Kenzie & Adam {married} | Wilmington Wedding Photographer

I had the pleasure of not only photographing Kenzie and Adam's wedding, but I was also their planner. It was so fun getting involved in every aspect of their day, seeing it come together like this really makes all the hours completely worth it and more. I'm so grateful to my incredible team for pulling this off so flawlessly! Everyone involved had a job and did it well, I wouldn't change one thing.

Lately I feel lost not getting a text or phone call from Kenzie's mom Cindy, I think we need to get together soon just to catch up on the last couple of weeks.

Kenzie and Adam are high school sweethearts, and I could tell from the moment I met them that their love would stand the test of time! They just fit, it's that simple, they were definitely meant for each other. Some nerves took over a little, but after a few hugs, and lots of fun, I'd call it a complete success!! I hope you enjoy their photos, we sure enjoyed serving them!

Thank you to all of the amazing vendors that helped make Kenzie and Adam's day perfect!

Venue: Wrightsville Manor

Catering: Middle of the Island

Planner/Coordinator/Vintage China/other rentals: Southern Bridal Events

Videography: Squirrel Dog Productions

Florist: Cornerstone Florist and Gifts

Cake: Creative Cake Design

DJ: Equalizing Weddings

Hair & Makeup: Bangz Hair Salon

Officiant: Skip Corbett

Invitations: Alexis Scott Designs

Wedding Dress: Coastal Knot

Princess Tea Party Stylized Bridal Session| Wilmington Wedding Photography

My daughter wanted to take some special photos with her little girl. I couldn't think of a sweeter way than to do a tea party, but with a bridal twist. This session was so much fun and I hope she'll cherish them forever, I know I will.

Marcy was born with Spina Bifida, a congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its meninges are exposed through a gap in the backbone. It often causes paralysis of the lower limbs. Marcy has recently turned 2 and uses a wheel chair to get around indoors, she also crawls very fast! Myself and another photographer along with many other photographers around the US created non-profit called Redefining Spina Bifida and occasionally will hold fundraisers, if you're interested in reading more about it and how we started you can click here: Information

Thanks to everyone involved in making this tea party a success.

Venue: Long Creek Farms

Planning, Decor, and Florals: Southern Bridal Events

Dress: The Dressing Room

Hair and Makeup: Dalisay Hair Salon 

Wedding Day Photography Tips | Wilmington Wedding Photography

You're engaged and now it is time to plan your wedding day! There are so many small details that most couples do not take into consideration, and a lot of them effect your photography! Which, lets face it, is probably one of the most important investments that you will make on your big day, as it is the only thing, other than your marriage, that is going to last a lifetime! 

In the four years that I have been photographing weddings, I have become quite knowledgeable on timing and tips for the big day and I would love to share some of them with you!

Take someone to the dress fitting with you. Bring your Maid of Honor or a Bridesmaid to the final dress fitting with you. Make sure that it is someone who is going to be by your side for the entire day. If I happen to be your photographer, and if you have no one, I have no problems going with you! When it comes time to bustle your dress, it is VERY handy to have someone there who knows what they are doing. If you are absolutely stuck, have someone at the bridal shop film it or take photos of them doing it so that on the day of your wedding you are not stuck in the bathroom for 30 minutes trying to figure it out.
 

Have your bridesmaids clean up the area and get dressed 30 minutes before you put your dress on. This will make for beautiful images of everyone seeing you for the first time and your girls helping you get dressed and get your jewelry on. Doing this simple thing will eliminate not only clutter in all of your images, but will ensure that everyone is ready in a timely manner.
 

Guys, this one is for you … learn how to attach a boutonniere. The number one question that I get from groomsmen is “do you know how to do this?” So, YouTube how to properly attach a boutonniere, and if you are wearing suits, look up how to fold the little pocket handkerchief. (Hint: Lay your pocket square flat. Bring the left side to right side. Bring the bottom towards the top, but don't fold it all the way. Fold the fabric in thirds horizontally so that it will fit your suit pocket.)
 

What time is your ceremony? When thinking about this, take into consideration the time of year and what time the sun goes down. There is nothing more disappointing than not having the sunlight that is needed for photos.

What time are you planning on arriving at the reception? For your photos not to be rushed, I would suggest at least 1.5 hours between your ceremony and reception time.
 

Are you having a receiving line? If you are not planning a receiving line, have someone announce this at the ceremony. 9 times out of 10, a receiving line ends up happening anyway, and the bride is too nice to tell people to leave hugs for the reception. This is time that is taken away from your pictures, especially if you are going to be chasing the sunlight. If you are planning on one, make sure to add at least 30 minutes into your timeline for it.
 

Have a list of must have family shots to give your photographer. Make sure that your family knows that there are photos after the ceremony and make sure that they know where to go for them. You want this part of the day to go quickly and smoothly. Waiting on family members is not fun!

Do you have children? If you have small children and you have a family member or friend watching them, make sure that they are the first ones at the scene of the family photo location. Snacks are always nice to have on hand too in case they get hungry. Most small kids are in need of a nap after the ceremony so the sooner pictures can be taken with them, the better. I have been to weddings were the kids were so grumpy that no photos were taken with them and it is very heartbreaking for not only the bride and groom, but for the photographer as well.
 

Ever considered a first look? The most relaxed weddings seem to be when we have a first look. This not only created some AMAZING photos, but it also created a very special moment where the couple was able to cry, laugh, and enjoy the moment without having to worry about the formalities of a wedding ceremony. This also may leave enough time to take all of your formals before the ceremony, so that when the ceremony is over, you're able to visit with your guests and head straight to the reception. No running around and no making your guests wait around for you! And trust me; the groom is still blown away when he sees his bride walk down the aisle. Having that first look, in my opinion takes nothing away from that moment.
 

Have a backup plan for photos. No one wants to think about rain on their wedding day, but the reality is that it can happen. Whether it be an indoor location, or just rain boots and umbrellas, a backup plan is very helpful.

Dress for the weather! If it is cold out, have shawls for yourself and your bridesmaids, or bring jackets to wear in between shots.

Time your reception. It can be very hard to keep a schedule during a reception, but if you only have your photographer until a certain time, it is important to get the formalities out of the way (first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss etc).
 

Have fun! This is the most important piece of advice that I have. Relax and enjoy your big day. You have probably put a lot of work in to planning your wedding, so enjoy it. 

Original post by Bree Orser Photography