You've been planning this day for quite some time now. Putting your energy into this one day. We've talked about the time line and what you want photographed - but what is going to happen during the day? Keep reading to see how your day will play out (there are times where we have to change a few things, but don't worry, I'll be there to make sure your day goes smoothly as possible!)

When I arrive, I like to start with detail photos. Your gown, shoes, jewelry, perfume, bouquet, etc. You spend so much time and money getting all the little things together that they deserve their time to shine! Once everyone is dressed, they will help you get your dress,  shoes, and jewelry on. Be sure to eat and drink water (I know, I sounds like a Mom, what do you expect?!) It's going to be a long day and I just want to make sure everyone is okay.

I love doing first looks, it is your 1st intimate time before you two say "I Do!" This part is all you and your almost Husband! We talk about he is going to turn around but the rest is all you! This typically lasts about 10 minutes - then we go on to the bridal and family photos. I like to schedule them before the ceremony so you two can enjoy your cocktail hour.

We'll arrive before your ceremony starts to get the details. All you have to worry about is saying your "I Do's!" We'll capture everything from when you get there till when you exit the ceremony space! From then, we will be going to the reception space to start photographing there.

The bridal and family photos are typically done after the first look. Both normally last about 15-20 minutes. First, we'll get the whole bridal party together and then we'll separate the sides to photograph each party. Then, we'll get the families together. We'll have a list so we make sure no one is missed!

Before your guests enter, we get the details in the reception space. This is another favorite time of the day - because this is when the party starts! All the planning and stressing (Yes, it's true. And if you're reading this, please take time for yourself to chill!) is done and now its finally time to have fun (not that we weren't already!)

It all starts when your bridal party enters! Then all eyes on the newlyweds! First dance, parent dances, then let the party begin! We'll be there to capture everything. From cake cutting to all the break dancing! If you decide to, we'll go out when the sun is setting to get a few more photos of you and your husband/wife! After that, we are pretty much done for the day. It will be a long day, but we will have so much fun!

Amber did an amazing job planning their day and the weather couldn't have been any better! The golden light after their ceremony was beautiful for their formal photos. They danced the night away with their friends and family and ended with sparklers! I wish them all the best in their next chapter!

Noel is best friends with Jessica (who makes all of our cakes!!) So I was excited when she first messaged me saying she wanted me to photograph her wedding. The day started out at Noel's house then we ended up in Beachwood for their first look. Tim was so nervous but quickly calmed down when he saw his Bride! We had some fun on the dock with their bridal party. Their ceremony was at the same venue as their reception - which is always a plus! The weather could not be any better! Sunny and warm for September. The details were rustic but classic. Everyone had such a great time - thank you for letting me capture this new chapter in your life!

Sarah and Alex got married on a gorgeous day in April at the Stroudsmoor Inn in Stroudsburg, PA. When they told me where their wedding was going to be in the Poconos - I instantly knew this was going to be one of my favorite weddings to photograph! It was very elegant but you couldn't get away from those rustic details. The weather could not have been more perfect!

Sarah looked stunning in her gown and Alex was very dapper in his tuxedo. You could just feel the love between these two! Their ceremony was overlooking the mountains and the view was breathtaking. The couple danced and talked the day away with friends and family. I wish you two all the happiness this life has to offer. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rosemblat!

My bridal shower at Victoria on Main in Toms River, NJ was such a lovely time with friends and family. This bed and breakfast also serves tea with delicious scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts. I love the vintage decor - one of the reasons why I picked this place! My mother and bridesmaids helped make my shower a special day for me. I really felt like a bride and I was able to just relax and have a great time. I am extremely grateful for those that could attend - and I know a few that would be there if it weren't for life getting in the way. Although it was supposed to be a surprise - I figured out right away when a close friend asked me to go to her "belated birthday party" at the place where I wanted my bridal shower to be! I was still excited and loved every minute of the day. I can't thank my mom enough for putting this all together. Also, my bridesmaids went above and beyond to make the day special!

Hey loves!

I hope you all found my last blog post helpful - here is the link if you missed it
How to put together a Wedding Planning Notebook

Before I was engaged I was looking on Pinterest for ideas weddings in general. I came across this one link that lead me to making this binder idea. I thought to myself that this was such a get way to keep everything in one place. Now I can't take the credit for this but I do want you to have this binder in your life!

I did change a few things that fit better with my wedding planning. You may also have to do the same - which I think is better so you don't have unnecessary pages.

Supplies I used:
Binder, folder, page dividers with tabs to write on, notebook, clear zip pouch, pen

Categories I have:
Important - vendor contact list, bridal contact list, timeline, emergency kit check list
Budget - I have worksheets that helps me keep track of how much the cost is
Ceremony - contracts, officiant contact info, music, decor, program, save the date/invite
Reception - timeline, music, decor, set up, menu, beverage, favors, food/cake, speeches
Guests - accommodations +guest list tracker
Attire - makeup/hair/dress for bride and bridesmaids, attire for groom and groomsmen
Photography - photographer contact info + contract
Florist - florist contact info, worksheet, contract
Miscellaneous - registry info + honeymoon travel details

I also have a clear zippered pouch that I hold business cards, pen, and anything that I get that is important. I also made envelopes for tip money and have them in there as well. This is such a great idea to hold the little things instead of putting them in the folder where they can fall out and get misplaced easily.

