27 Wedding Problems. Our Solutions.

Your wedding day is here!

The long, awaited and joyous day. You think of your wonderful fiancé, the warm thought of being his wife, and thinking to yourself how happy he makes you. I mean…you two love Corgis’ and finish each others sentences (without saying them. This is why you claim you both can read each others minds). Then, as you sit on the couch scrolling through Facebook. A terribly frightful idea pops into your mind: what happens if my wedding day doesn’t go as planned?!?

Over the years I have heard some horror stories from guests and clients about other weddings. These tales of terror have, in turn, instilled certain universal fears of worst case wedding photography scenarios in the minds of couples. But fear not! I have put together a list of the top fears about professional wedding vendors and professional Houston luxury wedding photographers, and solutions for each problem to put your mind at ease.

Planning a wedding is hard work

There are so many small details to work out that are very important. So you have good reason to be fearful of hiring a wedding photographer in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Chances are you have read the horror stories of photographers and other wedding vendors not showing up, canceling at the last minute, etc. Well let me put you at ease by addressing your fears.

You Are Not Overreacting

All of these topics listed below can happen – these are legitimate areas to worry about and talk with us about. When you choose and hire a professional wedding photographer like David Baker Studios. We have gained experience over many years photographing and over 100’s of successful weddings delivered to bride’s just like you. This is how we are able to offer expert knowledge and opinions on many wedding-day topics and concerns and let you know what we will do in many circumstances. And honestly, we have avoided many of those issues you may bring to us. How have we avoided those issues many other professional wedding photographers in Houston face? We have taken extra time and energy other wedding photographers do not take to serve you. We start from a place of generosity and servitude. Don’t take our word for it. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services and even if you already hired a wedding photographer and are feeling something uneasy about their practices. Talk to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

27 Possible Wedding Problems, Our Solutions to Preventing or Resolving

This blog article outlines 27 possible common concerns brides have about their wedding day, how those concerns will set back your day, and our solution for that concern.

1.   Photographer and other professional wedding vendors won’t show up

By far, this is the number one concern I hear from couples. I’m not even sure how the urban myth of the runaway wedding photographer started. Caterers, DJs, and other vendors never seem to hear this from clients, but wedding photographers hear it all the time. I still can’t believe I’ve witnessed stories like that. If you’re hiring a professional, they will show up. If they have an extreme emergency come up, such as they are in the hospital, they should have their systems set up to have someone else cover your wedding that is of comparable experience, gear, ability, and personality. I am going to be at your wedding. Why? Simple: I am only as good as my last wedding. The wedding photography business is fueled by reviews and word-of-mouth advertising. If I were to not show up, or to even be late, you can be sure that word would spread via bad reviews and would affect my business down the road. Needless to say, this is motivation enough to get me to the church on time. I know lots of photographers, and none of them have ever, EVER missed a wedding. 

Here are a few tips when choosing a professional wedding photographer I also practice because your wedding day is important to me! Not only because you hired me and paid me money. Your wedding day is important to me because this is a joyous day and new chapter you get to begin writing with your fiancé now husband. 

Make sure to ask your photographer if they have a network of professional photographers who could cover them in case of an extreme emergency. After I reserve a wedding in my calendar. I begin contacting other professional photographers within my professional network to see if they are available that same day to stand-in for me, I ask them to keep this day open for me and for your wedding if for whatever reason I was not able to be there (if I were not there, I’d be in the hospital or stranded on the side of the road; even then, I’d call an UBER…)

I am never going to need to call upon these other luxury Houston professional photographers because I will be at your wedding on time. So relax, and let’s say it together: I will be at your wedding.

It can be the Makeup Artist, Photographer, Caterer, or Florist if one of them didn’t show up, you will definitely feel stressed.

This can happen if you accepted a friend who volunteered to take your pictures for free, or a close friend told you to do your makeup for a very cheap price. If you’re not going to pay for a decent supplier, you are risking these aspects…no one else made these decisions but you…

It will be hard to impose your directions to a friend working for free. They will come anytime they want, and there’s nothing you can do because you didn’t have a contract, to begin with. Another thing to ask your photographer is - have they been selected for a MyWed award?

2.   I’ll spend all this money & receive sub-par work

This is why looking at websites is so important. You want to make sure the work you are receiving is quality work. After all this is YOUR big day, and you want to look back on your big day with love, not regret. 

This is just one reason why I love meeting brides in person. I love to be able to show them albums I created for myself to show future brides wedding work, so they can get an idea of what custom, bespoke, and heirloom wedding album they are investing in and will receive, as well as, to get an idea of how their delivered wedding album should look in layout, print quality, and cover quality materials used. I am proud of my brides. This is why I strive to make my wedding galleries and pricing transparent. There are a lot of other photographers who choose not to be transparent, so they can tell you what they know you want to hear, so they can book you and deliver pictures that don’t look like what you chose them by... 

