Hey all! I haven't written any blogs lately... or should I say this year (2022). I found myself wanting to step back from the photography career and let my clients find me quietly with zero advertising or content. I stopped booking weddings after May of this year and here I am in mid- July still trying to decide on if I am seriously ready to call it quits. The burnout of this job has gotten to me and I don't know if all the advertising, hustling, fight, etc. is worth it. But at the same time, I am missing my brides and the job itself, so I decided to write a little blog and let you all know what I have been up to.
We won "GEORGIAS BEST" for 2021. Winners were announced in late December. I am super happy and proud of that! I struggled with taking a step back because of that win but knew in my heart, I needed to in order for me to find the passion in it again.
We also had an article written about us in April from "VOYAGE MAGIZINE" in Atlanta. Here is the link
http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-stephanie-taylor-of-travel-all-over/?fbclid=IwAR2cpwYMuAmjWedAEHd8e2ESJSfm-goEKXWZEoSHAVS4J5pAUzcSvSUSVus
Funny how the universe works. Just when you have made up your mind to throw in the towel and start a new career adventure, things happen in your favor. Even though all of this made me smile and feel good about myself, I still decided to take a little time and only book weddings for those who seek me out.
My future endeavors involve a lot of risk! For one, taking time off from the photography business itself. But I am also planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail Georgia Section in October. The 80 mile venture will take me through the entire northern half of the state and land me on the GA/SC border. My dearest closest friend and I have always wanted to do this, but just haven't devoted the time. Now her stepmom is diagnosed with terminal cancer and we think now is the best time to hike it in her honor. We will be posting our progress on the website www.trailheadtailgaters.com for all of you who would like to follow.
In the meantime, if you all know of someone who is taking the trail less traveled to get married or would just like advice, Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am not done.. just rejuvenating.
Stephanie TaylorWriter and Photographer for MARILYN RAY PHOTOGRAPHY/TRAIL LESS TRAVELED ![]()
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Lets talk about the "oh so famous" wedding party!
You know who they are. The people you chose to put in the wedding, to stand next to you on one of the most important days of your life. The guys and gals who fully support you in almost every thing you do in life. The guy who helped you sneak out in high school, and the girl who gave you their shoulder while you cried over a jerk in college. The guy who stood with you when you pledged into a fraternity, and the girl who helped you cheat your way through math class. The same two who applauded you when you said "I think I found the one". These people mean the world to you. They know how significant of a role they play in your life and they have probably been waiting for the day you get married almost as long as you have. These men and women deserve a shout out and a whole blog just about them! The wedding party is your "hype guy" on your wedding day. Except there is a whole group of them. You are supposed to laugh, make jokes, cry a little, hug, have a great time, and feel supported. I have worked with the best wedding parties and the worst. I have seen it go amazingly fun (where I didn't want to leave the wedding) and amazingly BLAH. Believe it or not, the wedding party has a lot to do with that. Our last wedding of 2021 was amazing. The wedding party could of been friends their entire lives for all we know. That is what it seemed like. They joked with each other (guys and girls) drank with each other, danced with each other, but most importantly, they hyped up their bride and groom! These friends of theirs cheered for them during the first dance and the reception exit like I have never seen. They toasted to them, danced with them, laughed with them, cried with them. This wedding party was the perfect ending to our year. They were so kind to us, patient, followed directions, helpful, etc. It made for the best wedding and the best night. The excitement they showed the bride and groom had all the other guests doing the same. The energy in that building was bursting at the seams. You couldn't help but laugh at them as they cheered the newlyweds on. It was pretty amazing. So my point is, when looking at wedding parties, make sure you have your hype guy. It makes everything that much better! We have started advertising in different states and this can come off a tad confusing for