Picture Perfect

Here at the Monte Verde Inn, the places for pictures are endless. Our beautiful grounds, structural textures and filtered light, are all a photographer’s dream. After your wedding is over, your wedding photos will still be there reminding you of your beautiful day. That said it is imperative that you and your photographer go over details before the event.

Being Ready:
It is imperative that you be ready for your photographer. It will cost you money and reception time if you are not ready. Putting the photographer behind schedule will not allow for all the photo opportunities you wanted. More importantly, you will be stressed and hurried, which will make for poor photographs. You should make an itinerary for people that need to be here for pictures before the ceremony. You should let them know what time they need to be here and when they need to be ready. You can give these people their times during the rehearsal lunch/dinner. Also do your best to remind the wedding party of their duties; work with your photographer by listening, being ready and doing their best to be happy.

Timelines:
Ahead of time you really need to sit down with your photographer and make a “laundry” list of all the pictures you want of individual and family groups before ceremony and after. Be sure to write down the names of the picture participants because looking for the “bride’s family” usually doesn’t work. Often times I’ll have an announcement made for “bride’s family” and all the second and third cousins come out of the woodwork. We usually find that taking the bride & groom, wedding party and family out front of the Inn coordinates best. It allows you not to get sidetrack by the other guests, and can get the formal photographs behind you so you can move on to your party. Not to worry, we do assign a staff member to get you and your family something to drink and some of the appetizers. In addition, go over with your photographer the top 3 places on the grounds that you really want pictures of.

Coordinating with your photographer:
As with all your vendors, I do coordinate with them regarding the timeline of the event. Remember that we give about 45 minutes to an hour after ceremony for most of the formal photographs. It is a great opportunity for the majority of photographs to be taken. I’ve noticed things flow more smoothly when family pictures first, then wedding party, and last romantics (just bride & groom). During your photography session I check in with your photographer to see if you are on schedule or need help finding people for pictures. When it is time for dinner, try to enjoy your wonderful wedding dinner. It is tempting to go off for more pictures, but if we plan and are ready for photo sessions, getting up from dinner won’t be necessary.

Last but not least, it is important to build a rapport with your photographer. You should be comfortable and at ease with them. Your photos will be fabulous if you do. In addition, it is important to drink lots of water and remember that you have professionals working for you. Let go and have fun with your photographer it will certainly show in your photos!

Happy Planning!
Kelly