In addition to having full-galleries of weddings on my website, I have my full pricing and packages visible. I’m a simple man - If I were my own client, I don’t want to have to jump through a lot of hoops to learn how much something is. If I want to buy something, tell me the price. I get it if I’m having a 3-day South Asian Indian Hindu-Punjabi wedding or a 2-day South Asian Pakistani Muslim wedding that wedding photographer would tell them they need to make a custom package, so they are unable at that time. That makes sense. If I realize what I’m investing in is a luxury product and a special once-in-a-lifetime luxury wedding-day at The Astorian Event Venue or The Corinthian luxury wedding venue in Houston and Belle of The Ball were the wedding planners (because I realize they are one of the top wedding planners in Houston). Saving my money and investing in a professional luxury wedding photographer in Houston is not an issue. I mean…I don’t get these cheap clients…they expect the same product as the original luxury item or close to the quality of the original, then they’re irate when the product or service doesn’t operate as promised. Do I really need to point out the issue here… lol. If you were aware Rolex’s range in price from $8,000 to $30,000 plus, but you saw a “Rolex” for sell priced at $300. Would you be skeptical of its authenticity or buy it right away? 

Refer to “3. Timeline: Not Having Enough Time” within this guide. Having sufficient time is also very important to being able to create consistent work to what you chose me by because we have the time we need to create those pictures you hired us for.

Try me – you’ll see in my albums and delivered print samples are comparable to what I openly display on my website. I proudly stand by my work because you are in it! Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. I want to serve you and help your wedding day go smooth with my customer service approach with you knowing what I am creating for you is similar to the work you chose me by during our consultation.

When you choose David Baker Studios luxury Destination wedding photography company in Houston, Texas. We pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality product and service for your money. We are not the cheapest. And you know what? You are worth it!!! Choose peace-of-mind on your wedding day. Choose to be guided through your entire wedding day through our personable customer service approach helping you look your best and have confidence we are guiding you correctly through each aspect of your wedding day.

3.   Timeline: Not Having Enough Time

If you're anything like me, running late causes you a lot of anxiety.

Above is an actual timeline I created for a past Bride. This is an example of how I choose to create my Bride’s timelines and how much space I choose to allocate for those different events.

Weddings typically operate on strict timelines:

·       4pm           (wedding ceremony)

·       4:30pm     (cocktail hour)

·       5:30pm     (entrances)

·       etc. 

One of the most important things you can do for your wedding is to create a detailed wedding day timeline.  This will help to make sure you stay on track. We will create one together during our second Planning meeting (our first meeting is meet-and-greet and talk about what you want to do for your wedding, and any specifics that are very important to you and to the benefit of me knowing to successfully accomplish these objectives for you).

Where do most timelines go astray?  

·       Not allowing enough time for pictures:

• hair and makeup, Getting-ready, Bridal Party pictures, wedding day Bridal

• Wedding party pictures, Bride and groom portraits (at least 30 min), family and group pictures.

• Consider commute times and possible traffic delays in the areas between locations

Be sure to speak with your hairstylist and makeup artist about how long it will take for x many bridesmaids and yourself, planner, and photographer to ensure your timeline is accurate (enough time has been allotted for photographer and team to successfully create consistent with their current portfolio you chose them by).

If you have a planner or if the venue provides a timeline to you. Please – I cannot stress this enough – share your timeline with your photographer. The photographer, like myself, may have distinct and important perspectives, not only concerning their professional needs to capture pictures consistent with what you chose them by. But, including another professional wedding pro’s professional opinion who also is very familiar with timelines, creating wedding day timelines to organize complex days with many moving parts occurring in multiple directions that must occur per timeline because there is sooo much planned that if one event went over 15 minutes that would impose on the next event (when I typed that, I was recalling weddings where I photographed at Marriott Marquis in Downtown Houston for getting-ready, commute Trinity Lutheran church for ceremony in Sawyer Heights area of Houston, then, commute to The Astorian in the Sawyer Heights area), organization and analytical thinking, problem-solving, in regards to, how long things can take on fast-paced wedding days is a good practice. 

Your planner or venue may issue to you a finished timeline. Awesome! But, from the photographer’s team perspective, it may not allot for enough time (even if they were to problem-solve, they may have only allowed for enough time to simply create pictures that are not necessarily consistent with that photographer’s current portfolio and you feel that you were delivered work that doesn’t look like what you chose that professional wedding photographer by (and this issue could’ve been resolved by creating more time in timeline). Creating more time for each event and for me to setup lighting is part of our image creation practice. Afterall…you did invest in Houston’s premier luxury wedding photography company because one of those aspects you chose David Baker Studios by was the lighting…).

