Dear Valued Clients,
I am truly honoured that you have chosen Beautiful Chaos Photography to capture your special day. To help ensure everything runs smoothly and you receive the very best images possible, I have prepared some helpful information, tips, and advice:
Timeline & Planning Assistance
If you require any assistance with building your wedding day timeline or scheduling specific events, please feel free to reach out. I am more than happy to offer guidance to help you plan an efficient and stress-free day.
Communication is Key
This is your day, and I want to document it exactly as you envision it. Please keep me informed of any changes or adjustments to your schedule or plans as soon as possible, so I can adapt accordingly.
Meal Break for the Photographer
For bookings extending beyond four hours, I kindly request that a meal be provided for the photographer during your reception. Ideally, my meal should be served at the same time as the wedding party. This ensures that I am finished eating and fully prepared to capture speeches, toasts, and other important moments without delay. (And of course — no one enjoys having their photo taken while eating!)
Ceremony Photography
As I work solo, I kindly ask that the bridal party and the bride walk slowly down the aisle to allow me time to capture multiple images of each participant. This also ensures I can alternate between capturing both the bride and the groom's reactions during the processional.
Guest Photography Etiquette
To avoid distractions and ensure the highest quality images, I request that guests refrain from taking photos during formal portraits or during key moments while I am shooting. Well-meaning guests with phones, cameras, or tablets often unintentionally disrupt shots, cause awkward eye shifts, or inadvertently enter the frame.
Many couples now opt for an unplugged ceremony, requesting guests to fully enjoy the moment and leave photography to the professional. Kindly note that any images requiring the removal of phones, tablets, or other devices will incur a retouching fee of $15 per image, unless these devices belong to an officially hired videographer.
If you do have guests eager to take photos, please inform me ahead of time. Once I have completed my shots, I am happy to provide them a brief opportunity to capture their own images.
Comfort & Preparedness
It can be easy to forget self-care on a busy wedding day. I recommend assigning a bridal party member to carry essentials such as:
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Water
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Small snacks (granola bars work wonderfully)
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A dry cloth (especially helpful for hot days)
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Lip balm (particularly for dry conditions)
Staying hydrated and comfortable helps everyone look and feel their best throughout the day.
Optimal Locations & Lighting
When selecting locations for formal portraits, please consider the time of day and lighting conditions. For midday sessions, shaded areas are ideal to avoid harsh shadows, squinting, and discomfort from heat. If you are still finalizing your schedule and would like recommendations for the best lighting times, please don’t hesitate to ask — I am happy to advise to ensure your images are beautifully lit and timeless.
A Note for Guests Wearing Glasses
For anyone participating in photos who wears glasses, I recommend bringing a backup pair without transition lenses to help avoid glare and reflections in photographs.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to contact me directly:
📞 Calls & Texts: 587-986-9440
Thank you again for trusting me to be part of your special day. I look forward to capturing every beautiful moment!
Warm regards,
Kerry Peterson
Beautiful Chaos Photography