Planning Guides

Stephanie Olsen – What has helped me and my couples capture great images on their day are the getting-ready tips and tricks I offer them. These tips not only help keep us on track with our timeline, but they also make sure everyone is enjoying is feeling and looking great for these once-in-a-lifetime images! Here are a few of my tips.

1. Don’t get your panties in a bunch!

This is for my brides and all the ladies getting ready that day. Make sure you have tried on your undergarments with your dress a few days before the wedding day. Move in it, sit in it and dance in it to make sure you won’t think twice about it once it’s on. It’s distracting to be constantly tugging and adjusting or having things too snug or too loose. This not only makes sure you are comfy and relaxed, but also saves time on the day of since you’ll know exactly what’s going on. Same goes for your jewelry. Make sure you know how all those clasps and hooks open and close!

2. Eat, Drink and Be Married!

Enjoy your mimosa but don’t forget to have a glass of water for each one! Summer or not, it’s important to stay hydrated. Better to have to use the ladies room a few times than to hit your reception with headache and nausea. Aside from keeping you in a good mood, staying hydrated also helps keep that beautiful bridal glow all day!

On a similar note, be sure to have a great breakfast and a mini protein-packed meal about half an hour or so before you get into your dress. It will be hours before you eat again and you want to feel your best with each of the events that are about to follow!

3. Get Wed, Not Red!

Guys – as you need so little time to put it all together and look great, you find you have lots of time in the early part of the day for some golfing, sailing or just hanging out on the deck with the boys. One word…sunscreen. It’s easy to forget this step and show up at your ceremony redder than the lobster you had for lunch! The hydration tip goes for you too. Chase that Guinness with a pint of H2O!

4. Roll Call

The window of time we have to photograph your wedding party, family groups and newlywed images closes quickly. Your wedding rehearsal is a great opportunity to let all the folks who will be in those pictures become familiar with where to go and what to expect. A shot list of 10 combinations is what we feel works best, including immediate family on both sides and your wedding party. If everyone is where they need to be, these go quickly and smoothly. Your parents can head over to the cocktail hour, and with some luck, the two of you might be able to catch some of it as well!

You dream, plan and prepare for so long. These few tipes have helped me and my couples enjoy all the day had in store for us!