Choosing a photographer has been natural for decades. What's the point of hiring a videographer, you might think? Simply because the photo appeals to your memories and brings back the emotions afterwards. The video has the advantage of plunging you directly into the heart of the day: to see the moments again, to listen to the speeches of your loved ones, to hear the trembling of a voice during the exchange of consents. Rediscover the atmosphere of the evening and the party. The emotion is relived directly through the video.

I attach a great deal of importance to sound: the yeses, the cries of the guests as you leave the room, the smiles full of emotion as you discover yourself in your outfits...

The day goes by at high speed and we will be there to catch all those details that you missed. A timeless memory that you will have the pleasure to see again with your family, your friends, decades later.

THE VIDEO

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT.

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Then, it is easier to reveal your personality in civilian clothes, because no, you won't stay in your wedding dress all your life! This is the time to have beautiful pictures of you two in "real life", pictures that you will hang on the wall or that you will be able to put on your invitation, your guest book, or even include them in your wedding album.

It is possible to imagine everything: a place, landscape that you like, an intimate session ...

Love is in the air and the excitement is building as the pre-wedding weeks roll by!

And then you ask yourself: is an engagement session necessary? After all, your wedding photos will already mark the beginning of a new life.

And yet, engagements are important.

First of all, it will allow you to feel more at ease on the big day in front of us. You will be less surprised by the way we work.

GETTING READIES

This is the moment that really kicks off the day and is important. Choose the best place to make your preparations.

Whether it's at the reception site or in a family home, choose a room that is simple and not too busy, spacious and as light as possible. To avoid seeing a trash can, an iron, or an open suitcase in the pictures, take care to tidy up the space a bit.

If possible, it's a good idea to plan the preparations at the reception site or at your home to avoid stress and multiple trips. The less you run from one place to another, the more time you have to enjoy yourself and your photographer to take nice pictures.

Try to limit the number of people around you. Remember that you will be surrounded by the professionals (makeup artist, hair stylist, videographer, photographer), so you might as well not add any more. Take advantage of these quiet moments to start your day smoothly.

Plan a nice outfit: it must obviously be comfortable and practical. Opt for a shirt or a kimono, so as not to damage your hair and makeup. A nice outfit that could also match the colors of your day. If your witnesses or bridesmaids are getting ready with you, they can also think about it. Your photos will be even more successful.

Delegate the final organizational details to a trusted person designated in advance, and turn off your cell phone. This way, you won't have to deal with your guests' last-minute worries.

However, it is important to plan a time slot for the two of you and to avoid long trips from one to the other.

This is also the time for your photographer to capture moments of life (the last installations, a jump in the pool, a lunch all together ..)

DETAILS AND VOWS

To tell the best story of your day, it is essential to photograph all those little details that you have prepared with meticulousness. Do not forget them and highlight them. It is all or part of your personality that you reveal in the subtlety of these details.

Your dress/suit hanging on a nice hanger, your shoes, your jewelry nearby, and your freshly made bridal bouquet will be in their place in your room.

- The wedding rings

- Stationery (invitations, RSVP, planner, menu)

- A floral detail reminiscent of the bouquet (2/3 branches of the bouquet are enough, you can ask your florist who will know how to choose the colors that best suit your day).

We will photograph these details during the preparations.

You have paid special attention to all the details of your big day. So why write your vows on simple sheets of paper when you can put your words on pretty stationery? Have two nice notebooks, or beautiful cards that match your wedding theme & colors, on which you can write your love.

FIRST LOOK

If you wish, it is possible to organize a "first look" in image.

If there are many special moments during a wedding, there is one that really launches the day: the moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time.

If tradition wants the groom to wait for his bride at the end of the aisle (town hall or ceremony), most couples prefer to reserve a special, intimate moment, where they will take the time to look at each other and appreciate the elegance of each.

What is the "first look"?

