Find a room with a lot of natural window or balcony light. Open the window and do your hair and makeup there. The light will be better and the breeze will keep you relaxed. Also, please turn off any interior lights whenever possible, as they can clash with the natural light. If you're not near a window when I arrive, I will very likely make that adjustment. :)

They are often less expensive and can offer cool, unique details. Generic hotel rooms tend to be, well ... generic. They also don't always offer the best light.

Weddings can be chaotic, I get it, but a clean room makes for cleaner, better-looking photos. Try to keep anything that is not entirely necessary (i.e. roller bags, laundry, clothes, especially food), out of the way. I always keep gear that I am not using in the closet.

Please don't put him in a dark closet with terrible light... I've seen it happen. Remember, he's just as important :)

How you do your makeup is entirely up to you. Just bear in mind that more is not necessarily better. My work will reflect more what is truly there, so if you want to look like yourself, please try not to overdo it.

Once you are in your dress, we’ll spend five or so minutes doing some quick portraits likely next to, you guessed it, a window! Of course, if there is another spot you have in mind, I'm open to that as well!

If you are planning a first look, I will scout a nice location with good light beforehand. When it is time, I will go out to position the groom first and then I will send someone back to retrieve the bride. Take a deep breath and enjoy. :)

If your heart is set to lock eyes for the first time as you walk down the aisle, that is okay too! Either way, I will be ready for it!

The best time for family portraits is before the ceremony, that way once the ceremony is complete, everyone can be released for cocktail hour or reception.

I do not recommend post-ceremony group portraits, as people tend to scatter after a ceremony and trying to gather family members as everyone else is exiting will be time consuming.

This is to ensure that there is no confusion and that everyone gets covered. Please assign someone who is familiar with the faces the task of gathering family. This speeds up the process since I won't know what anyone looks like.

I would ask that we try to minimize guests taking photos during group portraits. Remember, everyone will have access to the same photos. :)

For outdoor ceremonies, particularly those in direct sunlight, it is ideal to place the sun directly behind your officiant to ensure even backlight, otherwise you'll be very harshly lit and one of you will likely be squinting. I would be happy to help on site with this if you'd like.

Please try to avoid big mic metal stands as they are distracting and not very attractive. If a mic is being used, please have your officiant use a handheld mic.

A receiving line is where you greet every single person as they exit the ceremony venue or enter the reception venue. Unless your wedding is very small, I strongly advise against having a receiving line. They are repetitive, time consuming and it will just be overwhelming for you. I would recommend greeting your guests while mingling during cocktail hour. It will be more enjoyable for you.

For family photos, I would ask that we try to minimize guests taking photos only to make the process more efficient and less time consuming. Remember, everyone will have access to the same photos. :)

Why? Because you just got married! You’re both feeling extremely happy and giddy like you’re walking on air. The weight is finally off, so this is a perfect time for portraits!

Why? The light will likely be too good to pass up a portrait opportunity. If your wedding is indoors, I recommend stepping outside for a few shots. For urban settings, the city lights and lit buildings will also make for some nice shots.

If your ceremony is at sunset, we can always merge the two sessions into a single 20 – 30 minute post ceremony session...

My favorite light sources are candlelights combined with market lights. It sets a very nice, romantic mood. Just make sure it's not too dark, as it can be difficult to autofocus working in low light. I try to avoid using flash unless I'm shooting the dance floor, as this can ruin the light. I would be happy to advise you further about this if you'd like!

If you have lots of details and that you would like captured, please allow 20 minutes for me to capture before guests enter the area. The second shooter will likely handle all detail shots.

Ideally, I should eat at the same time as your guests, which ensures I will be free to shoot the toasts and/or dances that generally happen after everyone is served. Also, you don't want photos of people eating...

Please make sure you both eat as well! Not only at dinnertime, but throughout the day! You don't want to be hungry at any point. I will always have snacks with me just in case :)