One of the most common questions I get ask is “So, how does this go?” Many of my clients have never been through planning a wedding, and therefore never booked a wedding photographer and really don’t know what to expect.

Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you how our wedding day would go…

When I first arrive, expect a few hellos, handshakes, and hugs. After the general meet and greets, I will get to work on photographing details; this includes pretty much anything and everything: Dress/suits, rings, flowers, jewelry, garters/ties, and heirlooms. I tap into my journalistic self and remain hands off and invisible during this time, which allows me to capture a few of getting ready candids, which are always a nice addition to your final gallery. If they are nearby, I also pop over to see your soon-to-be-spouse and catch up with them as well (if they are getting ready a ways away, I will get a few of their getting ready once we are together).

As I wrap up details, you will be nearly ready to get dressed. It is at this point where I will begin to give directions to ensure the shots I know you are wanting captured. We will also get things situated for you to be able to do a wedding party and family first look and allow those who are closest to you see you in all your bridal beauty and spend a moment to take it in.

The first look (if you are participating in this new tradition) follows the family first in a location that works best for not only lighting, but also for privacy. The first look should be an intimate moment between the two of you, so I try my best to keep it that way. I will get your love into position first; I will come and retrieve you so we can come up behind your intended. I will have you say their name (whenever you are ready), and then I will capture your moment like your own personal paparazzi–I will back out of the way and let you two live in the emotions. Once you are ready, we can take a few portraits, and then move into your wedding party and family formal photographs.

You will then duck into hiding together, and I will move onto photographing elements of the ceremony: The decor, the venue, the guests…the good thing that away your “I do!” As we approach go time, I will make my way to the front of the aisle to get ready for your grand entrance! I will be there until you reach the front, and then I will be like a ninja and move my way around your ceremony, using minimal flash and quiet movements to catch the little moments that will become big memories.

I will come back into the aisle to get your first kiss; I will also be before you as you exit, getting your smiles, hugs, handshakes, and fist bumps on camera. IF you are having a receiving line, I will spend some time photographing those interactions…otherwise we can break for a few more couple portraits before the cocktail hour  and reception! As you and your crew go into hiding, I will take some time to record the cocktail hour and reception details. After all of that, I will be there, waiting for your grand entrance!

After you make your way through the crowd and as we approach dinner, I will take some pictures of the food, and then give everyone a little reprieve from the camera while we eat. Toasts no doubt follow dinner, and those are one of my favorite events of the day to photograph; the raw emotions really kick the journalist in me into overdrive! First dances will follow, and those flow into the party! If we are doing a controlled exit, we would make our way to doing so at this point…otherwise we will celebrate the night away!

And that, my friend, is a KLP Wedding Experience in a nutshell. Have questions or want to know more? Feel free to contact and ask! I am here to help in any way I can:)