This is why when we talk to each other, I stress the importance of David Baker Studios “personable customer service approach creates the foundation for your pictures to be made” because having 1) ability and vision to create your pictures; and 2) having enough time to create your pictures in my style - are not independent variables. Having the ability, vision, professional tools (camera gear and understanding the complex study of lighting and knowing how to use them during fast-paced wedding days), understanding posing and how to put you into natural-looking poses where your personality can shine between you and your fiancé to be yourselves, having enough time and having a cohesive plan before your wedding day is indispensable - coming from the perspective of one of Houston’s top luxury wedding professional photo studios that has photographed 100’s of luxury weddings and destination weddings where emotions have been high and expectations for heartfelt, beautiful, classic-chic, and timeless pictures created non-negotiable! Like I said earlier… we are able to work during high-pressure circumstances and still be personable and kind to you during your wedding day. But, not having enough time in your timeline is an issue and where some wedding pro’s have been considered delivering work not comparable to their portfolio – because the client didn’t allow for enough time in the timeline. I am a professional who has experience with timeline creation and guiding the client through their wedding day. But, client not allowing for enough time is something I cannot control when time runs out…

What happens if time does run out during certain events? At that time, I get into contingency mode. This is where I create those pictures per the timeline but may create for a shortened amount of time. For example, my team and I photographed a lovely and awesome bride at The Crystal Ballroom and Lawless Spirits and Kitchen. She had bad anxiety during her hair and makeup and getting ready. After she had her hair and make-up done, she and her sister went out of the Bridal suite and were gone for at least 30 minutes! Of course…what were we supposed to capture next? Her fun and cute bridesmaids in their getting ready outfits group pictures inside the bridal suite, her with her dress (this bridal suite is super romantic, art deco, classic and timeless. I had a scene set up in my mind I knew she would look beautiful in – just needed time to literally create the pictures), mom closing up the dress, and she wanted to do a first-look with her dad. But, in her timeline, she had allotted for 45 min for her wedding day bridal session because she wanted to feature 3 locations inside the hotel: city street, entrance of Lawless, and the outside terrace at Live The Rice, in downtown Houston. So, what happened because of ceremony time coming up and reduced time because of her absence during getting ready (which things happen. Her health and safety is more important to me). But, we ran out of time. 3 bridal session locations were reduced to one easy-to-access location for AT MOST 10 minutes! Because we ran out of time…I was sad because we missed another romantic, classic-chic, and elegant spot inside the bridal suite. Again…this was a 1920’s art deco decorated room. As soon as I saw this room, I knew what I wanted to create in there. Because my bride had an anxiety attack. I didn’t hold this over her saying, well…we missed that opportunity…Things happen. Wedding days are fast. But I included this wedding-da example to say: if we do run out of time, due to, unforeseen circumstances on the wedding day. I can problem solve, and SWOT analyze the next best opportunity cost – like with my Crystal Ballroom and Lawless Bride. She LOVED her delivered bridal pictures and the rest of her wedding day pictures. Of course, her anxiety attack was something we never brought up. For her benefit, I said “hair and makeup took longer than I expected! Just happy we created your Bridal pictures when we did!” That would be embarrassing, and she would feel that it was her fault. Again… things happen. This is why you hire a Professional wedding photographer in Houston who has experience leading brides through fast-paced wedding days where there are many moving parts. She then got married by Sydney Marriage Celebrant.

But I wrote that wedding day scare to finally say: this is why you invest in Houston’s top luxury wedding photographer in Houston. David Baker Studios is able to solve a lot of the problems other professional wedding photographers are not able to during fast-paced wedding days and deliver albums and wall art enlargements consistent with what you chose us by. We put you at the center of everything we do!

4.   Wedding Gown Expectations

Again, this depends on where you choose to purchase wedding gown from. There are few key points to remember when purchasing your wedding dress.

• We personally recommend choosing a designer, boutique shop to size a dress to your body.

• Wedding dresses tend to run a size or two smaller than your everyday dress size, so don't fixate on "dress size".

• Many brides purchase a smaller wedding dress with the intention of shedding a few pounds but dress boutiques will tell you that very few brides actually lose the weight.  

• Buy a wedding dress that fits you now.  Most wedding dresses can be taken in up to 4 dress sizes. However, you can only let them out 1 full size without affecting their appearance.

We Highly recommend these shops listed below, and have photographed brides who have worn these designer wedding gowns and their wedding bridals have looked wonderful. And the best of all…those brides said they LOVED their pictures:

• Vivienne Atelier

• Mia Bridal Couture

5.   Incompetent Wedding Coordinator

What do you do when you wedding planner doesn’t know how to organize your wedding correctly nor are they capable of sufficiently guiding you through your wedding day? Technically, you did pay them money for their service they promised to deliver on because they claimed to be a “wedding planner”?

