QUESTIONNAIRE

This first section is just basic information about the wedding day. Here are a few tips to know beforehand:

1. Make sure there is natural light in the room where the bride will be getting ready (window light). This makes a big difference in your image.

2. If possible, try to have all bridal details together before the photographer arrives. (Dress, jewelry, shoes, bouquet, garter, veil, all rings, etc) This will make the detail shots more efficient.

3. Keep the area near the window free of trash, bags, snacks, etc. This will be where the bride will be putting on her dress.

4. If you’re doing a first look, you may want to coordinate with your florist to get your bouquets ahead of time. This will also allow for more detail images of your bouquets

5. Allow more time than you think you need to get ready. It’s better to be safe than rushed.

6. Relax and have fun. You’re getting MARRIED!!

 

FAMILY AND GROUP FORMALS

Family formals do not have to take over 30 minutes. However, this is only possible if we are organized beforehand. If you have a very large family and more than 10 group photos, I suggest saving some of the extended family shots until the reception so that family portrait time will not interfere with your romantic portraits and you will not keep your guests waiting at the reception.

Inform me of any family members that may not get along and/or may not want to be grouped with certain other family members so that we can avoid and awkward interactions during family formals.

Specify if there are STEP PARENTS and STEP SIBLINGS involved in portraits. 

Are there any divorces or separations that I should be aware of during family formals? Any family situations I should be aware of? 

Designate a person who can help us with organizing group photos – pick someone with a loud voice who will take the initiative to help call out names. I’ll try my best, but I can’t always guess who cousin Bobby or Aunt Sharon is.

Here’s my standard family shot list:

Bride with Father and Mother
Bride with Father
Bride with Mother
Bride with Immediate Family (parents and siblings)

Groom with Father and Mother
Groom with Father
Groom with Mother
Groom with Immediate Family (parents and siblings)

Bride & Groom with Groom’s parents
Bride & Groom with Bride’s parents
Bride & Groom with Bride’s and Groom’s parents
Bride & Groom with Groom’s Family (parents and siblings)
Bride & Groom with Groom’s Family (parents and siblings) + Grandparent's + Nieces and Nephews
Bride & Groom with Bride’s Family (parents and siblings)
Bride & Groom with Bride’s Family (parents and siblings) + Grandparent's + Nieces and Nephews
Bride & Groom with Bride’s and Groom’s Family (parents and siblings) + Grandparent's + Nieces and Nephews

 

GENERAL COVERAGE LIST

The below list is my standard coverage list. It covers the standard items at most weddings. I normally cover much more than what is listed here, but these are the foundations of my coverage. Some of these items may not apply to your wedding and that’s okay. You do not need to notify me if certain items will not be present. However, do list any additional requests to this list.

PRE-CEREMONY: Bride’s gown, Wedding bands and/or engagement ring, Bridal bouquet and accessories, Buttoning up of the dress, Shoes.

CEREMONY: Still-life shots of programs, Groom’s expression while waiting for the bride, Bridal party entrance, Bride and FOB walking down the aisle, Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle, FOB giving away bride, Bride and groom at the altar, Guests watching the ceremony, Wide shot of the guests sitting during ceremony, Bride and groom as they recite vows, The kiss!, Close-up of the bride and groom returning down the aisle

PORTRAITS: Bride & Groom with bridal party, Bride with bridesmaids (and with each individually), Groom with groomsmen (and with each individually), Bride & Groom alone.

RECEPTION: Still-life shots of: centerpieces, seating card, cake/cupcakes/dessert, Bridal party entrance, Toasts (and Bride/Groom reactions), Bride & Groom together, First Dance, Parent Dance, Guests dancing / mingling, Cutting the Cake/Cupcake/Dessert.