I could easily create a list of 100 things that I would like to know about your story before your wedding but the truth is, your time is valuable as is mine. You have enough to worry about planning the wedding in the final weeks prior to your monumental day that you've been dreaming about. There are some easily achievable goals that will allow your day to go as smoothly as possible (at least from this photographers perspective) and allow you and your future spouse to just RELAX and wallow in the day that represents a new and beautiful chapter in your life.

• First and foremost, the most valuable way you can invest your time to allow for smooth wedding photography is by having an engagement session with me. I like to consider engagement sessions kind of like a crash course, you learn a lot about how I work and about expectations from both ends. From the engagement session until your wedding day, I promise you will feel so confident being able to "perfect" what we learned in the engagement session and we have the added benefit of knowing what worked for you and what you love about your pictures.

• Before we take any pictures, we will have a discussion about anything I should know about you. For example , maybe you have a scar that you would rather not be present in pictures(when possible) or if you are like me and have a "good side." Also!!!! I get really excited sometimes when making magic with my camera that I sometimes forget and need a gentle reminder, it is TOTALLY okay!

• Warn your guests ahead of time that you have hired a professional and you would like for them to simply enjoy the ceremony, UNPLUGGED . There are no second chances with a ceremony so that friend or family member that takes the "cell phone pic" is going to be in your forever pictures and there is nothing I can do to fix that.

• Consider your formal photo list in advance. This is another area that it is important that I am filled in on any "family drama" or "she doesn't want to be near him"and visa versa. We all know that family drama happens but there is no need to throw fuel on fire, help me out with a prior warning and we can keep the stress levels down.

• Some of your details may have a much larger value than a dollar sign but without you filling me in, that detail may not get the justice it deserves. I always do my best to capture everything that completes your wedding day but lets be honest, there can be a LOT of details that will be captured but some deserve a little more love and appreciation.

• The DJ can make or break opportunities for me to capture important moments like the first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, cake cutting, etc. It is extremely important that the DJ knows that communication is expected between us and will allow your photos to transition into a full love story. This is typically not a problem because I'm very attentive but I occasionally get pulled in different directions by family and friends wanting pictures as well.

• There is some debate on when the vendors get to eat. Yes, we get a meal and we LOVE it but from a photographers perspective, I should eat when you eat. Why you ask!? Well, taking pictures of people eating is not cute so it makes for a perfect time to scarf down some yummy food.

• Just trust me. Wedding photography is my passion and I have invested countless hours on education, training, experience and learning the hard way. Some of our pictures will take you out of your comfort zone but if you trust me, you will LOVE the final result, I promise!

Your wedding is going to be amazing, just remember to take a breath before letting stress take over. Please, be honest with me if there is anything you are uncomfortable with or would rather avoid, I am 110% supportive of changing gears and trying something else(in fact, this is typically when the magic begins.) Breathe deep and KNOW , it is okay to be perfectly imperfect.