Professional luxury wedding planners and companies who specialize in planning large-scale weddings are very crucial to the success of your wedding. They have experience in timeline creation with different types of photographers workflow in mind (eg, a natural light photographer and photographer who uses lighting - their preparation before and workflow during events will differ be distinct. A professional luxury wedding planner should be aware of this fact and ask you which type of photographer style did you choose, so they can allow for time in your timeline or move things around to allow for necessary time for your wedding to be a success), generally knowledgeable of those FYI’s necessary to recommend or add to your wedding vendor list to hire to make your dream wedding a success. These Houston wedding planning companies will also have preferred wedding vendor’s network they prefer to work with and to refer because they have personal experience working alongside them during past weddings and are aware of their professionalism.

All planners are NOT made equal, right (just like the misconception all photographers are the same, right? What would you do if you went with a friend to plan your wedding who was not professional and aware of all externalities one should be aware of or a cheap planning service? Not to throw wedding planners under the bus…because like I explained above - there are many legitimate and professional wedding planners who have amazing experience and abilities. Truly talented. But the last two wedding coordinators I worked alongside-with when my team and I photographed. I had to take lead of my brides wedding planning and day-of guidance; I designed both of my brides timelines and guided them through their wedding day. One thing I never did: I never bad-mouthed the Houston wedding planner nor the Dallas wedding planner at the Mason Dallas and The Paddock in Fort Worth. Instead, I served my bride like I do without being asked. Call me old school – but my style is to do more than I have been asked to do; leave a place cleaner than I arrived. Because If during your wedding I need to take the lead for planning, I want you to not even realize what’s happening because my job is to serve you and provide a peace-of-mind experience through David Baker Studios personable customer service approach. It’s actually scary to let a friend or relative do this task because it’s a very crucial and underestimated task. In reference to large, 8-12 hour full weddings I’ve photographed at The Corinthian in downtown and The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston or multi-location weddings where we would start at Hilton Americas in downtown Houston for getting-ready, go to Holy Rosary Catholic Church for 1 hour mass, then, go to Hughes Manor for Reception. These large-scale weddings, the West University, River Oaks, The Heights bride would hire a luxury Houston wedding planner company who would work in a team of 3 professional wedding coordinators. Each Coordinator would have a distinct responsibility. One would directly lead the couple with wedding day timeline, another would oversee wedding vendors arriving on-time and setting up when they are supposed to, and another who would be an assistant. I know in my site I talk about leave the wedding planning up to me because I will create your timeline. And this is true. Just with some of these large-scale multi-location wedding days. They can get crazy because maybe the Houston limo driver didn’t arrive at the correct address. So, if I’m photographing your bridal session in the hotel after your getting-ready and I also have to keep track of the limo driver. This is where my woodlands bride at the woodlands resort realizes the value of a professional luxury wedding planner like Piper and Muse.

6.   Makeup Allergy

To learn if your Houston hair and makeup artist’s makeup is compatible with your skin or not. It is important to 1) hire a professional makeup artist in Houston like Irina Borodina in Houston. She uses highest quality makeup. 2) Irina will also tell you you need to schedule a trial session with her to see if your skin reacts adversely. Because imagine if you did not do this trial run and you do have an allergic reaction to the makeup? Was 2 hours of your day worth having one of your bridesmaids making a medicine run?

7.   Less Guest/More Guests than Expected

With lesser guests, you would feel sad because you already paid for their seat, their meal, or even for their accommodation. Not showing up would mean wasted money.

And for those who had more guests, it would mean additional expenses. Plus, these guests who didn’t RSVP might take the seats reserved for those who did confirm. Imagine the stress!

This is why its a great recommendation to create a seating chart, assigned seating, and for that guest to either sit at their assigned table and seat or to receive a pass to enter the reception space. I know…I know… Guests won’t like it. This will slow things down. And you will have order and happy guests!

8.   Rude Guests

Rude guests become one of the biggest wedding fears because they come in different forms and sizes.

It can be a drunk uncle, diva friend, someone who plans to steal your thunder with a proposal, crying babies, or anyone who can’t keep their cool during the program.

And from a photographer’s perspective - many photographers have a Harassment clause in their Agreement with their wedding client’s. And those photographers may include guests who they require protection from. For example, what happens if the photographer is followed around by a belligerent and drunk guest who (for whatever reason in this theoretical story) doesn’t like that the photographer’s flash is bright and is annoying that guest? What happens if that guest begins to threaten the photographer? What happens if the photographer informs the wedding couple that this guest is threatening their well-being, and warns the couple of the language included inside the contract they both signed that it states the photographer has a no tolerance policy, and the guest either has to leave or the photographer will leave? Again…who should be afraid for their lively hood?

Choose guests wisely!

9. How Does Your wedding Photographer Dress to Your Wedding?

That’s me! David. Looking sharp, as always ;-) I wear: Blazer coat, slacks, and dress shirt.

Imagine this moment happening at your wedding during Getting Ready: your Maid of Honor leans over and whispers in your ear “why did your photographer choose to wear a casual outfit to your wedding? Do they really dress that way when they photograph weddings?”

What do you think the photographer wore?

