The Groom's guide
wedding day morning
Hey there, Groom! Welcome!
I am so excited that we get the privilege of being a part of this exciting season of your life! We know that often times, the wedding industry really only focuses on the bride. It can easily start to feel like this whole “wedding” thing is only about her but that couldn’t be further from the truth! You play a vital role here. If it weren’t for you, none of this would be happening in the first place! It’s important to me that I celebrate Grooms and make sure you know that while your bride may be slightly more excited about these images, I know that I'm capturing your legacy too.... and it matters that you’re equally celebrated and educated throughout this process! So, I hope you enjoy this Groom’s Guide full of information that I have gathered over the years of shooting weddings, meeting hilarious groomsmen and working with really awesome grooms!
At the beginning of the day, the second photographer will be coming to hangout with you and your groomsmen while you’re getting ready. I’ll explain more about what you can expect during that part of the day in a bit!
The first thing needing to be captured are your details. You may be thinking “Um, I don’t have any details...” but you do! This may seem pointless but let me explain what these details are for. When we design album spreads, the goal of each spread is to tell a visual story of each part of the day.
its your day too
These are common details but they are by no means mandatory in any way! This checklist could also include heirloom items like a pocket-watch or something that was handed down to you and while you may not actually wear it on the wedding day, you would like a shot of it.
the details
- Cuff Links
- Tie or Bow Tie
- Shoes
- Any Military Detail
- Gifted Liquor
- Watch
- Belt
- Socks (if specialty)
- Custom Groomsmen Gifts
- Boutonieres
First of all, I realize that you have never done this before and that you may have preconceived ideas about how the photography part of your wedding experience is going to feel. That’s very normal. Having your photos taken isn’t always natural and can sometimes be more stressful than fun. The good news is, I'm committed to making your time with us not only natural and genuine but also enjoyable! Photography is a huge part of the wedding process and we want our couples to think back to their time with me and say, “That was so much easier than I thought it would be.... in fact, it was actually fun!” My second photographer will be hanging out with you and your guys while you’re getting ready. Now, the thought of a photographer hanging out in the room with you and your best friends on your wedding day probably sounds less than ideal, but here’s the good news....photographers I work with are very much just like me, laid back and easy going. She'll get to know your friends in an easy-going, natural way that will allow them to feel comfortable with her throughout the rest of the day. She will take a few pictures of your guys hanging out and then she will prompt you (the groom) to do a few staged “Getting Ready” shots and a couple of classic portraits. I have found that staging a few “getting ready” shots is the most efficient way to get the shots we need while not interfering with too much of your hangout time! These staged shots will take about 10-15 minutes and the photographer will give you clear and concise instructions every step of the way.
what to expect
Boutoniere for the groomsmen are the number one detail that gets overlooked. I can’t tell you how many times we’re getting ready to do a first look or start bridal party portraits, and the groomsmen don’t have their bouts on! This detail is actually the most time consuming details, especially if you have over 4 or 5 groomsmen because you can’t put your bout. on by yourself. You have to have help. If you have a planner, they will be in charge of remembering the boutoniere and putting them on. Sometimes, it’s a nice photo op. to have a parent help with this!
the boutoniere
Obviously, we want to take amazing photos of your day but we also know that the wedding day is not about photos, it’s about a lifelong commitment, being with family and friends and celebrating your new marriage!
The party is a very important part!
We realize that most groomsmen are not pumped about picture time and we get it. That’s why our goal, throughout the entire portrait process, is to have fun and get you to your party!! Rowdy groomsmen are a part of every wedding day and we actually find them to be hilarious and fun to work with!
However, you can actually help us get you to your party faster by doing a few things!
:
1. Encourage your guys to pay attention.
2. If you trust us, they will too.
3. Reassure them that the more they listen,
the quicker they’ll be done.
Our goal is to take your photos quickly and efficiently so that you can spend as much time as possible with your friends and family! We love hanging out with your friends but we make it a top priority to make their experience with us fun, fast and enjoyable!!
get you to your party!
the goal:
