Tips for Getting Your BEST Wedding Day Photos | Arden Photography

If you’re a soon-to-be bride or a newlywed you know how much time and effort goes into wedding preparation. One of the many things that is or has been on your mind is: photos. Photography is the one of the only mediums that will allow you to reminisce and visually share this special day of yours, so on the day of your wedding the last thing you want to overthink is how your pictures are going to turn out. Below are a few tips to consider when preparing for your wedding celebration to ensure that your pictures look like they came straight out of a page in a magazine.

• 3-6 months before:

  • Diet and Exercise Regimen: If you feel you need to get “more in shape” before your wedding, allow yourself ample time to adjust to a healthy, regulated lifestyle. Don’t rush this process, as long as you feel your very best on your wedding day, that’s all that matters.

  • Schedule: Finalize a wedding day schedule so that everyone including the wedding planner, hair and makeup team, photographer, florist, and vendors are all on the same page. This will keep the day going smoothly without any hiccups.

  • Know Your Angles: Being comfortable in front of the camera is a MUST when aspiring to have amazing pictures. We ALL have a side we favor when taking pictures. Make this known to the photographer so they know to photograph you in a way that makes you feel confident. It’s also not a bad idea to practice taking photos to learn what poses flatters you best.

  • Hair and Makeup: If you're hiring a hair and makeup artist, utilize the months leading up to your wedding to do a trial run. Not only will this ensure that you love how you will look on your special day, but you can also plan to get your engagement session done after being glammed up to knock several things off of you to-do list.

• 1-2 months before:

  • Hair: Get your hair trimmed and colored a couple months leading up to your wedding. This will make sure that your hair looks fresh and healthy on your wedding day, and it will also ensure that if any mishaps occur that you can get it fixed in plenty of time,

  • Teeth: Just face it, you will be smiling A LOT on your wedding day which makes having pearly whites an essential! Go to your dentist or purchase whitening strips to keep your smile bright and fresh.

  • Facial: Getting a facial done will allow your skin to be smooth, clear, and refreshed in your photos. Giving enough time in between your facial session and the photographs is a must, though. This allows time for any possible reactions or flare-ups.

  • Special Picture Requests: By this point, you should have a pretty good idea of how your wedding day schedule will encompass your picture spots. Have some good ideas in mind? We want to know! Set the expectation for us because we want your visual memories to be unique and personal to you!

• The week of:

  • Manicure: Having your nails nice and neat ensures those desired ring shots are satisfactory and on point!

  • Ring Cleaning: We want your ring to shine on your hand and in your pictures. You’ll take everyone’s breath away with a fresh, shiny ring.

  • Wax/Shave: Wax and shave any unwanted hair from your body. We have professional cameras for a reason: to pick up EVERY detail. Don’t want it in your photos? Get rid of it.

  • Don’t Pick: What could I possibly mean by this? You’ve been planning your wedding for awhile now and have picked or assisted in picking out everything. What I mean is: don’t pick your face. Plain and simple. Makeup artists are there for a reason, and swollen faces should not be a prerogative. If you have a flare up try a trusted topical treatment you’ve been using, ice it, or stay away from mirrors to avoid the compulsion.

• Night before/Day of:

  • Sleep: It’s hard. Excitement and nerves are coursing through your body, but a good night’s rest (7-8 hours) will keep the dark circles, stress, and exhaustion from creeping in.

  • Hydrate/Snack: So many brides forget to stay hydrated and eat on their wedding day. Whether that be from pure forgetfulness or refusing to do so, it is SO important to drink water and eat to avoid headaches, nausea, or even passing out. We want you to stay happy and healthy on your special day!

  • Take a Peek: Unsure of how pictures are turning out or out of pure curiosity, if you want to take a look at what we’re capturing, it’s okay to ask ever so often.

  • Timeliness: Make sure to stick to the planned schedule. We don’t want you to feel rushed and we also want to be able to capture everything we and yourself had planned.

During getting ready moments make sure you’re happy with the final outcome of your hair and makeup and take time to sip on your preferred beverage and grab a snack.

Angles. Are. Everything. Look at how beautiful these brides are! Their posing is so elegant and flattering.

Special picture requests can include anything from special loved one group shots to fur baby photo-ops. Also, take a look at how beautiful these rings are! A cleaning goes a LONG way in photos.

