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Everlasting vows

Wedding day recaps, wedding planning tips, and more

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Wedding Tips

  • Writer: jessiemaephotograp
    jessiemaephotograp


  1. What is your editing style?

My editing style is a combination of true-to-life color, green undertones, and a classic film look. I adore film photography, and my edits are inspired by film m (specifically Kodak Portra and Kodak Gold). I use special editing software to achieve a more film-like look.

I edit each photo of a wedding gallery individually to make each image the best it can be. I do limited retouching to photos because I believe you should look like yourself in your wedding photos, but I will do my best to remove the random trash cans and the untimely pimple!


2. How do you keep our photos safe?


At your wedding, I will have a backup camera just in case! Both my cameras have dual SD cards, which I back up on another storage system when I get home. I never delete photos from SD cards until I have delivered the gallery!


3.How much time can we expect to spend taking photos?

Every wedding day is unique and customizable. I will provide guidance based on your timeline to help shape your day, but it also depends on how many posed photos you would like. I aim to incorporate a few portraits throughout the day and keep the atmosphere enjoyable, so it doesn't feel like just a photo shoot, while still ensuring you get the images you desire.


  1. How long will it take us to get the photos back?

You can expect your full gallery to be delivered in 5 weeks via email!

  1. What are the benefits of a second shooter?

A second photographer adds more angles to your final wedding gallery, as well as a more relaxed wedding flow. For example, if your wedding day is running behind and I haven’t got groomsman photos yet, the second shooter can do that while I focus on the bride! For more pro and cons check out this post!


6. Why do you only offer full-day coverage?

  Using an hourly setup often pressures the couple to schedule around photo coverage and often leads me to work beyond the contracted time to meet their needs.


7. Who owns the photos?

This will be further explained in your contract, but the simple version is that your photographer owns the commercial rights to the images, and you have the personal rights. This means you can post images, print them, mail them, burn them, send them to the crazy uncle who can also post them to his Facebook page, but you can't use them to advertise.(and if you are unsure, feel free to ask, often other wedding venues will ask to use them!)


Updated: Nov 4, 2025

When I got married, I must admit I was against first looks. I worried about breaking tradition and missing the magical moment when everyone sees you in your dress for the first time. However, after reflecting on my experience—and after being a bridesmaid, a bride, a guest, and a photographer—I now believe that opting for a first look can enhance the wedding day. My perspective has shifted, and I now think being hidden for several hours in a small venue actually took some joy away from my own wedding day. Here’s who I think should consider first looks and why.


Who would benefit from a first look?

  1. More private couples

 The first time you and your partner see each other dressed up for your wedding is a special moment. It's often when the 'wow, I get to marry this amazing human' feeling kicks in. Some people easily show these emotions in front of others, but for some, wedding day anxiety can cloud the moment. For them, I recommend first looks.

If you want private time but not a first look, consider scheduling private vows earlier in the day or the day before.

  1. Couples that don't have a big cocktail hour planned

                    If first looks are done on time, they can often be followed by bridal party or immediate family photos. This means fewer after-ceremony portraits and allows your cocktail hour to be shorter!

We have all attended weddings where the time between the ceremony and reception went on a bit too long and became awkward. If you don't have a first look planned, make sure that your guests have entertainment while you are taking photos.

  1. Couples in smaller venues

            Unless you are getting married in a large venue, your bridal quarters may not be a place you want to be confined to until the ceremony. If you are an anxious person, staying in one room all day can be tough. Getting a first look done allows you to take in more of your venue and spend more time with those you love!

Avery & Davin got married in a small chapel with one very small bathroom. Making the bride stay hidden in the bathroom would have been silly!
Avery & Davin got married in a small chapel with one very small bathroom. Making the bride stay hidden in the bathroom would have been silly!

In conclusion, all couples should consider doing a first look. It may just make the day run smoother. However, there is always fun in having a big down the aisle reveal!

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