Every Wedding Tip And Trick To Make Your Wedding Even Better

Pick And Choose These Wedding Day Tips For The Best Wedding Ever!

My Wedding Experience

Since 2007 I have been photographing weddings and engagements; 250 as of September, 2025. I have been a part of $5000 weddings and $100,000 weddings. Sometimes, I think I’ve seen it all. At nearly every wedding, there are things that I think could have been done just a little better or a little bit differently. It is fun to think about this in the spirit of having the perfect event. I have compiled a massive list of every wedding tip I could think of. Hopefully, this helps make your wedding day as good as it can be..

Wedding Day Preparation Tips To Make Your Day Easier

1. If you are having a summer wedding, choose a wedding preparation / getting ready site with great air conditioning. Getting ready with your wedding party can get really hot with all of the hair and makeup. Have extra fans on hand for these rooms. All the people in the room will raise the temperature.
2. Make sure everyone is aware of the wedding day timeline and locations. You don’t want late or lost people. Any critical person who is late can throw off your day. Also, a critical person who doesn’t realize they’re needed for photos can really crunch your wedding timeline.
3. Always ensure you have readily available transportation on site. Don’t rely on Uber or Lyft. This can cause a serious delay in your timeline, especially at peak times.
4. Have bobby pins. Ladies always need these!
5. Pay for your guests’ parking. If your event requires paid parking, be sure to pay for everyone. Your guests will appreciate it.
6. Inform all family and group photo participants that they must be ready at a specific time and place for photos. Being ready is half the battle. The other half is staying until no one needs you anymore. Inevitably, at least one person wanders off and keeps everyone waiting for their return.
7. Don’t seat the grandparents near the DJ booth. They’ll get agitated and leave early due to the loud music. I see it happen all the time.
8. Plan for things to run late. Leave at least 30 minutes of unscheduled time. I always put a buffer into my sample timelines so that when things go wrong, I have time to make up. Often, hair and makeup touch ups take more time than expected. I do my best to get my photography and videography done early or on time.
9. Give your list of must-have photos to your photographer ahead of time. This will save a ton of time.
10. Lastly, have fun! Try to take time to look around and enjoy your day. You’ll be pulled into different directions all day, but please take a few moments just for you.

When Should My Photographer’s Arrive At At My Wedding?

The photographer’s arrival time is a detail that can make all the difference in your wedding day. Something as simple as one vendor not arriving on time can have ripple effects throughout the day. Below, you’ll find the reasons to have your wedding photographer start at different times throughout the day.

Why The Photographer’s Arrival Time Matters

Let’s say your wedding begins at 4:30 pm, and you want your photographer to arrive only 30 minutes early. On the way to your event, the photographer encounters a road closure or flat tire. Because there is only a 30-minute buffer between arrival time and ceremony time, the 30 minutes can quickly disappear. At that point, you have the choice of pushing back the ceremony or having your wedding without a photographer. Either way, imagine the anxiousness you’d be feeling as the bridge or groom.

Buffer Time

In my 236 weddings, I have found that my arrival time, during the getting ready period, hours before the wedding, provides better photos for me and less anxiety for you. I am usually the second vendor you encounter on the wedding day after the hair/makeup artist. Part of my job is to reassure you that everything is going well and that your day will be great. Knowing that your wedding photographer has arrived at your wedding well before the ceremony cuts down on your worry. Venues such as The Dayton Arcade have large getting-ready facilities allowing you, the wedding party, and the photographer to have plenty of space (also very important)

How Should My Wedding Photographer Approach My Wedding Day

Do you have a particular photography style?

• Yes! I capture elegant and exciting wedding photography that encompasses spontaneous moments and traditional wedding day portraits. I put great emphasis on capturing the most authentic and meaningful candid photos. I may give simple directions to create the most pleasing images while maintaining the genuine emotion of the moment.

Do you have a fun personality?

• Yes! I am professional but enjoy keeping the day fun and exciting. I will ease your stress by telling funny anecdotes I am to be one of the most enjoyable Dayton photographers.

Will you be photographing my wedding day?

• Yes! Every wedding couple gets Kevin Lush’s talent and expertise. I have a reputation for capturing every wedding day moment. This is one thing that makes me a top-rated wedding photographer in Cincinnati and Dayton.

Do you photograph more than one wedding per day?

• No! On wedding days, I do not book any other sessions. Your wedding day is solely devoted to you! I believe I will be fresh and energetic for your event by only booking your event on that day.