the client looking for a photographer. The truth is, we are in a place in our lives where we are very limbo. We just are not settled and I can not pick one location to advertise in just yet! My husband is military. He is getting ready to retire within the next year and we are looking on where we want to lay down our roots. With that being said, we have friends and family spread all across the United States. From Hawaii, To Indiana, From Georgia, to Texas, Colorado and beyond.... We are welcomed with big arms by friends or family pretty much everywhere. So with that, comes options. I am in a great position to where I can travel for weddings and I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity for those who want me to do so! My love for the outdoors and my passion for my job leaves me breathtakingly ecstatic when I am booked outside the state I grew up in. So please, don't hold back booking me because you are weary of me traveling to you. I promise.. I will be more than happy to!Thank you so very much to those of you who voted for me for "BEST OF GEORGIA!" |
From your mom Mending your dress to make sure it is perfect, to your dad making you cry with his kind words, to your bridesmaids laughing hysterically at you can't remember what, you will LOVE all the emotions of your wedding day that goes on behind the scenes! And if you are lucky, you will have the same kind of photos of the groom!! | As a photographer my advice for those emotions is this, LET THEM HAPPEN GIRL!! Those emotions of, not only you, but everyone around you makes the sweetest pictures. Some of them may not be "social media worthy" because, I mean, lets face it, not all faces are pretty when they cry. My face is definitely NOT, I am a very UGLY CRIER, but even though you may not want to share them for the whole world to see, you will be so happy you have them and those raw, pure, real moments were caught on camera. |
LETS BE SOCIAL
@MARILYNRAYPHOTO
GETTING THOSE AUTHENTIC SMILES TO SHINE BRIGHT
RECENTLY I HAVE HAD WEDDINGS WHERE THE GROOM AND GROOMSMEN AREN'T REALLY INTO THE PICTURES. WHICH IS COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDABLE CONSIDERING IT HAS BEEN NEARLY 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITHOUT THE HUMIDITY (AFTER ALL,WE ARE FROM GA SO IT MAY BE 98 BUT IT FEELS LIKE 118) SO LEAVING THE COMFORT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SMILING THROUGH THE PAIN OF THE HEAT ISN'T SOMETHING ANYONE WANTS TO DO. THE GIRLS ARE MORE ABOUT IT BECAUSE, WELL, WE ARE GIRLS AND LOVE PICTURES OF US ALL DOLLED UP, BUT THE GUYS, NOT SO MUCH. SO LESLIE AND MYSELF HAD TO COME UP WITH SOME PRETTY CREATIVE IDEAS TO MAKE SURE THOSE GUYS GIVE YOU THE SMILES THE BRIDE DESERVE.
THE ONE IDEA WE HAD AT OUR LAST WEDDING WENT OFF LIKE FIREWORKS. AT FIRST, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT. BUT THE LONGER THEY STOOD THERE IN THE HEAT, THE HOTTER THEY GOT AND THE MORE INTRIGUED THEY BECAME.
SINCE IT WAS SO HOT WE USED WATER BUT OF COURSE THIS WILL WORK WITH PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING. YOU COULD USE BEER, A FLASK, HIS WRITTEN VOWS, HIS RINGS, ANYTHING.
SINCE IT WAS SO HOT WE USED WATER BUT OF COURSE THIS WILL WORK WITH PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING. YOU COULD USE BEER, A FLASK, HIS WRITTEN VOWS, HIS RINGS, ANYTHING.
YUP.. YOU GUESSED IT... WE MADE THEM RACE FOR A BOTTLE OF WATER. WE GOT SO MANY NATURAL SMILES AND LAUGHTER. THIS IDEA MADE THE BEST PICTURES AND IT WAS SO MUCH FUN WATCHING THEM KICK THAT BOTTLE AROUND TO WIN BECAUSE IT WAS SO HOT OUT.
ANOTHER WAY TO HAVE THOSE GUYS SMILING NATURAL SMILES (ASSUMING ITS NOT A DRY WEDDING) IS TO HAVE THEM TOAST THE GROOM! THESE TOASTS ALWAYS MAKE THE FUNNIEST STORIES. WE STAND THERE AND TAKE PHOTOS OF THE GROOMSMEN POKING FUN OF THE GROOM. SOMETIMES THIS CAN MAKE YOU CRY FROM LAUGHING, SO BE AWARE. THIS LITTLE TRICK IS NOT ONLY FUN FOR THEM BUT FOR US AS WELL. WE LEARN A THING OR TWO ABOUT THE PERSONALITIES WE ARE WORKING WITH FOR THE DAY AND GIVES US LITTLE HINTS AS TO WHO IS GOING TO BE THE CLOWN OF THE GROUP AND TO WATCH THAT PERSON CLOSELY.
ANOTHER LITTLE SECRET TO CATCHING GREAT PHOTOS OF THE GUYS, IS SUPER SIMPLE. AS I MENTIONED ABOVE, MOST OF THE TIME THERE IS AT LEASET ONE GUY OF THE GROUP WHO IS GOING TO BE THE CLOWN AND USUALLY IF THEY START TO GOOF OFF, THE REST WILL FOLLOW. YOU CAN CATCH ALL OF THEM BEING 100% AUTHENTIC WITHOUT THEM EVEN KNOWING. JUST STAND BACK AND LET THEM DO THE WORK. IT MAY BE TOWARD THE END OF THE NIGHT AND NOT IN THE SCHEDULED TIME WE HAVE BLOCKED OFF JUST FOR THEM, BUT THAT IS OK. AS LONG AS YOU CAN CATCH THOSE PICTURES OF THE GROUP OF MEN WHO STOOD BESIDE HIM ON HIS WEDDING DAY WITH AUTHENTIC SMILES, YOU DID GOOD! THE BRIDE WILL BE SUPER HAPPY. AND SO WILL HE.
