Your wedding day is an exciting whirlwind of emotions. It’s like zooming down a waterslide, surrounded by all your loved ones, exchanging high-fives as you go. With so much happening and everyone vying for your attention, the day can pass in the blink of an eye. Drawing from my personal experience tying the knot and capturing over a hundred weddings as a wedding photographer in Washington and Seattle over the past decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the journeys of my couples.
I’m eager to share some insights and tips I’ve gleaned to help ensure your wedding day is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How to Relax on Your Wedding Day
Get to bed early and get some sleep!
This advice is an obvious one and something your parents probably would give. I can’t express enough the importance of getting sleep. Not only will you be refreshed and full of energy for the wedding day, but you will also look your best for those beautiful wedding portraits I will be taking of you.
Lay out all your accessories, details and your dress items the night before
Preparing your dress and details not only ensures the peace of mind that you didn’t forget anything, but it also allows me to photograph your details.
I love capturing all the little details you’ve carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day. Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. It would be wonderful if you could put all your details in one spot for me. Please unwrap your dress but don’t worry about styling it – I’ll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Here is a detailed checklist to help you stay organized:
BRIDE DETAILS CHECKLIST
Bonus: We’d love to have a few cuts of the florals you’ll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist supplies us a small bucket of extra pieces, we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
Groom Details Checklist
Don’t forget to eat
Tet another piece of advice that your parents probably would also give. In the excitement and the build-up to your wedding day, don’t forget to eat for obvious reasons.
Treat yourself
Set aside some time to indulge in self-care, whether it’s a relaxing soak in a warm bath or treating yourself to a massage. There are massage therapists that offer mobile services and can come to your getting-ready area to help you unwind before the big day. Many of my past couples have taken my advice on this and said that it was one of the best anyone has given for their wedding day.
Plan extra time for hair and makeup
When scheduling your hair and makeup appointments, make sure to allocate an extra 20 minutes beyond what you initially anticipate. This buffer will help alleviate any stress if the timeline ends up running a bit behind schedule.
Allow people to help you
You’ve already put in the hard work of planning everything, so now it’s your turn to relax and enjoy your day. Let go of any worries and trust your friends, family, planner, and photographer to take care of everything. It’s your moment to revel in seeing your vision come to life!
Surround yourself with calm and positive energy
Don’t let the fear of disappointing others dictate who you invite to share your special day with you. Take careful consideration when selecting your wedding party and crafting your guest list. Surround yourself with individuals whose presence will bring you comfort and joy, and whose positive energy will help you feel calm and energized throughout the day. Be kind but vicious about this. You get me?
And lastly, let go
Let the day come to you and bask in the joy of the moments that unfold. The wedding day is beautiful chaos, and it is supposed to be exactly that. Savor every moment and mark those in your memory for a lifetime. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you will never get it back if you get too caught up in the stress. Don’t’ forget that I’m right there with you celebrating and capturing all those moments.
Washington & Seattle Wedding Photographer
Being a wedding photographer in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest is truly a privilege. We are surrounded with natural beauty. Every wedding I photograph is a chance to celebrate love in a unique way. I feel so fortunate to be a part of these special moments and to witness the happiness and connection shared by couples and their loved ones. It fills my cup and brings me joy.
If you are planning your own wedding in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest, I would be honored to be your photographer. Together, we can create a beautiful visual story that reflects your love and captures the essence of your wedding day. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m here to make sure those precious memories last forever.Creating the Perfect Timeline for Your Wedding
If these images inspire you, let’s connect and chat about the magic you wish to create on your wedding day. You can contact me here for more information. My pricing for Seattle wedding photography can be found here.
