A few Tips for the BIG day...
One of the fundamental elements of preparing you both for your Wedding Day is a one-on-one meeting with you, in person. This is very important for you to get to know me and also for me to get to know you too. However, sometimes this can only happen a couple of weeks before the day itself or, like in one of my weddings, less than 24 hours before!
When it's not possible to meet in person, I try to establish a video call or something similar but I'll also refer to the following tips and suggestions that you can refer to ahead of the day to avoid any surprises.
If you have not yet had the opportunity, you can see my wedding portfolio here:
Getting Ready
Make an early choice on the type of morning or run-up to the wedding you want for getting ready. Preparing alone; getting ready with just a couple of your closest friends; or having a room full of people. Each option provides a very different vibe and environment. For me, it’s important to know ahead of time so I can get straight into the frame of mind.
Hair & Makeup
As you’re preparing your wedding-day schedule, ask your hair/makeup artist for an estimated time on how long this process will take, and then add at least 30 minutes as a buffer. I do like to take shots if permitted. Brides do love to look back on these moments, especially if there's champagne flowing!
Traditional Church Ceremonies
Before you book your church, please confirm whether photography is allowed and if there are any restrictions. I’m happy to work with anything, but it’s important for your own peace of mind to have realistic expectations in advance. Sometimes, Men of the Faith don't take kindly to flash photography in the church so it's always better to ask, as the answer will affect your wedding pictures.
Sunlight Ceremonies
Transportation
Always try and have me (your photographer) ride with you when possible. In the car on the way to the ceremony; in the limo on the way to the reception. You will get some of the most intimate, close-up moments captured this way, and very likely some of the wildest too!
Creative Portraits (The Vogue Shots)
One of the most important parts of your wedding day is taking the time to make creative portraits of the two of you. Make sure to carve out 30 minutes to an hour for this. I’ll guide you through everything, but it’s important to remember these portraits require patience and tenacity, and occasionally an adventurous endeavour or two…But the results are and will be well worth it!
Family & Group Shots
I recommend doing immediate family only right after the ceremony (parents, siblings, grandparents, wedding party). If you have a larger group of guests, do them at the reception at a more convenient time. Just have the DJ or band make the announcement, but ensure that guests know this is the plan of attack. If they miss the call, then they won't have those so desired pictures.
Embrace the unexpected Scenario
Inclement weather, forgetting that bracelet you so wanted to wear, or events running way off schedule, allow your wedding day to be what it will. Keeping an open mind will allow spontaneity and magic to surprise and delight you, and make your wedding uniquely yours, you may be slightly upset in the short term but when you look back at the pictures, you’ll have a whole lot of giggles and laughs!
and lastly but also very important...
Am I on the Guest List?
This accomplishes three important things for you and for me.
- Send Me an invitation like everyone else; this gives me time to take a few shots of it for you in advance instead of rushing or even not getting shots of invitations that you may have spent a lot of time and effort, not to mention money, producing.
- If I'm on the guest list, I'll hopefully be seated with the guests, which ensures I'm always with you or nearby and less likely to miss that "moment" of your reception.
- I don't go mad on food and drink when I'm on the clock, but I do need some form of energy so it's good to see that I am fed and kept hydrated. Needless to say that it's probably better that I'm not eating out back with the chef when speeches are happening. Food = energy and an energetic, happy photographer is precisely what you want when you have four hours of partying ahead of you!
If you'd like further information as to how I can assist you in preparing for your wedding day (from a photographic point of view) or you'd like to know how to secure my services for your special day, then please contact me.
I'm also available on Skype (Search for "daryl_gabin" in Portugal), Facebook or Twitter, or download the WhatsApp application (look me up on +351 939874143) and drop me a text, time is not a problem.