The Old Post Office

Ashland, KY 

A how to for my fellow photographers, who want to be both!

I have been doing portraits of my best friend Madison since the time we were in high school. She is my best friend. So when she got in engaged to Austin there were two obvious roles that I would play. One-I would be in her wedding! She was in mine so it was a given I would be in hers. Two- I would do her engagement photos! But when it came time to Madison really diving into planning she could not settle on a photographer.  Finally, she said “I just wish you could do my photos.”

Then I thought, why cant I? And I did! With the right planning and few hands on deck, it is possible! Here’s what you need to know:

1.     You MUST Plan Ahead

I planned Madison’s schedule well over a month before her wedding. In the itinerary it included specific times that I needed to be ready. I made sure that my hair, make up, and dress was on before everyone else.  After I was ready and before anyone else was ready, I shot ALL of her details first (shoes, flowers, invitation, etc.) this saves a ton of time and gets them out of the way! I also thought of even shooting her details the night before since everything was set up already!

2.     If Your Dress is Long, Wear Tennis Shoes Underneath!

This was awesome! Not only did I wear tennis shoes underneath my dress but I also wore leggings under there without anyone knowing because it was also freezing outside! I changed into heels right before the ceremony, and then put my tennis shoes right after! I recommend if it is a short bridesmaids dress, just where comfy shoes until the ceremony! 

3.     Have Help!

My husband was a rock star! Like any other second shooter- he helped in shooting the groomsmen while I was shooting the girls get ready and other things like that. When it came to group shots that I was supposed to be in, I would stage the shot, jump in, and then Aaron (husband) would snap it and direct us accordingly. When it came to bridesmaid photos I shot everything that didn’t involve me first and then let Aaron shoot the few that I was needed in. For the ceremony, you need a third person to help, even if its just for 30 minutes! My brother was a huge help and jumped in and shot the ceremony with Aaron, and they did awesome!

4.     Get Rest the Night Before!

Little did I know that when I agreed to be her photographer I didn’t know I would be pregnant during her wedding! ( you can see my little bump in the picture above!) So the time leading up to the wedding I was battling with the fatigue, so I had to make sure I was well rested the night before. Every photographer knows how exhausting weddings can be, but they are even more exhausting when you are wearing two hats! I gave a speech and everything, and I had to get up extra early to get all dolled up, so I needed the extra energy to run on! Also, keep snacks because its highly unlikely that you will forget to eat an actual meal!

I thought that at the end of the day, although EXHAUSTED, everything went smoothly! And! I think that this may be one of my favorite weddings I have shot! I think that my style is becoming more consistent, which is really highlighted with all of these photos! I wanted to share a few of my favorite details from her big day and even featured a few photos of us together!

Was it hard? Yes! But now I feel like since being both I can shoot any kind of wedding and it be a piece of cake now! It was also worth it using my talent and business to provide beautiful photos for my best friend’s wedding! Check them out!

Wedding Vendors:

Florals: Lori Bowling

Hair:  Mika  Jones

Make up: Brianna Blackburn

Venue:  The Old Post Office , 1645 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY 41101

Dresses: David’s Bridal 

Tuxes: Don’s Men’s Shop

Cake: Tipton’s Traditions 

Photography:  Olivia Hatfield Photography