the minimalist planner - wedding stuff

[timepiece]

I obviously should not be the person to plan big events . I'm booking the second or third thing I see in every category (and so is Rich, for the ones I'm giving to him to do). Dress, reception site, DJ, and now photographer.

So. I told the *one* (yes, one) photographer I met with that I wanted to book her. She's an excellent price for the area, is just going on her own after working in a larger studio - so plenty of experience, does albums like I like, and I felt comfortable with her, so why meet with others?

I'm trying to decide how early I need her to show up. The consultant is recommending starting to get ready at 8, so I can be done at 10, and the pictures can be done before guests start arriving around 11:30. I guess 9 would be plenty early even for getting ready shots - it's not like I want pictures before I have ANY makeup on or my hair's still wet. But it still seems way to early for a noon wedding.

I'm still vacillating on the pictures before. I like Mom's theory, which is that the picture-taking is the entertainment during the cocktail hour. But Rich has no objection to taking them before, and I guess no one's going to miss seeing his first look at me. I don't remember ever looking at the groom at that moment - I'm too busy trying to see the bride myself. So pictures before might ensure getting more good ones. And while the flowers and makeup are still looking their best. And we'll be able to eat that much sooner (I know, the bride and groom never get to eat - I can hope).

And the last thing on the contract is any special requests I particularly want, that she wouldn't take as a matter of course (we can assume she'll take pictures of me with various close relatives, or the bridesmaids, or of the cake cutting, etc.). So far, I just have a picture of *everyone* (bridal party and guests both), and of the extended Fleming clan (over 30 people, you want to know about that in advance). I think everything else will be pretty standard. Other suggestions welcomed.

Comments

[graene.livejournal.com]

Nobody but YOU will be looking at Rich. And trust me, you will remember the look on his face. In a good way. :)

So, one suggestion is what we did (which didn't work as well as I wanted, because my mom kept demanding more and more groupings). Have the groom go in and take all the shots without you possible that you want. Then banish him from the area and take all the pics with you and without him possible. Then know exactly what you want with both of you, and make sure people to be in them know to hang around, and do those as fast as possible.

Or blindfold Rich while positioning for group shots and only unwrap while he stares at the camera. Or do a 'rehearsal' as you come in....just don't give up the chance for a clear look at his face as you enter the room all gussied up. :)

[miep.livejournal.com]

help me! you seem to understand this wedding planning thing, even thoughyou claim not to.

i have no clue how to pull this together, and m would prefer we run away and elope. which is hard in our case.

how are you coping?

[timepiece]

I am very, very bad at time managment. That is why I hired a wedding consultant to do that stuff for me, tell me what nmeeds to be done, and provide the necessary prodding. She's worth every penny in my opinion. Other than that, I have no advice.