What to Consider for Your Wedding Day: Special Picture Requests | Arden Photography

More often than not, couples depend on their photographer’s expertise when picture time comes around on their wedding day. Poses, who’s photographed with who, location, and time of day are a few of the many things photographers take into consideration when directing their photographs to make sure that the day goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

But what happens when you trust your photographer’s routine, yet you want to make sure they capture a specific moment during your special day? You ask, of course. Special picture requests are not uncommon, and they are also a way to give your wedding memories a unique and personable vibe.

Now you’re probably wondering, “What could be considered a special picture request?”

Well, as mentioned earlier, most photographers have a routine or timeline they follow for weddings. Getting ready photos; pre-ceremony photos that include the first look (if you’re into that), bridal party, groom’s party, and immediate family pictures; ceremony photos; post-ceremony photos if you didn’t do a first look (or just want more couple portraits) that can also include friend and family group shots; and, lastly, reception photos.

Photographers usually do the basics of formal posing of the bride and groom while incorporating family and friends to record who was a part of the celebration, as well as detail shots of the floral arrangements, invitations, food, jewelry… you know, the works.

If you have something in mind that doesn’t fall into the realm of the aforementioned categories, that's when you request for a special picture.

Examples of special picture requests are listed below to give you an idea of what might take your wedding photographs to the next level; and as said earlier, if it’s not mentioned… just ask. We want to make your day as special as you have always dreamed it to be.

• A location that the photographer and you didn’t previously discuss

• Personal trinkets

• Family Memories, photos of grandparents

• Specific poses

  • Silly, high-fashion, meaningful, etc.

• Specific people

  • Those that might fall outside of immediate/close family and the bridal/groom’s party

• A specific act

  • Usually asked when the act is outside of “normal” wedding routine

• A specific setting

  • Sunsets, fireworks, snow, etc.

Happy Wedding Anniversary to Lauren & Graham | Arden Photography

Happy EARLY one-year anniversary to Lauren and Graham! Arden Photography was beyond over-joyed to be included in your wedding celebration on April 28 2018, especially at our special place we call home, Windwood Equestrian. I loved being able to relive this beautiful day looking through your photos. You guys are truly a beautiful couple, inside and out, and I wish you so much love for the future.

Happy Anniversary to Hannah & McKinley | Arden Photography

Happy one-year anniversary to this lovely couple! Hannah and McKinley got married at Windwood Equestrian on April 14, 2018. This couple is so kind-spirited, and I loved being able to spend your wedding day with the both of you. Much love from Arden Photography, and well wishes of happiness in the future.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Laura & Carter | December 15, 2018 | Arden Photography

‘Tis the season of giving, and, oh, how we were gifted with this wedding at Windwood as an early Christmas present. Laura looked undeniably stunning in her long-sleeved lace gown from Ivory & White accessorized by her white rose and periwinkle accented bouquet from Southern Posies. The precious flower girl prepared the aisle for the bride with white rose petals, and when the climax of the ceremony occurred, Carter dipped Laura into, what I would imagine as, an unforgettable kiss that quite literally left everyone happily shocked, especially the flower girl. As the night brought in the chill, Iz and Top Notch Catering provided excellent dining as guests bopped along to the band and fur coats were brought out to ward of the cold. When the newlyweds began to leave, their guests lined the walkway with sparklers and congratulatory shouts as they signed off the day with a goodbye kiss meant as a cheers for their future.

It’s all. in the details.

A little curiosity never hurts any one.

Winter wedding bliss.

It actually got cold enough this evening to pull out the fur coat!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Julie & Chase | December 15, 2018 | Arden Photography

This young couple took classic glam to a whole other level. Fur coats were worn to deter the brisk wind. Vintage vehicles were utilized to emulate a vibe right out of the 40s and 50s. And a reception area decorated with flowing white curtains and fairy lights hung from the ceiling. It’s as if you walked right into an old Hollywood film. After cutting their wedding cake and gracing their guests with their first dance, the newlyweds left with a passionate kiss under a shower of sparklers and an impression to last a lifetime.

Something blue peeking its way through.

Old Hollywood vibe.

On the way to their reception and to make more amazing memories.

Sparkler shower!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Amanda & Todd | November 16, 2018 | Arden Photography

Mid-November at Windwood Equestrian was met with this quaint, but intimate wedding. Simple, classic, and timeless is how I would describe this communion of shared love. A bouquet of white and light pink roses surrounded by the daintiness of baby’s breath, an elegant, cap-sleeved gown, and of course photo-ops with the most precious fur-baby as well as our own horses. This couple exuded Old Hollywood glam to the ‘T,’ their love finally being officiated with the simple, but meaningful, words of, “I do.” A couple of engraved champagne glasses and one fur shawl to keep out the chill later, the newlyweds were ready to be on their way to their new beginning.

