A wedding photo shoot can be stressful, as couples want to get the best possible result: photos that will be cherished for a lifetime and remind them of one of the most special days of their lives. Taylor English has been photographing weddings for many years and has seen the joy that a beautiful wedding photo shoot can bring. With this in mind, she shares her expertise and provides couples with the necessary tips to make their wedding photo shoot a success!
Attention to detail
It’s the little details that create the big picture! Choose your accessories ahead of time to avoid stress on your wedding day. Have your ring cleaned to ensure it looks great in the photos. Organize a details box for the photographer with stationery, jewelry, perfume, lipstick, mementos, vows. For grooms, include cufflinks, watch, cologne, cigar, letter etc.
Self-care rituals
Everyone should rest, relax, and get plenty of beauty sleep in the days leading up to their wedding. Eating well, drinking less alcohol, meditating and taking time to reflect on their emotions is also important. Extreme haircuts and invasive facials should be avoided, however hiring a barber to do a tight fade or shave would be a cool addition to the wedding photos. Make sure to get enough sleep days leading up to your wedding. If stress keeps you awake, try taking an Epsom salt bath or CBD sleep products.
Facials, haircuts, self-tanning
To ensure you look your best on your wedding day, schedule a non-invasive, relaxing facial 4-5 days prior. Exfoliation and a hydrating mask will leave you with smooth skin for perfect makeup application. Grooms, get shaped up 2-3 days before the wedding, to ensure a little bit of growth in case you go too short. Avoid anything that may give you an orange skin tone, such as self-tanning, tanning beds, too much sun, and even spray booths. If you want a touch of bronze, hire a professional to spray you, and remember to apply sunscreen if the wedding is in the sun.
The final countdown
Finalize your vows – handwriting your vows will bring you into the present moment and you and your fiancé could even do this together. Designate a family member from each side to help gather people for formal photos. Ask the wedding party to create a ‘Getting Ready’ playlist, and also to keep the room tidy. Lastly, check the weather beforehand and consider a Plan B. Don’t forget to bring umbrellas and a change of shoes. Classic black umbrellas and a clear bubble umbrella for the wedding couple are timeless additions.
Photos by @taylorenglishphoto