Today’s post is the 3rd and final installment of my series on wedding planning advice from real brides. You can find the 1st installment HERE and the 2nd installment HERE. Today’s post deals with the topic of wedding photography, something that’s obviously near and dear to my heart. I included this particular question in the series partly because I was curious and partly because I think it’s valuable to have an idea regarding the kinds of images that will mean the most to you once the wedding is over. Knowing what types of images and the style of photography you prefer is so important when choosing a wedding photographer. Because at the end of the day, the photos are what you’re going to be passing down to future generations as a grand memento of the day.
As a wedding photographer, I often base my favorite images on very different criteria than my brides do. And because I was a bride before I was a wedding photographer, I totally understand the rationale behind it. One thing I noticed from the following collection of images is that many of their selections are based on specific special moments they remember from their wedding day. It makes me so happy that I’m able to preserve those kinds of moments for my client. I am so blessed to be able to take part in something so meaningful. So before I get all teary eyed and without further adieu, here is the 3rd installment in the series. Enjoy!
If you had to choose just one photo from your wedding day, which one is your favorite and why?
1. “It’s a toss up between these two. I LOVED the bathtub photos. Both of these pictures sum up our feelings on our wedding day: sweet, romantic and FUN! When I close my eyes and think of our wedding day, these are the moments I remember.” – Brooke (married 6.11.11)
*Truth be told, these next 2 images were taken by my amazing second shooter that day. I think this just further illustrates the importance of having 2 photographers present and working together at every wedding. Second shooters are able to capture moments in a very different way and enhance the wedding collection as a whole. Thanks Regis!
“This is me and Cameron in a nutshell. He always makes me laugh and makes me so happy. We are always having so much fun together.”
“I love how romantic this one is.”
2. “Okay this question is so difficult to answer but I would say, this one because you were able to capture our happiness, and love for one another.I absolutely love the lighting and our silhouettes it’s just gorgeous. When I look at this picture that we’ve now enlarged, framed and hung above our bed I remember that very sacred day.” – Chrissy (married 10.17.09)
3. “There is no way that I could select just one favorite image from our wedding, they are all simply perfect. However, there are several I just love” – Kathryn (married 10.16.10)
“I remember sitting there. I had so many emotions running through me right before our first look. I was so ready to get married. I think this image encompasses the whole moment.”
”I love Jimmie’s face in this one. He was just turning around to see me for the first time, all ready to get married. I hope he always has this reaction when he sees me
”
“SO happy.”
“My girls and I. I love that we are all laughing. So laid back and happy– just the way we wanted it.”
“These two were taken when Jimmie and I were officially announced husband and wife. I was beyond happy. It was an amazing moment for us, and I feel like these images capture our emotion. AMAZING. Thank you for allowing us to relive this moment every time we look at these pictures, Ashley!”
A huge thank you to my fabulous brides (Brooke, Chrissy & Kathryn) who took the time to share their thoughts for this series. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without their support and trust and I’m so grateful I get to work with such amazing clients.
I loved seeing how they interacted with each other. It’s such a unique thing to see newborn babies in this fashion.
When it was time for a feeding, Steph and Dryw got to feed the babies with bottles at the same time. Then it was time for burping. I loved their expressions! 
Dryw knows exactly how to get the boys to smile for him!
Shortly after this, Dryw experienced getting spit up on for the very first time! And I was there to capture it (: So we decided it was time for some portraits of just Steph and the boys while Dryw got cleaned up.
My heart is full every time I see this image! So, so cute!!!
We made sure to get portraits of just Dryw with the boys as well. Steph, what are you going to do with all these boys?! (:
Christine made her hair piece pictured below. And it was one of my favorite details that day. Along with her cathedral length veil. Oh be still my heart. 
Christine attached this very special locket to her bouquet as a way to remember her mom that day. It’s a piece of jewelry she has had since she was little and she told me that the other half of locket originally contained a picture of her dad as well. She got mad one day and decided to scratch it out. I loved her honesty and being the emotional and opinionated child that I was (and still am), I definitely related to her story! 
Marina Grandy and Sara Scholfield were on hand making sure Christine and her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup looked fabulous. 
Christine’s dress was absolutely stunning. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was going to be an amazing day.
Sean was so effortless to photograph and so easy going. And although J and I met him for the first time just a few hours beforehand, it felt like we were photographing an old friend. 
One of my favorite moments of the day was the first look. Sean and Christine decided to see each a few hours before the ceremony to allow more time for portraits, more time spent with guests during cocktail hour and a better flow of the day’s events. When you see Sean’s reaction to seeing Christine in her wedding dress for the first time, you’ll see why first looks are so awesome. 
J captured the next 2 images. And I love them.
After the first look we went right in to Sean and Christine’s portrait session but Sean wasn’t quite ready to begin. Can I just say how I love it when grooms get emotional around their brides? This was another one of my favorite moments that day. 
While Blake, Sean and his groomsmen headed off to ride the train to Union Station, J and I stayed behind with Christine and photographed some bridal portraits of her. She looked absolutely stunning.
Then we all headed over to union station for family and wedding party portraits.
I don’t normally post family portraits on the blog, but this was another one of my favorite moments that day. Just as it was time for me to photograph Sean with his dad, Sean’s dad got a little emotional. It was such a sweet moment. 
Probably one of my favorite family portraits moments to date. Here is J’s angle…
Here is mine. 
I also don’t usually post wedding party images on the blog, but this group was so fun. I just couldn’t resist (:
More portraits at Union Station. Can you ever have too many portraits? I think not.
In most cases, it’s the bride who does the majority of planning when it comes to a wedding. But because Christine originally wanted a small wedding and Sean wanted a large wedding, Sean was given the duty of planning the wedding. I think he did amazing job. Christine, you did good, girl!
Yet another one of my favorite moments that day. Noticing a trend here? I love how excited they were to get married. 
Donaji and Mariel from 
Sean gave a particularly touching toast and acknowledged special individuals who couldn’t be in attendance that day. And as always, the father daughter dance gets me every single time! 
I’ll end with one of my favorite images from Sean’s dance with his mom. It was completely choreographed and set to the tune of Copacabana. It was truly spectacular! 
no comments