Hey yo!  Happy Monday!  Today we have a special treat for you.  I know I say that a lot.  But I feel like every shoot is special.  :-)  Today begins a string of wedding blog posts that are NOT Colorado.  Kind of a breath of fresh air. :-) Last month we had three weekends in a row of travel.  Our stint of travel began in the heart of Washington state with the beautiful couple, Lisa and Joe.

You may remember Lisa’s brother, Kevin, and his wife, Eryn.  Their wedding was almost two years ago in South Carolina.  Definitely more about Lisa and Joe when we post their wedding tomorrow.  For now, take a peek at their rehearsal dinner and why it’s a good idea to have this event covered.

For the Bride, Groom, and Families:
– I think the #1 reason for hiring a photographer for your rehearsal dinner is because this night can be just as emotional as the wedding day, if not more.  Everyone is a little more laid back, the stress-level isn’t as high, and lots more folks have the opportunity to give toasts.  You don’t want to miss these  moments.

– Having a photographer at the rehearsal dinner gives the bride and groom a chance to get some beautiful portraits of themselves, not in wedding attire.  Sometimes it’s been a year since your engagement pictures, so this is also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera again before the big day.

– This night gives the parents a chance to get to know the photographers.

– The wedding day can be so busy that you, the parents, might forget to tell the photographer special requests.  This is a good time to talk about important shots/people.

For the Photographer:
– Scope out ceremony site and lighting beforehand. This is especially good if the wedding day timeline is super tight.

– Meet all the key players: parents, wedding party, coordinators, etc.

– If this is an out-of-state wedding and you’re meeting the couple for the first time, the rehearsal is a must.

– If the family portrait session is going to be a big one, this is a good chance to a.) take some extended family portraits and b.) inform everyone of where to be and when the next day.

–  I love the rehearsal dinners, mainly because it’s a chance for us to get comfortable with everyone and vise versa. :-)

Enjoy!
René