Three Tips for having a No 'First Look' Wedding

One of the things I will forever love about our job is how unique each and every couple is. From learning the story of how they met, to learning the friends and family most important to them, all the way down to the wedding day details they decide to choose, we love getting to know the couples we serve :) That said, one major detail that we find varies from couple-to-couple is whether or not to have a first look. While many feel they have to have one, others prefer not to and feel it’s just not their style. 

Today’s blog is for the couples in camp no first look!  Rather than try to convince you of the reasons I think you might love a first look (I already wrote a blog on that here!) today I’m going to walk you through three must have tips for a relaxed wedding day timeline WITH the traditional “aisle moment”. By the end of this blog, you’ll be more prepared to make an informed decision that is best for you and your significant other.

1) Take all possible photos before the ceremony

Most people know that you might take photos with your bridesmaids pre-ceremony, but something many don’t consider is taking individuals with family, too! Any images you want of just you with parents, siblings, and grandparents can be taken before the ceremony along with bridal party and individual bridal portraits. This way, your post ceremony to-dos can look a bit like this:

5:00- Ceremony begins 

5:30- Ceremony ends > Recessional > Cocktail hour begins 

5:35- Immediate family photos 

5:55- Full bridal party together 

6:05- Bride and groom portraits 

6:25- Portraits end > Get bustled and ready for introductions 

6:30- Cocktail hour ends 

2) HIGHLY consider a 75-90 minute cocktail hour

After reading the prior timeline if you are thinking, “20 minutes? That doesn’t seem like much!”, you are totally right! Compared to an engagement session that lasts one to two hours, 20 minutes is a super fast window. We can make magic happen in 20 minutes if we need to for sure, but if you like the idea of a more relaxed and enjoyable portrait time with your hubs-to-be, a longer cocktail hour is just the ticket. This allows you to have more variety in locations, posing, and simply more bride and groom portraits to choose from in your final gallery! BONUS: With 90 minute cocktail hours, you can even sneak a drink or two in at the end with your guests! 

3) Make sure your ceremony start time leaves light for photos

Often we’ll hear people say they don’t want a first look, and that they also want their ceremony just before sunset so their guests can enjoy the view while at cocktail hour. Now, you can absolutely take all of your photos in the dark (and we have all the most up-to-date flashes and equipment to do so ;) ). But if you find yourself liking the the images you see showcased on our portfolio/Instagram then having sunlight is an absolute key ingredient. Let’s say the sun sets on your wedding day at 6:00. In a perfect “no first look” timeline world, the timeline would look like this:

4:00- Ceremony begins 

4:30- Ceremony ends > Recessional > Cocktail hour begins 

4:35- Immediate family photos 

4:55- Full bridal party together 

5:05- Bride and groom portraits 

5:40- Portraits end > Bride and groom grab a cocktail with guests 

6:00- Sun sets > Cocktail hour ends 

This way all of your photos are in daylight and your guests can still see a gorgeous sunset before they head into the reception. 

There you have it- our three must do tips to use when not doing a first look. I hope this provided you a visual of what a “no first look” wedding could look like in an ideal world to get both your traditional aisle moment AND dreamy photos! That all said… check in with yourself to see if you are having one of these thoughts now:

• But this is still not enough time for portraits of just me and my groom/bride

• I would like to be able to fully attend & enjoy my cocktail hour with friends & family

• I get nervous at the idea of not seeing my person until 4:00 or 5:00 pm on a day that’s supposed to be about the two of us

 If this is you, be sure to check out our blog that specifically focuses on why you might love having a first look. After reading both, you can compare the pros and cons to see which feels right for you. But please remember this- no matter what you decide in the end, your wedding is sure to be one of the best days of your entire life. And when you get down to it, celebrating your love is all that really truly matters.

Happy Planning!

Ashley

6 Wedding Day Moments to Plan for in Your Timeline

I heard it said a thousand times, and yet, I was surprised at just how quickly our wedding day flew by. From the moment I woke up, I felt like there was so much to do, so many people to talk to, so many photos we wanted…. Before I knew it, we were heading to our honeymoon cabin and it was all over. 

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way- I’ve heard so many past clients say something similar, like Kristin: “Thank goodness I hired you and Justin! So much happened so quickly that I don’t think I’d remember hardly anything without the beautiful photos!” 

With all that said, I can’t preach enough how important it is to PLAN time for all the people and moments you want on your wedding day! If it’s not on the schedule, unfortunately, it’s probably not going to happen. That’s why I’m sharing 6 of my favorite special moments that you should consider incorporating into your wedding day timeline- 

1) Saying your own vows

Your wedding day is THE day to say it all. There’s no opportunity more romantic to say everything you feel for your partner: how they better you, the things you love about them, your hopes for the future. If you feel nervous about saying your own vows in front of your guests, create a few minutes you can read them to each other privately. If you decide not to say your own vows or your church doesn’t allow it, we’d highly encourage you to, at minimum, take the time to write it in a letter you can exchange on the wedding day. This is a once in a lifetime moment, and planning it into your day is something you’ll truly never regret.