I have personally worked alongside wedding vendors who wear what they would wear if they went to the movies: jeans, t-shirt, and black button down…un-buttoned (to dress things up a bit). What you wear should not dictate what that professional would create. They were obviously hired based on their wonderful and heartfelt previous work, so their reputation precedes them. Fantastic! What I am referring to is our personal brands and dressing-the-part for our clients aligns with their formal wedding event and shows respect for them.

Enclothed Cognition is a phenomenon in psychology that generally states: that vendor will be judged (if they like it or not) based on their appearance and this will affect their performance in the eyes of the client.

In my opinion, this falls into the category of ‘common sense is not too common’. Serious…when you meet with wedding vendors who will be seen on your wedding day and who play a crucial rule. Tell them during your meetings you expect them to be dressed nicely in at least a black outfit with black shoes.

Since there is no set rule that states what to wear to formal events. You must establish expectations before your wedding during your vendor meetings. Talk to those vendors who will be visible to your guests and family and let them know you have a particular dress code that you require and give them an outfit example. Explain to them the reason for this need and let them know you will feel better if they work your wedding dresses this way. Let them know this not a criticism on them. They should u see stand and not take this personally. After all, they have worked many weddings before your wedding, and each client may have their specific requests or needs. Wedding vendor are familiar with these types of requests. Of course, consider your presentation of the message.

Have you ever heard the phrase “dress for success” and “dress for the job you want to get, not the job you currently have”? Enclothed Cognition comes into play.

Plus, aligning with your event is important. We align with others when we adjust the way we behave, speak, and appear to fit-in with others. For example, your wedding party may feel more at ease if your wedding vendor didn’t arrive with a Mohawk, goth makeup, and a flame jacket. I’m definitely not knocking punk style because NOFX and Rancid can be fun music to mosh to. Buuuuut…this is your wedding where the men are wearing tuxedos and women formal ball gowns…hmmm. This also gets into the aligning area, too.

Also Halo effect comes into play. Halo effect states: those who have a certain appearance will generally be welcomed by others with less resistance than if they did not maintain a particular appearance.

10.  Being Too Emotional

You might start crying endlessly while walking down the aisle, and you won’t have decent pictures.

Or your makeup might be all over your face after crying too much.

And as a bride, you must look your best at all times.

Make sure you wear waterproof makeup! When you hire a makeup artist in Houston. Tell them if you are prone to cry easily, and could they get you water proof makeup. Tell them…even if you need to cover the extra cost. Do it! A small part of you LOVING your wedding pictures is that you feel good about how you look on your wedding day without resentment.

11. Getting Sick

When you sacrifice your health for the sake of your dream wedding, you might get sick on your big day.

Taking your vitamins, getting enough sleep, and eating right should not be neglected. You deserve the healthy glow for this once-in-a-lifetime event!

If you are too preoccupied with your wedding event. Exercise! This will help your body’s circadian rhythm to make the body tired when its time to go to bed. Another great stress-reliever and mind relaxer - Yoga. It’s amazing how one feels after a hot yoga class. You feel sooo relaxed. Plus, after the class. Your mind is calm and ready to take on the world. After some water and a cappuccino lol.

12. Your photographer and you won’t get along

For me this is so important! Planning a wedding is stressful enough, so don’t work with someone that you are not 100% comfortable around.

Your photographer and you should get along naturally like the two of you are friends (or could be). Your photographer shouldn’t not be pushy or pressuring you to do things during the wedding day you don’t want to do.

Before you book, make sure to check out their social media accounts, and their about me page on their website. I, myself, feel that I should work with clients I resonate with on a personable level. Because, again – we will be together for at least 8 hours on your wedding day. You will need to trust me that I know what I’m doing, so when I advise on certain precautions or plans of action. During a fast-paced wedding day, I can’t have a bride who goes emo on me. I am one of the most patient and kind-hearted guys. I could empathize with you and realize you are anxious for a number of reasons. But, if the bride chooses not to follow my direction for her best interests that is not good. 

You want to find connection points. For example, a lot of my brides connect with me over cappuccinos, talking about music we both like, activities we both enjoy doing, and simply – similar stylistic tastes we both share. I had a recent bride who loves warm, dark, and moody scenes. She chose me because she saw a pictures of mine, contacted me because of my lighting on a wedding portrait I photographed in Dallas, Texas. I photographed her wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th in Houston. One of those things that we really connected with was how we could both candidly and conversationally speak to each other with ease without having to maintain formalities. When we both are able to just be ourselves, without being formal. That is when I know we click and that is when I get really excited to photograph your wedding because I know we will work well with each other and most of all – that Houston river oaks bride trusts me to lead her through her wedding day and deliver to her beautiful, classic-chic, timeless, and expressive wedding pictures.  