Should I do a special first look on my wedding day?

• Yes! Couples who do a first look are more relaxed and spend more time together on their wedding day.

Do you take posed family photos (formal photos)?

• Almost every wedding couple wants these photos taken on their wedding day, so yes!

Will the group photos be time-consuming?

• No! I work quickly, and I infuse humor into these photos. People who will be photographed should be at the photo location early to be ready at the specified time.

Can guests take pictures at the wedding?

• Guests can photograph whatever they want as long as they realize I am there to do a paid job.

How do you return our photographs so quickly (2, 3, or 4 weeks guaranteed)?

• I spend time on your wedding day getting the show I want, in camera. This saves me a lot of post-processing time.

Things I Do To Keep The Wedding Day Light And Friendly

Part of being a great photographer means making every couple feel comfortable all day long. I am proud to help keep everyone calm and happy at the wedding and reception. Every wedding has its a feel and rhythm, and I try to keep the happy vibes going. Here are some tips for a fun and relaxing wedding day.

Be Funny But Don’t Be The Center Of Attention

• Having clean jokes or being able to tell a few funny wedding stories helps put everyone at ease. This can put possible wedding day problems into perspective.

Treat Everyone With Respect

• When I smile and treat people with respect, it creates trust between you and me.

Keep It Cool

• I shoot a lot of summer weddings, so keeping cool is important and on my mind.

Be A Helper Not Just A Photographer

• Being hired as a photographer doesn’t just mean I stay behind my camera. At every event, I often help people with non-photography tasks. I do this to be friendly and to help out the couple who has enough to think about.

Everyone Should Feel Included In Front Of The Camera

• I pride myself on being inclusive in every aspect of my life. Every person at an event gets respectful. treatment from me, regardless of whether they are staff, guests, vendors, or anyone else. I want everyone to feel included in your special day.

What Should My Wedding Photographer Do For Me?

Being a Dayton wedding photographer means that on any given wedding day, I play many different roles. No role is more important than capturing beautiful and memorable images of your day. These are just a few of the extra services that I pride myself on offering during your day. Lastly, a good photographer will do anything in their power to make your day better.

• Coordinate with the limo or party bus driver
• Know where flowers, programs, and favors are
• Fetch drinks for the bride and groom
• Give directions to the wedding and/or reception
• Direct the wedding couple during the cake-cutting
• Communicate with the DJ to make sure they have the necessary information
• Keep everyone on time as much as possible

“Kevin was fantastic! We are in love with our wedding photos! He worked around our changing schedules and took beautiful pictures. We got married at the Dayton Art Institute and wanted to capture the elegant and unique feeling of getting married in a place full of art. He captured all of those feelings. He was kind, funny, and professional.”

Four Tips To Find The Perfect Wedding Photographer

A goal of mine is to make my wedding packages fit easily into your wedding budgets. When comparing collections, I encourage you to use these four helpful tips. I truly believe these are the most helpful things to help you find the perfect photographer for your special day. See how to hire a wedding photographer, below.

Go With Your Gut

•  hope you fall in love with my work and can see yourself in these photos.

Trust Others

• Check out hundreds of reviews from past wedding couples. Word of mouth is something we all appreciate.

Be Informed

• It is my goal to make every couple feel like rock stars, and these frequently asked questions and answers explain how I do it.

Ask Questions

• I would love to get to know each other. Let’s get you on the way to your own rock star wedding photography experience.

A Typical Wedding Consultation Agenda With Kevin

I aim to make the booking process easy and enjoyable. My friendly booking meetings last 30-45 minutes. I will talk with you about your day, review my wedding photography packages, and discuss your needs. I am honest and fair, and I always provide my pricing upfront.

Understanding

• I am most interested in ensuring the best fit between you and me!

The Introduction

• I want to know all about you.

Who I Am

• Learning about me will help you feel comfortable hiring me.

Your Day

• Tell me about your wedding day.

What I Do

• I’ll go over how I create art and capture memories.

Hiring Me

• Discuss which package fits your needs.

Celebrate!!

• You have hired a great wedding photographer.

How To Hire A Wedding Photographer – Five Things To Ask Before Booking

Does Your Photographer Have Liability Insurance?

• Yes for me!

Is Your Photographer Licensed In The State Of Ohio?

• Yes for me!