2)   A first look (with someone!)

If you’ve read our blog 5 reasons to consider a first look, then you know how special that time was to Justin and I (Truly one of my favorite moments of my entire life). That said, everyone should choose what feels right in their gut when it comes to seeing each other pre-ceremony or not! If you don’t decide to do a first look with your future spouse, we also love the sweet moments that unfold when a bride plans a first look with her dad, or a first look with her bridesmaids after she’s in her wedding gown. Any and all first looks are precious in our book!

3)    A final private dance

I’ll say it again- the wedding day is truly a whirlwind and flies by. Before you know it, your guests are lining up outside, sparklers in hand, to send you on your way to newlywed bliss! Why not plan a private last dance, just the two of you, before you run to that getaway car? Such a sentimental dance to truly take a last moment and soak it all in.

4)   Time to see your guests at cocktail hour

One huge benefit our first look couples really love is the opportunity to mingle with guests at cocktail hour! Everyone is truly SO thrilled to see the bride and groom, and I love photographing those candid hugs and pure excitement as guests get to congratulate the newlywed couple. Even if you decide not to do a first look, I’d highly encourage a 90 minute cocktail hour so you can catch the last 15 minutes and enjoy some casual time with your nearest and dearest.

5)   Quality time with the people who mean the most to you

From your parents, to your maid of honor, to your future in-laws, there are usually SO many people to thank for helping the wedding weekend come together. I love when brides and grooms plan time into the day to give hugs, gifts, or notes of gratitude to those who have supported them through it all. It’s truly always a beautiful and candid time full of emotion that we love to photograph.

6) A Reception room reveal

After all the time, money, and planning that went into creating a gorgeous reception for your friends and family, its so fun to get the first glance when it all comes together! Definitely plan for 5 minutes in that timeline before the reception doors open to see the space your dreamt up in all it’s glory (and give your wedding planner the hug she deserves!)

If you love candid, emotion-filled wedding photos, you really can’t go wrong by planning some or all of the moments above into your wedding day timeline! Making time for the people and memories that matter most, on the day that matters most, is something you’ll never regret. 

Want more wedding planning advice? Check out these family photo tips! 

XO 

Ashley 

We are hiring!

We are thrilled to announce that we are hiring! After much thought, prayer, and consideration, we have decided to expand our small team of two (Justin & Ashley), and link arms with someone who will add value to our lives and business. DeMutiis Photography has grown so much over the past several years, and we are excited to move forward into the next phase of our business. Now that we are at maximum capacity, we are at the place where the workload is beyond our ability as two people. We have created the position of an Office Assistant : a part-time position that will help to efficiently move our business forward. 

Applicants must be self-starters, motivated workers, and eager to learn. As an Office Assistant, you will be involved in the daily work of running a photography business : fulfilling print orders, packaging and shipping client gifts and orders, running personal and business errands, assisting with blogging and social media, submitting weddings for publication, learning studio-specific software and tasks, preparing equipment for wedding days and shoots, and assisting us on our largest wedding days of the year.

This position is an office position primarily (while assisting on a portion of our weddings with behind the scenes tasks such as changing film, transporting equipment, backing up images, etc.) not a shooting position. If you are an aspiring photographer or know how to work a camera, that’s great, but not required for consideration. We may or may not expand this position to include photography or editing training in the future. 

This is not the same as an internship. We are looking for someone to join our team year-round with the Office Assistant position.

Qualifications:

• Professional, positive, friendly demeanor

• Experience in the basics of Photoshop or Lightroom preferred

• Must not only be organized, but also have a love for organization

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Knowledgeable of current trends, styles and publications in the wedding industry

• Personal/administrative assistant experience a big bonus

• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license 

Logistics:

• Part-Time Position

• Works with Justin and/or Ashley in their home office 2-4 days/week (15 minutes of east of downtown Tampa)

• Occasionally works on weekends

• Position to begin April 25

Compensation:

• Contracted position, $11-$12 per hour based on experience

• 12-20 hours per week (potential for increased hours during wedding season: October-May)

• Mondays – Thursdays, flexible schedule 

To Apply: Complete this form no later than 11:59pm on February 13th, 2021. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

3 reasons to document your years

If someone were giving out time machines, would you take one? 

