Ask the Photographer: "Why Should We Have an Unplugged Ceremony"

Welcome to the next installment in our "Ask the Photographer" series! Today we are addressing one of the newest trends in wedding photography that has been taking Pinterest and wedding blogs by storm, having an "unplugged" ceremony. A no phone, no Snapchat, no InstaStories ceremony where the only images that are being captured are by your trusty photographers. Some couples may not even consider asking guests to stow away their devices and our photographer friends are here to tell you why you should:

"I love an unplugged ceremony.  I think it’s especially important if you know that your crowd might be holding up phones and ipads during your ceremony.  Those many devices not only end up in the professional photographer’s images, but they subtract from the intimacy of the ceremony.  An uplugged ceremony really allows guests to give their full gift of presence!" -Ashley Seawell Photography

"Some of the most beautiful ceremony shots are ruined by not just Iphones, but Ipads hanging out of the aisle.  It is very frustrating, since obviously our photos are going to document the day best.  That is the beauty of the internet.  The guests will eventually have some form of access to the professional photos." -Mark Williams Studio

"Goodness there are so many benefits! From a photography standpoint, cellphones are definitely the most distracting and unattractive element of wide ceremony photos. Occasionally they are even in tighter shots, and I have even had people step out into the aisle to take their cell phone pictures, which can entirely block your photographers view and hinder your professional photos. Aside from a cosmetic point of view, unplugged ceremonies also allow your guests to be more present and for you to see their faces when you look out at them." -Britt Croft Photography

"As a lover of capturing a story and experiencing life with people I love, I fully understand when guests want to snap a few photos of their own as long as they are respectful! However, sadly more often than not I find that the guests inadvertently step into the shot right at the optimal moment. Having an unplugged ceremony benefits not only me as a photographer, and you as the recipient of photos, but also the guests! When they are able to focus wholly on the ceremony and moment, they aren’t worried about scooting into the aisle to get that first kiss shot or your newly married bliss as you walk back down the aisle! And that allows me to get the best angle for your special moments!" -Lauren Carnes Photography

If you are wondering if you should take an engagement session or if you and your fiance should have a first look, make sure to check out our first and second installments in the series as well!

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography.

A Wedding Must-Have, Flower Arch Inspiration | Wedding Planning Tips

One of our floral design elements that always takes people's breath away is our signature floral arch. While definitely on the higher end of the budget spectrum, we believe it is a wedding must-have. Your wedding ceremony is one of the most highly photographed areas of the entire day therefore putting more of your budget towards a stunning backdrop vs. a smaller detail such as handmade escort cards seems to make the most sense (but we're a little biased!).

It doesn't take as long to assemble these gorgeous arches as one would think! Our floral designers start with the tucking the hydrangea and other larger floral items into the water-soaked oasis blocks inside the wire form. They then begin to fill in with the smaller accent flowers that are a part of the overall floral design. For example in the second floral arch featured below, they started with the white hydrangea and greenery. Then they continued on with the featured flowers of garden roses, peonies, and orchids. Working around, from top to bottom and side to side, until the entire form is filled out evenly.

Below we have compiled a few of our absolute favorite flower arches our design team has assembled in the past. We have also included a few floral arches we have done over doorways as well! As you can see, we tend to go big or go home, but any kind of beautiful floral element is welcomed in our eyes!

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Image by Ashley Seawell Photography

Ask the Photographer: "Why Should We Do an Engagement Session?"

Our second installment in our photography tips series is especially for all you brand-spanking newly engaged couples! These days a majority of our couples take the time to schedule an engagement photo shoot with their newly booked wedding photographers, but for those of you who are on the fence here's what the experts say!

"Engagement sessions are not only such fun, but also allow you the chance to get in front of the camera before your big day! Let’s be real: when was the last time you had a photo done by something other than an iPhone? For some couples, that is: never! The engagement session gives us both the opportunity to get to know each other one-on-one and in person. I have the chance to hear your story and capture you two as a couple to let your personalities shine through, and you have the chance to get all dolled up for beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime and grace the walls next to your wedding day photos. Plus, who doesn’t love the excuse for a date night after the engagement session to celebrate?!" -Lauren Carnes Photography

"Engagement sessions are great for so many reasons!  I love that it gives me a chance to learn more about a couple.  Also, it’s fun preparation for the wedding day and gives couples a chance to be in front of the camera before the big day.  Most importantly, I think it’s nice to celebrate the actual engagement and walk away with photos in non-wedding attire!" -Ashley Seawell Photography

"Oh gosh there are so many reasons to do an engagement session! It really is like a “test run” before the wedding day. It’s the best opportunity for all three of us to get to know one another, for me to see what makes you all comfortable/how you interact with one another, and for you to get a feel for how I work and what to expect the rest of our time working together. I really believe that our time spent together at the engagement session lays the best foundation for the rest of your engagement - you know I’m truly on your team and want you guys to have fun with me and one another, and as a bonus you get some really beautiful, relaxed, informal photos of you and your fiancé doing everyday life together! And it’s the perfect time to include your furbabies, which I always love!" -Britt Croft Photography

"Engagement sessions are a GREAT way to relax, and not only get to know us, but for the Groom (and often the Bride) to get comfortable behind the camera.  Even though wedding photos are often the epitome of perfection on a formal level, our engagement sessions are always such a relaxed capture of the couple." -Mark Williams Studio

"Couples often use an engagement session as an opportunity to get a "Save-the-date" photo, but there are many other advantages as well! For one, I love the time it gives me to bond with my bride and groom - figure out their quirks, what makes them laugh, and hear their love story. I always feel like my couples have an easier time in front of the camera on their wedding day if they've had an engagement session first." -Whitney Wysong Photography

If you enjoyed this blog post, also make sure to read the first installment in this series!

Image by Lauren Carnes Photography