10 Must-have wedding photos that are often forgotten.

One of my top rules for brides is to trust your photographer. Please please please don't browse through Pinterest and screenshot every photo you want them to take because 1) they aren't going to look as good as the one you saw (I promise) and 2)  you chose your photographer and their style for a reason. They are the professionals and the have done weddings hundreds and hundreds of times. They have a shot list to ensure that not a single details is forgotten and not a single photo is missed. So while it is up to you to do your research and find a professional photographer who has this all in order, there are some shots that are sometimes missed not due to their negligence, but because you need to let your photographer know some details that are must-have's for you.

So here are 10 photos that are often forgotten that we think every bride needs:

A mix of posed and "in the moment" shots.

"From my own wedding photos, I am extremely disappointed that I don't have any photos of just me (both close ups and full body) posing and real life in the moment shots." (Desiree Spice, The Bride List Vendor Desiree Spice) Depending on the photographer you choose, some prefer one over the other but we love when there is a good combination of both. While posed shots are great, our favorites are always those moments captured without you even knowing it.

Megan Mack Photography

Solo bridal party photos.

...because every member of your bridal party could definitely use a new Facebook profile pic, and a professional one at that!

The "other" first looks.

Of course your photographer would never miss the first look with you and your soon-to-be hubby, but what about the other reactions that are just priceless? Your mom, your dad, your grandparents and bridal party seeing you all dressed up for the first time are always cherished shots that we just love! So if you want these shots, make sure you let your photographer know so they can plan accordingly.

Leslie Anne Photofinish

Letters + Gifts

If you are exchanging gifts or letters before the wedding, make sure your photographer knows about these exchanges. They aren't mind readers!

Leslie Anne Photofinish

Welcome Bags

Welcome bags left for each of your guests at their hotel rooms upon arrival are such a fun way to start the wedding weekend off right. And with all of the thought and work you put into them, you surely want a memory of them, right? Make an extra and bring it along with you on the wedding day so your photographer can snap some shots!

The Save-the-Date + Wedding Invitation

These are two items that are completely up to you to remember. Typically you wouldn't bring them with you on your wedding day but they are a huge part of your wedding. So add them to your "to bring" list so you don't forget them, and let your photographer know that you will be bringing them along with you.

Leslie Anne Photofinish

Bride + Groom Detail Shots

Okay, of course your photographer knows to shoot your jewelry, your shoes and all of the typical bride and groom details but is there an heirloom you'll be wearing? A "something borrowed" watch your groom will be wearing? A vintage piece of lace from your grandma's dress you'll be carrying? If there is anything special you are wearing or will have with you on the wedding day, make sure you let your photographer know beforehand so they can add it to their shot list. Because if you don't tell them about it, there is no way they will know to shoot it.

The Empty Reception Space

...but with a twist. "Have a photo taken of the bride and groom in the reception space before guests enter! I love photos of them on the dance floor with no one else in sight and all of their details perfectly placed." (Kimberly Martir, The Bride List Vendor My Fair Nanny)

 

Boudoir

One of my absolute favorite shots from my wedding day was from my boudoir mini shoot (which I am not going to show here). I had my photographer snap some shots and I sent my favorite to my soon-to-be hubby that morning...without my face showing, of course.

Bride + Groom Reactions

Whether you are doing a first look or seeing each other for the first time at your ceremony, "A photo of the groom's face when the bride turns the corner to walk down the aisle is must." (Jess Zaura, The Bride List Vendor Black Label Decor). And of course, you want to make sure there is a shot of the bride's reaction when she sees him too! So while every photographer knows that this is a must-have shot, they cannot be in two places at once. So it is up to you to make sure you've hired two photographers in order to capture both of your faces!

Nancy Orozco Photography

26 Inexpensive Wedding Veils Under $100 (and lots under $50!)

Sponsored with love, by Etsy

When I was planning my wedding I left my veil to the very last minute. So when I went in for my final fitting and was trying on all of the veil options at the salon, I began to think I was crazy for spending over $300 on my veil. You're telling me that I am going to spend that much money on a veil that I will wear for 30 minutes total? Yep. Of course the quality was amazing , they were all gorgeous and they were going to make the most stunning photos, but I just couldn't come to spend that much on something I was going to wear for just over 30 minutes with photos included.

And even if many of you wanted to, you may not have that kind of budget available for your veil. So today, I am dedicating our weekly product post to inexpensive, affordable veils under $100. And better yet, the majority of the veils are under $50! All of these shops are highly recommended based on their past clients and their veils are all gorgeous!

If you see one you like, click on the photo and it will take you to where we found it!

Married with Menguin | Simplifying the groomsman rental process.

Sponsored with love, by Menguin

Choosing the attire for the groom and groomsmen is often saved until the last minute. But being a wedding planner myself, we started early. About 3-4 months before the wedding, we went to a tux rental store and tried on look after look after look until we found the perfect one. Then we tried on look after look after look until we came up with the perfect combination for the groomsmen, and then for my dad, my grandpa, and our ring bearer. We spent so many hours in that store, thinking I would never get out.

But that was the easy part.

Next step: Getting all of the groomsmen to go in and order their attire and start the rental.

After at least 8 reminders for each of them via texts and calls of the course of the next two months, all of the men had finally placed their orders. Yes, it took us two months to get everyone in and fitted.

And with every single person coming from out of town, we made sure to remind each of them to actually pick up their rentals the week before the wedding, before they each hopped on their flights to come to our Southern California wedding.

It all turned out fine and every single one of them had a tux as the arrived in Redondo Beach, but boy was I a nervous wreck, wishing and hoping that it would all get done on time (and actually get done). Other than that, I wasn't worried about anything. Literally nothing at all. But getting those 11 men to all get fitted, place their orders, and actually pick up their orders was a bit of a nightmare.

So recently when I came across Menguin, I was ecstatic over the ease of their rentals! With how it all works, there is literally no possible way for a bride to stress over the men's attire, and that is something I totally envy.

Here's how it works:

1. Customize your look online. You customize everything from the shirt to the tie, the shoes, the pocket square and suspenders and they have SO MANY options to choose from in pretty much every shade and color you can imagine. Better yet? They can send you swatches to make sure you're making the best choice!

2. Choose your sizes or get a tailor fit card to have someone take your measurements for you.

3. Receive your items at your door step a week before the event.

4. Wear it and look oh-so-fab doing so.

5. Drop it in the mail with the pre-paid packaging after the event.

Can't get must easier than that! With all that I went through planning my own wedding, I wish I could go back and use Menguin. Browse their site and start customizing your look at the link below!