Two months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph and film my very first wedding!!! The experience was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but ultimately, it was a rewarding experience in my media journey. Here’s a recap of how it went and some tips I picked up along the way!

Before the wedding, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. To prepare, I dived into countless YouTube videos and tutorials to ensure I understood every aspect of the process, from wedding consultations to capturing key moments on the day. This preparation gave me confidence to approach the day with a plan.

One of the most valuable steps was having a meeting with the couple, Tasmiah and Callum, before their wedding. We discussed their timeline, family photo arrangements, and the specific shots they wanted. To make things easier, I created a Google Drive folder filled with photo and video ideas. Tasmiah shared her favorites (That i captured showed above).

This then gave me a clear vision on how to capture their day.

One of the highlights of this wedding was photographing all the detailed, fun activities the couple had planned. From their quirky wedding glasses to the photo guest book and even a wedding bingo game for the guests.

The glasses in particular, were a fun addition. Tasmiah had a special request for a TikTok video featuring all the guests wearing the glasses, which turned into a fun and creative moment during the reception. Although it was hectic asking everyone to wear the glasses. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post where I’ll share how I planned and edited that TikTok video to match the bride’s vision.

1. Always Have Backup SD Cards - If your camera supports dual SD cards, use them! During a previous event, one of my SD cards got corrupted, so having a backup is non-negotiable. This safety net ensures you won't lose those once in a lifetime moments.

2. Bring a Flash and Practice Using It - This was my first time using a flash at an event, and it made a huge difference in lighting darker areas, especially during the reception. However, using flash effectively requires practice. I had done some research beforehand, but real-world conditions are always different, so be prepared to adapt on the spot.

3. Experiment with Angles - Capturing a mix of candid and posed shots requires moving around and trying different perspectives. During the reception, I tried to blend into the crowd and catch natural moments while also setting up group shots. Although I wasn’t allowed to shoot during the ceremony, I captured the couple’s portraits and key reception highlights to tell the story of their day.

4. Balance Photo and Video - Switching between photography and videography can be tricky. For this wedding, I used two cameras: one dedicated to video for moments like the first dance and cake cutting, and another for both photos and video. This setup helped me capture everything without missing key moments.

5. Don’t Forget the Details - Capturing the smaller elements of a wedding is just as important as the big moments. These details add personality and tell the couple’s story. Whether it’s a table centerpiece, a unique guest activity, or a fun prop like the wedding glasses, make sure to include them in your shots.

6. Give Yourself Time to Edit - Editing can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to pace yourself. Luckily, my website’s automatic photo selection feature saved me some time, but I still reviewed each image so nothing important was missed. The couple had chosen a package with 150 photos edited in a vintage style, this helped me narrow down and focus on moments that matter to the edit. 

While there were challenges, such as learning to balance equipment and staying organized throughout the day, this experience taught me so much.

The joy of delivering a finished gallery and highlight video to Tasmiah and Callum made all the effort worthwhile.

If you're preparing for your first wedding, remember that preparation, flexibility, and communication with the couple are key. And most importantly, enjoy your time as it's a privilege to capture one of the happiest days of someone’s life!

Thinking of booking a wedding photographer and videographer? Let’s chat about how I can help make your day unforgettable.