5 Things Most Couples Forget on Their Wedding Day — According to Their Photographer
We’re Tiffany and Kip — the husband-and-wife duo behind Tiffany Brandt Photography, specializing in timeless, artistic, and emotional wedding photography in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
We’ve captured everything from teary first looks to epic dance floor moments, and through it all, we’ve noticed a few things couples consistently forget — things that can impact both how the day feels and how the photos turn out.
Here are 5 tips we wish every couple knew before their big day — all from a photographer’s perspective.
1. A Home for the Essentials
As your photographers, we’re with you all day — and one thing we notice every single time? Important little items have a tendency to vanish. Vow books, phones, lip gloss, rings still in the box, even snacks… they float from room to room and suddenly, no one knows where they went.
We recommend picking one stylish pouch, box, or even a zippered tote and designating a bridesmaid, sibling, or wedding party MVP to keep track of it all. We’ll even photograph the flat lay with those items looking cute and intentional, so having them all together in a pouch is highly recommended!
2. The “Getting Ready” Room Sets the Tone for Your Entire Gallery
We’ve walked into prep rooms that feel like a dream — soft light, calm energy, everything flowing. And we’ve walked into rooms where bags are everywhere, the curtains are shut, and the air feels a little… tense. Guess which one shows up better in your photos?
As your photographers, we’re looking for clean backgrounds, soft light, and space to move — especially during those early moments with your crew. If your getting ready space is cluttered or dark, it limits what we can capture. But when it’s calm and thoughtfully chosen? That energy flows through your entire gallery.
We can help shift furniture, open blinds, and clear the scene, but planning ahead makes all the difference. Your wedding day story starts here — let’s make it a beautiful beginning.
3. Buffer Time Isn’t Extra — It’s Where the Magic Happens
We’ve photographed enough weddings to tell you this with total confidence: things run behind. Always. Whether it’s hair taking longer than expected or a missing pair of shoes, there’s always something. That’s why we always recommend building in 15–20 minute buffers throughout your day — not just to stay on schedule, but to give you room to breathe.
Those little pockets of calm? That’s when the sweetest moments happen. A quiet hug. A “can you believe we’re married?” whisper. A chance to reset before your entrance. If you invite us into that space, it often leads to the most natural, emotional, frame-worthy photos of the entire day.
Buffer time isn’t wasted time — it’s where you come through in your photos.
4. Don’t Skip the Flat Lay — It Tells the Story Too
The rings, the invitation, grandma’s handkerchief, your perfume bottle — all those little details you carefully chose deserve their moment too. As photographers, we love starting the day with a flat lay session. It sets the tone, warms up our creative muscles, and creates beautiful, cohesive storytelling in your final gallery.
Want it to really shine? Gather your details the night before — dress on a nice hanger, shoes cleaned up, all your accessories in one place. You don’t need a Pinterest board of props (unless you want one!) — just what’s meaningful to you. We’ll style it thoughtfully and photograph it with the same care as your first look.
5. Lighting After Dark — Don’t Let the Vibe Die Early
Your reception is glowing, the dance floor is full, and suddenly… the room goes full rave or full darkness. As photographers, we’re ready for any lighting situation — but if you want your reception photos to match the romantic, warm vibe of your earlier shots, it’s worth having a plan.
Consider ambient lighting: twinkle lights, candles, uplighting in your brand colors — it all helps maintain that dreamy atmosphere into the night. Harsh DJ strobes can kill the mood in your photos (and your eyes). A few intentional choices go a long way in keeping the magic alive in every frame.
Your wedding day only happens once — but your photos last forever. These little choices? They don’t just affect how things look — they shape how the day feels, and how you’ll remember it.
Want more behind-the-scenes tips from a photography team who’s seen it all?
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