I want to be at your wedding rehearsal for four key reasons. We’ll get to those for reasons right away, or you can just skip ahead. It’s up to you!
As a wedding photographer it’s my job to be as prepared as possible on your wedding day. This includes checking many boxes that go outside of the realm of clicking the shutter on my camera or sitting alone in the dark editing for several hours at a time (I’m joking, kind of).
There is a lot of planning that goes into what I do on weekends. And part of that planning normally takes place on a Friday or Thursday night.
If the stars align and I’m able to make it to your wedding rehearsal, you bet your butt I’ll be there. Attending your wedding rehearsal is not only fun, it’s smart.
I Meet Your Family and Friends
Yes, I want to get to know the most important people in your life! Firstly, they’re probably cool people. Secondly, chatting with them at the rehearsal makes me a friend on your wedding day. It also builds trust. I want your parents, siblings and important humans to feel like they can come to me for anything on your wedding day. Seriously. I’ve helped a sister/bridesmaid with her hair at the last moment. That was pretty fun.
I Check-in With Your Officiant
This is a good idea for a few reasons. One, they kind of run the show once the ceremony starts and I want to make sure that we’re in sync and work as a team (and that I’m on their good side). I need to know their preferences for where I can and cannot go at your ceremony site (everyone has a different style and different rules!). Sometimes your officiant will even ask for my advice at the rehearsal (I love when this happens!).
I Know the Order of Events
Are you dancing down the aisle like the crew from the Office? Are you as a couple secretly changing into one of those inflatable tRex things? These are probably things I should know, and chances are, if I’m at your rehearsal, I’m not going to miss key important information.
It’s also helpful to get a gauge for how long your ceremony will be. I have a flow and like to pace myself and know that I will be exactly where I want to be for your ring exchange, first kiss and introduction as newly weds. This is important folks.
I Get Inspired!
Seeing is believing. When I get to see the practice run all the ideas start flowing! This is time for me to investigate cool balconies and really start to picture the “day of” in my ol’ brain. I plan shots (of the photo variety) for the next day and think about my settings ahead of time.
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Hi, my name is Janelle, I’m an photographer hailing from Edmonton Alberta.I’m all about connection and celebration. Seriously, it’s my focus from our first client meeting till the chicken dance starts. I make an effort to get to know your closest friends and family on your wedding day. Why? First, they’re probably cool people, and second, when they know me as “Janelle” the gal who plays Dungeons and Dragons and has a pet Duck, they’re going to let me into their world. My favourite moment of every wedding is right after the ceremony. This is when your friends and family smother or possibly crush you with either love or cheerful embrace. Bring on all the candid moments.
I value connection and celebration of moments over a big production.
