How To Get Wedding Photos You Love! | Wedding Planning Tips from Alicia Laird Photography
How to Get Wedding Photos You Love!
By Alicia Laird, Owner of Alicia Laird Photography
Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable and exciting days of your life! All the planning over the past months or even years comes down to a day that will pass in the blink of an eye. When the vows have been made and the cake has been eaten you are left with memories and your wedding photographs. You will look back on these photographs for years to come, and they will spark reminders of exactly how you felt in these special moments. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to choose a photographer that you can connect with, who has a style you love, and who you can completely put your trust in. The following tips will help you sort through all of the different types of photography and guide you in making the perfect choice for your big day!
1. Go Professional Over Bargain
There is a reason why some photographers charge $500 per wedding and some charge $5,000 per wedding and everything in between. It takes years of practice and perfecting the craft of capturing a wedding day, as well as investing in equipment and education. Passionate professional photographers will put every ounce of their being into educating themselves through workshops, schooling, and second shooting to become the pros they are. We all started somewhere, but chances are someone who is shooting at incredibly low prices is probably just starting out, and may not have experience and equipment to handle different lighting situations on a wedding day. Do your research to make sure they have experience! A little breakdown on what you are paying for, since it’s not just the day of the wedding work:
1. Education, equipment, advertising and experience it takes to run a business
2. Pre-wedding consultations, questions and planning
3. Engagement session travel, the actual session, and editing afterward
4. The wedding day (4-10 hours on their feet with little rest), and the hours of culling, editing, providing sneak peeks, uploading the gallery and blogging the photos.
So when a professional is charging a rate that gives them a livable wage, you know you have a competent business owner with experience that you can trust, and that won’t run off with your photos and money. I recently heard a story about something like this happening to a friend and my heart aches for them!
2. What to Ask at a Consultation
At your wedding day consultation, before you book, the photographer should as you lots of questions to get to know you and what your expectations are of them. This usually takes place at an in person meeting, or a phone call or Zoom chat. This gives you a chance to get to know your photographer personally, as you will be spending a lot of time on your big day with them! Ask as many questions as you like, most professionals will be happy to spend time with you and answer all of your questions. Some common questions Brides ask are:
1. How long have you been photographing weddings?
2. What kind of equipment do you have and do you have backups? How do you back up images?
3. Do you specialize in weddings?
4. What does a wedding experience look like with you?
5. Do you have a second shooter/ assistant?
6. How long will it take to get my images/ see sneak peaks/ see a blog to share?
Most photographers are happy to chat about their experiences, show you full wedding and engagement galleries that align with their style, and answer any of your questions.
3. Style
When you Google wedding photography, you will see work from hundreds of different photographers pop up in the images section. Some of them may look like they belong together but chances are, since it is work from all different people, it will not. Looking at a photographers style is one of the most important things when you want to see how your photos will look.
There are two different kinds of styles, how they edit and what approach they take to your wedding day. Some editing styles are bright and airy, moody, bright and colorful, dramatic lighting, and rich color. Search these terms and see what style you like and what resonates with you! When you look at their portfolio, you should see consistency all around, and not see work that looks like it was edited with 10 different filters by 10 different people. It should generally have a consistent mood and feel. Photographers are usually passionate about their style, so if one tells you they have a bright and airy style and love natural light, don’t expect them to set up a bunch of lights or create dark or dramatically lit photos for you.
The second type of style is how the photographer approaches the wedding day. Some styles are artistic, editorial, or photojournalistic. An artistic photographer is one you will see with the most unique angles and compositions. An editorial photographer will pose, perfect every little detail with styling, and make every image look magazine worthy. A photojournalist will try to be as discrete as possible and let the moments unfold exactly how they happened, wile capturing all the emotion along the way. These are all wonderful styles, just think about how you want your day captured and make sure you discuss it with your photographer, so everyones expectations are on the same level. I consider myself an editorial photojournalist.
I will style details in the bridal suite, pose you like a pro for portraits and family formals, but be discrete as possible during the ceremony and reception and capture the action as it happens!
4. Anti-Pinterest
We all love Pinterest for inspiration, and if your photographer sends you boards they have created so that you can see ideas and inspiration that is great! Going back to trusting your photographer and their artistic vision, if you don’t see photos and poses you love on their site and have to resort to sending them tons of stuff from Pinterest, you may not have a good fit. Remember, photographers post on their site the work they love the most and that represents them and their work. If you don’t see dresses hanging in trees, jumping bridesmaids, a blurred out ring with a kiss in focus in the middle, sepia tone or selective color in their portfolio, it is probably because this is not their style. Never fear though, there are so many types of photographers that work in all different ways. You should trust their style and vision to pose and create images you love, so you can relax, enjoy your day and have the most fun ever!