LETS BE SOCIAL
@MARILYNRAYPHOTO
5 WEDDING TIPS YOU SHOULD HEAR
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A WEDDING HERE ARE 5 TIPS FOR YOU!
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A WEDDING THIS FALL OR EVEN NEXT YEAR, I HAVE SOME TIPS FOR YOU! AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, I SEE A TON OF WEDDINGS! I HAVE WORKED WEDDINGS ALL OVER THE SCALE. FROM THE MOST LAID BACK TO THE MOST ORGANIZED. THE ONE THING MOST OF THEM HAVE IN COMMON IS .... SOMETHING WILL ALWAYS GO WRONG. IT'S HOW YOU HANDLE IT THAT MATTERS THE MOST.
FROM A MEMBER OF THE BRIDAL PARTY BEING LATE OR LOST, TO THE BRIDE FORGETTING HER BOUQUET, TO THE WRITTEN VOWS BEING LEFT AT HOME, TO SHOES NOT FITTING, SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG.
THE GOOD NEWS IS, NOT ONE OF YOUR GUESTS WILL NOTICE!!
THE GOOD NEWS IS, NOT ONE OF YOUR GUESTS WILL NOTICE!!
SO AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT THOSE "GONE WRONG" MOMENTS WILL NOT EVEN MATTER AFTER YOU WALK DOWN THAT ISLE! THE THINGS THAT DO MATTER ARE THOSE MOMENTS THAT CAN MAKE GREAT PICTURES FOR YOU AND ALL AROUND YOUR DAY EASIER! BELOW ARE JUST 5 TIPS FOR JUST THAT! OF COURSE I HAVE SOOO MANY MORE BUT I WILL START WITH JUST 5!
The dress has been bought, the venue has been booked, the flowers have been ordered, the timeline has been made. The day is getting close and the excitement has set in. The countdown begins...
#1.NO PAPARAZZI!
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER!!!! IF YOU DON'T TAKE ANY OF MY OTHER TIPS INTO ACCOUNT PLEASE TAKE THIS ONE!
I KNOW EVERYONE IS SO EXCITED TO SEE THE WEDDING PARTY WALKING DOWN THAT ISLE!
AND WHEN THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE IS THERE WAITING FOR HER SONG AND EVERYONE STANDS FOR HER TO WALK DOWN, THE EMOTIONS ARE ENDLESS FOR EVERYONE IN THE SEATS AND FOR THE GROOM. THE MOST INSTINCTUAL THING TO DO IS PULL OUT YOUR PHONE AND RECORD HER WALKING TO THE MAN OF HER DREAMS. I ALSO KNOW THAT EVERYONE THESE DAYS HAS SOCIAL MEDIA AND THEY WANT THEIR VERSION OF THE BRIDAL PARTY ALL OVER THEIR PERSONAL PAGE.
I GET IT.
HOWEVER. WHEN EVERYONE IS STANDING AND HOLDING THIER PHONES OUT TO CATCH THAT VIDEO.... IT BLOCKS THE VIEW FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. THE ONE PERSON (OR MULTIPLE) YOU PAID MONEY TO ACTUALLY CATCH YOU COMING DOWN THE ISLE. IT CAN BE THE MOST FRUSTRATING TIME FOR US PHOTOGRAPHERS. I AM DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO GET ALL THE DETAILS OF THAT MOMENT BUT UNFORTUNATELY, MORE TIMES THAN NOT, I GET A BUNCH OF CELL PHONE SCREENS IN THE SHOT. THERE HAVE BEEN WEDDINGS I WORKED (I AM SUPER SAD TO SAY) WHERE THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE HAS STOOD AT THE END OF THE ISLE SO SHE CAN CATCH HER DAUGHTER ON VIDEO WALKING DOWN AND ALL I CAN CATCH ON MY CAMERA IS HER. I HAVE TO CHANGE MY LOCATION AND POSITION IN ORDER TO WORK AROUND ALL THE CELL PHONES. IN THAT CASE, YOU MAY MISS THAT EYE CONTACT YOU MAKE WITH THE GROOM OR THE TEAR AS YOUR DAD LOOKS AT YOU OR THAT MOMENT WHEN YOUR SMILE BECOMES GOLDEN.