Does Your Photographer Collect And Pay Legally Required Sales Tax?

• Yes for me!

Is Backup Equipment Brought To Every Event?

• Yes for me!

Are Several On-Site And Off-Site Backups Maintained At Least One Year?

• Yes for me!

“We were just able to sit down and look through all of the photos and we absolutely love them! Thank you so much for capturing so many special memories! You did an amazing job and were so patient and helpful throughout the entire night. It was so nice working with you!”

“Kevin is wonderful, caught so much, had a great ideas, excellent pacing, and managed to be everywhere but was never in the way. Couldn’t recommend enough!” — Steph (2023 Tri-State Warbird Museum Wedding)

My Top 3 Essential Essential Tips Before You Hire A Photographer Or Videographer

1. Hire a professional
   1. Wedding professionals likely run a legitimate business, have vast experience, and know how to handle anything that comes their way. You will want to hire someone with insurance, backups, and rigid business practices. This will ensure you are hiring a great business. Then, if you like the photos and you vibe well with the photographer, hire them! Hopefully, that is me!
2. Get a contract
   1. Contracts ensure you get the goods and services you paid for while protecting the vendor. Make sure to sign and date the contract to make it legal. Many vendors, including myself, use digital or online contracts. The wedding couple and I can sign the contract within minutes. It can protect you in the event the photographer backs out or doesn’t show up. It also protects the photographer.
3. Read reviews
   1. Search wedding websites and Google to see what others say about your vendors. Don’t rely solely on reviews provided by wedding vendors. Pay special attention to when the reviews were published. Be wary of a vendor without reviews in a year or more. This can mean they haven’t been operating for a long time. A good practice is to check at least a few review sites to ensure the reviews are similar in content.

Three Other Highly Valuable Wedding Tips Before You Book Your Photographer

1. Monitor social media
   1. Check the wedding vendor’s social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest) to ensure it is updated regularly and recently. A vendor who is not updating social media may be neglecting other parts of their business. Check with them if you feel like something is off. For my business, I do not use TikTok, but I do use the others. They are regularly updated.
2. Too good to be true
   1. As with everything in life, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Doing your wedding homework will ensure you get a high-quality professional wedding vendor. A gut instinct will often lead you in the right direction.
3. Sales tax
   1. In Ohio, your photographer is legally required to collect sales tax. If a photographer is not charging sales tax, please verify with them that it is included in your package. No one wants their photographer to go out of business due to a tax violation.

Five Wedding Prep Tips To Ensure A Smooth And Efficient Wedding Day

1. ·Have a schedule and stick to it
   1. Your wedding photographer will appreciate it. Be sure to build in buffer time for when things go long. You will be happy you did.
   2. 6-hour wedding day timeline
   3. 8-hour wedding day timeline
   4. 10-hour wedding day timeline
   5. 12-hour wedding day timeline
2. Stay on track with your timeline
   1. Notoriously late people can kill your timeline. When you know the time you’ll need them, give them a start time that is 30-60 minutes before. Also, let them know they need to stay at the photo location. A needed person who wanders away from the area can seriously slow down the photo session.
3. Dole out responsibilities
   1. Assign a wedding guest (non-wedding party) to move all wedding materials from the ceremony location to the reception. The wedding party will be busy with many other tasks throughout the day. I love it when wedding couples recruit aunts and uncles to help move materials. They are usually happy to help.
4. Get them to stay
   1. Anyone who will be in the formal photos needs to stick around for the formal photos. Let them know ahead of time or have someone remind them. This was #2 above, but from a photographer’s standpoint, this is so important. Many weddings I have photographed have been slowed down due to people leaving before we are done.
5. Planning is key
   1. Work out a plan with the DJ or. band before your day. A good emcee or DJ should have the grand entrance order and pronunciations ready when you arrive at the reception. You don’t want to be telling the DJ how to pronounce everyone’s name just before walking into the reception.

Six Tips To Have A Great Wedding Reception

I often feel I have seen it all at the 250+ weddings I have photographed.  Then, I go to my next wedding only to discover something that makes me say, “I have never seen this before.”  Here is a list of tips that help make the wedding reception successful. These may also be money-saving tips you can use for your wedding day.

