23Jun

Get Ready to Get Ready | Pre-Ceremony Tips

By, June 23, 2017

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.

Shoe and floral detail wedding photo
Details photo of Wedding Invitiation Suite
Groom shoes and tie
Hanging wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses
Bride earrings macro shot
Hanging dress and Louboutin Shoes
Wedding dress and shoes at Rancho Valencia
Wedding invitation Suite
Detail photo of Valentino wedding shoes
Details shot of Bridal Style
Groom style at a destination wedding
Colorful red pink wedding shoes
Salvatore Ferragamo Wedding Groom Shoes

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.

Bride having her makeup touched up
Getting ready photo of bride and groom in their hotel rooms
Candid photo of bridesmaids wearing pjs
Groomsmen having a pillow fight
Bride getting ready pre ceremony
Fun Bridesmaids Getting Ready Photo
Fun groom adjusting hair
Bride getting ready and having fun
Candid Bride Make up Photo
Bridesmaids jumping on the bed
Bride getting ready with mother
Groom getting ready photo
Bride Getting Ready Photo
Silhouette of groom getting ready
Bride and groom finshing touches wedding photos
Bride and proud mother at wedding
Glamor photo of Bride
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.

Stunning bride in glamorous dress
Groomsmen style portrait
Bride with accessories lying down
Portraits of bridesmaids at a wedding
Dapper Groom
Bohemian bridesmaids having fun
Stylized portraits of bride and groom
Groomsmen with American Flag
Portraits of handsome groom and beautiful bride
Groomsmen having fun
Photos of brides pre ceremony
Groomsmen Style on A Playground
Stylized portraits of bride groom
Bride with Maid of Honor and dapper groom
Beautiful bride at a destination wedding
Creative Wedding Photography
Groomsmen being silly before the wedding ceremony
Beautiful Bride in San Marcos, California
Creative Groomsmen Photo
Bride smelling flower
Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
Glamor photos of stunning brides

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.

Candid Photo of Bride writing vows
First look with father and bride reading note from groom
Bride and groom prayer
Bride reading card from Groom
Emotional Father and Bride
Boudoir album for Groom
Bride and groom exchange gifts before ceremony
Bride opening gift from Groom
Bride right before the 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.

05Jun

A Perfect Fit | Wedding Rings

By, June 05, 2017

From the moment a proposal is accepted, to the day vows are exchanged, the ring is literally along for the ride :) The engagement ring custom likely dates back to Ancient Egypt, where the left-hand “ring finger” was believed to have a direct connection to the heart. By wearing precious stones and strong metals on this finger, the recipient could demonstrate an everlasting love and commitment to their betrothed.

As wedding photographers, we see many personalized spins on this old custom. Some designs, like the classic solitaire or the dazzling halo diamond, always remain in style. But wedding rings also come in an astounding variety of unique designs, colors, and shapes for a modern approach. Couples have more options than ever to find the perfect fit!

We hope you enjoy a selection of some of our favorite wedding rings from recent weddings.

Bride and Groom's modern wedding rings with intricate custom designed band
We adore this beautiful ring designed by Samantha Louise Jewelry from Leslie and Copper's wedding day (above). With its pear-shaped halo diamond, and interwoven band of rose gold, this custom look was a perfect compliment to their rustic wedding at Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado.
Wedding couples unique sculptural wedding rings
Bride's halo style interlocking wedding ring on porcelain plates
Wedding Couple's customized wooden ring box with wedding date and initials
Custom ring boxes can be a great way to keep your treasures safe. For Carmellee and Alvin's wedding day at the Coronado Community Center, the couple had this adorable custom box engraved with their initials and date, for a functional and enduring keepsake.
Bride and Groom's halo, eternity and gold wedding bands
Bride's Rustic Halo and Eternity Wedding Rings with Groom's Black Tungsten Wedding Band
Intricately designed wedding rings placed on unique wood surface and wine cork
Bride's custom halo emerald green wedding ring
Bride's halo-style heart-shaped wedding ring with Groom's black tungsten wedding band with diamond
Wedding Couple's Rings with Anatomy of Love postcard
Solitary style wedding rings with eternal engagement bands and groom rings with fun props and backgrounds
Bride's creative criss-cross wedding ring with halo diamond and band of diamonds
Bride and Groom's wedding rings on cake pops
Wedding Couple's beautiful and unique blue sapphire wedding band
Bride's dazzling Halo wedding ring paired with eternity engagement band and groom's gold wedding band
Bride's custom engraved gold wedding ring
Wedding Couple's beautiful and unique blue sapphire wedding band
Bride's Unique Halo-style wedding band and yellow diamond with Eternity Engagement Band
Bride's intricate sculptural wedding ring paired with Groom's white gold wedding band
Bride's halo wedding ring with Groom's diamond encrusted band
Bride's creative interlocking wedding and engagement rings
Wedding couples rings paired with funny ninja detail at wedding
Bride and Groom's matching criss-cross wedding bands
Creative Contoured Rings and Custom patterned Wedding Band

Is bling your thing? Check out more creative wedding rings photographed by our team :)

26Feb

Product Photo Shoot | Arelor.com

By, February 26, 2016

Over the last couple of weeks, we have really enjoyed photographing for a very stylish and unique website, arelor.com. Arelor is an online boutique store, and the home of exclusive collections created by artist and designer April Feldman, who also designs for us :) When the website recently expanded from greeting cards to a full line of jewelry and home décor, True was brought on to show off the new styles, using strong, vibrant and clean product photography.

Newly photographed product in place on arelor.com

Because we have a shooting studio onsite, and product photography specialists, we were able to capture the products under pristine studio conditions. We also applied our signature post-production techniques to make the images really stand out.

Sitting at computer for post production on arelor.com product photography

Here are a few of our favorite pieces that we photographed.
Product shot of floral boutique pillow on arelor.omProduct shot of tropical leaf boutique pillow on arelor.omProduct shot of floral vase boutique pillow on arelor.omJewelry product detail for jewelry section on arelor.comJewelry product detail for jewelry section on arelor.com
In addition to products like pillows and jewelry, Arelor offers a full line of distinct watercolor invitation suites that are designed and ready to go. Here is one of Arelor’s most popular invitation suites, Ocean Wave.

Product shot of invitation suite on arelor.com

We love Arelor’s work, and suggest you check out more home décor, accessories, stationery, and fine art collections at https://arelor.com !

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