Simple, classic, timeless.

Fur-babies add a personal and eclectic touch to any photo.

“Just Married!”

They look like a famous Hollywood couple!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Ivana & Mitri | November 3, 2018 | Arden Photography

Although it was the beginning of November, this bubbly bride had flowers intertwined in her hair and Henna-adorned hands. This jovial bridal party definitely brought a new take on their version of a wedding to Windwood. The flower girl donned a dress with a train to make any pageant queen jealous, and the ring-bearers sported paperboy-esque attire with cowboy boots. After the ceremony, Happy Catering and Magnificent Cakes left everyone feeling stuffed with contentment, while Blanton Reed performed their own classic rock renditions and dance favorites. During the reception, one of Windwood’s resident miniature horses made his debut, and let me tell you, he was an absolute hit! This sweet couple left for their honeymoon in a cloud of congratulations and well wishes for the future.

Beautiful Henna detailing.

All smiles.

From father to groom.

Our mini-horse made its debut here!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lacey & David | October 27, 2018 | Arden Photography

Just around the corner from Halloween, Windwood celebrated the marriage of Lacey and David. The weather was just beginning to cool down in Alabama, and the day provided the most heavenly wind to keep everyone comfortable in the mid-day warmth. A full bouquet from Stems & Styles decorated the bride’s arms, filled with white roses, fern, and wild field grass. You could see the loving emotions in the couple’s eyes as they exchanged wedding gifts with one another during their first look. Four sweet children gathered around the squatting bride as they curiously prodded at her with only a semblance of what was actually taking place. At the finale of the ceremony, David dipped Lacey low as he kissed her, her veil trailing the ground. The newlyweds completed their wedding traditions of feeding one another their wedding cake from Pen & Pastry and throwing the bouquet into a crowd of young hopefuls as Z and the Party Faktory played dance-inducing music. At the end of their reception, they led their guests outside, hands clasped together, and left, happiness pouring from their faces.

Gazing toward a future filled with loyalty, love, and trust.

So much love for this beautiful bride.

Award for the lowest dip goes to…..

Excitement everywhere!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Katie & Steven | October 20, 2018 | Arden Photography

Katie looked absolutely timeless in her blush ballgown from Bella Couture, chic chignon, and makeup that accentuated her hazel eyes. Windwood Equestrian became enlightened with the presence of this stunning bride and bridal party as well as the handsome groom. A flower girl with the clearest blue eyes and white roses atop her head prepared the aisle for the bride and her proud father to make their way to the altar. A finalizing kiss and celebratory arm raise finished the newlyweds ceremony as they made their way to feed each other their wedding cake decorated with white roses from Edgar’s. The beaming married couple left their guests in a slew of glow sticks, raucous laughter, and fond memories.

Classic beauty.

Absolutely adore those blue eyes.

A sweet way to begin a beautiful future.

Pure joy!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Victoria & Zack | October 6, 2018 | Arden Photography

Fall was only beginning when this smiling bride made her way to Windwood Equestrian to begin getting ready for her wedding day. A bouquet of red and pink roses and tendrils of greenery was held in her fingers as well as atop the flower girl’s head. Red, pink, and white rose petals bountifully lined the walkway to the aisle as the ring-bearer toddled hand-in-hand with the flower girl as they made their way toward the groom. An intimate portion of the ceremony filled with private prayers between the bride, groom, and officiant was hidden under the arbor away from the curious guests. As they finished the ceremony in the public’s view, the newlyweds made their way to the reception area to celebrate their vows and have their first dance. A wedding cake inlaid with white and green roses and peach rosebuds sat waiting for the couple to be shared, and the night ended with a dramatic dip and kiss in front of the crowd waving them off to their honeymoon.

Getting ready details.

A beautiful flower crown for a beautiful flower girl.

Rose petals that lead to new beginnings.