When the couple is ready, we find the perfect spot, in a quiet place, for them to discover each other in complete privacy. Often one of you is standing with his or her back to us. When the other is close, he gives the signal to turn around, or by tapping him on the shoulder. And there we immortalize that moment, that reaction that the bride and groom have "at first sight".

CIVIL CEREMONY

Think about having the photographer come in the car of the bride and groom to photograph this moment.

More and more couples prefer to do the civil ceremony on another day. Even if on average, it lasts only about 20 minutes, with the time to get there, for everyone to park, to arrive a little early, it can quickly take 2 hours out of your day. Scheduling the civil ceremony on another day is an option to consider to save time and stress.

The civil ceremony can be scheduled any day of the week. You will be able to see what your town hall proposes.

It is also a solution for couples whose wedding will take place in a place far from the town hall.

OUTDOOR CEREMONY

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

The advantage of the Lay Ceremony, often performed at the reception site, is that it allows you to freely choose the decor and orientation. However, for the comfort of all, there are some elements to take into account when choosing the location.

-The sun: you must avoid a location between light and shade. This could ruin your photos and have some people overexposed and others in total shadow. It is always better to place the whole ceremony in the shade to avoid the harsh afternoon light, which will mark your features. It is a common misconception that the more light, the better. Direct sunlight, when it is close to its zenith, is the enemy of beautiful photos: everyone squints, the shadow cast by the arch of the eyebrow creates two black "holes" instead of the eyes, the features are hardened, the forehead and nose shine, the white dress dazzles ... not to mention the potential heat! In short, to be avoided whenever possible!

The solution: find or make a homogeneous shady spot at least for the bride and groom (a large tree well supplied, a cloth stretched a bit like the houppa in Jewish weddings etc.), or plan a time ideally 2 to 3 hours before sunset. Your photographer will also thank you for protecting his or her equipment from overheating and therefore from breakdown.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Don't hide your emotions behind your bouquet, or by turning away. It is these emotions that you will want to see again and again in pictures.

PLACEMENT OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Place your chairs facing your guests, in the middle of the arch or slightly to the side. You should always be able to see them.

THE OFFICIANT

Stand behind a lectern or just with a microphone. You need to be able to see them, but the guests need to be able to see him.

LIMIT THE OBSTACLES

Phones, tablets, flash. At least during the arrival and the key moments (exchange of vows, wedding rings, exit).

Hiding the speakers will spoil the aesthetics of your ceremony. A wireless microphone held by your officiant is preferable to a black tripod placed in front or in the middle of you.

LIMIT GUEST TRAVEL

Let your guests enjoy themselves while staying in their seats. It is not uncommon for guests to get up to take pictures (especially during the exchange of vows & rings) or the entrance and/or exit without realizing that they are in the wrong place.

A short note at the beginning of the ceremony is appreciated to set the rules.

THE CORTEGE

Plan for each person entering the ceremony to wait until the previous one has completely arrived so that your photographer can get everyone's picture.

THE STAND FOR YOUR VOWS

It's good to plan a nice stand, as it will show up in all your images. It would be a shame if the readings were done on your laptop.

RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

INSTRUCTIONS

A place of worship means instructions that must be followed. It is necessary to find out if your photographer is allowed during the ceremony. If so, what are the possible restrictions and obligations.

In any case it is important for the photographer to go and meet the officiant a few minutes before the ceremony in order to know if necessary, the last instructions.

Many officiants are strict about where to go during the ceremony, where to stand (e.g., no walking on the altar) and when to be absolutely silent. It is therefore important to have this information in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the big day.

GROUP PHOTOS

BE EFFICIENT

Group photos are a way to guarantee that you have a picture of all your guests. Because even if your photographer does his best, it is impossible to have a portrait of each person.

The beginning of the cocktail party is the ideal time to take them. The only problem during the cocktail party is the proximity of the bar, which can make it difficult to call back the troops, hence the interest of entrusting two of your friends with the role of "rabatteur". The list of groups should be planned in advance with a designated person on the day to call them and not lose time.