SO THINK TO YOURSELF IF THESE PARTICULAR MOMENTS DURING THE CEREMONY MATTER.
IF THEY DON'T, THEN CELL PHONES WON'T BE AN ISSUE. BUT IF THEY DO, I SUGGEST REALLY STRESSING TO YOUR GUESTS THAT YOU DON'T WANT THEM AT THE CEREMONY. YOU CAN FIND CREATIVE IDEAS LIKE THE PICTURE BELOW TO HAVE THEM LEAVE THEIR PHONE UNTIL THE VERY END. THE BEST TIME FOR YOUR GUESTS TO CATCH YOU ON THEIR CELL PHONES IS THE INTRODUCTION AT THE RECEPTION. IT IS LOUD AND USUALLY SO MUCH FUN. PERFECT FOR THE INSTAGRAM STORY!
AND WHEN THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE IS THERE WAITING FOR HER SONG AND EVERYONE STANDS FOR HER TO WALK DOWN, THE EMOTIONS ARE ENDLESS FOR EVERYONE IN THE SEATS AND FOR THE GROOM. THE MOST INSTINCTUAL THING TO DO IS PULL OUT YOUR PHONE AND RECORD HER WALKING TO THE MAN OF HER DREAMS. I ALSO KNOW THAT EVERYONE THESE DAYS HAS SOCIAL MEDIA AND THEY WANT THEIR VERSION OF THE BRIDAL PARTY ALL OVER THEIR PERSONAL PAGE.
I GET IT.
HOWEVER. WHEN EVERYONE IS STANDING AND HOLDING THIER PHONES OUT TO CATCH THAT VIDEO.... IT BLOCKS THE VIEW FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. THE ONE PERSON (OR MULTIPLE) YOU PAID MONEY TO ACTUALLY CATCH YOU COMING DOWN THE ISLE. IT CAN BE THE MOST FRUSTRATING TIME FOR US PHOTOGRAPHERS. I AM DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO GET ALL THE DETAILS OF THAT MOMENT BUT UNFORTUNATELY, MORE TIMES THAN NOT, I GET A BUNCH OF CELL PHONE SCREENS IN THE SHOT. THERE HAVE BEEN WEDDINGS I WORKED (I AM SUPER SAD TO SAY) WHERE THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE HAS STOOD AT THE END OF THE ISLE SO SHE CAN CATCH HER DAUGHTER ON VIDEO WALKING DOWN AND ALL I CAN CATCH ON MY CAMERA IS HER. I HAVE TO CHANGE MY LOCATION AND POSITION IN ORDER TO WORK AROUND ALL THE CELL PHONES. IN THAT CASE, YOU MAY MISS THAT EYE CONTACT YOU MAKE WITH THE GROOM OR THE TEAR AS YOUR DAD LOOKS AT YOU OR THAT MOMENT WHEN YOUR SMILE BECOMES GOLDEN.
SO THINK TO YOURSELF IF THESE PARTICULAR MOMENTS DURING THE CEREMONY MATTER.
IF THEY DON'T, THEN CELL PHONES WON'T BE AN ISSUE. BUT IF THEY DO, I SUGGEST REALLY STRESSING TO YOUR GUESTS THAT YOU DON'T WANT THEM AT THE CEREMONY. YOU CAN FIND CREATIVE IDEAS LIKE THE PICTURE BELOW TO HAVE THEM LEAVE THEIR PHONE UNTIL THE VERY END. THE BEST TIME FOR YOUR GUESTS TO CATCH YOU ON THEIR CELL PHONES IS THE INTRODUCTION AT THE RECEPTION. IT IS LOUD AND USUALLY SO MUCH FUN. PERFECT FOR THE INSTAGRAM STORY!
#2. ASK YOUR OFFICIANT TO STEP TO THE SIDE DURING YOUR FIRST KISS.
