I’m here today to talk about wedding day preparation! Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best!

1. Tanning:If you’re going to tan before the wedding, be sure to avoid tan lines – especially if you have a strapless dress. If you’re getting married in the summer, make sure that in the two to three months leading up to your wedding you’re tanning evenly to avoid tan lines. If you’re going to do a ‘fake’ tan, make sure you do it about a week before your wedding to avoid looking orange, or having sweat runs in your tan!
2. Hair & Makeup: Get your hair and makeup professionally done. Be sure to do a trial run beforehand to ensure you like the look before your big day. Its actually really great if you can use the same person or service for your engagement session, bridal session and wedding. This will help you to build a relationship with that person and ensure that you get exactly what you are wanting the day of the wedding.
3. Accessories: Try on your dress with different accessories you think you want to wear on your wedding day. This way, you know what it looks like with the dress so you know for sure what you want to wear, and are not trying to decide on a necklace, etc. on the day of your wedding. This takes away getting ready time and causes unnecessary stress. And take pictures with your phone of the different arrangements so that you can go back, really think about them and know for sure what you are wanting.
4. Shoes: Walk around in your wedding shoes prior to the big day to get them worn in (wear socks in them the first time or two to help keep your feet from getting sores). Also, take some sandpaper to the bottoms to scuff them up a bit so you don’t slip down the aisle or on the dance floor. If you are going to walk around in grass, you’ll want to get some high heel protector caps so you don’t sink in the grass. Lastly, be conscious of walking on uneven grass so you don’t face plant in your pretty white dress.
5. Eat & Drink: The best way for you to look your best is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water the days leading up to, and the day of, your wedding. Also, be sure to eat on your wedding day throughout the day so you don’t pass out or get a headache. And if you’re going to drink alcohol, don’t get drunk before photos – especially if it’s red wine that can stain everything (including your mouth). Alcohol will dehydrate you so make sure that up until the reception, you have a glass of water after each alcoholic drink to stay hydrated. Save the big drinking for after all the big events at your reception.

I hope that this article on wedding day preparation helps you prepare for your big day! If there is something important on wedding day preparation that I missed, let me know below and I’ll be sure to add it!

Still looking for a Chattanooga Wedding Photographer? I’d love to chat!

First, what is a first look? A first look is a private moment, approximately 20 minutes, set aside right before the ceremony to see each other. This goes against the tradition of your groom seeing you at the ceremony, but don’t count it out just yet.

Read on to find out how a first look can benefit you.

Many of my couples ask me whether or not they should have a first look and now that you’ve answered the question of ‘what is a first look’, you can come to your own conclusion.

In my professional opinion as a wedding photographer, I think they are an excellent idea. I love first looks. I know that they are a tad bit ‘untraditional,’ but let me take a minute to explain the benefits of a first look.

1. Your wedding day will be crazy busy. No getting around it. You have so much to do and so little time to do it in. If you have a first look, it helps to calm down the day a bit. Instead of trying to rush around to get everyone together and have pictures taken between the wedding ceremony and reception while your guests are waiting, you’ll have that time to relax and enjoy your guests and not have to worry about being late to your reception. We can do all of the main portraits before the ceremony even begins – at the very least, the bride and groom and bridal party photos. This way, your hair and makeup are still perfect, as they were just finished. If your family is coming earlier, we can do their photos beforehand, as well, or we will only have to worry about those portraits after the ceremony and not the bridal party shots.
2. A first look also gives you a very special, intimate moment with your new spouse. If you are nervous or stressed out, this will especially help to relax you, and your spouse can comfort you and let you know it will all be OK. During the ceremony, there are many of people around and you can’t fully take in the moment because everyone is staring at you. With a first look, that moment is just between you and your spouse (and your photographer, of course – which you won’t even know that I am there, I promise).
3. Even if you have a first look, your husband will be just as happy to see you walking down the aisle and you’ll still take his breath away. Don’t worry that you’ll be spoiling the moment by seeing him prior to the ceremony. Every groom I have asked says that the moment of his bride walking down his aisle is breathtaking even though he’d seen her moments before.

Click here for information on hiring Jennifer Anderson Photography as your wedding photographer!

As a Chattanooga wedding photographer, I know that you’ve spent a lot of money on your wedding and you’re trying to see where you can save money.

So the question is

Do I need a Makeup Artist for My Wedding?

Yes.

You’ve made a big investment in photography (and possibly videography as well) to help capture your big day. You want to make sure you absolutely look your best. Although, I’m sure you do a very nice job on your everyday makeup, I strongly recommend looking into hiring a makeup artist.

Here’s why:

Even though you’re great at doing your own makeup, a MUA can do it so much better. I mean, after all, that is their job. We especially recommend hiring a good MUA if you don’t normally do your own makeup. They know what will look good on you and can make it look natural and flawless.

Makeup artists use high-grade makeup – nothing runs, shines, or smudges, ensuring that you don’t have any makeup malfunctions during your big day. They also know what works well with the flash, the lighting at different times of the day, etc.

On your wedding day, you’re going to be moving around all day and you want your makeup to last. You’ll need to be wearing about 30% more makeup than normal. It may seem like a lot in real life, because you’re not used to it, but it won’t look like a lot on camera. Makeup artists know exactly how much to put on.

A MUA knows how to accentuate your features to make sure you look your best for portraits and close ups. They know that cameras alter lighting and colors and how to avoid common makeup issues with photography.