A kiss to the future.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Natalie & Brian | September 29, 2018 | Arden Photography

Arden Photography took a trip to the Grand Bohemian Hotel, and it almost was as if I had stepped into a Disney princess tale. Red roses and purple irises and orchids decorated the bouquet of the bride as well as the altar backdrop and reception area. Ruby red Jimmy Choo’s were donned by the glowing bride in her lace ballgown with a train that flowed several feet behind her. Pristine white walls, a golden chandelier, and the aforementioned floral arrangements made up the ceremony room. Guests were awestruck by the beauty of the newlyweds as well as the elaborate venue. Their first dance was reminiscent of the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast, and their eclectically decorated wedding cake towered over the couple as they shared a toast to their future. 

“There’s no place like home.”

A true princess-day.

Purple orchids and red roses anyone?

Does this make anyone reminisce of ‘Tale as Old as Time’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast?’

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Anna & Trevor | September 22, 2018 | Arden Photography

Cheers were given early and often on this wedding day at Windwood. Laughter and beautiful white bouquets from Richardson’s Flowers were displayed about the bridal suite. A stunning bride and handsome groom smiled fondly at one another, eyes crinkled and sparkling with happy tears. Their first look including a grateful message of “Thank You” sported across rustic, wooden signs toward those who came to celebrate their shared love. Soft giggles and open-mouthed faces were given to guests as Anna made her way down the aisle toward her excited groom. Jim ‘N Nick’s fueled the newlyweds and their audience as they made grand movements of dips and twirls in their first dance. Champagne was shared with intertwined arms as they each took a bite of their three-tier wedding cake from Dreamcakes, and the night ended with jovial singing and grooving up onstage.

Cheers to the soon-to-be Mrs. Tow!

First looks for loved ones: friends, family, and groom.

Sweet love.

Reception necessities: a dramatic dip, champagne toasts, songs to scream every word to, and fun-filled exit.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lindy & Archie | September 11, 2018 | Arden Photography

Summer was finally coming to a close, and Arden Photography was not at our usual venue for this particular wedding. This darling bride’s day begun at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. A beautiful venue that featured a large cross-shaped stained-glass window at its apse above its glistening white elevated altar. Light-hearted conversations were held while the bridal party sipped on their coffee, and embraces of excitement were shared between mother and daughter. Lindy glowed in the late-summer sun, smiles of “today’s finally the day” passed around to everyone she looked at. The bride and groom all but skipped out of the church, hands intertwined, arms raised in celebration at the finale of their ceremony. I captured the beaming newlyweds under a sunset of brilliant pink, orange, and lilac hues; a promise of a new-day’s beginning as a married couple on the horizon. Sparklers lit their path to their foreseen honeymoon as congratulations and well-wishes were enthusiastically called out to the couple.  

Starbucks sips, soft smiles, and dainty details.

Who doesn’t love ring-bearer hugs?

“We did it!”

Sunsets and sparklers? I think yes.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Hallie & Logan | July 28, 2018 | Arden Photography

It’s late-July for this wedding celebration, and there is an overflow of laughter coming from our bridal suite. A now practical wedding signature of silk robes were worn by this lovely bridal party as they all gathered around the soon-to-be Mrs. Biggs and showered the bride with compliments and caring embraces. Hallie’s bouquet of peach, coral, and white roses complemented the simplicity of her lace trumpet-style gown as well as the season she intended to be wed. Words of encouragement and love poured from her father’s lips as he prepared to hand over his daughter at the altar. You could truly see the love he has for Hallie as he walked her down the aisle beaming with confidence and rosy cheeks. Feel the Beat Entertainment carried the sweet couple to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, and the guests soon followed suit. Their wedding cake from Magnificent Cakes donned the same color scheme of roses to match the bride’s bouquet and quickly vanished as people lined up to get a taste. Light sticks with congratulatory statements were waved in the air as Mr. and Mrs. Biggs drove away from Windwood for continued celebration.

Daddy’s girl.

Devoted kisses, quick dips, and mischievous grins.

Married under the arbor.

Kissing the fiancé life goodbye, and saying hello to the Mr. and Mrs.!

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lauren & Hall | June 9, 2018 | Arden Photography

Halfway through 2018, and Windwood is met with one of the most fun-natured couples to be wed here. Lauren, the bride, is constantly radiating with smiles and positivity, and her groom, Hall, continuously throws open-mouthed, wide-eyed faces at the camera. Before donning her gown from Ivory & White, I am able to capture a few fond moments of Lauren with some of Windwood’s permanent residents. After their first look and a lot of goofiness, the couple was ready to be separated, but only for a short moment. Smiles were passed along every guest as they witnessed these two fun-loving characters come together as one. The husband with his, now, wife gently held his Lauren’s face in his palms as he beamed at her, eyes so scrunched one would think they had disappeared. Contented looks were thrown at one another as the day finally settled to its final moments of sharing their wedding cake with one another, from Magic Muffins, and grooving their way out to their honeymoon destination with tunes from Emerald Empire Band playing in the background.