I know I would. It would be amazing to own something that could take me back to our first date, our engagement, our wedding, our first anniversary…. and when we have our first home and kiddos of our own, I have a feeling I’d want that time machine even more! 

Even though real time machines don’t exist, we believe we’ve found the next best thing: annual family portraits. If you’re on the fence about an annual photo session, I promise this blog will help you to realize all the important reasons to document your life each and every year so that you can book your session with confidence! 

(And speaking of family pictures, be sure to read to the bottom for an exclusive opportunity as one of our blog readers!)

1)  They last forever (and increase in value over time) 

So to our time machine point…. annual portraits are literally something that will last forever. Do you have any black and white pictures of your grandparents and great grandparents around? It’s truly amazing to be able to own something that was once theirs, and to keep passing the heirloom through the family for generations.

But before they even make it to heirloom status: Photographs have always had a magical quality to them that freezes the subjects in time, and can bring up so many happy memories as you look back. I know I feel that way when I look back on our engagement pictures! We’ve definitely learned that portraits actually increase in value over time. Seeing those pictures a few months after they were taken was special, sure, but years later I feel even more grateful to have them! (And to look back on our baby faces… omg!) 

2) You make fun memories together

After the year we’ve had… I think we all deserve a GOOD TIME right about now! Can I get an amen?!

Portrait sessions are FUN- especially with kiddos! For some I know it can seem like a lot to schedule the session, get outfits together, drive there, etc. but at the end of it, kids always walk away having had a blast (at least with us!). We try to help the session feel like a game to kids, and make it a goal to give them lots of laughs a little breaks when they need them. Plus, we always keep fruit snacks on hand for a job well done :) (NOT a bribe… an incentive! lol!) Between the tickle fights, the running, the playing, and the clown behind the guy with the camera (me!) kids usually walk away none the wiser that we’ve taken a million pictures of them.

Next year they’ll be asking “Mom- when are we getting our pictures taken again?!” 

3)  These moments are truly once in a lifetime

Goodness, time is fleeting. No, really… Research shows your brain's internal clock runs more slowly as you age--which means the pace of life actually seems to speed up.

So before you blink and your baby becomes a toddler right before your eyes, capture them as they are. While they still want your snuggles, while they still thinking climbing trees is a blast, or while they still do that cute crooked smile… capture it. I can bet later you’d be willing to give just about anything to remember those sweet little nuances, and with professional images to cherish- you can! 

Bonus: You will DEFINITELY break out the pictures to show future girlfriends, and that in and of itself is priceless ;) 

I could go forever about the reasons to document your family annually, but I’m keepin’ it short and sweet today. They last forever, they’re fun, and this moment you’re in now will only happen once. If you were doubting if family photos were right for you, I can bet now you aren’t! I promise you- it’s so worth it. 

Our annual fall mini sessions go live on Monday, 8/31/20 at 11:00am! BUT do you want exclusive access to be one of the first to snag your spot? Newsletter subscribers will receive first access to the signup link at 9:00am on 8/31. These sessions sell out quickly each and every year, so don’t miss this unique chance to get the best date and time for you! 

Our top 3 tips for stress free family wedding day photos

If your family is anything like mine, they can be a wild bunch. Trying to organize a group of my nearest and dearest is a little bit like herding kittens… you too? If your answer is yes, the idea of organizing not one but TWO families together for wedding day family portraits that are beautiful enough to last a lifetime WITHOUT any yelling or eye rolling might seem like an impossibility! BUT I’m here to tell you- I’ve got you, girl! Below I’m spilling my three BEST tips on streamlining family photos so that you can get frame worthy portraits in an efficient and stress free way. Before you know it, you’ll be at cocktail hour with a mojito in hand and preparing to dance the night away!

1)  Keep your post ceremony groupings to immediate family

Ever seen a grandma who has to go to the bathroom and is itching for a white wine spritzer have a total meltdown? Well, let’s just say I hope you never have to. ;) One sure fire away to avoid disasters like this is to keep the number of “post-ceremony picture” family members to a minimum.  Something many of our clients don’t realize is how hectic the family photos can get when the number of people waiting around for their turn starts to creep up! Post ceremony you and your new spouse will be there, of course, plus your officiant, plus your bridal party. Usually that puts the number of people in the room somewhere between 11 and 20 before the family even comes into play! Add in just immediate family (parents, siblings and their spouses, and grandparents), and now the number has jumped to a group of 20-40! Whew! 

The minutes post-ceremony are incredibly exciting, and everyone is waiting their turn to give you two a big hug, catch up with one another, and talk about their favorite moments from the ceremony. Those things can and SHOULD happen! We encourage it! But can you imagine how wild it gets as the number of people in the room slowly starts to grow larger? When you add in aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends, the room can turn from exciting to pretty chaotic! Bonus:  The fewer formal family groupings post ceremony, the more quickly you can get over to your reception area and mingle with a cocktail in hand. 