1. Seat Grandparents Away From The DJ
   1. Often, at weddings, the table for the grandparents is directly in front of the DJ speakers. This often annoys the grandparents and can make them leave the reception early. If getting them to leave early is your goal, then go for it. LOL
2. Have An Efficient Timeline That Leaves Extra Time For The Unexpected
   1. The biggest time-waster at wedding receptions is large gaps of unused time during the reception. Once dinner is done, toasts and dances should commence immediately. Guests will start to leave during lulls in the action. Get to the fun stuff, dinner and dancing, as quickly as you can. Hiring a professional DJ who can keep things moving will make this happen.
3. Don’t Buy Wedding Cake For Every Guest
   1. I suggest ordering half of what you think you will need. There are always dozens of pieces left over. Save money and don’t buy so much cake.
4. Don’t Waste Time Between Arriving At Reception And Being Announced
   1. Quite often, a great deal of time is wasted at the reception while the DJ prepares the wedding party. Ensure the DJ knows all bridal party pairings, entrance orders, and pronunciations before the wedding. You should show up at the reception ready to walk in. The DJ should be ready to introduce you, too.
5. Keep The Dollar Dance Time To A Minimum
   1. The dollar dance, while awesome for some extra honeymoon cash, can run very long. Insist that the bridal party members who are taking the money limit to dances to 20-30 seconds at most. Too many times the same person is dancing with the bride for 60-90 seconds. Although I don’t see this much anymore, keep them short. You’ll make more money!
6. Bonus Tip
   1. Please keep all kids off the dance floor for the special dances and bouquet toss. Also, a kid can ruin the garter removal tradition by being in the photos. #Awkward

Ten Wedding Tips for Booking The Perfect Dayton Area Wedding Photographer

Planning a Dayton area wedding is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. One decision you’ll need to make (and I can help) is choosing the perfect wedding photographer and videographer. After all, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so you want them to be perfect. Helping find the right Dayton photographer for your wedding day is made easier with these 10 wedding tips.

10 More Valuable Wedding Day Tips

1. Begin Early
   • Begin your search for a Dayton wedding photographer as early as possible. The best photographers are often booked months or years in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to start looking. Many people are booking me more than a year in advance.
2. Do Your Research
   • Take the time to research different photographers in the area. Look through their portfolios and read client reviews. Determine their style, whether traditional, photojournalistic, or a mix of both, to ensure it aligns with your vision. I want you to see the value I bring to your wedding day. I am more than just a photographer.
3. Meet Your Vendors
   • Once you narrow your options, arrange to meet me in person or on Zoom. Use this opportunity to ask questions and to see if you feel comfortable with my personality and style. A good connection between you and me is essential for capturing authentic moments on your big day.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
   • Determine your budget for wedding photography in advance. Prices can vary significantly, and while it may be tempting to cut costs, remember that these memories will last a lifetime. Allocate a reasonable portion of your budget to ensure quality and professionalism. Photography is the only thing besides the memories you have after the wedding is over.
5. Ask for Full Wedding Galleries
   • Request a full wedding gallery. This will give you a comprehensive view of my work, rather than just a selection of my best shots. Pay attention to consistent quality throughout the entire event. I am happy to share a gallery with you!
6. Consider Experience
   • Look for photographers with considerable experience specifically in wedding photography. Weddings can be unpredictable, and experienced photographers are better equipped to handle different lighting conditions, capture candid moments, and guide you through the process effortlessly. I’ve seen 252 weddings as of September 2025, so I’ve seen it all!
7. Discuss Packages and Services
   • Evaluate the packages and services each photographer offers. Ensure the package chosen includes all the elements you desire, such as engagement sessions, second shooters, and wedding albums. Clear communication about expectations and deliverables is crucial. Once you do this, check out my prices. You’ll see the values that I provide.
8. Ask for Recommendations
   • Seek recommendations from friends, family, and wedding industry professionals. Often, reliable referrals come from people with firsthand experience working with wedding photographers. Their insights can be invaluable in making an informed decision. I list all my reviews on my website, but you can also find them on Google and TheKnot. This tip, I believe, is the most important of the ten wedding tips listed here.
9. Check for Flexibility
   • Ensure the photographer you choose is willing and capable of accommodating any special requests or unique circumstances. Flexibility is essential, as weddings can be unpredictable and may require adjustments on the spot. Special requests keep me on my toes at weddings. Bring them on!
10. Trust your Instinct
    • Above all, trust your gut feeling when selecting a wedding photographer. If something feels off during your interactions or you’re not completely confident in their abilities, it’s always best to keep looking until you find someone who meets your expectations seamlessly. I will meet with you so you can become comfortable with me.