One of our very own horses making its wedding debut.

Lots of sweet friends and one loving groom.

Happiness truly radiates to others.

Special memories shared as one.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Meredith & Albert | June 2, 2018 | Arden Photography

I remember this day at Windwood Equestrian like it was yesterday. Summer was at full force, a blazing sun had no ounce of shame as it glinted off of every reflective surface its rays could reach. Despite the heat, the giggles, excited nerves, and wandering eyes of this precious couple made it all the while. Meredith donned a timeless gown from Carriage House that drove her groom to tears when he was finally able to take a peek at his bride during their first look. The tears were quickly replaced with loving glances and an embrace filled with compliments to his soon-to-be Mrs. A blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel ran about the bridal party and caused an eruption of laughs with her flirty sideways glances and teetering skip. Kisses were stolen quickly and often post-ceremony, almost as if to check to make sure the whole experience was real. Beautiful floral arrangements from Laurel Greene Studio were meticulously placed about the reception area, while Happy Catering and Kathy G took care of another sense. The sound of Motown drifted through the dancing couples from Accent; and before the newlyweds could make their escape in a shower of rose petals, they shared their first wedding cake bite together under a chandelier of white roses and baby’s breath.

Details. Details. Details.

A first look at a beautiful future.

“Is this even real?”

A morning, a day, a night to remember.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Abigail & Mathew | May 27, 2018 | Arden Photography

This sweet summer wedding in late May brought (actual) sunshine to us at Windwood Equestrian. Sunflowers filled the bride’s bouquet as it emulated the sun shining on our faces throughout this wedding day. They also showcased their rays at the altar and even on their wedding cake. It’s not a lie when they say the color yellow brings joy! You could see the loyalty and trust in these newlywed’s eyes, characterized by military relationships, throughout their first look, when the bride made her way to her groom, and as they left in a frenzy of glow sticks that kept their honeymoon path aglow. Arden Photography extends well wishes of luck and love to Abigail & Mathew!

Simply classic.

Man’s best friend photo-ops are always the best!

Sunflowers added a pop of color to this summer wedding!

Lots of smiles for the newlyweds.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Larkin & Garrett | May 19, 2018 | Arden Photography

Summer was quickly approaching at Windwood Equestrian as the days reigned longer and the nights became warmer. Arden Photography celebrated the marriage of Larkin and Garrett in mid-May, their love burning just as the sun on our backs as we stood outside to take formal pictures. Everyone watched in awe as the, quite literally, glowing bride made her way down the aisle, sun at her back and arm-in-arm with her beaming father. As do all ceremonies, it went by fast in a flurry of loving glances and personal vows to one another, sealed with a kiss and a promise of forever. Happy Catering kept the love flowing with full tummies, and Olexa’s featured a wedding cake drizzled with dripping chocolate sauce and surrounded by chocolate-covered strawberries. Goodbyes were compassionately said as the newlyweds boarded their convertible to continue their night together.

Details and shadow play.

Accent colors can tie a look all together.

Before, during, and after the ceremony. What’s your favorite ceremony moment?

Creating memories to last for a lifetime.

The Ultimate Wedding Recap | Lindsay & Blake | May 12, 2018 | Arden Photography

The beginning of May at Windwood Equestrian was met with this lovely bride and her beautiful entourage. Lindsay’s dress from Bella’s Bridal was so tasteful and classic, featuring a lace design with a sweetheart neckline on a trumpet style gown. Her bouquet following suit: timeless and simple. Periwinkle accents peaked through her otherwise white floral décor, and this accent made its way into the bridesmaid’s attire as they slowly made their way to the sides of the altar. This sweet couple was married under a canopy of trees at the peak of their greenery. At the reception, Taco Mama was served, although the way it was presented made it appear as if we were being served fine dining. The night flowed effortlessly, especially with the help of Feel the Beat Entertainment, and before I knew it, the couple was met with rose petals being tossed above their heads as they made their way to their get-away vehicle.

Smiling faces and sweet notes.

First look requirements: a loving couple, supportive friends, and, of course, a beautiful bouquet.

Ceremony under spring leaves.

Ciao!