13. Losing your wedding photos

Technical glitches can always happen, but there are ways to prevent them or reduce their affects. Ask your photographer a very serious question: “Do your camera’s have dual card slots?“

For me, I photograph with two cameras that each camera has dual card slots. One card slot I place a large capacity card that can accept all of that day’s wedding pictures as a backup (maybe 3-4000 pictures I’ll have to go through when I get home) and my other card slot, I switch out throughout the day lower capacity cards. The reason I switch out one card slot: if something happens to the main backup card (if it were an equal, large capacity card as the card I leave in the second slot inside the camera all day and do not take out), then all the data on the card can be lost. My solution is to photograph and switch out 32GB cards multiple times throughout the day and leave a 256 or 240GB card in slot 2. By having to switch cards more often, I limit the amount of potential issues to one card and losing all information on one card. Every photographer has a card that will go bad once in a blue moon, but with proper care this is a negligible issue. And honestly speaking, one wedding I did have to use the benefit of my system because one of the smaller cards went bad. And I had part of the wedding portion that could’ve been lost right there on my back-up card.

More important is what happens to the images after the photo shoot. I use a Nexto 2TB SSD portable hard drive I back-up to. I believe in having duplicates or redundancies. My wife makes fun of me (in good humor – she knows I’m slightly OCD and 100% nerd lol).

Every photographer should have a backup plan in place to save images. My own methodology is to save my photos immediately to a separate hard drive at home, uploaded into the Cloud, on my computer, on that portable hard drive, and I don’t delete the memory cards until your images are fully edited and sent to you. I keep all of your images on their original cards for safe keeping. Only after the delivery of the final images do I erase the cards I used during your wedding day. And you should know I always keep your images. So that’s five redundant copies of your images saved across three different mediums. Trust me, your images are safe (I upload them into the Cloud in case the house catches on fire – off-site storage is safe).

14. Taking too long with family and bridal party portraits

We have all been in weddings where it felt like the portrait process took ages. I know you want to get to the bar cocktail party. The whole point of a wedding is to have a good time and celebrate the couple in love.

As such, I limit my family portrait time to 30 minutes, and my bridal party portraits to 20 minutes. It really should never take any longer than this, barring any specific requests from the bride and groom like photos in a different location. My belief is that the best photos from any event come when the guests don’t know that the camera is even there.

Portraits, while a wonderful way to record who was there and what they were wearing, are just that – a record. The energy and personality of your event can only be told through candid photography that allows your unique and expressive personality to shine through, and that’s what I want to concentrate my time on. Of course, we will also create some posed pictures to show a particular look and aesthetic – consistent with what you see from my pictures on my website. Past brides whose weddings I have had the honor of documenting told me posed pictures they saw on my site and even their own posed pictures didn’t look posed, and the bride would describe the pictures as “comfortable”, in response to looking at other wedding pictures on my website when they would book me.

To help make sure the portrait time goes as smoothly – and quickly – as possible, I always ask my clients for a list of who is to be photographed during family and group pictures. This time can happen before ceremony after Getting ready or after ceremony. Maybe you don’t need every family combination or a photo with each individual bridesmaid? If not, let’s save some time. Although, I do like to do Bridal party pictures with Bride, Groomsmen pictures with the Groom, and entire Wedding Party pictures with both Groomsmen and Bridesmaids together. Then, when I photograph each group alone (normally I photograph Bridal Party with each bridesmaid and Bride together and my second photographer will photograph each groomsmen with groom).

To help ensure all of those important immediate family members are accounted for and able to be found. I ask the couple to designate an event guide who can find notable people on the group shot list who is familiar with who those people are. This will help expedite the photo process and ensure no important people have been left out.

15. Special Moments and Details Not Captured

When you have a wedding and you hire us to document your wedding day, you may have specific shots you want captured and details you expect to be photographed. Timelines, special moment and detail lists, and family and group lists are crucial to capturing specific requests you have.

When communicating with your photographer during their Planning and Timeline meetings (we recommend asking to have two meetings; one meeting is Meet and Greet, Connect, Learn About Wedding Vision and Planning and Timeline meetings) In the Planning and Timeline meeting, we usually request shot lists from the bride and groom for Formal Family and Group pictures and for specific Detail and Decor they need captured, in particular.

If you want all your special details captured, make sure your photographer has a second shooter in the base collection, your photographer has met with you for a special Planning and Timeline meeting where you and they sit-down together (Zoom counts) to discuss wedding day logistics required to capture your wedding day vision, and create a shot list of important details and moments to photograph (e.g., ornate cake we spent $6,000 on decorated with plush rose buds…) and list of people to photograph during family and group pictures after ceremony. What is the best way to create this Formal Family and Group list? The best way to create this shot list is to write down all the names of those people in your immediate family you need photographed, organize and place those names into groups based on familiar orientation, then, think of how to conceptualize those groups to be photographed and place a number by them - Group 1, Group 2, etc…

If you’re hiring a professional wedding photographer in Houston chances are they have a second shooter built into their base collection. I know I do. I show up at least 1 hour early so I can spend time photographing the bridal details. Then my attention is solely focused on the bride & her girls.  Then my attention gets redirected to focusing solely on the bride & groom during the ceremony, and my second shooter will capture candids and expressions of the bridal party & family members in the crowd. Before the ceremony my 2nd shooter helps to capture ceremony site details, & we both work on reception details just like the beautiful cake made by Cakes By Gina featured in South Asian Astorian wedding in Houston I photographed. 

