Another early morning - thanks Isaac

I spend a lot of time talking. Yea yea no laughing. But it seems the business of photography is also the business of managing.

Take the wedding day. I only just realized why I spend so much time talking to Brides and Grooms about their wedding day schedule. It's to make my life easier. And theirs of course.

When I compare weddings in which everyone is one time to that where they are not the differences are incredible.

The late weddings are more stressful for everyone. People, including guests are less happy. The bridal party, tip toes, around the bride. The bride for the most part is so focused on problems that she snaps at people. The groom usually become quiet and tries to take control only to get more and more frustrated. -- Guys this is for real!!! It a wedding day. A very special time in ones life. Yet you can see what happens.

The time robbers!!!

1. Hairdressers running behind -- the fix is to lie. Tell them you need to be finished at least 30 minutes before the photographer arrives. If he/she is arriving at 10:00am you should not be jumping out of the limo running into the house at 9:55.

2. Bridal Party - the fix is to lie. Again. Same as above, tell them an earlier time, and threaten them with death. Ok maybe not death just something that hurts.

3. Limo company - let them know you are a time freak. Have them write it down. The driver will not endanger his tip showing up late and will usually show up a little early. This way we can use the limo when bride walks out of the house!

4. Guests who arrive late for church. Guys. Unless its the priest or your mother you do not wait. If they cannot respect you enought to show up on time for your wedding day - I release you from having to respect them to wait.

5. Family portraits after church or first thing at the park. --- You see of all the images we take, the family photographs will end up being (by a huge margin) the MOST IMPORTANT to you. Maybe not in the first year, but lets say 28 years later. When you do look at your wedding photos, the family images will be the ones you spend the time reviewing, remembering and crying over.

So if it is possible shoot your family images when everyone looks their best. Right after the church. At the Church if possible, or bring them to the park and we will shoot your family portraits first. Then they can leave.

6. Start the Receiving Line late. --- For real!! I have written extensively about this – just read the article --> http://www.excellencephoto.com/site/index.php?id=8,16,0,0,1,0

7. Get a good DJ. --- The difference between a DJ that is experienced and one that is new is that the experience DJ keeps the night rolling along. Events are planned and a schedule is followed. I can’t tell you how many times the clock hits 12 midnight and the parent dances have not started, half the guests have left and the Bride and Groom are no where to be found.

The planning for your day should not just be about who is doing what job. It should include delegating key people (Maid of Honour and Best Man) to ensure that your dream day goes off without a hitch. Spend your day having fun!!!