Every wedding is unique and has original moments, but most wedding days follow a similar flow. As a photographer who has been photographing weddings for 13 years, I have developed a few different timeline templates that include most, if not all, of the major events most people want on a wedding day. When I am consulting with a client and/or wedding planner on planning out the timeline of a wedding day, I will send my timeline template first, and then we will fill in all the times and details and adjust as needed. If you’re working with a wedding planner, they should have planning a timeline down pat. But it’s always good to communicate, communicate, communicate and make sure you are all on the same page! Check out today's blog post to steal my most popular timeline!

There’s something magical about leaving your wedding, all dressed up, surrounded by your best friends and family members, blowing bubbles, holding sparklers, or waving ribbons. But is it really? For some, having a grand exit to their wedding is like the culminating event of their biggest day of their lives. But for others, it seems forced and restrictive. Here are all the things to think about as you plan your wedding timeline and consider whether or not you want a grand exit!

In the photography world, there’s a common “Karen”-like term used for the random person at a wedding with a camera who often gets in the way of the hired photographer(s). Because that person is often an older gentleman with a DSLR or point-and-shoot, or God forbid an iPad, photographers affectionately refer to these people as “Uncle Bob.” We get it. Things have changed drastically over the last couple of decades as digital cameras and phones have become better and better for amateur photographers. It could be that these people think they are providing a special gift to the couple, or they want to have photos to show off to family and friends. They will film the bride walking down the aisle, the first dance, and special speeches and then send these photos/videos to the couple or post them on social media. However, here’s why that is not a desirable “gift.”

This past Spring, one of my former students Randi, who is also now a teacher (so proud!), contacted me and asked if I might be interested in doing a photo session for Little Creek Stables, with some sweet girls and their horses. Randi grew up riding horses and now works there part time. I told her absolutely!

The most traditional and expected part of wedding day photography is the wedding party and family photos, but I’ll be honest— it’s a lot like wrangling cats. Without proper planning and coordination, you’ll lose groomsmen and several cousins to the bar, Uncle Joe will wander off to the bathroom, and you’ll be left standing, frustrated, as you wait for someone to go find your missing family members. However, with careful planning and an experienced coordinator/wedding photographer, this part of the day CAN be made as painless as possible.

Sarah Claire and Chandler’s wedding day began with a gloomy, rainy forecast. It was supposed to rain all day long, so I arrived armed with my Crocs, set of clear umbrellas, and a couple of extra changes of clothes. But the forecast and rain definitely did not dampen anyone’s spirits! The girls were in the house having such a fun time getting ready, singing, and dancing, and the rain miraculously stopped right as we headed out for bridal party portraits…and never started again!

One of the first questions I ask my wedding clients in their planning phase is whether or not they want a “first look.” For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, a “first look” is when the bride and groom meet on the wedding day, before the ceremony, to see each other for the first time. For some, this is out of the question…some more traditional couples want to wait to see each other for the first time in the aisle. And there is nothing wrong with that! But there are some benefits to a first look…

I met Jen when her children were involved in Cub Scouts with my two boys. I knew she was a cool lady, but I had no idea how cool until she reached out to me last Fall for some photos with her motorcycle! I had never done a biker session before, but I knew exactly where I should take her for the coolest vibe around.—Camp North End.

I don’t know about you, but I am not a big spender…But the one time of year I love shopping with my gift cards is during the summer Amazon Prime Days! I keep an eye on my wish list and wait for items to go on lightning deals or steep savings and then use my gift cards to give myself a little Christmas in July.

There are quite a few inexpensive items I have purchased on Amazon that I can’t believe I didn’t buy sooner—they have come in so handy! I have an entire post all about my favorite photography-related accessories, but today, I’m sharing some random things that I just can’t live without and don’t know why I never purchased them sooner. Here are my top ten!

Did you know that there’s a sunflower farm in York County, SC, where all you can see for miles are fields of beautiful yellow flowers? Draper Wildlife Management Area is a protected wildlife preserve, part of the SC Department of Natural Resources public lands. Located near Brattonsville, the preserve is an area dedicated to small game hunting, with over 370 acres of woods, ponds, and open fields. It is also popular for hiking, biking, and bird-watching throughout the year But for a month or so in July-August, the area turns into a golden wonderland, filled with acres and acres of sunflowers.

There’s something so special about having photos that capture the essence of life in your own home. Whether you’re snapping casual family moments, documenting a milestone event, or capturing images of family gatherings, your own home can be a wonderful backdrop. It can also serve as a great location on rainy or cold days, when outdoor photography may not be possible! But getting great photos at home isn’t always as easy as just picking up a camera. Whether you’re working with a professional photographer or going the DIY route, there are a few key things that can help you make sure your photos look polished, beautiful, and authentic.

Here are some tips for getting stunning photos at home, covering everything from lighting and decluttering to camera settings and professional help!

I have been photographing weddings for 13 years this month. I did not go to school to be a wedding photographer—this second career sort of fell in my lap when I got my first DSLR, took a few classes, and people started asking me to take their family photos. When my husband’s cousin’s wedding photographer bailed, they called me, and three days later, I shot my first wedding! I was terrified; I literally had no idea what I was doing! But it was so much fun; I loved capturing all the special details and moments of the day. That’s when I fell in love with wedding photography, and I have never looked back! I recently booked my 100th wedding, so I thought it was a good time to share some things I have learned about getting ready for a wedding day in case there are any photographers out there just starting out who are preparing to shoot their first wedding and have no idea where to begin!

A few months back, one of my dearest friends, Erica, asked me if I would take some dance photos for her daughter, Hazel. It was December, so it was already pretty cold out. She asked if I could do some studio-type photos inside, and even though I have some studio equipment, I don’t have a studio or space big enough to set up my paper white backdrop. However, they have a basement in their home with a big open space, so I said I’d bring over my backdrop and lighting equipment and we could have a little fun!

If you are a wedding photographer wondering whether or not you should invest in bridal shows, my advice is to just go for it! Maybe don’t start out by jumping into a huge, regional show, but there are bound to be local venues or coordinators who host smaller shows, and that is a perfect way to start. You don’t have to spend a ton of money—and your booth doesn’t have to have a lot on display! A “look book” is the best thing to show off your work, and maybe a laptop with a slideshow. The most important thing is to be YOU—share your passion, experience, and how you approach a wedding day. Be prepared to be on your feet most of the day—wear comfortable shoes! Bring snacks to keep up your energy! During down times visit with other vendors—those connections can often be the biggest perk of participating in bridal shows! You might meet your next referral source, or better yet, make a new friend.

This past October, I was once again called to capture the magic of another Fowler family wedding—this time, it was for Blakely’s brother Ethan and his bride Cheyenne. While their wedding wasn’t quite as “Halloweeny” as Jordan and Blakely’s, it certainly carried a hauntingly beautiful, almost ethereal vibe, with details that seemed pulled from a ghostly dream.