Check out TheKnot.com for even more help.

Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Day By Using These Six Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue

Is there a place where my wedding party can get dressed before the ceremony?

A great wedding venue will not only provide a great wedding day experience but will cater to your needs. One of those needs is a large getting-ready area. Many venues have little to no area for wedding couples to get ready. Therefore there is definitely not enough space for wedding parties. So, check with your location to make sure there is plenty of room to get dressed, do hair and makeup, and be comfortable.

Is there plenty of available parking for my wedding guests?

Wedding guests don’t want to be burdened with finding their own parking. Not all venues will have on-site parking, so make sure you provide detailed instructions for guests to park. Go a step further and pay for their parking if parking is not free.

During a summer wedding, is there ample air conditioning to keep my guests cool during the ceremony?

An indoor venue may have air conditioning, but how it holds up is most important. Venues such as Canopy Creek Farm have A/C, but with no vestibules and people constantly going in and out, it may be hard for the A/C to keep up. Venues such as Dayton Masonic Center have large entryways that buffer the people coming and going. Their A/C is sensational every time. To me, this is the most important of the six questions to ask your wedding venue. People have passed out from heat during at least two weddings I’ve attended.

Is there more than one restroom? (Note: This sounds silly, but there are churches that have a single restroom for hundreds of guests.)

This is most often a problem that occurs at really old churches. Often there is a single room bathroom in the lobby of the church. This can be a real problem when you have hundreds of guests. Parents with small children as well as disable people may have a difficult time accessing these too.

Does my wedding venue allow the photographer to use flash or lights during the ceremony?

Depending on the ceremony location, flash photography may not be permitted. Most often this occurs in churches. While I am a professional with professional equipment, the ability to light certain parts of the ceremony can really make the pictures pop. So, if the venue you are considering is dark and you want the best ceremony photos, check on the external lighting situation.

Will there be time after my ceremony for the photographer to capture formal and family photos?

If you choose not to see each other prior to the ceremony, please be sure to leave time for family formalities. Plan for disorganization. Inevitably, some family members will wander off or leave completely after the wedding. It is good to have a wrangler to keep everyone in place and organized. This makes my job a lot easier and allows me to quickly photograph families. Several wedding ceremony locations such as churches have a “hard out” where you have to leave very soon after the wedding. This also prevents me from having enough time.

19 Helpful Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer In Dayton

I have put together 19 helpful questions to ask your wedding photographer which will help you find the perfect one for you.  As a longtime Dayton photographer, I find a lot of my wedding couples ask these questions of me. I hope they are helpful to you as well. In other words, if they have been asked of me, I share them with you.

• Why should I hire you to shoot my Dayton wedding?
  • I love wedding photography.  In 2007 I chose to be a wedding photographer and haven’t regretted it for a day.  Capturing artistic and meaningful memories excites me. Check out my unique approach to wedding photography as well as my “How to hire a Dayton wedding photographer” page for more help!
• Can I see a full wedding gallery from the past?
  • Yes!  Please contact me, and I’d be happy to send you a complete wedding photography gallery.
• Does Kevin photograph my wedding?
  • Yes!  Kevin is the sole photographer and shoots every wedding.
• Do you require me to pay for you to eat at the reception?
  • No!
• How many weddings have you photographed?
  • As of March 2023, I have photographed over 225 weddings, 250+ engagement sessions, and more!
• Do you provide drone videography or drone photography?
  • No, not at this time.
• Do you provide videography?
  • Yes!  I specialize in Dayton wedding photography and offer wedding films in two wedding packages.
• Can you work with the videographer I hired?
  • Sure.  I have worked well side-by-side with Dayton videographers.
• Can you photograph my Dayton wedding and Dayton reception if the venues are dark or poorly lit?
  • Yes!  I carry my lighting and can adapt it to meet your situation. I have photographed in every lighting situation.
• Do you need to attend my rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner?
  • No.  While I haven’t been to every location, I have been to most. I am very adaptable and will analyze your venues when I arrive.
• Should we give you a list of shots?
  • Yes!  Providing a list of all formal or posed group photos helps me better manage these shots.
• Do you recommend a certain number of hours?
  • Yes!  I offer a 6-hour package, an 8-hour package, and a 12-hour package, but the 8-hour works for most people.
• We live out of town, can we still book you?
  • Yes!  I book several wedding couples per year who don’t live in Dayton or Cincinnati.  Contact me and we’ll discuss your needs!
• Do you shoot LGBTQ+ weddings same-sex weddings or Trans weddings?
  • Yes!  I have photographed several same-sex and Trans weddings and always loved them.  Love is love, and I believe running an inclusive wedding photography business is the only way to do it
• Can you provide sample wedding day timelines for Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus?
  • Yes. I am always happy to do this. 6-Hour Wedding Day Timeline – 8-Hour Wedding Day Timeline
• Are you one of the best wedding photographers in Dayton?
  • Yes!  I am consistently one of the highest-rated wedding photographers in the area on Google, WeddingWire, TheKnot, and Facebook!
• Do I need two wedding photographers?
  • Communication is key when it comes to 2 photographers versus 1.  Many wedding couples believe that having two photographers is very important.  Before dismissing hiring a single photographer,  be sure to learn how I capture every detail of your big day.  I have gotten the shot every time.
• Do you work with any assistants at weddings?
  • No.  I have done all the weddings myself and don’t plan to stop. I love it when wedding couples have wedding planners or wedding coordinators.
• Can you recommend a Dayton wedding coordinator or Dayton wedding planner?
  • Yes. I have worked with several excellent wedding planners
• Bonus Tip: SHOULD WE SEE EACH OTHER ON OUR WEDDING DAY BEFORE THE CEREMONY

