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!

3 at home date night ideas

Are you and your partner feeling a little cooped up during this quarantine? I know for Justin and I, the days are starting to get a little monotonous… and that’s the last thing we want to feel in our relationship! We decided to commit to an in-home date night every week to help bring a little fun back into life, even in the midst of this pandemic.

Read about our three favorites below!

1)   Album and takeout night

This date night was a life-saver for us. Honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty sad the last few weeks. I’m grieving for our brides and grooms postponing events, I’m feeling for so many that are sick or have a loved one who is, and for all the business owners out there who are struggling. There’s so much running through my mind each day, and I really needed a happy distraction!

Re-living our wedding day was just the ticket. It was nice to forget about all the problems for an evening and be able to look back on the happiest day! Flipping through our album together is always so sweet- I get misty every time we do it because I know I’m holding something we’re going to have for decades…. some day we’ll flip through it with our kids! Ah- I could cry right now.  If you aren’t married yet, I highly suggest flipping through past photos you’ve taken together or your engagement session album instead :)

We also watched our wedding video from Voila Cinematic, and ordered Chinese food we paired with some white wine. The perfect romantic night to reminisce on happier times.

2)   Cooking class night

Who needs live cooking classes when you can find them online?! ;) This was actually a super fun night for us. We cracked open a bottle of wine and put on our aprons and tried an online recipe from @chef.joe.sasto. (Any other top chef fans out there?!) He’s got a bunch saved on his story highlights! We had the best time. It was so fun to try a new recipe together and take our minds off any stress. And of course, it was delish, so that was a huge plus!

3)    Blanket fort and movie night

When things are worrisome, there’s no better time to bring out your inner kid,  blanket fort style. We whipped out all of our extra sheets and went to town on the living room! Then we rented a movie, popped some popcorn and relaxed on the living room floor. It was so needed and the perfect in home date night!

There you have it! Three in home date nights. I hope you and your partner will be able to try at least one of these to get your date on even indoors! Do you have other in home dates you like? Send me a DM over on instagram- I love to hear other date night ideas.

Happy planning!

Ashley

PS- If you’re wanting to get inspired by some of our favorite date nights to do AFTER to quarantine is over, click here!

5 reasons to consider a first look

Ah, the question every one of our wedding clients seems to ask: “Should I do a first look?” And as much as I wish I could give you a magical answer, it’s just not possible!  

 The decision to do a first look or wait for the “aisle moment” has to be a personal call- and I’d never be able to tell someone which is the best fit for them. What I CAN do, however, is speak to my own experience- and I pray our thoughts will help you in deciding for yourself!

 When Justin and I were engaged, I was team “aisle moment”, and he was team “first look”. Spoiler (if you couldn’t tell by the title): We did a first look. So, when you read these tips, you can do so with an open mind knowing I myself was converted into a first look fan! Below I’m giving you my five top reasons you should consider a first look:

1)   You get to enjoy more time with your fiancé

I’m bringing ya this one first because honestly, it’s far and above the most important reason I converted to a first look! 

During our engagement, I was counting the seconds until our wedding! I could hardly wait to talk to Justin about my dress, to see him all spiffed up, and to give him a huge hug and kiss on our WEDDING DAY! I realized without a first look, I wasn’t going to be seeing Justin until 5:00pm…. Basically I was spending 9 hours of our wedding day without him. When I thought about it like this, a first look was a no brainer! The day was about US, so I wanted an US for every moment possible! 

Our first look allowed us to spend several hours together with each other, our families (because we did family photos before the ceremony), and our friends (just hanging out before the I do’s!). These hours were some of the most precious of the entire day, and looking back, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

2)   It calms the nerves

The thought of walking down the aisle all dressed up with 85 people looking made both Justin and I a little nervous. But no matter what life throws at us, being with Justin can instantly make me calm…. Something about having my person by my side makes everything ok! Do you feel like this with your own fiancé too?  If so, it could be beneficial to consider a first look.

Doing our first look helped me feel so much more at ease walking down that aisle. In addition, it really took the pressure off Justin! There’s this whole “ Is he going to cry?” moment that hangs in the air at every wedding, and Justin could just process the ceremony without overthinking anything because he’d already been with me all afternoon!  

3)    More time with friends and family at cocktail hour

Our friends and family traveled near and far to be with us in the mountains of Georgia, and the last thing I wanted was to miss an hour of partying with them! If Justin and I hadn’t done a first look, our cocktail hour would have been spent taking pictures with family and each other. While I loved our portrait time, I’m so glad we were able to do it prior to our ceremony so we could spend more quality time with our nearest and dearest!

4)   You’ll feel your emotions more deeply

Have you ever heard a bride say “you better cry or I’m turning around!” jokingly to her groom? Honestly, I probably said it during our engagement too. But truth be told- this was so much pressure for Justin. He’s not a very emotional guy- so why would it be ideal for him to actually let his walls down in front of 85 people?

During our first look, it was just Justin and me, our photographer, and our videographer (both of whom stood back quite a bit). It was private, personal, and one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I wasn’t distracted by ceremony music, or looking out at a crowd, or anything else. It was just the two of us!

(And yes, he cried. No, I don’t think he would have if we waited for the aisle moment!)  

5)   You’ll have more time and light for wedding portraits 

One big goal on our wedding day was relaxation. We never wanted to feel forced, or rushed, or stressed! Doing portraits before the ceremony was amazing because our photographer got to take his time and capture some epic portraits. He didn’t have to worry about the sun setting, or squeezing every picture into an hour, etc. He got to do what he did best in a location that was amazing because we had the time!

While I can’t give you the magic answer for if you should have a first look, I hope my own experience can help you process your own thoughts on the choice! No matter which option you choose, the moment you see your future spouse is sure to be a magical one.

Happy Planning!

Ashley

PS- If you’re loving the wedding inspiration you found here, you might like these ideas for a wedding day exit!

Ending the blog with an image from our very own first look. Remembering this moment makes me cry!