Rachel + Zach- Laingsburg, MI Wedding
I’ve decided, since this particular wedding was such an excellent learning experience for me in so many ways, I’d like to share the gallery, my thoughts and also some tips on how to make SURE you get excellent wedding photos on your day. The first step, hire an awesome photographer. But, if you made it to this blog, you may very well be almost done with that part ;-)
(*tips are bolded)
October 25th, 2019 was a big day for all of us, lol.
The week prior, I had gotten hit with a pretty intense wave of anxiety that lasted about the entire 7 days in which I stopped sleeping well, stopped eating and was frazzled constantly. If you follow my social media accounts, you know I struggle with severe anxiety. (If you don’t, you should. Facebook/Instagram) Some days are worse than others. I was so worried that something would happen. Convinced, even. My anxious brain was telling me that my memory card would corrupt when I was driving home from the wedding and I’d lose all of their photos. Or that my computer would explode or we’d have a fire and I’d lose all of their photos… and then the worst possible thing that could actually happen in real life happened…
I read a fellow photographers instagram story in which she said that her computer had crashed and something about how fortunate she was to have her content backed up in 3 places. Oh BOY that sent me spiraling. Some weeks are worse than others, I guess.
Even though nothing happened to the memory cards on the way home, I still spent 3 hours in front of my computer uploading, 2 hours backing up, minimal hours sleeping that night and went to Best Buy the next day to buy a 4 terabyte external hard drive… I also uploaded them to Google Drive . Overkill? Idk.
The point of telling you those details is to illustrate how, although I was excited, I was dreading this day.
I was so sure something would happen. But I was also SO sure that my anxiety was talking super loudly. So I figured I’d better just go and see what happens.
Okay, so. Back to October 25th, 2019.
My assistant and I arrived at the Laingsburg venue a little early to get a look around and scout spots for our first look, bridal party photos, etc. From the moment I pulled in, I was excited to shoot. The trees were absolutely soaked in saturation and between the rustic chapel and the quiet country road on the way in, I didn’t know what I was more hype about. The venue is a super important piece that will set not only your wedding, but your finished gallery apart. your venue choice can help take your wedding photos from images to art and help make your day unique and your memories beautiful- if you’re hiring a natural light photographer, look for a venue with lots of natural light! and/or potential spots to shoot outdoors nearby- so when I see a good one, I’m all but drooling. Rachel handmade the signage- which I could not believe- and her amazing aunt Joyce did all of the alterations. I love when my brides/grooms decide to throw in DIY or sentimental touches. Guaranteed way to get your photographer EVERY time. I’m a cry-er…but I’ll get to that later.
So, I started capturing details and everything from there is sort of a blur, honestly. In the past when I’ve shot weddings, I have definitely caught myself checking the clock, wanting a break, being insanely tired- which normally has to do with the weather and, honestly, how fun the bridal party is! If no ones into my jokes or willing to do funny stuff for photos, it can make my job super hard- plus, how boring! lighten up! <3 love you.
Fortunately, this bridal crew (bride and groom included) were not like that at ALL. I don’t know that I’ve ever met a group of people that were this funny, helpful and super relaxed- and they let me get a lil sassy with my jokes, which I always love. I’m telling you, the BEST way to make sure you get awesome photos from your wedding- choose an awesome group of people to be there for you.
By the time we got to the ceremony, we were so on time and running so efficiently that I couldn’t help but notice that I felt so in my element. The one thing my brides and grooms always say is how thankful they are for the schedule…to make everyone’s lives easier, schedule 30 mins with your photographer to create a detailed schedule for the day. ! I like to bring 3-4 printed copies with me as well, just so everyone knows whats going on and so everyone can be prepared aka so we can stay on track allll day.
Rachel + Zach wrote their own vows and read them just shortly after the start of the ceremony, which means that for the remainder, I was a trying-not-to-be-blubbering-mess. They both absolutely killed it. Everyone laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried, and we all cheered when they were pronounced Husband + Wife. I think we all knew we were witnessing something truly special. If you believe in “made for each other”, they are it. Brides + Grooms, if you’re able to, write your own vows. Can you think of any better way to get some raw emotion in your photographs?
(zoom in on these next photos if you’re looking at this on your phone- real tears action)
Oh boy, you guys. This is my favorite part to tell:
After the ceremony, we did quick family photos and split-second decided where we wanted to go for our glorious, serene, 45 minutes of uninterrupted creative flow- the Newlywed portraits. My favorite. Not only is it the best part for me to shoot- the raw emotion, the adrenaline, the surreal and oh-so-real feelings the bride and groom have been all up in for the past several hours- but its almost an hour of scheduled quiet time for them to just spend a moment alone. Whatever you do, allow your photographer to schedule about an hour for your newlywed portraits during your reception cocktail hour. The time alone on your day will be priceless (believe me) and the stunning, steamy and romantic photographs that will result are so worth it. As we hopped in the car and headed down a dirt road Rachel looked out the window and said “that looks good, doesnt it?” pointing to a wide open field off the side. I wholeheartedly agreed and we pulled over about a block away from the venue. Although there was a party happening not so far away, with the huge and wide open skies and the quiet of the dirt road we ended up on, it felt like we were miles away from civilization. It had been cloudy for most of the day other than a few pops of harsh sun here and there. We hiked our buns out to the middle of this field, shot for about 15-20 mins as we shook off the adrenaline and the chaos of the day and I swear, you guys, the universe was listening to my heart because all of a sudden, the sun came out and magic commenced…
Overall, this wedding day taught me that there is great value to having a detailed plan, and greater value to being willing to deviate.
My final tip, Brides + Grooms… be down for anything. Ultimately, giving your photographer the trust and freedom to do what they’re inspired by is how they’ll able to exceed your expectations.