I came across a wonderful article by Jenna Walker full of great ideas for brides-to-be to think about in regards to their wedding photography. Thanks to RockyMountainBride.com for giving me the permission to repost their fab article. Read on for their helpful hints:

1. 

   This goes along with item #9 - Embrace the Elements. A huge storm was rolling in for this Cancun wedding - but the couple and wedding party decided not to be skittish about the impending raindrops and we continued taking photos. The result - stunning clouds, beautiful, even light, and movement in the dresses due to the increasing wind. Very, very cool. (Click photo to enlarge.)

   Get ready in the right place. You spend tons of time deciding where you’ll have the ceremony and reception – but don’t stop there. When deciding where you’ll get ready, seek out a room with character and light. Avoid poorly lit rooms like the bridal waiting area in church basements when possible. Natural light and beautiful, clean, classic rooms can drastically change the look of those priceless images. Big windows, cool decor, rustic ambiance and lots of light will beat any run of the mill dark hotel room – and your photos will show it. Don’t underestimate the power of these getting ready photos and the part they play in the story of your day.

2. Hire a makeup artist. A talented makeup artist will definitely help you glow naturally in your photos. A great makeup artist will enhance your natural look and add the finishing touch to your look. A must in our book!
3. Show your style. Spice up your look with accessories. Funky hair pieces, bright shoes, custom-sewed ties, bold socks, his and hers sunglasses. Maybe it’s matching converses for the groomsmen or vintage jewelry for your bridesmaids. These little details really pop!
4. Get creative with fun props. Think about incorporating props that reflect your lifestyle and wedding vision – ideas such as a bicycle, a canoe, sun parasols for your bridesmaids…the sky is the limit. And the experience of those props will be something you will remember for years to come.
5. Ceremony lighting. For that classic outdoor mountain ceremony, be sure to consider where the light will be during your ceremony in relation to each of you and your guests. Avoid archways that cast uneven light on your faces or shadows on the groom but not the bride for instance. It is best for the bride and groom to be either fully lit with sun on their faces or with the sun directly behind them.
6. Grand exits. You’re married! Why not add some color and make it as grand as it should be? Bubbles, rice, bright flowers, tin cans and a vintage getaway car. You are your best movie – plan for a grand exit and then enjoy it!
7. Photos of the newlyweds. Aim for the “sweet light” at sunset. In the early planning stages be sure to check out when the sun will be setting on your wedding day. Ideally you will want your ceremony to start 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset so that your group shots and photos as newlyweds take place during that final hour before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most beautiful. If you are seeing each other before the ceremony, think about planning your ceremony to take place during sunset. Or request with your photographer that you’d like to take some photos as the sun sets.
8. Reception Lighting. This is one of the most important details your photographer will notice on the day of the wedding – more than the linens or the chairs or other reception details. Reception lighting can make or break the mood of your photos. Incorporate paper lanterns, twinkle lights, or up-lighting where possible. Any light source beyond the norm will add to the ambiance and will be carried through in the photos.
9. Embrace the elements. It may snow or rain on your wedding day. Don’t sweat it! Come prepared for anything – make sure to have enough matching umbrellas for your wedding party. Your photographer can shoot in the rain or in the snow – some of the best photos happen in these unexpected elements. Know that it is worth it to make the trip outside.
10. Relax, have fun, be you. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your photographer. Run, frolic, dance. Pretend no one is watching and know that those laughs will carry a beautiful energy into your photos. Allow your wedding party and guests to have fun with the group shots and enjoy your day!

These are all wonderful suggestions that I as a photographer wholeheartedly agree with. I hope this helps in your planning process!

Cheers,

-Kristine