Before the bride and groom's prep:
- Arrive on location and check our gear to make sure we have a full battery and empty memory card in each camera
- Meet up with Andrew, our videographer (scuba diver, see photo below)
- Go over the schedule for the day
- Make a mental checklist of all the most important photos we need at each part of the day, usually we ask clients beforehand for a list of their "must haves"
Before the ceremony:
- If we're doing a first look we find a secluded location and set up the bride and groom where they can't see each other until we say so, then we film and take photos of the moment
- Andrew sets up his cameras on tripods in a couple different spots at the venue and puts mics on the couple
- We decide who will stand where for the most important moments and make sure we know where we can and can't stand
After the ceremony:
- Photograph the couple's exit from the venue and then quickly pack up our gear and run to our cars if the reception is at a separate venue so we can get there ahead of the couple (all while trying not to look too crazy in front of guests..)
- Talk about every moment of what we've shot so far as we drive to the reception and create a plan of attack for the rest of the night, yes wedding photographers have plans of attack
At the reception
- Adrienne will meet the other vendors at the reception and go over details of event
- Adrienne and the DJ or band go over schedules and make sure they are on the same timeline
- We begin taking photographs this is also when we place bets with each other about the cake flavor
- Photograph as many details as possible before guests come into the room
- Participate in the photo booth (of course!) if there is one
- Eat our meals quickly before we're back to shooting
- Try to get the funniest dance photos possible
