if possible. Hair falling down onto the sides of the face can create distracting shadows. Eye makeup should be blended – no sharp demarcation lines between colors. Avoid white above the eyes. Blend foundation into the jawline to create a seamless transition between the face and neck.

My Preparation:

I am extremely prepared for your wedding day. I have a backup for all of my equipment. I always have two cameras with me. I always photograph and record the digital images simultaneously on two memory cards. I understand that I am a representation of you at your wedding. I always dress in formal attire and present myself professionally. Your wedding day photos are just as important to me as they are to you. I will be observant of all moments occurring to ensure I capture them. Please understand that I am not perfect however, I am dedicated to delivering my very best for the bride, groom, and your families. Your wedding day is not about me, it is about the two of you. I strive to make sure the focus always remains on the two of you on your wedding day. Self-awareness holds significant importance for me in how I represent you. Your wedding day is very important to me.

Wedding Day Photography Preparation

It's important to acknowledge that no wedding day is perfect, preparing and following the suggestions below can help make your wedding day the best it can be.

Wedding Ceremony Tips and Pointers:

Walk down the aisle with your head up, not looking at the ground. I’ll be at the front as you come down the aisle.

For outdoor ceremonies, have the couple stand in full shade to avoid harsh light and unflattering shadows.

Line up centered to the aisle and backdrop when standing in the front with the officiant.

Talk to your officiant weeks in advance to set a ceremony length (typically 15–25 minutes) and keep it on schedule.

Ensure someone takes the bride's bouquet when she reaches the end of the aisle for two reasons: it allows her to hold both hands with the groom and prevents the bouquet from obstructing the view during the ring exchange.

During the ring exchange, face each other, keep your hands visible, don’t turn away, and move slowly.

Have the wedding party walk down the aisle at least 25 feet apart so everyone can be photographed clearly without being blocked.

The bride should avoid white solid deodorants and opt for a clear or gel version, as solids can transfer onto the groom’s suit and leave visible marks.

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony with an arch, position it with the sun behind it to avoid harsh shadows, or place it in open shade for the best lighting.

If possible, plan your ceremony later in the day for softer, more flattering light, but not so late that it gets dark before photos. Midday sun can be harsh, especially in spring and summer, but if you’re scheduled then, I have experience working around it.

The bride and groom should face each other, not with their backs to the camera and audience.

Make sure the officiant instructs guests to silence and put away their cell phones. Amber Alerts have disrupted several ceremonies, and guests leaning into the aisle to take photos can block my line of sight.

Ensure all members of the wedding party, especially the groomsmen, remove all distracting objects from their pockets before the ceremony, including keychains, phones and any other items.

Ask guests to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid delays, as many show up right at the ceremony start time. Add another 15 minutes if parking is complicated.

Items to Avoid:

Avoid glitter makeup and items (It will transfer onto the grooms suit).

Avoid chewing gum.

Avoid tanning/Sun 3-5 days before your wedding. It is not a bad idea to add color to your complexion by sun tanning, avoid sunburn.

Avoid spray tans, as they often don’t photograph well and can create unnatural orange tones. If you’re considering one, do a trial run a few months in advance.

Avoid dry skin & chapped lips.

Avoid having tan lines that will be evident with your wedding dress. Neckline, sleeves etc. Avoid sunglass, swimsuit and watch tan lines.

Steer clear of vivid red lipstick as cameras struggle to capture the intensity of red tones. If wearing lipstick keep it subtle. Less is more.

Avoid open toed shoes during cold winter months.

Suggestions:

Pick simple, classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years. This applies to clothing, hairstyle, hair color and jewelry.

During the hot summer months be sure to drink plenty of water the night before the wedding. The groom should carry a handkerchief in his pocket for brow perspiration during hot summer months (June through September).

Apply eye drops and moisturizer the day of your wedding.

Men, remove the temporary stitching from new suits — including shoulder threads, vent stitching, and pocket closures.

Avoid overly thick or long eyelash extensions, as they can hide your eyes and reduce catchlights. If you squint when you smile, choose shorter, lighter lashes to keep your eyes clear and visible.

Men should cut their hair 2-5 days before the wedding day. Cut to the length you want it to be on the wedding day. Neckline should be neatly shaped and clean.

The bride and groom should stick together side by side as often as possible. This allows for both to be in the candid images. Be conscience of your body language for I am constantly photographing candid images of you throughout the day.

Cufflinks for men are a small detail that adds a nice touch. You will need to buy a French cuff shirt to make this work.

A two-button suit coat should typically have its top button fastened. The only instance when it's appropriate to leave the suit coat unbuttoned is when you're wearing a vest underneath it. Please check out this brief and informative YouTube video from Real Men Real Style.

Pack a lint roller. Run a link roller over tuxedo/suit.

DON’T FORGET THE WEDDINGS RINGS AND MARRIAGE LICENSE.

Check your car the day before the wedding to ensure it has a full tank of gas.

Make sure you have a bouquet. It is an important part of your wedding photos. A boutonniere for men is generally worn. The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel.

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.

If it is a hot summers day it is not a bad idea for the groom to have a secondary clean white button up shirt and secondary pair of clean dress socks for the reception.

Ask that your getaway vehicle be decorated in “class” without profanity. I seen many wedding cars decorated in profanity and it can take away from the photos taken at the wedding exit.

For a sparkler exit, bring a torch lighter if the venue isn’t providing one. If buying sparklers, check Zurchers locations and call ahead for availability.

For walking down the aisle, grand entrance, and sparkler exit, walking slowly is ideal as it helps me maintain sharp focus and capture more photos with precision.

An important reminder. Please make sure both families understand.

Hairstyle and Makeup

My Preparation: