Welcome to DR Creations Bridal Lounge! We like to thank you for booking with us for your special day and we are super exited be part of your wedding journey. This lounge we have created is a guide, full of tips and advice for your upcoming wedding which we feel that would be helpful.
Engagement Session
One of our favorite things to do (of course other than wedding and travel) — Engagements Sessions!
Every once in awhile we have clients who don’t wanna to do an engagement session. And we get it— some people don’t love getting their photo taken (one of us are like that), others have a friend or family member who can snap a few pics and some are just looking to save some money. We were a couple planning a wedding a few years ago, so we genuinely understand why this question gets asked. And truthfully— I don’t expect my clients to have an understanding of why engagement shoots can be so important. It’s not your job to know that— it’s our job to help educate them & show you the value. So why should you do an engagement session with your wedding photographer?
- Get comfortable: We strongly believe that building a connection and being comfortable with us a key element in having a stress free portrait session during the wedding. Also you get to practice your moves and get all the awkwardness out of your nerves before the big day.
- Showcase your photos: You can use the amazing pics as part of your save the date cards, have them done for a guest book or simply use them as part of your wedding day décor.
- Have an adventure with your better half: You get to visit a place that is extra special to you both or be more adventurers and wonder to somewhere that you have never been. Also you get to take some out of the box pics as we get to try techniques that are difficult to do in a fast paced wedding day.
We love romantic cuddly, giggly photographs so just pretend you’re on a date! Our favourite times to begin the shoot are 30 mins after sunrise or 1.5 hours before sunset when the light is most flattering and warm. Your session will generally take around 2 hours.
Locations
The best thing to do when choosing a location is to think of an activity you enjoy together. No idea is too crazy. It can be in your back yard, return to the spot of your first date, or a place that you both have been longing to go. Or if you are out of ideas where to shoot, we can provide you plenty of our favourite locations to choose from.
What to wear
This is kind of a big one (especially if you are nervous about being in front of the camera). Wearing something that you are comfortable in for your engagement photoshoot is an easy way to make sure you aren’t focused on how you look but, instead, on your partner. If you are wearing uncomfortable shoes or you wore an outfit that feels too formal for your personality, your distraction can show up in your photos. So, pick out an outfit that looks and feels like you! As much as you consider how your engagement outfits make you feel, think also about how they’ll photograph during your session. For the ladies, we recommend choosing pieces that flow nicely as you move, especially if you’re doing your photos outdoors.
Your Wedding Day
There’s nothing better than a stress-free wedding day when everything runs on time and we have creative freedom to do our job well. Your wedding day timeline greatly impacts the types of final images you will receive in your gallery. The candid moments and authentic smiles cannot be rushed or forced. Since light and location also affect the look and feel of your images it is crucial to plan your day accordingly.
Getting Ready – Bride
During this time, we will need around 30 minutes to document your details while your girls in their matching robes sipping Champaign and you are having your hair and makeup done. All bridesmaids should be done with hair and makeup when we arrive so that only you the bride need to be done. It is also during this time that we will photograph all those meaningful wedding day details. This includes but not limited to your shoes, veil, all rings, bouquet, dress, and any gifts and stationery.
Touches you may have forgotten: A Hanger for your dress, flowers for me to style with. Be sure to have all the bridal details (listed above) including flowers ready in one area within hands reach. Do bring two sets of your stationery (i.e., wedding invitation) for us to photograph. Having two sets allows us to photograph the front and back at the same time as well as make the image more complete.
Be sure to get ready in a space that is clear of clutter and mess and has lots of natural window light! Preferably a bridal suite or a separate room for photography purpose if the budget allows. This goes to the groom as well. Make sure you and your boys keep the space clutter free and tidy.
First Look + Couple Session
We couldn’t recommend the first look to our brides more for a couple of reasons. You will receive more portrait images, feel much less rushed on your wedding day, and also get an intimate and quiet moment together on your wedding day. The day goes by in such a flurry that it’s so nice to be able to stop and be alone. During this time, no one besides the photographers and videographer (if you have one) will be present. This will happen 2 hours before your ceremony. Give or take 5-15 minutes depending on location and what you have planned. Just after it is best to allocate another 45 minutes to an hour here so that we make sure we have enough photos of just you two. Keep in mind if you’re not doing a first look— you’ll need to bump this timing to post-ceremony.
Wedding Party Portraits
Wedding party photos take 45 minutes to one hour (more if it is in a different location or with a very large bridal party.) If you are having bridal party portraits done in a different location than your ceremony or first look spot, be sure to plan for transportation for everyone (keeping the group together is the most efficient) and keep in mind that extra time. We will also make sure to get pictures with you and each one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen individually.
Immediate Family
It’s important to have additional images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic formal (mentioned in the section below). Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 5 groups, schedule in a 15 minute time slot. We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family, and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them.
Ceremony / Reception Details and Venue
We
Preferred Vendors
These are some of our tried and true recommended vendors. We find them professional, creative and so much fun and flexible to work with.
Bespoke Albums + Fine Art Prints
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
