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23Jun

Get Ready to Get Ready | Pre-Ceremony Tips

By True Photography, June 23, 2017 Advice

To ensure a nice flow throughout the wedding day, it is vital to start the day off right. The more we can accomplish before the ceremony, the more time we will have later to get creative with pictures of the two of you. By being prepared for us, and knowing what to expect, it helps us capture amazing photos for you!

When we first arrive, it is very important that the bride and everyone in the room be hair and makeup ready. We always suggest asking your bridal party and stylists to be finished 15-20 minutes earlier than necessary. The last thing you want to have to do is wait for a person in your bridal party! Only the bride should be putting on finishing make-up touches at this time. The groom and groomsmen should be nearly fully dressed. It will also be a good idea to put your bridal party to work to ensure the room is nice and tidy, as many photos will take place in the getting-ready area.

As you will see below, the “getting ready” portion of the wedding day is a time for many unforgettable photos. The ideal amount of photo time for this part of the day is 1.5-2 hours. If you are doing a first look, typically 2.5 hours is suggested. To maximize photo time, we designate one photographer for each spouse, which enables more coverage during this time period.

Here is a list of what to expect during the getting ready portion of your day, in chronological order:

1. Detail Photos – For the bride, this includes photos of the dress before it is put on, shoes, jewelry, florals, gifts and even invitation suites. Its a good idea to have these items ready when we arrive. For the groom this may include shoes, gifts, boutonnieres etc.

Details photo of Wedding Invitiation Suite

Hanging wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses

Wedding dress and shoes at Rancho Valencia

2. Candid Getting Ready Photos – For a bride, these include photos of finishing make-up touches, photos in special outfits before the dresses are on and of course putting on the dress. Putting on the dress photos occur about 20 minutes after we arrive, and typically take about 10 minutes, with the understanding that some dresses take longer than others to put on. While these shots are occurring, all of the bridesmaids and immediate family (ex. mother of the bride) should be fully dressed and ready to go.Rather than photographing a bride actually putting the dress, on we typically photograph the final lace up / zip up, along with bridesmaids/family helping with the finishing touches like shoes and jewelry. For a groom, we may photograph moments like friends/family helping with the suit, putting on shoes, and overall fun with the group.

Getting ready photo of bride and groom in their hotel rooms

Bride and groom finshing touches wedding photos

Getting ready photo at the Machester Grand Hyatt

3. Individual and Group Portraits Next, we will photograph some formal and stylized shots of the wedding couple in the room, and around the property. This is also the time for fun and formal portraits with each individual bridesmaid /groomsman, along with full group shots. Including family members is optional at this point, as there is usually time (after the ceremony) specifically set aside for family photos.

Portraits of handsome groom and beautiful bride

Bride with Maid of Honor and dapper groom

Beautiful bride at a destination wedding

Groomsmen being silly before the wedding ceremony

Beautiful Bride in San Marcos, California

4. More Photos! Additional photo opportunities may take place throughout the getting ready portion, such as a gift exchange, a no-look meeting with each other, or even a first look with the Bride’s father. These can make for some unforgettable images. Then, before the ceremony, it’s a good idea to schedule in a 15 minute break. This allows you to decompress, and to get ready for the big moment.

First look with father and bride reading note from groom

Bride and groom exchange gifts before ceremony

With all of this said, it’s important to remember that a wedding is a live event! Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, it is important to be adaptable. Embrace the excitement of the day, and we’ll be right there to capture amazing photos :)

Check out more unforgettable getting ready wedding images.

16May

Top 5 Wedding Prep Responsibilities (a Guy Can Totally Handle)

By True Photography, May 16, 2017 Advice

There are many ways for guys to be active participants in the wedding planning :) Even if DIY swan-folded napkins aren’t their thing, guys are fully capable of jumping in with the preparations, and helping to ensure the wedding day is amazing. Just like a marriage, the wedding planning can be the result of cooperation too!

To get their insight on this, we talked with our friends at Groovy Groomsmen Gifts, who shared their thoughts on ways a guy can kick it up a notch. Grooms-to-be, here are the Top 5 wedding prep responsibilities that are totally within your wheelhouse:

1. Control Your Crew
Your groomsmen are ready to step up and be there for you. Hopefully they even listen to you :) If so, you can take it upon yourself to keep your boys in line. Often, this means coordinating schedules, and confirming that everyone knows where to be, and what their roles are. Make sure they understand what time they are expected and what to bring with them. A reminder phone call or text the day-of can help too! Then, once they are onsite, make sure they stay on track, and get suited up when needed. The more organized you are, the more time you’ll have to relax with your crew.

2. See An Opportunity? Jump In!
Even if you aren’t assigned to certain tasks, there are lots of ways to lend a hand. For example, scope out prospective vendors, help narrow down the venue, or volunteer to pick up the wedding rings. Be there for important meetings and help talk through the logistics. Your input, opinions, and involvement will make a difference! Give yourself assignments, help balance the to-do list, and enjoy the planning process together as a couple.

3. Arrange the Marriage License
This may seem daunting, but it’s actually a piece of cake. With a quick brush up on your state’s marriage laws, you can easily prepare the necessary documents, and get everything in order. If you’re planning on a destination wedding, get in touch with an officiant in your chosen location, and ensure all your bases are covered. That way, your only job on your wedding day is to look good and have a blast.

4. Write Your Vows
If you plan on exchanging personal vows, this is something you can do early in the planning process. By writing your vows early on, you will have time to reflect and put your thoughts to paper. Writing your vows early will also put you in the right state of mind, and help you reflect on your love throughout the wedding process. You’ll also give yourself ample opportunity to rehearse, so you feel totally natural standing up and declaring your feelings in public :)

5. Thank Everyone Involved!
At some point during the process, your buddies (especially your best man), are likely to go above and beyond for you. Whether it’s throwing you an unforgettable bachelor party, running last minute errands, or wearing something besides cargo shorts for once, your friends and family deserve recognition. Their efforts on your behalf may even happen behind the scenes, in ways you’re not aware of. Give them some love, extend your appreciation, and hug it out!

If you are looking for unique and personalized groomsmen gifts, check out Groovy Groomsmen Gifts for a fun selection of stuff dudes like. Our personal faves are “Cool Time”, a slick wood-and-leather watch, and The Vegas Box, a swanky, self-contained party kit.

For more dapper dudes, check out our full collection of groomsmen photos.

03Mar

Groom Style | Every Girl’s Crazy ‘Bout a Sharp Dressed Man

By True Photography, March 03, 2016 Be Inspired

It’s time to pay tribute to the grooms! As photographers, we appreciate when a groom wears something distinctive to match his personality, and rocks it with confidence. Throw a few sharp-dressed buddies into the mix and you are ready for standout groomsmen photos.

Although the black tuxedo is a classic favorite, and never goes out of fashion, there are many additional style options available to modern guys. We’ve seen grooms in impressive tux colors such as sleek navy, white, and even red, as you will see below. We’ve also photographed grooms taking suits to the next level by pairing them with bold ties and bowties. The contemporary groom isn’t afraid to accessorize either, using accents like cufflinks, kerchiefs, pins, shoes and watches to refine the final look.

We would like to showcase some of the suave looks we’ve seen over the past year. Here is a highlight of grooms suiting up for their wedding in ultimate style.