Category Archive

Pinterest is that beautiful world where many brides go to get ideas for planning their perfect wedding. A plethora of images exist in this virtual world, and many of those brides are pinning hundreds of photos to their wedding boards. From dresses to decorations, and hairstyles to invitations, there are unlimited possibilities and countless combinations. With so much inspiration available, how could it possibly be a bad idea to plan your wedding with Pinterest?

It can certainly be a great tool for planning portions of the big event, but one should be careful not to overdo it. More often than not, Pinterest can lead down the path of frustration, and ultimately, to disappointment. Pinterest is meant to be aspirational, and trying to turn that aspiration into reality rarely goes as planned.








One example of this is choosing the venue. In Pinterest-Land, the best place to tie the knot is in a field of flowers, on a glorious sunny day. Who wouldn’t want that? Well, just because a wedding in the middle of a field looks pretty, it doesn’t mean you should plan one there. Or that you can, because an open field brings more logistical problems than one would think. Also, the perfect spot that will work with YOUR reality may be overlooked if you are only focused on that ONE pin.




Trying to find the perfect dress or shoes can also be frustrating. Many blogs post images from real wedding shoots, but often with no fashion credits, or links to buy. Also, many of the dresses and other product photos were posted years ago and are now sold out or discontinued. What’s the point of inspiration if you can’t buy the desired item? Pinterest is great for getting ideas for dresses, but in the end, you also have to be able to afford it. Many of those gorgeous gowns cost as much as down payment on a house, so remember that a lot of pins are just eye candy.








Hair and makeup inspiration can also be tricky. Many of the images are from styled shoots, so the “bride” is often a professional model with perfect skin and fabulous hair. Also, they have been heavily edited and don’t represent reality. Falling in love with a particular type of style is fine, as long as it will work with your hair. Collaborate closely with your hair and makeup artist in the months before the big event. They will be able to provide guidance, and help you create a look that is true to your individual style. They will help you be truly comfortable and confident so that you will look and feel fabulous on your special day.








Why can’t I afford that dress? Why didn’t I think of that favor idea? Why doesn’t my cake look like that? Why is every other wedding better than mine? If you had to scrimp in certain areas such as decor or flowers, Pinterest is not going to make you feel better. All those well-lit, professional photos can make you feel as if you’re putting together an uninspired, cookie- cutter wedding. Rather than allowing envy and disappointment to ruin everything, remember that your photographer is going to capture all the details, and make them look spectacular.








No one else has your particular budget and circumstances. A wedding should be as unique and individual as the couple it centers around, and focusing too heavily on other’s wedding ideas can sometimes take too much away from your own. Maybe your invitations are simple, but you have an awesome dress or a great location. Just focus on the positive, and, of course, check out some of my pins while you are planning the big day!




Bryan Jonathan Weddings Pinterest

Many couples who are planning their wedding quickly find the process a bit overwhelming. The To Do List gets longer and more complicated, and stress levels can start rising long before the big event. As time ticks closer you will likely start to find yourself getting busier and busier. Early in the engagement is the perfect time for an e-shoot. The excitement of the proposal is still fresh and that emotion will be evident in your photos.

Unless you are a model or a public figure, you probably aren’t accustom to having a professional photographer taking your photo. The e-session is a great opportunity to build confidence and get comfortable in front of the camera.  Being followed around by a camera can be scary, and getting that anxiety out of the way in advance helps tremendously. As a couple, you will stop focusing on the camera and more on each other. Frazzled nerves will be calmed and your interactions will become more natural.
Your photographer will be spending many hours with you on your wedding day, and the engagement shoot is the best way for them to get to know you. They are involved in the most intimate moments of your day and the time spent with you during the shoot is an invaluable opportunity to give you direction and get familiar with your personalities. Investing this quality time together before the wedding day will ensure that your photographer is able to capture you at your best.










Plan on having your hair and makeup done for the shoot as well. Getting comfortable with your stylist is very important. It will make you feel even more confident and that will show through in the final images. The photographer and stylist will work together to establish the perfect look for the big day and this will help you feel at ease with both individuals. Plus, your engagement photos will be all the more fantastic!










The engagement session is a trial run. Not only is it great practice for you, it also allows your photographer to see how the two of you interact as a couple. They will learn more about your love story, your wedding plans, and how much direction you may need. An excellent wedding photographer will shoot a variety of photos during your engagement session; from serious and romantic to playful and artistic. Your honest feedback helps ensure that your wedding day photos accurately reflect your love story. On your wedding day you will probably be seeing your photographer more than any one else, and the e-shoot is a perfect ice breaker to help transform them from a stranger to a friend.










