Aaron Watson Photography Blog – Charlottesville, Va

Holly

1. Do …think about having your vows and toasts video taped. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had such an amazing wedding, the only thing I wish we would have decided to do was video the vows and the toasts (at least) – we were overwhelmed with the thought and kind words that went into people’s toast and wish we could have those moments to re-live as you get to do with photos.

2. Don’t …stress about the small stuff. I know many people will give this advice but it’s so true. It’s a lot more imporant to enjoy your day and take it all in. I really had to repeat this mantra to myself so I didn’t get to that stressed point.

3. Don’t forget …a really good lip gloss. I am really not a make up person but I found with so much talking throughout the day my lips got dry so I was glad I had a really good lip gloss and lots of water.

4. Do hire …a good photographer and talk about your visions for capturing the day. This advice was given to me and I truly agree. Aaron and Kelsey did an amazing job discussing with us how the day would go and did such a lovely job capturing the events and emotions of the day. (Also I loved our florist – Woodmont Designs)

5. Do remember …to have someone in charge of helping you to collect everything at the end of the wedding. There is a lot going on as you say good by and try to take in the last few moments of the day. I was surprised with how many little things I left throughout the day but my Maid of Honor was so great to get everything organized as we headed out.

6. Do something …for yourself the week of the wedding. I scheduled both quiet time for myself and as a couple. It was a nice way to slow things down, calm myself, and reflect upon the meaning of it all. (I wish I would have also scheduled a massage)

7. Do practice …walking in your shoes. You’ll want to make sure they are very comfortable and broken in for the big day.

8. Do take a second to …breathe. I practiced a few meditation exercises the day of the wedding to really be in the moment. Then I used the deep breathing exercises to help keep me grounded throughout the day. I also enjoyed a few seconds of quiet time during the day to look around and take it all in.

9. Do be …grateful for all that went into making the day, for your partner, and for the presence of your guests…also I think it’s okay to be a little selfish, this is a once in a lifetime experience and it really is your day so don’t worry too much about everyone and everything else.

10. Don’t have …every moment of the wedding weekend planned out. I think I tried to pack a few too many things into a just a few days so I found myself being rushed at times. I wish I had more time to get ready for the rehearsal and for the rehearsal itself b/c this is when people usually see each other for the first time for the weekend and there is a lot of chatting, which is great but if you try to schedule events too closely it doesn’t allow for that more relaxed time to just catch up with folks. I also would have scheduled a little time in the morning after the wedding to have a cup of coffee with my new husband before rushing down to brunch.

Rachelle

1. Do …enjoy the day!

2. Don’t …try to please others if it’s not really what you want. It’s your day!

3. Don’t forget …to smile, make sure you eat, make sure you get a piece of your cake and enjoy the day, it goes by SOOOOOO fast.

4. Do hire …Aaron Watson

5. Do remember …the point of your wedding, it’s not about the flowers or the perfect color napkins, it’s about marrying the man of your dreams!

6. Do something …unique that is “you” at your wedding and do something fun like a photobooth. I can’t tell you how many guests loved it!

7. Do practice …dancing with your dad if you haven’t done it before

8. Do take a second to …walk around the reception, look at everything you planned and everyone having a good time because the day is like a blur and you’ll want to remember everything.

9. Do be …honest and specific about what you want for your wedding, but don’t get too caught up in the details because the most important thing is that you have a good time!

10. Don’t have …any regrets!!

Christina

1. Do have tons of fun!! Your wedding day will fly by, be sure to have a fantastic time with family and friends.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff!!! Sure it’s great to pay attention to details, but trust me your guests won’t know the difference if you end up with Robin’s egg blue napkins when you really wanted Tiffany’s blue.

3. Don’t forget to cherish each momentYour wedding day is one of the most important events you will experience in life, so live it up and make the best of it along the way.

4. Do hire Aaron Watson as your photographer

5. Do remember that your wedding is just the one day that marks the beginning of the rest of your lives together. Don’t let the stress of planning and preparation turn you into a complete BRIDEZILLA!!

6. Do something spontaneous!!! Of course weddings are all about ceremonies and traditions, but why not do something totally unexpected that your guests will be sure to remember.

7. Do practice patience and tons of it!!! You will surely need it especially when dealing with your guests… It seems very few people actually remember RSVP on time.

8. Do take a second to relax! Nothing is worse than a high-strung and stressed out bride. Take a spa day or just some alone time to help ease your nerves.

9. Do be open to ideas and suggestions from others, but ultimately do what makes you and your future hubby happiest!! You don’t want to look back and regret not following your heart.

10. Don’t have unrealistic expectations of your bridal party!! Your friends should feel honored to be apart of your wedding and not as if they are there to be your servants.

Lauren

1. Do take the time to pamper yourself the week of the wedding. Book that massage, mani /pedi and have some “ me” time.

2. Don’t seat yourself and your groom with others at the reception. Have a “ sweetheart table” for just the two of you so that you can have a few moments to yourself.

3. Don’t forget to include your fiancé in the planning. Yes, weddings are all about the Bride, but there is a Groom involved too! Sit down with your fiancé before the planning and ask what they would like to be involved with. 9 times out of 10 they will say that they want “ whatever you want”, but the gesture really does go a long way.

4. Do hire an amazing photographer and videographer. The day will fly by and you won’t be able to see all the “behind the scenes” actions and all of your guests having fun. You will cherish having all of the toasts on film for many years to come.

5. Do remember to have patience with your parents, future in-laws and family. This is a big event for them too and equally as stressful. Once the wedding is over, all of the minor issues and irritations will be forgiven and you will forget why you were even upset in the first place.

6. Do something for your husband to be on the day of the wedding. Write a brief note the morning of about how you are feeling and how excited you are to see him. Have a bridesmaid or family member deliver it to him while he’s getting ready.

7. Do practice your hair and make-up at least 2-3 times before the wedding . If you are using a professional, have the first trial run a few months before the wedding so that you can perfect your look for your portraits and the Big Day. And don’t let it go to waste! Go out to dinner with your fiancé that night and show off your look!

8. Do take a second to take it all in on your wedding day. You are in “ The Dress”, make-up perfected, all of your friends and family are there to celebrate with you, and oh yeah, you are marrying the man of your dreams. Trust me, at this moment, life is perfect!

9. Do be gracious to every guest at your wedding. Many of them have traveled a great distance and taken the time to be a part of your Big Day and be sure to thank them for that.

10. Don’t have all of the “ wedding traditions” if you don’t want them. After years of being prodded to “catch the bouquet” at every reception, I vowed to not include it my wedding. My husband and I chose to omit it for this reason, and no one even noticed!