5. Personality and Connection
There is nothing worse that not getting to know the person you will be spending the majority of your big day with, and meeting them for the first time on your wedding day and realizing your personalities completely clash! Not that everyone has to be exactly alike, but a lot of “box store” photography studios will just send you whoever is available and you won’t even know their name until a few weeks before your wedding day. A personal interest and connection is such a huge part of the experience. Weather it’s chatting in person, on the phone or through e-mail correspondence leading up to your wedding, you want to get a good sense of their personality, and make sure you will enjoy spending time with them on your wedding day!
So don’t be afraid to do some digging and research to find a style you love and several photographers that you can meet with, that have that style, so you find your perfect match. You’ve already found your perfect partner, now finding your perfect photographer should be easy!
Cheers!
Alicia
The Barn on Bensons Pond Wedding | Middleborough Massachusetts | Felicia + Chuck
White and greenery rustic elegance wedding | Middleborough, MA
Felicia and Chuck are MARRIED!! It was a warm and sunny day at the end of September when you would think Fall would be in the air but this felt more like a summer day! The Barn on Bensons is tucked off a quiet country road in Massachusetts and had the most beautiful and elegant vintage details from the bridal suite to the reception space. These two are just so adorable, full of love, joy and appreciation that I was sad their big day was over but full of joy while I drove home! Before the wedding even started, Felicia gave me a hug and was like “I love my wedding! I love my wedding vendors!” and as someone who puts her heart and soul into her small business, that meant the world to me!
The whole day was special, but my favorite part of the wedding was Felicia’s Dad telling stories of her childhood where they wrote and recorded music together. This made the Father Daughter dance that much more special when the song cut out to a track Felicia’s Dad wrote and recorded for her! I cried! How amazing!
Congratulations again Felicia + Chuck! Wishing you the very best and all the happiness in the world! xx
Creative Team:
Venue: The Barn on Bensons Pond
Flowers: The Petal Gypsy
Invitations: Zazzle
Bridal gown: Angela’s Bridal Boston
Bridesmaids attire: Christina’s
Hair Stylist: Courtney Parsons
Makeup Artist: Stephanie Howard
Rentals: The Oak Whisky and Wine Barrel Garage
Jeweler: Longs Jewelers
Catering: Keane’s Wood Fired Catering
Desserts: The Flaky Crust Pies
DJ: Event Experience - DJ Erik
Roger Williams Park Casino Wedding | Jeanette + Mike | Rhode Island Wedding Photographer
There are a few times in your life when you meet someone truly special that encourages you and makes you feel like you can take on the world. That’s how I always feel leaving Jeanette’s Yin Yoga class! I have been doing yoga for some time now, but as a teacher she is just amazing! I have some commitment issues with fitness classes but hers I would never miss! Before class we would sit and have some girl chat, and she would tell me about Mike and his amazing boys and how she couldn’t wait to have a family with them. So I was super excited and honored when he popped the question and she asked me to photograph their wedding!
The night before their November wedding we were supposed to get a dusting to an inch of snow. Well that turned into SIX inches (I measured!) and along with the Fall colors remaining the grounds of Roger Williams Park outside the Casino were just gorgeous! After an intimate wedding ceremony inside the Casino, Jeanette and Mike were adventurous to run outside with me just before sunset to capture some unique “snowliage” couples portraits. I was so happy to be able to capture this special time in their lives as they get married and are expecting their first little boy together. Congratulations Jeanette and Mike!!
Venue: Roger Williams Park Casino
Looking for a
bright, airy and colorful
wedding photographer in Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Use this contact form to get in touch!
Pompositticut Farm Hudson Massachusetts Wedding | Boston Wedding Photographer
A modern romantic wedding done on a farm where horses and other animals roam, is a quintessential Fall wedding in New England and can be done just as stylishly as a mansion affair. Pomositticut Farm in Hudson, Massachusetts is tucked away on a winding country road where the Fall leaves create a canopy through the woods. Fall in New England is a magical time and the perfect time of year for weddings. With gorgeous floral design from Alexa Gallishaw Florals and the perfect calligraphy details from Lumos Calligraphy, a New England girl at heart would swoon over this chic set up among the peak of changing leaves. Oh, and did I mention Moose the puppy?! Fur babies are always welcome in front of my camera! While it’s our busiest season, we always have time for a little creative collaboration to make some magical Fall inspiration for any couple planning for next season!
The Team
Photographer: Alicia Ann Photographie
Venue: Pompositticut Farm Day Camp
Florals: Alexa Gallishaw Florals
Planner: Full Bloom Events
Rentals: XoThe Girls
Dress: Opal and June
Veil: Over The Moon
Jewelry: Hearts On Fire
Makeup: Veronica Nunes
Hair: Jordan Lewis
Invitations: Lumos Calligraphy
Cake: Gerardos Italian Bakery
Bride: Vanessa
Groom: Alexe Restivo
Huge thank you to Lauren Hawkins Photo for hosting and organizing!
