DVD or VIDEO?

A DVD of your still photos with music and special effects can serve the same purpose as a video. It will cost hundreds of dollars less, be easy to make copies of and it will capture only the best of the event. Videos tend to be long and tedious. DVD's are usually only about 10 minutes of the very best images. Remember also the videographer and their camera will very likely be in those lovely photos you want for prints or albums.
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The Hired Help

For most couples this will be the first big event they will plan. No wonder they hire wedding planners!! However whether you hire a planner or not you will be dealing with a number of vendors: caterers, floral, officiant, venue provider and your photographer. You will receive the best service if you treat them with respect and kindness. You may be under pressure but you want to maintain a good relationship with all of them especially those that will be there during the event like your caterer, wedding planner, officiant and photographer. Make sure you tell before hand to partake of the food. You will also need to make arrangements for them to sit somewhere. They may or may not want to eat at a table with your guests. Remember they are working hard and need a break as well.

The Ceremony

Ceremonies can have a new look by having the officiant with their back to the audience and the couple facing forward. How refreshing. That means everyone gets to see the faces of the bride and groom, who they want to see. Also your photographer will be less visible and get better picture of the ceremony. Ask the person doing your ceremony if they would change positions. Some will not but many are flexible.
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The Rings

You will want photographs of all the beautiful things you have planned. A good time to take photos of the rings is before the ceremony when the bride is getting ready. Have the rings in the brides room with the flowers and your photographer can get some lovely shots of them together.
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Video and other photographers

If you have a friends who are taking videos and photographs tell them to stay out of the view of your professional especially during the ceremony and portraits. Otherwise you will have beautiful professional photographs with your friends in the background spoiling the shot. Remember you are paying the pro.
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The First Dance

When you are dancing the "first dance" with each other and then when each of you are dancing with your parents, take a moment and consider where the photographer is. Dance toward the photographer and give them a smile. This will give you a fun portrait with a spontaneous look. If you do not do this, all photos will be one face with a back or a profile of the other.
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Family Portraits

Family portraits are an important part of wedding photography. These are usually taken right after the ceremony. However people are understandably impatient to get on with the party.
So to make the process as short as possible; organize. Have a list of exactly the photos you want. Example: bride and groom, bride with parents, groom with groomsmen, etc.
Divide the list into 3 categories: Brides family, Grooms family, wedding party. Make a copy of each list and give it to one person in each group that is a good organizer. Their job is to get all the people in their group together. Now when you start the photographic process you can file people in and out quickly. Then within a short time you can go on to do what you really want: Party with your friends and family! Also tell people that you want to photography to stay around so you do not have to hunt them down.
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The Garder Toss

The Garter Toss.
Most single men have no interest in catching a garter and this tradition usually falls flat on its face. Sometimes it is almost embarrassing. I suggest you have a different association with the garter. The man who catches it for example could receive a prize, like a bottle of champagne, or get creative. Then instead of reluctance you will find the men vying to catch the garter. You just have to clue the DJ in so he can announce the change. The watch the fun.
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Tears

Many people tear up at various points, especially brides. I suggest that the groom, who has pockets, carry a nice cotton handkerchief. When he sees his bride with tears coming he can retrieve his hanky offer it to her or even dab away the tears himself. If you like the later idea you may need to practice so you don’t mess her makeup. It can be a great moment for everyone and much classier than tissue stuffed in the brides dress.
Charlotte Bell photographer
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