THIS ONE IS LESS IMPORTANT IF YOU DON'T MIND THEM BEING IN THE PICTURES
ALTHOUGH YOU MAY LOVE THE OFFICIANT DEARLY (OR THEY COULD BE A COMPLETE STRANGER) THEY MOST CERTAINLY WILL BE IN THE FIRST KISS PICTURE UNLESS THEY STEP TO THE SIDE. THAT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIRST KISS PICTURE BEING "FRAME WORTHY" FOR YOU. USUALLY AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, I TAKE MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE FIRST KISS. ONE ZOOMED IN CLOSE AND ONE REALLY ZOOMED OUT SO I CAN SEE THE ENTIRE WEDDING PARTY. SO IF THE OFFICIANT IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE DEARLY, MOST OF THE TIME YOU WILL STILL GET A PICTURE OF THE FIRST KISS WITH THEM IN IT, EVEN IF THEY STEP ASIDE. SO YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHICH ONE YOU LOVE BETTER. ALSO (HERE IS A TIP INSIDE OF A TIP) HOLD YOUR KISS FOR A LITTLE BIT. IF IT IS TO QUICK (WHICH I HAVE HAD TO TAKE BEFORE) THEN THE PHOTOGRAPHER HAS A HARD TIME CATCHING IT AND YOU WON'T GET THAT CLOSE UP AND ZOOMED OUT PHOTO. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SUPER LONG OF A KISS. JUST LONG ENOUGH WHERE IF I HAPPEN TO BLINK, I DON'T MISS IT.
#3. BRING YOUR WEDDING INVITATION TO THE VENUE
MOST PHOTOGRAPHERS LIKE TO TAKE DETAIL SHOTS AT THE VENUE AND YOUR WEDDING INVITATION IS ONE OF THOSE DETAILS. I PERSONALLY LIKE TO ADD TO IT WITH YOUR SHOES, OR RINGS, OR FLOWERS, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE. SO JUST THROW AN EXTRA INVITATION IN YOUR PILE OF THINGS TO BRING TO THE VENUE JUST IN CASE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ASKS FOR IT.
#4. MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT!
WRITE DOWN ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS YOU WANT PICTURES WITH AND GIVE IT TO YOUR MAID OF HONOR, OR IN MY CASE, MY ASSISTANT AND 2ND PHOTOGRAPHER. THIS WAY WE ARE ORGANIZED AND THIS PART GOES SO MUCH MORE SMOOTHLY! YOU HAVE PAID MONEY FOR THE VENUE, DJ, CATERER, PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, ETC. AND FOR THE MOST PART THESE VENDORS ARE ON A TIME SCHEDULE. AS THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, IT IS CRITICAL OF ME TO STICK TO A SCHEDULE SO THAT EVERYTHING ELSE FLOWS TOGETHER. YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER (I DO THIS) MAY HAVE GIVEN YOU A TIMELINE FOR PHOTO'S. IN THAT TIMELINE IS THE "AFTER CEREMONY FAMILY PICTURES" AND THIS IS THE TIME FOR YOUR LIST AND IS SUPER IMPORTANT. IF A NAME IS NOT ON THAT LIST (IT USUALLY INVOLVES IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND GRANDPARENTS) THEN THAT PERSON NEEDS TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE LIST HAS GONE THROUGH AND IF THERE IS TIME LEFT, WE CAN TAKE EXTRA PEOPLE. OTHERWISE SUE, JOE, DAN AND FLO WILL ALL ASK FOR PICTURES AND YOU WILL BE TAKING FAMILY PHOTO'S FOREVER AND GET OFF SCHEDULE.
THE TIME TO GRAB THOSE PICTURES WILL BE DURING THE RELAXED PART OF YOUR RECEPTION.
THE TIME TO GRAB THOSE PICTURES WILL BE DURING THE RELAXED PART OF YOUR RECEPTION.
#5. BUSTLE YOUR DRESS!
IF YOU ARE NOT PLANNING ON CHANGING FOR YOUR RECEPTION, MAKE SURE TO GET A BUSTLE AND HAVE SOMEONE PRACTICE HOW TO DO IT WITH YOU. THIS SEEMS LIKE THE SMALLEST THING BUT I HAVE SEEN IT CAUSE A LOT OF ISSUES AT WEDDINGS. THE BRIDE CAN'T REALLY DANCE OR MOVE ABOUT WITHOUT THE BUSTLE AND IF SOMEONE HASN'T PRACTICED HOW TO DO IT, THEN IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO FIGURE OUT. IT CAN HOLD UP THE RECEPTION FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE TRYING TO FIX THE DRESS ISSUE. IF YOU DO DECIDE TO CHANGE FOR THE RECEPTION, I SUGGEST A BEAUTIFUL JUMPSUIT. THEY HONESTLY CAN BE SO FLATTERING AND THEY ARE SO MUCH EASIER TO MOVE AROUND IN DURING THE RECEPTION. OF COURSE THIS PART IS COMPLETELY UP TO YOU!
LETS BE SOCIAL
@MARILYNRAYPHOTO
Let's face it, the venue for your wedding says a lot about who you are.