Tip money envelopes

I thought this would be such a great way to know in advance who you will be tipping. Inside the envelope I wrote on a little piece of paper how much it costs me and how much the tip should be. That way I know how much I have and how much I have yet to put in. Then come wedding day, just remember to take out the piece of paper and give the envelope to hair stylist/makeup artist/photographer/etc.
Very stress free!!

Other than figuring out what fits your wedding the best, my job seems to be done for today! I hope you enjoyed this blog and I highly recommend you do this. If you guys have done anything different that has worked for you, please comment below!

Later Loves,
-Krista

Yay! You're finally engaged! This is one of the most happiest times of your life - so far :)

I know I was over the moon when my boyfriend proposed to me - on the Spiderman ride in Universal (how amazing is that?!) That was hands down one of the best days in my life. My best friend asked me to marry him - doesn't get any better than that!

Okay - so after announcing it to your friends and family on Facebook and other social media websites the panic might set in. All these ideas are coming to mind - what type of dress do you want? what type of flowers? what is the color scheme going to be? buffet or sit down? The list goes on and on...Don't Freak Out! I am going to list the different ways to make the planning a little easier.

Pinterest

Yes, some may say its the worst and they are right! I am addicted to this site, but its okay, I think we all are ;) I made several different boards so it is easier to go back when you are either looking for cake ideas or talking to your florist. (I made cute names for them - so be creative!)
My boards: To Have And To Hold: Dress/Accessories & Hair/Makeup
To Have And To Hold: Honeymoon Style
To Have And To Hold: Let Them Eat Cake
To Have And To Hold: Flowers
To Have And To Hold: Ceremony/Reception

Do what will work best for you - I figured this would be the best way for me since I freak out when the pins are everywhere. I will be putting some pins on my Pinterest board so you guys should go follow - and I'll follow back!

Tablet + Pinterest - I save my favorites that I have pinned and made folders in the gallery so I can look at them for inspiration.

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Phone + Tablet

I downloaded 2 different apps - both are free
1. The Knot Wedding Planner (phone only - my tablet doesn't support it)
2. Wedding LookBook by The Knot (both phone and tablet)

The Wedding Planner - This is such a great app for the bride that is always on the run. There is a time line to help stay on top of things you need to get done. You can also look for vendors, photographers, florists, etc.

The Wedding LookBook - I started looking on this app when trying to find what I liked for my dress (when actually going to try them on, I chose one that was no where near what I was looking at so keep that in mind!). They have added a few more features since I've started with it. This is great because you can choose what you want and the price range you want to stick to.

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Books + Magazines

When my fiance and I got back from vacation my boss and I went to Barnes & Noble to start looking at different books to get ideas. It was such a nice day - while we ate lunch at Starbucks, we looked at what each other picked out. I did purchase a few so I can look at them further when I got home. I got a few DIY books, some magazines for dresses, how to be smart with your money. Choose what books you think will be best. I do look at these a lot less then Pinterest, but it is nice to have a book in your hands :)

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Binder

I will go more in depth with this in the next blog post. This has helped me so much by keeping everything important in one spot. I found this idea on Pinterest, followed the link, and printed out the pages that I needed. If you don't think you will follow anything else from above, please do this! It will help you the most!

Okay - so I think I have said all that needed to be said! I apologize if this was a long one but there was so much information that I wanted you all the know. If something else that I did not mention work for you, please comment below! I would love to learn what you have done to help make this journey a little easier.

Later Loves!
-Krista

Hey everyone -

I have decided that I wanted to start blogging! How awesome is that?! I have a few topics that I am going to be talking about. Read below to find out :)

Engagements + Weddings - but not just about what I photograph. I am planning my own wedding for next July and I thought what a better way than to help those brides who may not know where to look for ideas or where to even begin! I will update the blog every step of the way - photos will be included!

Contests + Giveaways - who doesn't love them?! When I have anything dealing with this topic I will post about them on my blog. So be on the look out! :)

Photos from sessions - whenever I have a session or wedding, I will post them here. I can't wait for you all to see the amazing photographs taken so I will try my best to have them up as soon as possible.

Daily Life - now I wont post everything about my life here - but I will post the special moments. I want everyone to see what goes on behind the lens and to see who I really am (this will include my furbabies as well - they are a huge part of my life and I want to share them with you guys).

Last but not least - Business - when something awesome happens within Krista Marie Photography - you guys will be the first to know! I have so many amazing things planned and I can't wait to get it all in motion.

If there is something you want me to blog about - just let me know and I will certainly make time for it :)

I hope you all enjoy my blog ideas because I am so excited to be starting this!!

Later Loves,
-Krista