New Zealand Elopement Wedding Photographer | Wedding Planning Tips

Planning your wedding can be one of the most stressful things you’ll have to do in your life - It’s hard to know what you don’t know! Here are 5 things you should consider, to get the best Wedding Photos from your big day.

Have the Wedding YOU really want

Many couples receive some form of pressure from their family and relatives, to do things their way. Remember, this is YOUR wedding, and it should also be one of the happiest days in your life.

Choose the right venue and the right vendors, starting with the main details: The Venue, Celebrant, Photographer, Outfits and then the smaller details.

Hire vendors you really like - Do you get along well with them? Or will they give you an awkward feeling on the wedding day?

Plan for a photoshoot at Sunset

About an hour and a half before sunset, is the best time for your bridal party and couple photos. Soft, warm and romantic light will make your wedding photos stand out and look gorgeous.

Avoid doing this at broad day light around 1~2pm in summer, as the harsh light can cast heavy shadows, and sunlight reflected from grass and will cast green light over faces.

Backlighting should be no problem for your photographer, if they know what they are doing - it can result in stunning results that you will be very happy of.

Go un-plugged, give aisle-side guests a job to do.

An unplugged wedding is when you ask your family, friends and guest to turn off their phones, iPads, cameras and other digital distractions during the ceremony or reception. Get the MC or the Celebrant to announce that the wedding is unplugged, and that you ask for every guest to be off their phones and be present with you on your big moment. You don’t want iPads on selfie sticks hovering around during the ceremony!

There will be some sneaky people wanting to take photos during your ceremony exit.

Give the aisle-side guests a job to do: Throw flower petals or blow bubbles as you exit. This is a nice way to make your ceremony more engaging and beautiful.

See the comparison below for an example:

Location Matters.

Choosing the right location will have paramount effects on the way your Wedding will look & feel in person, and in photographs. Consider Seaside, Lakeside, Mountain Views, Lush Forests, Countryside Barns or City Skyline Views.

Scope out the venues in person, and check if your photographer has worked at the venue before.

Do a Pre-Shoot

A Pre-Wedding shoot is a photo session with your wedding photographer, done about 3 to 6 months before your wedding day.

The main aim of the Pre-Wedding Shoot is to get used to being in front of the camera, build rapport with your photographer, and receive a lovely set of romantic photographs well before your wedding. Pre-Wedding Photos will also ensure that you will have beautiful wedding photos to show, even if it rains on your wedding day. These can also be used for Wedding Invitations and display items at the Wedding.