Some people want the rustic look, so they go with a beautiful barn venue. Some people want the manicured look so they go with a beautiful botancial garden. Others like the traditional look, so they go with a church or chapel and then there are the ones that don't want a venue at all and choose the mountain top, the waterfall, or river. It is completely up to the couple on what the theme and look will be and every couple is different. I have found as a wedding photographer that a venue that is a little less popular as the others is always the one that is most loved.
When you live in a city that has 2 to 3 main venues in the city limits, it is always a breath of fresh air to get a bride that has a venue out in the sticks, that I have never heard of before. Its a challenge to pull up to photograph at a location you have never seen but the benefits usually out weigh the challenges . The venues that aren't over used give your pictures the unique look that makes people ask "where were ya'll?" Below is an example of just that!
This venue is a hunting lodge that doubles as a wedding venue. I had never been there, nor heard of it. It was 30 minutes outside of town and worth every mile. It is a hidden gem. I fell in love with everything about this place and I hope that I have other brides that use it in the future! www.facebook.com/weddingsathighpine/
The bride and groom both come from families who hunt so this location was pretty much a no brainer. The hunting lodge did have the theme of "hunting" and "shotgun", so true to theme, the groom wore a shotgun shell shot from his grandfathers shotgun as a boutonniere and the groomsmen wore shotgun shells shot from her grandfathers shotgun as their boutonnieres. The color purple was incorporated as the bridesmaids dresses because her grandfathers shotgun shells were purple. The wedding was put together so beautifully and every detail was thought of.
When you are picking a wedding venue, think of who you are as a couple. I know that doesn't always cross your mind when planning a wedding but the venue can fit right into your wedding day like a fitted glove. It can be that place, that when people show up to take their seats they think "wow. . this looks just like them." Give the venue a deep thought and think of it as a backdrop to your relationship and not just a pretty place to exchange your vows. I promise you won't be disappointed!
When you live in a city that has 2 to 3 main venues in the city limits, it is always a breath of fresh air to get a bride that has a venue out in the sticks, that I have never heard of before. Its a challenge to pull up to photograph at a location you have never seen but the benefits usually out weigh the challenges . The venues that aren't over used give your pictures the unique look that makes people ask "where were ya'll?" Below is an example of just that!
This venue is a hunting lodge that doubles as a wedding venue. I had never been there, nor heard of it. It was 30 minutes outside of town and worth every mile. It is a hidden gem. I fell in love with everything about this place and I hope that I have other brides that use it in the future! www.facebook.com/weddingsathighpine/
The bride and groom both come from families who hunt so this location was pretty much a no brainer. The hunting lodge did have the theme of "hunting" and "shotgun", so true to theme, the groom wore a shotgun shell shot from his grandfathers shotgun as a boutonniere and the groomsmen wore shotgun shells shot from her grandfathers shotgun as their boutonnieres. The color purple was incorporated as the bridesmaids dresses because her grandfathers shotgun shells were purple. The wedding was put together so beautifully and every detail was thought of.
When you are picking a wedding venue, think of who you are as a couple. I know that doesn't always cross your mind when planning a wedding but the venue can fit right into your wedding day like a fitted glove. It can be that place, that when people show up to take their seats they think "wow. . this looks just like them." Give the venue a deep thought and think of it as a backdrop to your relationship and not just a pretty place to exchange your vows. I promise you won't be disappointed!
TAKE MY ADVICE
Always dance with your father and mother at your wedding day! Those pictures and videos may be all you have one day sooner than later. I didn't do a parent dance at my wedding. I lost my father a year and a half later. And I kick myself everyday for not having those photos and that experience with him.
My client and friend got news her father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He wasn't given very long to live. She was determined that we will walk her down the isle. So she threw together a wedding in 3 days so she could have those memories and these photo's. She lost him soon afterwards. These pictures are something she will always cherish. She messages me often and tells me how thankful she is to have them.
So on your wedding day, if you are not eloping and even if you think it is an inconvenience, plan for those special pictures and/or the dances. I promise you won't regret it!
@marilynrayphotography A father's love lasts forever ❤ ##fyp ##foryoupage ##dadsoftiktok ##heart_touching
♬ Hold On - Extreme Music
Tips on being a traveling wedding photographer
I started out as a wedding photographer in my local area. I really pushed and worked hard to get my name out there and build a reputation of being reliable, helpful, hard working, talented, and creative. Once I started booking weddings on a regular basis, the unthinkable happened. We got orders to move! Now here I am, in the town I grew up in, been married to a man who was military but always stationed in the local area, my business has really started to boom, and now we have to move. I was devastated. Not because I didn't want to leave the area, but because I didn't want to start over with my clientele. Little did I know... that was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Because of that simple move, I became a traveling photographer.