My Favorite Moment During A Wedding Day Or Reception

Wedding clients often ask me what my favorite moment of a wedding is. I have one that isn’t what most people expect. The best Dayton wedding moment is the 30 seconds immediately after the ceremony. During this time, the wedding couple walks up the aisle to the roar of cheering guests. The photos always capture pure joy. It is the only moment of the wedding day when they feel truly happy and relieved. For that one minute, they are relieved the ceremony is over. They are not thinking about any planning or details. Pure joy!

I had never thought about it until several years ago. I was editing photos and saw the joy on a couple’s faces. it struck me right then. There is no worry in their eyes. The hard part is done. The planning is over. It is time to party. Once they exit the ceremony, many people choose to greet guests. Many others hide away until the guests exit. This is to empty the ceremony location for family photos. Either way, do what is best for you. I’ll be ready for the formal wedding photography when you are.

What I Did In The Past

In the past, I might have said the best part was the short span of 15-30 minutes. During this time, I create artistic images with the wedding couple. This time is precious to me because I get to be artsy and creative while being on a timer. I love this time because I get to be fully artsy and creative while being on a timer. I realize that, although the photos are beautiful, it doesn’t capture the couple in 100% sincere emotion. While the poses were sometimes directed, the emotions were real. The emotions were not as real, however, because the couple knew I was photographing them. However, when the couple walks back up the aisle after the ceremony, they aren’t thinking about anything except each other.

How I Photograph The Wedding Couple’s Shoes On Their Wedding Day

Having photographed over 200 Dayton weddings since 2007, I have seen every type of wedding day shoe. They can be expensive or cheap. Some are comfortable, and others are not. The wedding photos below were taken at this year’s weddings. They are some of the best wedding day shoe photos I have ever taken. I spend a few minutes at each wedding trying to create a pleasing backdrop to showcase the bride’s shoes. At these weddings, I spent extra time giving the bride many choices of shoe photos. Here is how to photograph the wedding shoes.

Check out what I can do regardless of the type of footwear or wedding day shoes that the bride buys. If you have an interesting idea yourself, please let me know!

At every wedding, I attempt to find unique and creative ways to capture the beauty in the details. For the bride’s shoes, I will place them in various positions including interlaced, back-o-back, separated, and more. Not only this but I work to find beautiful backgrounds to shoot in front of. You can see that I enjoy symmetry in these types of photos. Many brides buy inexpensive Keds or similar shoes. Many spend hundreds of dollars on their shoes. I photograph every pair as something meaningful to the bride. I will also take a few photos of the groom’s shoes.

I’ve made a mistake in a few of these photos. The focus is on part of the shoe, while other parts are out of focus. I should have changed one of my settings to ensure the entire shoe is in focus. These are the kinds of things I learn from when editing and reviewing my images after an event.

Every wedding has its similarities and differences.  The bride’s shoes are always my favorite wedding detail to photograph.  Although most shoes are some variation of white, they are all different.  Below are some of my favorite wedding day shoe images from 2015.  I always enjoy the challenge of creating artistic images of this long-time wedding staple.

