Posted on November 6, 2009 - by Brian

How to Be a Beautiful Bride: A Photographer’s Pespective

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1. Call me: If you have ideas, concerns, worries…if you just want to chat; give me a call. Send me pictures from websites or magazines that you like; these will give me insights into your ideals, your hopes and your dreams

2. Trust me: Don’t be afraid to be emotional, tender or goofy; you are supposed to be!  I will make you look your best – I promise!

3. Delegate responsibilities: Most of your friends and family will be happy to handle tasks related to the wedding. Don’t be a martyr…give those around you something to do. Doing this will help you to avoid bridal meltdown.

4. Exercise: There is no better stress buster than exercise.  You don’t have to do hour long aerobics classes at the gym, just short, brisk walks will do. Especially take a walk the day before, or the morning of, the wedding.

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5. Consider a professional make-up artist: A professional knows how to apply make up that looks best on camera, and what will hold up best all day.  Professionally applied make up often looks more natural than self applied make up; and it is not as expensive as you may think.

6. Skip the drive-through: I am not talking about dieting to lose weight; just eating well to feel and look better. Your skin will have a healthier, more radiant glow after even a short diet of fresh foods.  Also, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

7. Get plenty of sleep: If you are tired, you will look tired. Delegate tasks to others, and you will be able to get everything done, and still get the rest you need.

8. Appoint a photo wrangler: Find a trusted friend or family member who can round up everyone for the group photos. Make sure they realize this is an important job, and give them your list.  Do not try to do this yourself!

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9. Pamper yourself: Get a massage, a facial, a manicure and pedicure. You deserve it, and will feel prettier and sexier as well.

10. Assemble an emergency kit: Have a bridal party member keep this kit close at all times. It should have: bobby pins, safety pins, needle and thread, stain remover pads, nail polish, aspirin, band-aids, etc.  I once fixed a torn wedding dress with duct tape just minutes before a ceremony!  Also, have bottled water and snacks in the dressing room.

11. Do a “dress rehearsal”: Don’t assume everything will fit or go together as planned; in fact, it is common for something to not work as planned. It is better to know if something is wrong a week before, rather than the day of the wedding.

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12. Be a star: Tell yourself you are a movie star going to the academy awards. Strut your stuff! This is your day to be the center of attention; everyone expects it, everyone wants it, especially me.

13. Strike a pose: Here are some basic model tricks. Think slinky, think sexy S curves under your dress. Turn one shoulder to the camera, so that your body is at a 45-degree angle to me. Put your weight on your back leg and slide your front leg forward, bending your front leg slightly. Practice this at home in front of a mirror until it seems natural.

14. Use the fake it law: Remember that the mind follows the body. Even if you feel extremely nervous, act as if you are confident and in complete control, and you will eventually feel that way. In other words, fake it until it becomes reality. It really works!

15. Get a glow: For arms, shoulders and neckline use a body lotion with a sheen. The shiny ones usually have tiny glittery flakes in them, and may be a bit greasy-feeling, but they leave a soft glow that makes your skin come alive.  All professional models use this trick; give it a try!

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16. Wear comfortable shoes: With most wedding dresses, no one can see your shoes.  Many brides pick sexy, stiletto-heeled shoes that become painful after a couple of hours. It is difficult to look relaxed and radiant when your feet are throbbing.  At least bring a more comfortable pair for the reception.

17. Be the calm in the storm: There will be a storm around you all day, but strive to breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy yourself.  Take in all the sights and sounds.  Slow down.  Be in the now: enjoy every moment.  It will show in the photos.

18. Don’t sweat the details: In every wedding, there is something that goes wrong; but unless it is something major, no one will know the difference.  Don’t let a small detail that isn’t perfect ruin your day.

19. Smile: Your face should be in pain by the end of the day from smiling so much.  Even when you are worrying about stepping on your dress, dropping the bouquet, and everything else… SMILE as big and radiantly as you can.  Dig deep for that joy you feel inside and project it to all your guests (and the camera).

20. Be a Flirt: Flirt with your new husband through the photographs.  Be saucy, sexy and confident.  Allow your energy to flow through to the camera.  Above all, have fun, laugh and smile…you will be beautiful!

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