I kept all my weddings and clients in my home town. I also took on a ton of weddings in the town I moved to. Once I started traveling back and forth, word got out that I do just that, travel, and started booking in other towns between.
For me, its truly exciting to go out of state to photograph a wedding.
This year for 2021, I have changed my strategy a little and started booking those beautiful Adventure weddings in several different states. I am honestly really looking forward to those this year.
Here are some tips below to help you become a traveling photographer.
Because of that simple move, I became a traveling photographer.
I kept all my weddings and clients in my home town. I also took on a ton of weddings in the town I moved to. Once I started traveling back and forth, word got out that I do just that, travel, and started booking in other towns between.
For me, its truly exciting to go out of state to photograph a wedding.
This year for 2021, I have changed my strategy a little and started booking those beautiful Adventure weddings in several different states. I am honestly really looking forward to those this year.
Here are some tips below to help you become a traveling photographer.
1. Build your wedding portfolio local first- You have to start somewhere to really build your portfolio before you are able to show people in other states why they want to book you. This may take you some time and that is ok.
2. Stay Focused- The area I was in, is very saturated with photographers and not as saturated with views so it isn't necessarily a "destination" location that people flock to. So I gave myself a goal of 5 weddings a year. If I could book 5 local weddings considering the logistics of the area I was in, then I would feel successful. I also gave myself a 5 year goal for growth. I wanted to be in a certain place career wise by 5 years and I had to work hard, not compare myself to others to make me want to give up, and keep focused, in order to get there. Before I knew it, those goals were surpassed.
3. Hard Work pays off - Hit the ground running and don't look back. If this is something you really want then the hard work you put in, will eventually pay off. I educated myself just so I wouldn't be just a girl with a camera. I became a girl with a camera and education on how to use that camera. I went to school, and I really indulged and immersed myself in information on how to become the best version of myself while doing this career. I sold myself, I advertised, and I truly put in the heartfelt work it took.
2. Stay Focused- The area I was in, is very saturated with photographers and not as saturated with views so it isn't necessarily a "destination" location that people flock to. So I gave myself a goal of 5 weddings a year. If I could book 5 local weddings considering the logistics of the area I was in, then I would feel successful. I also gave myself a 5 year goal for growth. I wanted to be in a certain place career wise by 5 years and I had to work hard, not compare myself to others to make me want to give up, and keep focused, in order to get there. Before I knew it, those goals were surpassed.
3. Hard Work pays off - Hit the ground running and don't look back. If this is something you really want then the hard work you put in, will eventually pay off. I educated myself just so I wouldn't be just a girl with a camera. I became a girl with a camera and education on how to use that camera. I went to school, and I really indulged and immersed myself in information on how to become the best version of myself while doing this career. I sold myself, I advertised, and I truly put in the heartfelt work it took.
Wedding Guest Books with Photos
www.basicinvite.com/wedding/wedding-day/guest-books.html
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of having a guest book is?
Guest Books are a wonderful way to give wedding guests the opportunity to offer warm wishes, advice, and share those inside jokes as they celebrate your special day with you.
The guest book is something to look back on for years to come and cherish. Like a photo, your guest book will hold those special memories of family members that have passed or friends that have moved away, and will make you smile with every turn of the page. So while we do suggest you skip any other wedding traditions that don't fit your personality, we don't suggest you skip the guest book.
Of course it is completely up to you on whether or not you keep the guest book at your wedding, we just hope you give it some thought before you say goodbye to it to quickly.
You can be creative and personalize your guest book to give it that unique feel. You can add childhood pictures of the two of you or pictures of your trip to your favorite destination for your guests to look at as they write their well wishes. However you decide to create it, make sure it is full of your personality. You, nor your guests, will regret having such a sentiment piece on a very special occasion.
Guest Books are a wonderful way to give wedding guests the opportunity to offer warm wishes, advice, and share those inside jokes as they celebrate your special day with you.
The guest book is something to look back on for years to come and cherish. Like a photo, your guest book will hold those special memories of family members that have passed or friends that have moved away, and will make you smile with every turn of the page. So while we do suggest you skip any other wedding traditions that don't fit your personality, we don't suggest you skip the guest book.
Of course it is completely up to you on whether or not you keep the guest book at your wedding, we just hope you give it some thought before you say goodbye to it to quickly.
You can be creative and personalize your guest book to give it that unique feel. You can add childhood pictures of the two of you or pictures of your trip to your favorite destination for your guests to look at as they write their well wishes. However you decide to create it, make sure it is full of your personality. You, nor your guests, will regret having such a sentiment piece on a very special occasion.