With all the variations, I try to find interesting and unique ways to create these pictures. In the image below, I placed the shoes in a circular window. It isn’t the best lighting, but I love the symmetry. I like setting the heel and toe the opposite of each other as well. Heel-to-heel shots are only good if the heels are decorative, otherwise, these are just rather boring. The first photo was taken in the Dayton Art Institute’s Gothic Cloister.

Six Important Steps For Choosing A Good Wedding DJ Or Emcee

Having photographed over 250 weddings, I have seen many DJs from great to awful. I’ve also seen DJ crews (3 people) down to an iPad playlist. To help you, the future wedding couple, I have put together some tips to help you find the right DJ for your wedding in Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus. I hope you find the 6 steps for picking a good wedding DJ helpful in your wedding planning.

Keep It Clean

• Always ensure your DJ is playing clean (not explicit) music. There have been many times when the song has “bad” words in it or explicit content. This does not offend me but is inappropriate at weddings.

Keep It Moving

• Make sure the DJ keeps the day moving – he/she is the engine that drives your wedding day. Once you hit the reception space, the DJ is running the show. A good, organized DJ will keep your event on time and energized.

Mic Everyone

• A DJ who attends the ceremony but fails to mic the wedding couple and officiant is a deal-breaker. The DJ should be responsible for setting up lavalier mics on the wedding couple and officiant. If the guests can’t hear the ceremony, the ceremony isn’t the best it can be.

Know Everyone’s Names

• Every DJ should know the names of the wedding party and anyone giving a speech at the wedding. This should be done ahead of time to reduce downtime at the reception. I wouldn’t pick a DJ who didn’t commit to doing this.

Know The Wedding Party Order

• A good DJ will know the order of wedding party members for the grand entrance at the reception. Too many times I see the DJ asking for names and pairings when the wedding party arrives. This is a major time-suck, so please have your DJ be prepared.

Don’t Drink

• No professional DJ will consume alcohol while working at your wedding. Wedding vendors are there to work. It is unprofessional to drink on the job. I have some stories about DJs that I won’t share. Enough said.

Recommendation

• Choose Legacy Event Group for Dayton and Cincinnati.  They have been awesome every time I work with them.

How To Have A Successful Sparkler Exit At Your Reception – 7 Tips

Having a successful sparkler exit at your wedding reception can be tricky but magical. There are a few major keys to doing this correctly. You can do whatever you want, but I have been to enough of these to know what works. Here are 7 tips to make a sparkler exit work for you and your wedding photographer.

Be Organized

Have a designated person in charge of handing out sparklers, another person to collect dead sparklers, and several people to light the sparklers. Trying to daisy-chain the lighting (from one sparkler to the next) won’t work in time. Try to light as many sparklers at one time as possible. You want all the large sparklers to burn for 2 minutes simultaneously.

Quality

Buy good quality, long sparklers. Regular Fourth of July ones from the grocery store aren’t good enough. Good quality lighters are important as well.

Organize The Guests For A Successful Sparkler Exit

Line everyone up in two single-file parallel lines close together – a blob of humanity will not work and may be dangerous. As the photographer, I like to take charge of organizing the exit. People tend to stay too far apart, this negating the sparkler exit tunnel.

Light The Sparklers Quickly

Once the lighting begins, have the people with lit sparklers help light the people next to them. This will make the lighting go quickly as long as enough people are in the initial group. If people at both ends light at the same time, it will increase the speed at which everyone can get their sparklers lit.

Communicate The Plan

Have a plan in place for what you are going to do. Are you going to run, walk, throw your hands in the air, kiss, dip, and more? I recommend walking and throwing hands in the air. Once you are near the photographer, kiss for a few seconds then, maybe dip each other. Go back and run through again!

Be Ready – It’ll Start And Finish Quickly

Be ready to enjoy your sparkler tunnel as soon as it is lit. Usually, wedding couples get a chance to go down and back two times before burnout occurs.

Enjoy It And Your Sparkler Exit Will Be A Success

You only get one exit, so make it count!

How I Am An Eco-Friendly Wedding Photographer

Many wedding couples are interested in having an eco-friendly wedding in Dayton or Cincinnati. I am proud to say that I am an eco-friendly photographer. I integrate eco-friendly practices wherever possible in my Dayton and Cincinnati wedding photography business. Below you will see the environmentally friendly way I operate my business. If you are looking for an eco-friendly wedding photographer, I hope you give me a look.

