I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Fields at Skycrest, a new wedding venue located in Cleveland, North Carolina. This picturesque location is not only a working farm on 95 acres but also offers modern and luxurious amenities for weddings big and small. I was thrilled to collaborate with the venue owners and Jennifer of Knot Your Average Events to plan a styled shoot, or a mock-up wedding, with a unique French-inspired theme. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists Van Gogh and Matisse, we designed the shoot with vibrant colors and unique details.
Charlotte, North Carolina Wedding Venue
The Fields at Skycrest is perfect for couples looking for versatile and open spaces. The property includes spacious getting-ready suites for both the bride and groom, a large covered pavilion with a stone fireplace, an outdoor patio for cocktail hour, and a large reception area that can host up to 300 guests. Although the space is new, it is filled with character and charm.
For this styled shoot, we wanted to create something different with many unique local vendors. We used custom table numbers with acrylic preserved flowers, a hand-painted aisle runner, a flower market cart, and an adorned Juliet balcony. We also incorporated Matisse-inspired accents, like prints on the sofa pillows and a hand-painted champagne bottle. To add a memorable touch, we had stilt walkers during the cocktail hour! This shoot was a reminder that couples can make their wedding day unique and personal. This serves as a reminder to couples to make your wedding day unique and anything but ordinary!
The Fields at Skycrest Wedding with Colorful Florals
During the shoot, we worked with different models in various spaces. Abby, one of our solo brides, was new to professional photography but was already comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Her parents were there to support her, as I’ve known Abby’s family for years—her mom is my administrative assistant.
We also photographed a real-life couple, DeSean and Jada, who are getting married at this venue in August 2025. Jada is a professional model, and DeSean grew up around photography, as his mom is also a photographer. During the shoot, they talked about their wedding plans, like Jada’s idea for a floral ring above the ceremony space and DeSean’s wish for a “first look” on their wedding day. Interestingly, our shoot marked the first time DeSean saw Jada in a wedding dress, and it was a very emotional moment for him. It will be such a special moment on their real wedding day!
Preparing for wedding photos begins long before the big day! As a Raleigh, North Carolina wedding photographer I want to share my best tips and tricks for getting photos you love! With great communication with your photographer and thoughtful planning, your photos will turn out beautifully and become cherished keepsakes for years to come. After all, your photos are one of the few tangible items from your special day – it’s important to get them right!
Keep reading for my professional tips to help you achieve a polished and beautiful look for your wedding photos, ensuring every moment is captured perfectly.
Preparing for Getting Ready Photos
When your photographer arrives on your wedding day, one of the first things they will start to capture is your details, also known as flat-lay photos. This is a great way to capture all of the items you have worked so hard on for your wedding day like your invitations and color scheme.
I recommend you use an empty shoe box to keep all of your details in one place. When your photographer arrives they can just get started capturing all of these items for both partners. This is also a great time to photograph any family heirlooms that are meaningful to you or special gifts exchanged on the day of the wedding. Asking your florist to set aside some flowers or greenery from your bouquet or decor can elevate these photos.
Include anything such as:
your invitation suite with envelopes including the invitation, RSVP card, save the date, menu card, and wax seal
both partner’s wedding bands
engagement ring
decorative ring boxes
perfume bottle
bouquet
boutonnieres
cufflinks
tie
wedding shoes (both bride and groom’s)
veil or hair accessories
vow books
jewelry and earrings
heirloom items
meaningful items to your relationship
Keep Your Getting Ready Suite Clean
To capture stunning getting-ready portraits on your wedding day, it’s essential to have a clean and organized space. A tidy environment not only looks better in photos but also helps you feel more relaxed. With bridal party members and family moving in and out, the room can quickly become crowded and messy. Designate a separate room or a hidden corner where everyone can store their belongings and food to keep the main area free from clutter.
Aim for a clean and well-lit space, as this space will be used for getting-ready photos and possibly your first look. Being mindful of what’s visible in the room will ensure your getting-ready photos look great!
Create a Shot List with Your Photography
A shot list is a detailed list of names and titles provided by you to your photographer, ensuring they capture the exact photos you want of your family and friends. For example, it might include the father of the bride/groom, mother of the bride/groom, grandparents, and other important family members for your portraits. Having a shot list helps make the formal portrait session efficient, allowing the photographer to call people by name and organize the process smoothly. If you are doing a first look, these photos can be taken before your ceremony. Otherwise, family portraits typically happen immediately after the ceremony while everyone is in one place!
Your photographer will have you help create this shot list ahead of time. It’s crucial to inform them of any special instructions or family logistics, such as unique family dynamics, accessibility needs, or a death in the family. Being sensitive to these things can help the photographer manage the portraits with care and respect. These details can affect the time portraits will take on your wedding day, depending on the number of photos you desire and the number of family members involved.
Prepare for Wedding Photos by Creating a Timeline
A timeline is essentially a master document outlining what will happen and when on your wedding day. It serves as a guide for not only your photographer but all of your vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page about the timing of key moments and the duration of various activities. Your photographer will play a significant role in creating your timeline to ensure you have enough time for all of your portraits.
One major decision to consider is whether or not to have a first look. There’s no right or wrong choice—it depends on your preferences for the day. If attending your cocktail hour and getting photos done beforehand is important to you, then a first look might be the best option. Every wedding day is unique, and a well-planned timeline will ensure you have ample time for everything that matters to you.
When creating your timeline, it’s also a great opportunity to share some inspirational photos of poses you like for portraits and the overall vibe you want for the day. This will help your photographer clearly understand your vision and ensure your photos turn out exactly as you envision.
Getting The Perfect Post Ceremony Kiss!
At the end of your ceremony when they announce you as husband and wife, your kiss should be anything but short and sweet! Don’t rush through it, even if you are anxious. Breathe and enjoy the moment! This will give your photographer a few extra seconds to capture the moment perfectly and your officiant can move out of the way.
When you walk down the aisle together, pause for a dip kiss at the end of the aisle! These pictures are always some of my favorites because they are full of emotion as your guests cheer you on!
To get it right you must practice, practice, practice. Do not wing it on the wedding day! To do the dip the bride should cross in front of the groom and dip with the side or profile facing the photographer (NOT with her head or feet towards the photographer). Grooms should lean with the bride in the dip often with one leg diagonal or toe touch & other leg bent slightly. The bride bends one leg and the other leg is diagonally up. The bridal bouquet should be held in a natural position down towards the ground. Like I said, this will take practice but will be worth it for the photo!
Preparing for Wedding Day Photos of Reception Decor
Similar to your getting ready details, your photographer will also be capturing any decor. Your photographer will usually capture these before any guests have entered the reception. In your timeline, allow for time for the photographer to get these photos while everything is still bright and clean! Ensure they know about things like special signs, favors, or desserts to ensure they get a photo!
Capturing Great First Dance Photos
When out on the dance floor for your first dance (with your partner or parent), try not to rush! Any special choreographed moves should be held for a moment! When “spinning”, always spin with the bride or mom going underarms to the right, allowing for a clear shot of her face. It’s also a great idea to let your photographer know of any special details of the dance before the wedding day so they are better prepared to capture the exact moment.
By taking these steps to prepare for your wedding photos, you’ll ensure that every precious moment is captured beautifully. From organizing your getting-ready space to creating a detailed shot list and practicing key moments, thoughtful preparation can make a world of difference. Your wedding photos are more than just images; they are lasting memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Communication with your photographer is key!
I would love to capture your North Carolina wedding day and ensure you receive photos you love! Reach out to tell me more about your wedding and check my availability!
