Every bride wants to have gorgeous pictures from her wedding. Every photographer wants the very same for her bride. Weddings are often hectic, very busy: there is a schedule that you have to keep up with, places to drive to, reception to enter on time. But this is not what is important. Sweet moments of two hearts joined in union for ever, and people closest to your soul that surround you two on your wedding day, that what it is important. Our job as photographers is to capture those moments, record the full force of emotions that will run high on your day and deliver it to you after the big day so you have something that will help you relive it, come back to it over and over again, be it your wedding anniversary, or the question of you future children on “what was yours and Daddy’s wedding day like, Mommy?”.
But as anything in life, good things require to stop and breathe and be in the moment. And that is why putting plenty of time aside for your photography on your wedding day is crucial. Magic happens when two newly married people are whisked away after the exchange of post-ceremonial hugs and kisses with family and friends, driven off to a “secret location” with just a photographer and maybe a limo driver, so new husband and wife can be away from the friendly crowd and just be with each other. I will be there with you, capturing those sweet precious minutes, recording, observing, witnessing. During that time, please do not think about the fact that you will need to get to the restaurant on time. Just enjoy, and be, and create memories for your new family.
The light is at its very best in the last hour before sunset. Quite often this is the time when reception starts. I highly recommend thinking about your wedding day schedule very early on, checking the sunset time for that day, and keeping in mind that you and your photographer will sneak out to take a few more pictures. Please, please, please, talk to your photographer and discuss the schedule, as we, people with cameras, often measure the time in different units – not minutes, but moments when the light is magical. Teamwork is important! And if you didn’t check the sunset time for your big day, trust me, I will!
All written above does not necessarily have to happen at sunset. No. Magic hour in this particular post means the time you and your new husband embrace each other quietly, and I capture that moment.
Happy planning!