Communication

• All communication is via email, text, phone, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, or Skype. Before COVID-19, I did the majority of meetings with potential brides over the phone. Since the pandemic hit, all of my booking meetings have been over Zoom, FaceTime, or phone. Once the pandemic is over, I may go back to in-person meetings, but I will push for virtual meetings instead. This saves the bride and groom (as well as me) gas to and from the meeting. This helps my business reduce greenhouse gases.

Eliminating Paper

• All of my contracts and invoices are electronic and online. My studio system emails you the contract and invoices and allows you to sign and pay right then and there. No need to waste paper by printing and no need to send a check. You can still mail checks if you wish.

Getting Mail

• I only check my PO Box once per week. This cuts down on the number of greenhouse gases I am putting out.

Work From Home

• My home and home office have smart thermostats and smart LED lighting. I believe in LED lights, and I have a house full of LED lights and numerous smart lights on an app-control schedule. The thermostat is also scheduled to heat the house less during the day and more at night, for example.

Driving Hybrid

• I drive a hybrid. I have driven a hybrid car since 2008, and I will never go back to a regular gas-only powered car.

Only What I Need

• I only have the necessary backup equipment. I love new gear, but I am not one of those photographers who have dozens of pieces of gear sitting around. I have what I need (and backups) but nothing more.

Creativity Is What Drives This Wedding Photographer – Getting Started

Shortly after the initial listing, I was contacted by Julie B. who eventually hired me to photograph her wedding on June 30, 2007.  I prepared for the wedding by purchasing the basic digital equipment needed for a wedding which included a Nikon SB-600, a Nikon d80 camera, and a kit lens.  Additionally, I rented studio lights for this June wedding which was in northeast Indiana.

June 30th came quickly, and my wife and I made our way to the small farm town two hours from home.  We walked into this hodgepodge of buildings forming the church. The walls were white and the carpet was bright red.  As we walked in, I thought to myself “Why am I doing this?”  I placed my studio lights in the sanctuary and went to the wedding prep area. Walking into the room, I snapped a beautiful shot of the bride sitting on the floor. She was looking at herself in the mirror.  At that very moment, I was overcome with confidence and all doubt was gone.  Afterward, she told me how much she loved the photos! Thankfully, not a single time at any of my 143 weddings have I ever been nervous or doubted myself.

Book your favorite photographer today! Lastly, I would love to photograph your wedding wherever you are having it. Big and little venues, especially venues I have never been to are great. I like the challenge.

​Six Benefits Of Doing A First Look Before Your Wedding Ceremony

Why You Should Do A First Look Before Your Wedding

The first moment a wedding couple sees each other on the wedding day is magical and special.  For a Dayton wedding photographer, this can be one of the most emotional images I capture during the wedding day.  Traditionally speaking, the couple would not see each other until the ceremony.  Many couples now choose to take a few moments out of their wedding day. They do an intimate first look. The photographer captures every moment. (AND I LOVE IT!). These six benefits of doing a first look on your wedding day are often overlooked.

The benefits of doing a first look on your wedding day are numerous for everyone involved.  A first look before the ceremony offers the opportunity to maximize the time the couple is together on their wedding day

Here Are The 6 Benefits Of Doing A First Look On Your Wedding Day

Relax

• The wedding couple is always more relaxed because the stress of seeing each other has lifted

Spending Time

• They can spend more time together on their wedding day

One-Of-A-Kind Experience

• Photographers can create a special, one-of-a-kind first look photo / one of a kind first-look photo to cherish forever

Freeing Up Time

• All wedding photos can be completed before the ceremony thus getting everyone to the reception when the guests are also arriving

Flexibility

• Photographers can complete all wedding photos ahead of the ceremony which can allow additional locations for fun, unique, and candid photos before the reception

As a wedding photographer in Dayton and Cincinnati, I highly recommend doing a first look on your wedding day.  Based on my experience at over 150 weddings, couples who do first looks are more relaxed. This relaxation enables me to create more beautiful and natural wedding photos.  As always, it is your choice which way you wish to see each other for the first time.

Choose one of the top wedding photographers in Cincinnati to photograph your Cincinnati wedding. It doesn’t matter if you are doing a traditional first look or an early first look. Please use these 6 benefits of doing a first look to help make your wedding great!

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