While finding a guest book is easy, you can grab a plain book with a few pens from any store, but if you want to make sure your guest book is creative, beautiful, and fits your style and wedding colors, Basic Invite is a company that you should look into and the link below will take you straight to their guest books.
www.basicinvite.com/wedding/wedding-day/guest-books.html
From Wedding Cards, Invitations and save the dates, to custom Books, boxes and wedding menus, this website is going to be the place find to it all.
www.basicinvite.com/wedding/wedding-invitations.html
www.basicinvite.com/wedding/wedding-invitations.html
The Website will send you samples and, let me tell you from experience, they are gorgeous! This company is most certainly worth a look into!
You can find some other information about Basic Invite below.
You can find some other information about Basic Invite below.
Basic Invite offers a variety of items that can help you plan your wedding day!
www.basicinvite.com/
Free Wedding Websites - Our wedding websites are completely customizable! They're mobile friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details, along with images, and a convenient map with directions for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colors, and a design suite to match your wedding invitations!
Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. You can change the color of each element on a card, with over 180 different color options. The card can be exactly how you want it, down to the littlest detail. This is what sets us apart from any other online stationery company and is our biggest draw.
Custom Samples - Basic Invite allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their invitation so they can see the card’s paper quality and how it will print before they have to place their final order.
Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - We are just as colorful with our envelopes as we are with our invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different envelope colors so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of our envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be closed quickly and easily.
Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets - Each of our wedding invitations is part of a set. We have all the wedding stationery you need, like save the dates, wedding invitations, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and even matching thank you cards!
Free Address Collection Service - Use our free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.
Seal & Send Wedding Invitations - Our seal and send wedding invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send is our newest collection and brides and LOVING them. Currently, we offer them in over 30 designs including our ever-popular foil options, and, like our other products, they are customizable. What's special about our Seal & Sends is that guest's addresses are printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once you receive your order all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.
www.basicinvite.com/
Free Wedding Websites - Our wedding websites are completely customizable! They're mobile friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details, along with images, and a convenient map with directions for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colors, and a design suite to match your wedding invitations!
Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. You can change the color of each element on a card, with over 180 different color options. The card can be exactly how you want it, down to the littlest detail. This is what sets us apart from any other online stationery company and is our biggest draw.
Custom Samples - Basic Invite allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their invitation so they can see the card’s paper quality and how it will print before they have to place their final order.
Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - We are just as colorful with our envelopes as we are with our invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different envelope colors so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of our envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be closed quickly and easily.
Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets - Each of our wedding invitations is part of a set. We have all the wedding stationery you need, like save the dates, wedding invitations, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and even matching thank you cards!
Free Address Collection Service - Use our free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.
Seal & Send Wedding Invitations - Our seal and send wedding invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send is our newest collection and brides and LOVING them. Currently, we offer them in over 30 designs including our ever-popular foil options, and, like our other products, they are customizable. What's special about our Seal & Sends is that guest's addresses are printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once you receive your order all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.
Mirrors
When you have a mirror, use it!
Those Mirrors make the prettiest pictures and usually they are candid shots!
I aim for those candid shots so I scope out a mirror EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
It usually involves them putting on the vail, earrings, a necklace, looking at their dress, etc and makes the most elegant pictures.
Those shots may not be something they will blow up and frame but they will most definitely put them in a photo album/book and show their children and their grandchildren for years and years.
Those Mirrors make the prettiest pictures and usually they are candid shots!
I aim for those candid shots so I scope out a mirror EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
It usually involves them putting on the vail, earrings, a necklace, looking at their dress, etc and makes the most elegant pictures.
Those shots may not be something they will blow up and frame but they will most definitely put them in a photo album/book and show their children and their grandchildren for years and years.
Find your style and Stick to it when it comes to weddings!
I love a certain style for weddings but of course you can't choose the style your bride is going for. As a photographer, I have to go with the flow as far as the location, decor, colors, etc. that my bride has chosen. But the one thing I can control is where to put my bride and how to get some unordinary shots that she will forever remember. You want to make sure at least some of the pictures from the wedding are unique and not the same boring poses over and over. I usually research and think of different photos that I can catch her doing that will make her always remember this day. I am that photographer that loves the non traditional things. I beam from ear to ear when I get a bride that likes to do things outside the normal (the groom is usually always up for anything). She has on this beautiful wedding dress but she is ready and willing to get in that tall grassy field. I literally squeal with excitement. Below are some pictures of Brides that were willing to do some unordinary things on her wedding day. Some were even willing to get out in the rain in her dress after the ceremony and I LOVED her for it.