I am 100% convinced that the months you are engaged (and enjoying your wedding to follow) happen at a speed double that of normal life. When I look back on this special season for Justin and I, it truly is a BLUR! And I know I’m not alone in this sentiment- we hear it from our couples on almost every single final call- “I can’t believe it’s actually here already!”
I really want to go back and give my younger self a huge hug and a thank you, because we had the forethought to make sure we had a lot of special moments during this season photographed. As time goes on, these photos become more and more priceless to us and bring us so much joy looking back!
Are you even a tad sentimental like I am? If so, ready below for some of the most popular ideas for extra events to have photographed during this sweet time.
1) Welcome party or rehearsal dinner
In my opinion, this is a no brainer. The welcome dinner or party is an event so ripe with joy and excitement as the bride and groom welcome friends and family for their wedding weekend. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE candid photos, and during this pre-wedding evening we always capture so many amazing shots of excited guests, speeches and toasts, and of course those precious looks your fiancé gives you through the night knowing you’re about to be his WIFE in a few short hours!
Extra bonuses-
You can get photos with extended family or friends you might not have time to grab on the wedding day
You get a few portraits with your fiancé NOT in your wedding gown
You can capture the details and setup of the evening before people arrive so you can remember how the night felt (it’s a whirlwind!)
You and your friends and family get time to meet/get to know your photographer! This helps everyone to feel even more comfortable in front of the camera come wedding day
2) Engagement session
If you’ve been around here long, you KNOW we’re huge fans of an engagement session because it’s a really short time in life that deserves celebrating. It’s also a great chance to get comfortable and figure out poses you like when you’re being photographed! I actually wrote a whole blog on engagement sessions alone I’ll link here if you need more convincing ;)
Trust me- you need this!
3) Events unique to your wedding
These are some of our favorite things to photograph, and actually the things we hear from clients as “biggest regrets” for not having photography coverage for. From goodbye brunch the day after the wedding, to golf or tennis tournaments the day before, bringing a photographer into any events you’ve planned that are unique to your weekend is the perfect way to capture the mood of the entire weekend, not just the wedding day.
Some of our favorite things to photograph for our couples absolutely extend beyond the wedding day. If you’re a JDP client and want to add any of these on, we’re always just a call or email away and would LOVE to be a part of capturing even more memories and milestones for you.
XO
Ashley