Chat with them about your wedding plans and get tips about planning out the schedule. Your photographer has seen it all, and will have invaluable advice on how to organize the day and minimize stress. They should also be the first one you ask for vendor referrals. Having a cohesive group of vendors will make the big day so much easier and carefree. Your photographer will have suggestions for hair and makeup, floral, catering, DJ’s and even venues. Think of it as building a wedding team, and your photographer is the captain. Being able to sit back and trust your team will make the big day more relaxed and all the more special.

Click Here to connect with Bryan and schedule your engagement session.

Happy Planning!

-Bryan

Choosing your wedding photographer in Duluth, MN can be an overwhelming experience. There are many professionals to choose from, all with varying degrees of experience and style. Here are three questions that every bride and groom should ask themselves before hiring a wedding photographer. Remember, you are likely to spend more time with your photographer during your wedding day than with your fiancé, and if you can satisfy these three criteria, then you have made a great choice regardless of who you’ve selected.

1. Can we spend our entire wedding day with this photographer and still like him/her at the end of the day?




Wedding photography, more than any other kind of photography, is about capturing the beauty of relationships. The essence of any wedding is the inter-connection between two people, whose love is witnessed by their family and friends. It’s nearly impossible for any photographer to capture the beauty of those relationships without first having a genuine relationship with the couple.




Imagine the morning of your wedding day: You’re wearing your favorite yoga pants, your hair is full of bobby pins, and your make-up is half-done. It’s the day that has occupied your thoughts for years, and you’re absolutely gorgeous. But, let’s face it, you’re not quite ready. Now, a stranger you met once over a year ago walks into your bridal suite with cameras blazing in both hands. It’s an uncomfortable situation at best, and the result could be some very awkward images.




Now imagine a better scenario: A friend, whom you haven’t seen in a while, enters the room. You are thrilled to see each other, and spend the next few minutes catching up. Your friend casually takes a few photos as your make-up artist completes the finishing touches. The whole time with this friend is relaxing and enjoyable.




Realistically, your wedding photographer may never be your best friend, but they also shouldn’t be a complete stranger. Even the most experienced shooter has difficulty taking truly beautiful images, without first having a personal relationship with the bride. Having that relationship with the person behind the camera will make you feel at ease, which will make for a great experience and fantastic photos for your wedding album.




One of the best ways to begin a relationship with a photographer is to do an engagement session. An experienced wedding photographer will take the time to first, shoot a variety of engagement photos, and then observe what images you respond to most. Your responses will help guide him/her as to how to shoot your wedding day. The time you spend together before the wedding is invaluable, and is one of the most influential components of a positive wedding experience. Think of it like a dress rehearsal, with custom artwork as a bonus. This is the best time for you to get to know your photographer, and for him/her to get to know you two as a couple. Again, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer, so make sure he/she is someone you trust, and truly want to get to know.










2. Does the wedding photographer’s style match ours?




Take a good look at your top candidate’s professional wedding portfolio. Are they quality images? Can you imagine yourself in those photos? Does their style match the vision you have for your wedding? You should instantly know if you respond well to a photographer’s style. Trust your intuition. Also, ask questions and listen to their answers. A professional can explain their style, their methods, and why he/she took each shot.




Many couples who tie the knot choose to have an outdoor wedding, or at least spend some of their big day taking photos outside. Here in Minnesota, the beautiful nature that surrounds us every day is often incorporated into the wedding. If you are looking for some amazing nature shots, pay close attention to the photographer’s portfolio. Make sure that they can provide a balance for you, by capturing what happens indoors as well as the great moments outside.










3. Can we afford them?




You’ve finally found the perfect photographer, but can you afford it? Your wedding images are one of the few things from your wedding day that will increase in value over time. At the end of the night, when the music stops and your guests go home, the only thing that will remain is leftover cake and photographs. On your first anniversary, your memories will still be bright and fresh. But, will they be as vivid on your tenth, or your fiftieth? Will you wish you had invested more on your memories?




Wedding photographers have a unique skill set that requires many years to develop, and investing in that expertise will be well worth the money spent. If a photographer has really impressed you, then it will be worth stretching the budget. The images from your wedding will last a lifetime, and hiring the right photographer will ensure your moments are preserved forever.






Are you ready to decide?




If you and your fiancé can answer yes to these three questions, then you have chosen the best wedding photographer for you. Please note that the questions are listed and weighted in order of importance. Many couples reverse this process and start with the cheapest photographer in their price range, and then look for style.




Book early! Have your engagement session as soon as you can, and start getting to know your photographer. Your wedding planning will actually be easier, and you will feel more excited and less stressed. Remember, there is fierce competition between couples for prime summer weekends, and the best professionals will book in fast! Challenge yourself to look for the photographer that you could befriend, and let the rest fall into place.

Click Here to connect with Bryan and see if he’s the perfect wedding photographer for you.

Happy Planning!

-Bryan