Some everyday makeups can make you look oily or shiny on camera – MUAs make sure the makeup they use will photograph perfectly. Also, on your wedding day, you’ll be wearing a lot of white. You don’t want to look washed out in your photos and a MUA knows how to make sure that doesn’t happen.

And lastly, they know your schedule and can help keep you on track by making sure to have you ready in time.

So, do I need a Makeup Artist for My Wedding? Yes, you do. Trust me.

When it comes to how to hire a wedding photographer, I understand your frustration. There are dozens of options for a Chattanooga Wedding Photographer, and lots of variations in what each one offers. Hopefully this article sheds some light on how to hire a wedding photographer for you.

Part #1: Research

The best way to know how to hire a wedding photographer is to figure out what you need first and then find a Chattanooga Wedding Photographer that suits that need.

Your needs should consider:

• the style of photography– light and airy or dark and moody or something else entirely.
• pricing + inclusions– how much you have budgeted and how much you get for your money is a very important aspect of your search. Most Chattanooga Wedding Photographers range from $2000 to $5000. Determine if you want digitals included and how important that is to you.
• product offerings– what physical products are important to you? Albums, flash drives, wall art, digitals, etc. Make sure that the photographer in question offers these things to you if they are important. And, no, printing things at Walmart or Shutterfly will notbe the same thing, I promise.

Part # 2: The Consultation

The second part of how to hire a wedding photographer is to schedule a consultation.

Once you’ve found one or two that you like (and are available on your date) based on these ideas, meet with them in personto get a feel for them, see if you’re a good fit and make sure to ask them these questions. Also at the consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to touch and feel their products and samples. This is a great time to make sure that they live up to what you envision for your heirlooms.

1. How many weddings have you shot? Obviously the more the better, but someone just starting out may very well know what they are doing. I would suggest choosing someone who has shot at least 3-5 weddings recently. They will be familiar with how the day will run and can anticipate shots better than someone who hasn’t shot any in the last few months.
2. When was your most recent wedding?This can be tricky, because there are wedding ‘seasons’. And some wedding photographers only work certain months out of the year. As long as they’ve shot a wedding within 3-4 months, you should be good! Very important: Ask to see the full wedding photography gallery that was delivered to the client (see the next question).
3. May I see a wedding you’ve shot from start to finish?If they aren’t willing to share a full gallery start to finish, that is a red flag. It could mean that they ‘borrowed’ images from another photographer (which is illegal). Or they shot it themselves and aren’t confident enough to send it to you.
4. Do you shoot digital, film or both?This is going to be more of a preference thing for you. Understand that film comes with longer turn around times and your photographer MUST know what they are doing. You can expect to spend quite a bit more money for a film photographer.
5. How long before I see my images?A typical turn around time is six to eight weeks, some pushing twelve weeks. Be prepared for that. But, some wedding photographers, like myself, guarantee your photos within three weeks. You could also ask your photographer if they will rush edit them for you for an extra fee.
6. Are the digital images included with printing rights?Digital photographers should be including at least some digital images in their packages for you to print from – via a USB or online gallery. Find out how long your online gallery will be live and make sure you can download from it. Film photographers may not do that due to the process that is required. Every wedding with Jennifer Anderson Photography includes the digitals with printing + sharing rights.
7. Are you the person that will be present at my wedding?Some wedding photography companies hire outside photographers to shoot their weddings for them. Usually this is totally fine, but there is a slight chance you get a new photographer who isn’t totally sure of themselves and might bomb the wedding.
8. What happens if you get sick?EVERY photographer needs a backup plan. If they don’t have one, run. Period.
9. Are you photographing other events the same day as mine?It’s not necessarily a deal breaker if they are photographing two events in one day, but just know that they will be time restrained, and if you’re the second event, they may be exhausted.
10. Is it ok if guests take photos?It should be fine if guests take photos. Obviously, Uncle Bob can’t be in the way of the photographer and the guests can’t hold up  yours &  the photographers schedule, but it should be fine if they take photos during your event. The only restriction would be during formal portraits due to the time constraints and making sure things go smoothly – so be prepared for that as well.
11. If my event runs over, will you stay? And what is there an additional charge? Most photographers will stay for an hourly fee. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you are aware of how it works from the beginning. Here is a great article on making sure you have enough hours of coverage.
12. What is your refund/cancellation policy?Even though we know you aren’t cancelling your big day, it’s good to know where you stand if there is an emergency. Make sure to ask about date transfers too if you need to change the date of the wedding.
13. Do you have insurance?Yes. The answer here is always yes. Make sure they have liability and equipment insurance. No exceptions to this one.

At the end of the consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to book your photographer, usually with a bonus if you sign the contract that day so be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit if you love them.

Part #3: Booking

The last step in how to hire a wedding photographer is to book the one you love!❤

The Retainer– Once you’ve chosen a photographer, usually at the end of the consultation, be prepared to pay a retainer of 30-50% of the fee. All professional wedding photographers require this in order to take your wedding date off of their calendar. You are retaining them for that date. The balance will most likely be due approximately 30 days before the wedding.

The Contract– Make sure you sign a contract when you make the retainer payment. If the photographer does not have a contract, that is a big red flag, and you should not be hiring them. This contract protects you as much as it protects the photographer. Make sure that you understand the terms of the contract and ask questions if you don’t understand.

I hope this article helped you to determine how to hire a wedding photographer. If you’d like to set up a meeting with me as a candidate for your Chattanooga Wedding Photographer, click here.

Want more? Read this post on The Importance of Two Wedding Photographers.

Happy Wedding Planning!!!