1. The Toasts. Tell your best man/maid of honor to not only talk about you as a person, but also as you both as a couple. Have them share their thoughts on you two finding one another and getting married.
2. Exchange gifts. Add a special moment to your day by giving each other gifts with a personally-written card. You can have a bridesmaid/groomsmen deliver it. It’s always fun to see how we can tie this sequence into your film. Plus, you can see their reaction when they open it.
3. Don’t chew gum. We know you’re nervous and feel the need to be busy, but please refrain from the Juicy Fruit. This goes for the wedding party too.
4. Turn down the radio/ipod during prep. It’s common for the girls to blast a wedding mix album while doing hair and make-up, but this can easily mask a power piece of dialog that can be used to tell your story. It also creates an awkward background noise when a cinematic soundtrack is applied later.
5. Have a first look. Just do it! Seeing each other before the ceremony helps you with your nerves and creates a wonderful opportunity for you two to say just say “hi”. Every bride we talk to says that it does not take away from the feelings you get walking down the aisle either. We also view this as a opportunity to capture you two alone together for an intimate, personable moment.
6. Consider your vows. When it comes time to state your vows to each other remember to relax. Take a deep breath and look into each other’s eyes and deliver your words from the heart. Slow down and think about what you are saying.
6. Talk. Have conversations with your family and friends. Chat about how you meet, how the proposal went, what has gone into planning this wedding, etc. Your wedding day is packed full of emotions, let everyone know how you’re feeling.
7. Stay together. It’s not uncommon for the bride and groom to split up once the reception is underway. Brides and grooms drive the dance floor! Grooms, get out there and dance with your new wife! Your wedding day is finally here, enjoy it together.
8. Natural Light. When your makeup artist comes to your location, set up the table where there is plenty of daylight instead of under artificial lights (tungsten, florescent). Try to avoid basement locations.
9. Tell your wedding party & parents that we’re coming. Make sure they understand that we desire that everyone behaves naturally and let them know that they need to try and ignore our presence as much as possible. We want your day to unfold the same whether we are there or not.
10. Allow free time with the cinematographer. When you schedule time with the photographer to do intimate photos of just the bride and groom, be sure to schedule in time for the cinematographer to work his magic. We usually need about 10-15 minutes and many times the photographer can take advantage of this time too.