Looking for a
bright, airy and colorful
wedding photographer in Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Use this contact form to get in touch!
Connecticut Engagement Session | Connecticut Wedding Photographer | Christine + Jeff
Early in October, as the leaves were just starting to change and the air was just starting to turn crisp, I met Christine and Jeff and their adorable dog Jet at a private farm in their town just minutes down the street from their home. They had driven by the farm many times, and thought it would be a perfect setting to take their engagement photos. We all made friends with the owner, who so kindly welcomed us onto his property, and told us all the best places to explore and had one of the most beautiful golden sunsets. Jet was the perfect model! Tagging along and sniffing everything out, he perfectly posed for me several times when I asked him “Jet do you want to look at the camera?!” The perfect model, and the perfect Fall session to start off my October!
Looking for a
bright, airy and colorful
wedding photographer in Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Use this contact form to get in touch!
Charter Oak Country Club Wedding | Hudson Massachusetts | Haley + A.J.
Good morning friends, do I have a special wedding to share with you today!
Haley and A.J.’s wedding was the perfect day to kick off our Fall season. It was on a beautiful day where the rain stayed perfectly south of Charter Oak Country Club so Haley and A.J. could have the best day ever! A girl after my own heart with pastel florals and details, to their adorable customized golf balls (since they are avid golfers), to the smiles and love from their family and friends.
Haley’s father had tears of joy in his eyes as he welcomed his new son to his family, a moment he had been waiting a long time for. His smile lit up the entire room, bringing those tears of joy to everyone else who was there to celebrate the union. Haley’s father said that, while Haley taught figure skating that she should never date a hockey player. Well they met while he coached and played hockey and her Dad got a good laugh out of how perfect they are for one another as he welcomed A.J. to the family and everyone celebrated their love!
Haley and A.J. you two are definitely something special and I am so thrilled to have captured your wedding day, and I loved getting to spend more time with the two of you as you celebrate your love! I will always remember being in the car with you guys, freezing after our super fun engagement session, talking about how bad we all wanted pizza and beer! I hope you love these memories as much as I did capturing them!
Venue: Charter Oak Country Club
Second Shooter: Maureen Sullivan
Makeup: Meghan Cotton
Flowers: Danielson Flowers
Dresses: Elizabeth Anne’s Bridal
Menswear: Bonardis
DJ: Champagne Toast
Looking for a
bright, airy and colorful
wedding photographer in Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Use this contact form to get in touch!
Seaside Portraits | Rhode Island Couples Photography | Sabrina + Mike
Shortly after starting to chat with Sabrina to plan her couples session with her boyfriend Mike, I knew this was going to be one of my favorite sessions! Not only did she want to glam it up, but he was wearing his Coast Guard blues and....they wanted to bring their tiny Frenchie puppy, Eloise! If you ever want to bring your furry friends to your session the answer is always yes! Since our first location was a no dogs allowed kind of place, they had some friends come hang out with Eloise while we took some sunlit field photos, then headed to the nearby beach for the last of golden hour. Then one of Sabrina's dresses hadn't come in time for the shoot and we decided (since we're neighbors and all) to do a quick couple shots down by the beach just minutes from our houses. Well, I can't stop photographing these cuties, so it turned into a little more than that! Not only are these two extremely photogenic and adorable, but they were up for an adventure and I feel like I left the session with some new friends. Speaking of friends, it turns out we're practically neighbors too, so I see lots of doggy walks in our future!
Looking for a
bright, airy and colorful
wedding photographer in Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Use this contact form to get in touch!
Wachusett Country Club Wedding | Massachusetts Wedding Photographer | Jenna + Ethan
From the moment I met Jenna + Ethan at their consultation I knew this couple was special! Not only had they been together since they were young (the pictures displayed at their wedding were so cute!) but they just had the most adorable connection. Their engagement session was one of my favorites to date, a rustic Fall session full of snuggles and glamour because these two brought the fashion! You can see that session on the blog by clicking here! You might see some familiar faces from previous weddings and engagement sessions in this blog too, because this wedding was full of friends and love. Wachusett Country Club was the perfect setting, with rolling green fields and trees, and a gorgeous sunlit day. The thing I love most about weddings is being involved in a couples story and having an impact on creating an heirloom of their marriage. I was nearly brought to tears (ok this happens at most weddings because I LOVE my couples!) by the sentiment behind the speeches by family and friends. Congratulations Jenna + Ethan, you guys rock!
Photography: Alicia Ann Photographie
Second Shooter: Lauren Surowiec
Planner: Ashley Ryzewski
Groomsmen's Attire: Bonardi's
Venue: Wachusett Country Club
Getting Ready Hotel: Homewood Suites
Transportation: Le Limousine
Hair: Holly
Makeup: Cristina Mastro
Officiant: Mike Burlas
Cake: Elena at Baked
DJ: A Touch of Class
