Do you see the image above? That is the exact feeling I want you to experience on your special day.

This blog was created with one main goal in mind: for you to truly ENJOY your wedding. I am talking about eliminating as much stress as possible on the day itself.

Having photographed over 200 weddings, I have noticed a common thread among the most relaxed and enjoyable celebrations.

Ps – the best way to reduce stress in your wedding? Let me help you with that!!

Alright, let’s get to tip #1

Location, Location, Location

Planning a wedding can be incredibly challenging. It can feel like a gut-wrenching, paper-cut-inducing task, like rushing to the post office at noon on a weekday. To ensure a smooth and stress-free day, the best advice is to keep everything as close to one another as possible.

Hosting the ceremony and reception at the same venue is ideal. I have compiled a list of my favorite Garden Inspired Wedding Venues for you to consider. This not only makes things more convenient for you but also for your guests.

However, I understand that this may not be possible if you have your heart set on a ceremony at a family church. In that case, try to minimize the distance between the venues to prevent any delays or complications.

The same applies to getting ready - if your partner is getting ready in a different location that is far apart, it may impact the timeline of your day. Keep this in mind and try to keep the driving distance to a minimum. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I have seen the importance of this and how crucial it is for your timeline. Especially when you only have one photographer. For more tips on deciding if you should hire a second photographer, weigh out the pros and cons here.

Alright, let’s get to tip #2

The one time to unplug

As you envision your wedding day, you probably imagine it to be the most perfect and magical day of your life. However, when you look back on your photos in the years to come, you want to remember the day for all the right reasons. Imagine flipping through your wedding album and seeing countless pictures of your guests leaning into the aisle, more focused on capturing the "perfect shot" on their iPhones than actually being present and enjoying the celebration that you worked so hard to plan. This is not the way you want to remember your special day, right?

Unfortunately, in today's social media-driven society, this is becoming a common occurrence at weddings. Everyone wants to capture the perfect snapshot for their Instagram or Snapchat, and in the process, they are missing out on truly experiencing the joy of the moment.

But fear not, there is a simple solution to prevent this from happening at your wedding. Make it clear to your guests that you would like them to put away their phones (and yes, even their iPads) and be fully present to celebrate with you. After all, you have hired the best photographer to capture all the special moments of the day, and their high-quality photos are more than enough to share with your guests.

To help get this message across, there are some great ideas and signs available for purchase on Etsy. These signs can be displayed at the entrance of your ceremony or reception, politely reminding guests to put away their devices and be fully present for your special day. Not only will this ensure a happier and more intimate atmosphere, but it will also result in a wedding album free of iPhones and iPads. So go ahead and enjoy your perfect day without any distractions or interruptions. You could also have your officiant make an announcement.

Tip #3

To love beauty is to see light

Can we discuss something important? As a fellow photographer, I may sound biased, but please trust that I have your best interests at heart.

LIGHTING!

Now, let's talk about lighting. It is the key to creating phenomenal photography. Not only does it shape each photo, but it also adds a unique touch and enhances the overall quality. While we have various tools and equipment to create our own light, nothing beats the beauty of natural light - that big ball of fire in the sky.

Natural light is not only flattering, but it also adds a fabulous touch to any occasion. And on your special day, you want to incorporate as much natural light as possible, especially for photographs. Whether it's the wedding party, family formals, or your portraits, natural light creates the most aesthetic and timeless shots.

Even if you are indoors, don't underestimate the power of windows. They can be your best friend in creating stunning photos. What you love most about our portraits is their natural feel, which is largely influenced by lighting. So, can you still have a candlelit reception or a sunset ceremony? Absolutely! I can work to create a schedule that allows enough time to capture all your important moments in the best lighting.

P.S. I know what you're thinking - what if the sun doesn't cooperate on your big day? Let's face it, Michigan weather can be as unpredictable as an Electric bill (just me?). But don't worry, the best photographers come prepared with their own lighting equipment to ensure that even in less-than-ideal conditions, we can still create stunning artwork that stays true to your vision.

If you’re thinking of changing up your plans altogether and want to entertain taking your vows out of state? Check out Colorado’s lighting (and UGH…those mountains in the background!!) or maybe you just want to have an adventure engagement session in Colorado, but a Wedding in Michigan?! Whatever comes to mind, nothing is off-limits! Check out more info on my Colorado Wedding Photographer page.

Tips # 4

You do you, Imma do me

As the culmination of our journey together, when I hand you your wedding album, we want you to feel like...

Not just because your photographs are exquisitely beautiful (which they will be), but because they capture the essence of your unique YOU-ness.

Whether you prefer to get ready at home because it holds special meaning for you, or you choose to forgo a creative session to visit your grandma at the nursing home, I am here to make it happen!! Even if your first date was at a quaint ice cream parlor and it holds a special place in your heart, I am more than happy to capture those moments there.

Instead of worrying about the location of your photographs, let's focus on the why. Let's work together to find a setting that truly reflects your story. I challenge you to delve deep and discover the perfect location that will showcase your love story in all its glory.

Tip #5

It’s just a…

Planning a wedding, and even the big day itself, can often cause feelings of worry and stress. However, I have gained valuable knowledge from working at countless weddings, and I want to share one final piece of advice with you.

You may have heard of Murphy's Law, which states that if something can go wrong, it will. But, this doesn't mean we have to constantly live in fear. It serves as a reminder that some things are out of our control.

On your wedding day, it's crucial to keep this in mind. Issues like a melting cake, a late relative, or a broken button on your dress may seem like major problems at the time. But, remember, this is your special day - all about you! I've often reassured brides by saying, "Don't worry, everyone else can wait. You are the star, and the day won't begin until you're ready."

It's true that not everything will go exactly as planned, but I can promise you, it won't matter in the long run. So, no matter what challenges arise, simply remind yourself, "It's just a minor setback, and it won't ruin my day!"

I got you, I promise!

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and the actual wedding day can be even more stressful. However, it doesn't have to be that way. As an experienced wedding photographer, I have learned valuable tips and strategies to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. My commitment to my couples is that when you choose Catchfly Photography, you can trust me to capture your special day without any added stress.

My intentional process focuses on getting to know my couples and their unique personalities, in order to capture authentic, dynamic, and emotional images. This allows you to be fully present and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that your memories are being beautifully captured by a passionate photographer.

If you would like to discuss your wedding day further, or learn about some of our favorite local locations for engagement shoots, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would love to chat with you!

I hope that these tips have helped you feel more confident and prepared for your wedding day.

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie, and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.

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