You should never hire a photographer thinking you want to change their style in terms of lighting, action shots, or editing. But that said, what clients can suggest to me on Pinterest is a specific pose, feel, or location and then I can do my best to put my own spin on the photo. I never want to copy another photographer’s work, but I can definitely incorporate the sentiment of the work into my own. Bottom line: I want you to be happy. It seems that some photographers have in their mind one version of the wedding, while the bride had a completely separate perspective. Here’s how to fix that: communication. My whole motto is that these are YOUR photos, not pretty pictures for my portfolio. Within the parameters of my artistic vision and style, the photos I take should reflect what you – the client – want. I always send my clients a ‘homework’ sheet that has a long list of both people you want me to include in portraits (grandmother coming over from Sicily, etc.) as well as a list of details or DIY projects you want to make sure I photograph. I also work with my clients to create a visual mood board through Pinterest thus ensuring we are on the same page, artistically-speaking. This gets a bit tricky because my style is my style. I can never see the world through any other lens but my own.

16. Guests Won't Show Up

Most of the guests you invite to your wedding are close family and friends.  It's important to remember they are genuinely happy for you and excited to share in your special day.  

Situations may arise that prevent certain guests from attending.  Maybe they have a family emergency or a sick child.  Unfortunately, these things are out of your control. Remember to focus on the present moment - what you are currently doing - at the wedding. At the wedding, you are surrounded by wonderful people who love you and want to share your wedding celebration with you. So, don’t let it get to you. Do some shots with your girls and party-it-up!

While you might feel disappointed, don't let it ruin your entire day.

17. Bad Weather

In our region, it's pretty rare that summertime weather causes a lot of issues.  However, if you're having a winter or spring wedding, weather will certainly need to be a consideration.

I know it's much easier said than done, but you can't let weather ruin your day. Winter weddings are a bit of a gamble, so you have to make the best out of whatever situation you're dealt.

The biggest concerns for my team and I: getting our gear wet because its all very expensive and who wants to get wet anyway?!?

If rain is a possibility on your wedding day. Check with your venue’s what is it rains plans. A lot of venues have indoor ceremony options. And we are lighting specialists. So, be assured if we must photograph your ceremony inside, your wedding pictures will be beautifully lit with soft and strong lighting that will not blow-out the details of your white wedding gown from Vivienne Atelier that you spent $4,000 at least on and we will be able to light a possibly darker venue space, like the luxurious Astorian wedding venue in Houston Heights area. We have photographed many wedding ceremonies in there. All brides have been happy with their wedding pictures when we photographed their ceremony and reception inside that dark, art deco space.

18. You Won't Look Your Best

You might have a bad hair day or you might wake up with an unsightly pimple.  Unfortunately, these things happen.  But that's why you hired a professional hairstylist.  They can use their experience to help deal with those difficult hair days.  

And if you wake up with a pimple, your professional makeup artist will use their expertise to conceal it.

Don't worry about your photographs - if you hired a professional photographer, they will go the extra mile to ensure your skin looks flawless!

19. Bad Photographs

This is one of the biggest fears among brides.  They won't look amazing in their photographs.  

Hopefully, you hired a professional photographer and have also allowed for ample time for your pictures.  They are committed to making you look beautiful because this is their livelihood. When I photograph you on your wedding day, I would put you into similar posing we went through on your engagement and bridal session. 

Think of your engagement and bridal sessions as warm-up for the big day, in terms of, posing. Don’t worry…I am not one of these nit-pick posing photographers. But, I may ask you to “put you weight on your back leg, bend your front leg with a slight knee bend, lean towards the camera and drop your front shoulder a little (to bring your eyes closer to the camera and de-emphasize your waist and body – and yes -- it actually does make a difference between standing normal and following my directions. Brides who saw the before and after were amazed at the change, although they do admit doing that pose feels weird but they love the results!)”. 

I have invested countless hours of studying and learning, practicing with models, and studying new poses through studying new work and work from different photographers, so I can be prepared to deliver to you a variety of simple-looking and easy to do poses that help your wedding pictures look beautiful and timeless. My goal for your wedding pictures: put the emphasis on your and allowing your unique personalities to show. The purpose of the pose is to put you into a pleasing shape and give you something to do so you’re not standing there lifeless. 

Lastly, trust your photographer.  When you hire a professional photographer you're hiring them for their personality, expertise, creativity, and professionalism.  Now it's time to work together in creating beautiful photographs!

20. Vendors Not Showing Up

Another big fear among brides!  This is why it's critical to hire professional wedding vendors that work with contracts.  