If you have some larger or more extensive combinations, we think that’s great! We’ll highly suggest setting some time aside during your reception to capture as many different groupings as you may want, without any rush. 

2) Keep everyone informed of the plan

As my mama always said, failure to plan is planning to fail! Ok, that’s a little dramatic when we’re talking about family pictures… but I think the sentiment still holds true ;) If we ever see family photos shift from relaxed to stressful- it’s usually because people aren’t aware of the plan! This is a simple fix that will create a much more laid back atmosphere during family pictures. 

After your family photo list has been created and confirmed (we help each of our clients with this a few weeks prior to the wedding!), be sure to talk to each person on the list and remind them of when and where you’ll be taking pictures. If you are taking your family photos before your ceremony, I highly suggest telling them to be in the location ten minutes before we plan to begin! If you’re doing them after the ceremony, give your loved ones a gentle reminder that sticking around, rather than wandering off to the bathroom or to grab a “quick cocktail” will ensure a much smoother and faster photo time so you can all get to mingling with your guests at cocktail hour! 

Pro-tip: Make an announcement at your rehearsal dinner that only immediate family photos will be taking place post-ceremony, and extended family during the reception. This way, aunts and cousins don’t automatically stay after your I do’s and create a crowd in the room that isn’t on the list. 

3)  Double check the list with both sets of parents 

Nothing is more awkward than successfully breezing through your entire family shot list, only to find that your mom has told people to stay behind who weren’t on the list.As the person who usually wrangles family together for the pictures- if I don’t have the names on my list, I’m not able to call out combinations and get those extra people organized! This tip is short and sweet: Be sure both sets of parents are aware of your shot list and enlist them to help spread the word to all the family members as to when they’ll be grabbing a picture with you: pre-ceremony, post-ceremony or during reception! 

Bonus: It’ll make mom and dad happy to know you’re keeping the pictures they want in mind too :) 

There you have it! My three BEST tips on streamlining family photos so that you can get frame worthy portraits in an efficient and stress free way. By keeping post-ceremony groupings to a minimum, creating a plan, and looping in your families to the plan- you’ll be celebrating your newlywed status at cocktail hour before you know it! 

So: Start prepping your family NOW for the wedding day and create a plan of action! And to our clients, just remember: we’re ALWAYS here to lend a helping hand. Can’t wait! 

Ashley

PS- If you need more wedding planning tips, why not check out 5 tips to make mis-matched bridesmaids dresses work?

5 ways to make mismatched bridesmaids dresses work

Because of my background working in bridal salons, people ask me often “How can I make mismatched bridesmaids dresses work”? 

The truth is- there are MANY different options to the mismatched route! I’ll detail some choices and examples for you below so you can make sure you have mismatched maids done right on your wedding day!

1)  You choose the designer and color(s), and your bridesmaids choose a neckline

This option is usually done through a retail store for bridesmaids dresses, such as Bella Bridesmaids or a bridal shop that carries maids as well. With this choice, you (the bride) would choose the dress color, fabric, and overall style. Then, based on body shape and comfort level, your bridesmaids can each choose a different neckline!

2) Everyone chooses their own dress in the same fabric and length

This option works really well for basic colors like black or navy. That said, this Mustique Island bride decided to let her maids choose “any long chiffon dress in any shade of blue” and I have to say it actually worked out really well! 

3)  Everyone chooses their own dress within a wide theme

I would say this is happening more and more and tends to end up looking pretty amazing if your maids have great taste. With this choice, it’s fun to give your bridesmaids a mood board or even a few paint sample cards to get an idea of color and style you prefer. After that- it’s up to them! This results in a mix of textures, colors, and styles, and can have a pretty cool effect!

4)  Everyone chooses their own dress in one color

With this choice, you can give your bridesmaids a color, but they’ll get to choose any fabric and style. This tends to work well with neutral colors: Champagne, navy, black, or grey.

5)   You assign your bridesmaids different dresses to create an ombre or more controlled look

This is the option for the bride who likes to have a bit more control over the bridesmaids situation! With this choice, you can go for the mis-matched look, yet fully dictate what each girl wears so you create an exact vision. A girlfriend of mine did this a few years ago and I actually loved it! She kept in mind colors and styles that would flatter each of us, and the dresses looked amazing together.

No matter which option you choose, we’re forever a fan of the mismatched bridesmaid trend! Follow us on instagram to get even more bridesmaid inspiration at @justindemutiis!

Happy Planning!

Ashley

PS- Want more wedding day planning tips? Take a look at our top ten wedding day bouquet blogs right here!