BRIDAL LOUNGE
HOW TO Prepare for your wedding day
Overview
Welcome to the lounge! Here’s an overview of what’s covered on this page:
01. Preparing for your engagement session
02. Your wedding day breakdown
03. Albums & Prints
04. Downloadable worksheet
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Engagement photos are a celebration of your unique love. Start brainstorming by answering the following questions:
• What is meaningful for you two?
• What do you want to show off through your engagement photos? (other than your pretty faces of course :D)
The answer could be your story, hobbies, values, personality, etc. Once you figure this out, the outfit / makeup / background can all work towards these ideas.
1. pick a location
Is there anywhere in the city that has a special meaning for you two? That should be your first choice! It may be the coffee shop you met, the park you always go together, or even your home (if you two value home time a lot).
Of course, we’re not limited to only places that you’re familiar with. I’d love to go on adventures too! Be creative! The coolest place that I’ve shot for an engagement is the abandoned mental hospital in Coquitlam.
Also keep in mind, I do not set a limit on locations (as long as the total time is within the hours you booked). If your two favourite locations are not far away from each other, we could shoot at both!
If you’re still unsure, below are some of the most popular locations:
- Stanley Park
- UBC
- Jericho Beach / Iona Beach
- Lighthouse Park / Whytecliff Park
2. what to wear
It’s not everyday that you get professional photos taken together, so please don’t hesitate to dress up!
Wear outfits that can make you feel fantastic and confident. Try to pick good fabrics or textures (these really stand out in photos). You two don’t have to match the colors exactly, but just make sure they look good together. Remember to steam/iron the clothes if necessary.
Outfit inspirations: https://www.pinterest.ca/susanztsun/what-to-wear/
Please always show me your outfit choice beforehand. The earlier you show me, the longer time I have to prepare :) If for some reason, you couldn’t show me beforehand, feel free to bring options.
Chat with me if you need help with makeup/hair. Dress rental deals are also available with local dress shops.
3. other tips
01. Remember to clean your engagement ring
02. Bring personal props (e.g. matching hats, your pets, vows, vintage ring box, etc)
03. Bring a bouquet (nothing fancy, just something nice and pretty to hold in your hands)
04. Bring some comfortable shoes for walking between locations
THE BIG DAY
If you’re feeling a bit nervous or don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. :) Below are some tips on planning for your big day.
Keep in mind, a well-planned timeline = a stress-free wedding day!
Just to make sure we’re on the same page here, you’ll see the word “wedding party” a lot on this page. By that, I am referring to the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen, like this picture!
1. getting ready
30 mins - dress/suit & accessories (details below)
30 mins - groom & groomsmen getting ready
45 mins - bride & bridesmaids getting ready
45 mins - first look & couple portraits
30 mins - tea ceremony (more time needed for big families)
Accessories may include:
- bride’s shoes, veil, bouquet, garter
- rings & ring box, invitations/other stationeries, letters/vows
- groom’s shoes, watch, socks, tie, pocket squares, cufflinks, boutonniere
Please have your dress/suit (on hangers) and accessories ready in one area, so I can jump right into capturing them for you.
After that, girls’ makeup & hair should be almost done - this is when I’ll start taking photos of you.
2. portrait time
30 mins - couple portraits
30 mins - wedding party portraits
(more if multiple locations or a big wedding party)
This can happen before or after the ceremony, depending on how it fits into your overall schedule. For outdoor portraits during the summertime in Vancouver, it’s best to avoid noon/afternoon because of the harsh sunlight. If you can’t avoid it, no worries, just make sure everyone wears sunscreen!
Remember to plan for transportation so that the wedding party can travel efficiently between locations (keeping the group together is the best option). When planning the timeline, don’t forget to consider the time needed to find parking for certain locations.
3. the ceremony
30 mins - ceremony venue & decor
30 mins - bride & groom in their separate areas to freshen up. Meanwhile, guests may be arriving
3 mins/group - family/group photos (prepare a list)
Please allow me some time to document the venue before letting guests in. We can also get some photos of just you two with the venue decorations.
Sometimes parking can be limited around your venue (especially on a summer weekend). Advise your guests about different options to avoid delaying the ceremony time.
For group photos, please have the order ready beforehand & send me a copy. Also plan an MC or friend to help you organize people accordingly.
4. the reception
30 mins - reception venue & decor
20 mins - reception sneak-out / sunset portrait
30 mins - dancing candid
Same with ceremony venue, please leave me some time to document everything before guests come in. Also a chance for you two to get some indoor photos.
Plan a few fun activities like a shoe game, bouquet toss, etc to engage your guests. These are the best opportunities for candid photos.
5. other tips
01. (For brides) if you’re not used to heels, there’s no shame in bringing a pair of slippers
02. Whenever possible, leave the bouquet in water for it to stay fresh for longer
03. If you plan to DIY decorations including real candles, consider the placement of them to avoid fire hazards
04. Your guests are welcome to take photos with their own cameras and devices. Please kindly advise them that
a) during the ceremony, keep their phones away from the aisle (control your uncle Bobs… :D)
b) during group photos, avoid taking photos at the same time as me (because everyone will look into different directions)
Thanks in advance! :)
ALBUM + PRINTS
Not sure how to get started on purchasing albums or prints?
Don’t worry! In your online gallery (how your photos will be delivered), you can explore various printing options. You can preview albums/prints using your own photos, and you can even design your album! And don’t forget, I can also design the layout for you (in case you don’t already know, I actually have a bachelor’s degree in design :D). Price starts from $215 for a 20 page album.
Referral Program: Earn a FREE wedding album!
If you have been considering getting an album, here is your chance to get a FREE one! All you need to do is to send your engaged friends my way :) For each wedding referral that books a package with me, I want to thank you with a complimentary 10x10 linen album!
There is no limit on the number of albums you can earn!
Ready to move forward?
I have prepared a worksheet for you to keep all the necessary information in one place.
If you decide to use it, please send me a copy at least 2 weeks before your wedding.
Have other questions? Feel free to chat with me!