Many couples have hired a cheap DJ or photographer.  The person or people they hired showed up in sweatpants, late, drunk or not at all.  

Your wedding day is filled with enough stress.  Hire professional and reputable vendors.

21. Being Ill

Most likely you've spent the past 12-16 months planning your wedding.  You've spent countless hours researching online, meeting with wedding vendors, and stressing over every detail.  

It's natural for the "what ifs" to run through your mind.  And one of bit ones is what happens if I become ill?  

There's only so much you can do to prevent it from happening, but a few weeks before the wedding you should make sure to do the following:

·       Get plenty of sleep!

·       Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!

·       Include some light exercising (i.e. walking, light running on a treadmill, etc.)!

Taking these steps doesn't guarantee you'll avoid getting sick, but it gives your body the best chance to fight off any illnesses.  

22. Forgetting The Rings

Whenever we discuss wedding planning, we stress the importance of being organized.  

Prior to the big day, take some time to make a list of everything you'll need on the wedding day.  Be sure to include the person or people who will be responsible for each detail on the list.  

Having a good checklist will go a long way in preventing potential disasters!

23. Worrying About Drunk Guests

Every couple has a few people on the guest list they worry will over do it with the alcohol.  

You don't need drunk guests behaving inappropriately or causing a scene.  This is your day and you have paid a lot of money to make it a beautiful, classy event.   If you notice someone is becoming intoxicated, don't hesitate to have the bartender stop serving them or let them know they will no longer be served. 

You can even place someone in charge of handling these situations should they arise.  

24. Being The Center Of Attention

Many people hate being the center of attention.  

It makes them feel self-conscious and anxious.  I've seen brides get so worked up over being the center of attention they feel faint.  

You probably know at least 95% of guests very well.  And I'm sure you have spent a lot of time in their presence.  

They're your friends.  They love you.  And they are sincerely happy for you.  

Enjoy your moment.  

25. You'll Embarrass Yourself

This is a common fear for many brides. Moving around in your wedding dress is not always the easiest of tasks and many brides fear they will trip or fall while walking down the aisle. This is part of the "what ifs" again.  It's human nature to imagine these embarrassing situations, but it's how we deal with them that's really important.  

Instead of imagining yourself tripping as you walk down the aisle, imagine yourself gracefully and elegantly walking down the aisle. Envision yourself in the moment. When we see ourselves accomplishing a task in our minds-eye. We talk to our subconscious and replace that negative self-talk with what we want done and what is positive. Believe in yourself and that you are valuable because you are!

See your partner waiting for you at the alter, see the smiling faces of your guests, see yourself in your beautiful dress, smell the flowers, and imagine yourself successfully walking down the aisle.

When you feel anxiety about this moment, close your eyes and imagine these details.  Come the wedding day, it will reduce your stress because you've already seen yourself do it.  

26. Wedding Won't Go As Planned

Planning a wedding is an emotional experience. You spend countless hours fussing over every detail.  It's natural to worry that something will go wrong. The truth is - something usually will go wrong. I'm not telling you this to add to your stress, but rather reduce it.  How can this possibly reduce your stress? Expect and accept that something is going to go wrong.  It's very difficult for an event of this magnitude not to have a few bumps in the road.  But if you expect something to go wrong, it's a lot less likely you will be devastated when it does. Look this beautiful Bride photographed during her Wedding-day Bridal session. We had 10 minutes and only one location (reduced from 3 locations and 45 minutes reserved in timeline I made for Bride. Refer to “3. Timeline: Not Having Enough Time” above to read complete story).

It's all about your mindset. This bride didn’t allow that little setback to effect the rest of her wedding day. Instead, she thanked me for helping her guide her through her wedding day and helping her by being patient with her. Her, her husband and I are friends today. He asked me to create his LinkedIn professional branding corporate headshot.

27. No One Will Dance

If you've ever experienced a wedding where no one is dancing, it's awkward to say the least.  

But this is why it's so crucial to hire a professional DJ and one who has a good reputation with other wedding vendors in the style you prefer. I stress this because like me, hiring a “professional wedding photographer” is not sufficient. Then, you must learn about if you get a long with that person or team, if they create pictures in the style you prefer, are they able to show you multiple full weddings where you see consistent routine and shots captured throughout those weddings, and does this person sound they have a grasp on your wedding day and what you want to create. Connecting is sooo important. If all you’re looking for is merely getting that service and you want cheap…that’s on you lol. What you get…Well… you know the saying: you get what you pay for haha lol.  

A good DJ has experience in "reading" crowds.  They know how to get people up on the dance floor and having a good time. If you’re wedding is classic-chic ivy league graduates who want to dance and party. That DJ will know which types of music to play. If the crowd is more relaxed, and chill people. The DJ will know which music to play.

For more information on wedding-day problems we solve while other companies struggle with. Contact us to learn about how we may provide peace-of-mind to you on your unique wedding day!