When we met for our final meeting before their wedding, Danielle told me her vision for the day was very Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, she loved the relaxed feel of their wedding portraits and I was happy to make that vision come to life.

I can personally shoot like that all day and be happy, but I really think what added a since of Royal Wedding sophistication was Danielle’s dress. I’m still obsessed.

A couple of things to note, Collin and Danielle win for the couple with the most emotion coming down the aisle, if those images don’t make your heart swell then you need to cuddle some puppies or something.

Second thing, these two decided to not do a first look, and had a time schedule between the ceremony and reception, so we shot all their portraits of the two of them in like 5 minutes. I followed them out of the church for their exit and we shot as they walked (or sat) all the way around the church to come through the back entrance to finish up family and bridal party portraits.

I know there are some couples set on not seeing each other before the ceremony, and I believe that is a personal choice to make, not mine. I tell you all this because Collin and Danielle’s portrait time worked seamlessly because the three of us — especially Danielle and I —had clearly communicated priorities, expectations, reality and had a game plan before the wedding, so when it came time for their portraits we. cranked. through. them. and I was able to give them as many options as possible in a narrow time frame with limited light.

Brides, your day is yours, so definitely do what you want as a couple with it, but communication is key. Make plans, have backup plans, and work to stay on schedule and it will all work out. Stress free.

*I get to write these things in this post, because Danielle was a total dream bride and trusted me with her vision and “must have” list. So, thank you m’dear for letting me use you as an example of how to do a non-first look wedding right!                   

What?! I’m not crying… you are!

Five minutes, almost no light left in the sky, ready… set… go…

I have even more variety of their portraits on our Facebook page under the “Keeping it Carrico” album.

Brothers/sister-in-laws and a few groomsmen of the bride and groom trying to get that cake served to guests as quickly as possible. It was super entertaining to watch.