Second shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography Originally this was all written out for Instagram, but then quickly realized I filled up a Instagram post way too quick and had SOOOOOO much more to say and then my silly self didn't save it so I had to start from scratch all over again.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography First off, I want to extend a BIG congratulations to you! If we were together hanging out in person, I'd likely give you a hug and ask you questions about your fiancee and how you proposed and what made you fall head over heels madly in love with her. We'd chat and then I would ask your fiancee the same questions only they would be more girly and ask for all the details from her perspective.
Having grown up with many guy friends and a majority of male cousins, I've been able to pick their brain some in preparation for this blog. My baby brother is getting married in May and another friend of mine from college is getting married this coming Fall. So I am hearing about all the stresses that comes with wedding planning - the stress of decisions, the cost of everything (major stress there), parents breathing down your neck, etc. You just want the day to come and go, or shoot, just elope to not have to deal with the stress of everything altogether. Sounds ideal, right? Well, when it comes to your Bride-to-Be, probably not. She's likely been dreaming of this day since the first time she saw the movie, Cinderella.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography
So let's get down to business, k? You and your fiancee have likely already picked a venue and therefore, have the date for your wedding. After that, you do some research, pick your vendors (hopefully me!) and sign some contracts and pay some deposits. That's all good until it comes down to the wedding date. That's where I come in. Being in the wedding industry for 10+ years and assisting other photographers for just about as long has definitely given some knowledge I feel is time to pass along. Gotta alleviate some stress for you and your girl.
More than anything, right not, there are so many things going on in your Bride's head. You know when you have a large amount of tabs open on your web browser and you hear music or an advertisement and you don't know where it's coming from, that is your fiancee's mind right now. So just be there for her, take her out for a evening, just the two of you, and get your minds off wedding planning for an evening. The day isn't going to fall apart because she isn't pinning picture after picture to her Pinterest board. She needs a break every once in a while and you are her break right now.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography The key to making your wedding day go off without a hitch is BE ORGANIZED!!!! I cannot stress this enough and it makes everything less rushed and LESS stressful. Know where everything is! On the day of your wedding, your photographer and assistant will show up, talk to you about the outline of the getting ready process before you have your First Look or walk down the aisle. The assistant will stay with the guys while everyone is getting ready. Usually in this scenario, we are not taking pictures of you all in your underwear - you already have your pants and shirt on. The photographer will grab details shots - tie (bonus points if you have a bow tie), cuff links, funky socks, shoes, maybe a fun handkerchief that goes in the pocket of your tux (only if you aren't going traditional). That sort of thing. Oh, and your boutonniere. We need that too, but only if it is available. I photographed a wedding with my friend Jennifer as her assistant and the groom had the most unique boutonniere - it was a simple flower in a empty shotgun shell. How cool was that?!? Hunting was a huge part of his life so he wanted to showcase it through. So, don't be afraid to do that during the planning process. The assistant photographer will stay while you guys joke around, have a drink, tell stories and just be guys. If there ever comes a time that you would like the photographer to step away because you need a break, there is no harm in that. We respect your privacy and the time with your friends is important. If you have also give your groomsmen gifts whether they be flashy socks, flasks, or fun cuff links, show those off! And if you are having drinks with the guys, we definitely want to capture that also! It's a special moment on your wedding day that should not be overlooked or forgotten.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography When it comes to seeing your Bride during your First Look or if you see her come down the aisle, don't be afraid of letting your emotions loose. It's not uncommon to be emotional when you see her for the first time. She's STUNNING!!!! I say this because I am likely crying along with you. So you are not alone in this.
Second Shot with Photos by HFB
So if you have any other information you would like to share about what you wished you knew about wedding planning, I would love to hear it in the comment section below. Who knows, it might just end up being a topic for Wedding Planning Tips + Tricks