Wondering how to balance living in the moment with getting great photos of your New England wedding? Look no further.

1. Choose Your Wedding Party Wisely

Surround yourself with people who make you feel confident and comfortable. Your support system will make a huge difference during key moments on your wedding day, helping you to feel relaxed and at ease. They should also be your #1 fans so they can hype you up for those portraits!

A first look with your bridesmaids can help make you feel so confident!

2. Time Management is Everything

When planning your wedding timeline, set aside at least 90 minutes, if not more, specifically for formal portraits (45 minutes-1 hour for couples portraits and 45 minutes-1 hour for family). As an experienced New England photographer, I recommend this sweet spot for an 8-hour coverage package. This ensures we can capture everything from traditional family portraits to creative couples shots without rushing, especially because timelines often don’t go according to plan and that time could be shortened.

For this couples session, we only had ten minutes after their ceremony was delayed 30 minutes due to a late bus!

3. Consider a First Look

Consider a first look if you want to attend your cocktail hour after your ceremony - when not doing one, you will likely miss all or most of it in order to do family and couples portraits. This is a very personal decision however, and I always leave it up to my couples. Some couples prefer the excitement and the tradition of waiting to see each other at the altar!

4. Stay Connected Throughout Your Wedding Day

Whether you're exchanging vows in a historic church or on a scenic beach, stay physically connected during your ceremony. Hold hands at the altar and try to remain close throughout your celebration. Many couples tell me they wish they'd spent more time together during their reception.

This couple held hands during their ceremony at a historic venue in Cape Cod.

5. Go Unplugged

For the best ceremony photos at any venue, have your officiant announce an unplugged ceremony. This ensures clear shots of your processional and that perfect first kiss without guests' phones in the frame. Pro tip: make sure you are standing in the center of the altar and not slightly off to one side for more symmetrical photos!

6. Invest in Quality Entertainment

Want amazing candid photos of your guests enjoying your reception? Quality entertainment is key. A great band or DJ will keep your dance floor packed, creating countless opportunities for candid photos.

The Live Band “Hot Mess Boston” had this crowd going all night.

7. Choose Compatible Vendors

When selecting your wedding team, prioritize vendors who calm your nerves rather than amplify them. As your photographer, I will be with you from preparation through reception, so personality fit is crucial. I always recommend meeting potential photographers in person or via video chat before booking.

Pro tip: Hair and makeup artists book out way in advance just like photographers. Do not wait to book your hair and makeup trial because if you do not like your trial, you may not have enough time to find another artist. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a bad hair day on your wedding - it will take your focus away from having fun!

8. Time Your Ceremony for Perfect Light

Lighting can be tricky, but timing your ceremony right can make all the difference. Consider timing your outdoor ceremony for the hour before golden hour. This ensures comfortable lighting for you and stunning photos.

Ideal New England wedding ceremony times by season:

Spring - 3:00pm or 4:00pm

Summer - 5:00pm or 6:00pm

Fall - 3:00 or 4:00pm

Winter - 2:00pm or 3:00pm

9. Be Realistic When Making Your Shot List

Focus on the photos that matter most to you – whether that's scenic backdrops or intimate family groupings. A focused shot list allows more time for capturing natural moments and lets us take advantage of inspiration that we get in the moment.

Wedding days move fast - a lengthy shot list can sometimes mean less room for creativity.

10. Consider Adding a Second Photographer

For comprehensive coverage of your wedding day, especially at larger venues, a second photographer can be invaluable. They'll capture different angles during key moments and ensure more candid photos of your guests while the primary photographer focuses on the main events.