As a reminder, you should not plan too many groups, at the risk of losing time on your day (on average 2 minutes per group: the time to call, place the people and take the picture).

Choose a beautiful place, sober and clear, a staircase, in front of a nice wall, under a hundred-year-old tree ... avoiding having the parking lot in the background.

"Avoid spaces in full sun where everyone would end up squinting. Whenever possible, we will take these photos in the shade for a softer light on your faces.

PHOTOBOOTH

Whether it's a booth rental, or a simple backdrop set up with props provided, it's a way to get group photos and everyone.

COCKTAIL

This is the time to photograph your guests. A cup in the hand, in the middle of a discussion, natural moments.

If your wedding has a lot of guests, it is better to make a list of people to photograph. If you have not made one, you will have to show it to him in person. In addition to the close circle (parents, witnesses, bridesmaids, groomsmen) who will be easily spotted, there may be more discreet people, melted in the assembly, but that should not be missed.

It is also a moment to discover the room and its decor and to take pictures of yourself before all the guests settle in.

Your photographer/videographer will immortalize all these nice details prepared (decoration/tables ..)! Don't hesitate to tell them among the details to be photographed if some objects in particular are important.

THE BEST TIMING

A "mini-parenthesis" in your day. When the sun is golden, to get the best images. Depending on what you like (very bright or dark atmosphere), your photographer will advise you on the most suitable time to obtain the desired result.

Sometimes, if later in the day a beautiful light is revealed, he will come back to you to take some more shots.

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

In a place far from the eyes, to be more relaxed and play the game more easily.

The poses that your photographer helps you take bring out the romance and electricity between you. The goal is to make you look your best.

LA SÉANCE COUPLE

AMBIANCE

The choice of your photographer defines the style of this session but do not hesitate to discuss with your photographer what you would like to see in your images, the place, the atmosphere, the luminosity...

ALLOW ENOUGH TIME

This session will take about 30 minutes, but if you have a little more time it's even better! This is the time needed for you to feel comfortable and for your photographer to find the right formula for you. If you are afraid of running out of time on the big day or if you want a longer and more elaborate session, in a place that makes you vibrate, or that is simply close to your heart, there is always the possibility to extend the session a few days later, without having to manage the timing, but still in your wedding clothes.

DINNER

PARTY

FORGET US AND ENJOY!

HAVE FUN AT THE ENTRANCE

The entrance of the bride and groom with music is always a good idea! After 2 hours or more of cocktail, it's time to revitalize your guests. In a wedding, the bride and groom set the tone and the guests follow. A rhythmic entrance followed by 10 minutes of dance floor promise a good atmosphere for the dinner.

PROVIDE LIGHT

Think carefully about the light sources that will illuminate your wedding dinner.

Dreaming of a candlelit wedding? Nice idea in itself, but not very convenient to see what is on your plate. Find the right balance between a dimmed atmosphere and a brightly lit room.

For example, choose a sky of string lights, or spotlights against the walls, diffusing a warm light (warm white or orange, amber), all associated with candles on the tables.

We will stay until midnight to capture the atmosphere and the first dances.

It's pretty cool to end your report on your first dance or on your guests going wild on the dance floor! We're also here to capture the beginning of the party, so go wild!

In order for the report to be beautiful until the end, it's best to use warm and soft lights and not green, blue or laser lights that give the impression of having a pallid complexion or chicken pox! On the dance floor you can have fun with colored lights to accentuate the festive atmosphere and your photographer will be able to have fun and create light movement effects.

Think about your providers: During the dinner, your photographer/videographer will eat at the same time as you. Think about providing them a table close enough to come back when there are animations.

GETTING MARRIED WITHOUT STRESS

• Do your hair and makeup trial at least 2 months before your wedding. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how you are going to look and give you the opportunity to change things ahead of time if necessary. Don't forget to bring your jewelry and accessories in for a trial run to see if everything matches.

• Have all your accessories ready the night before, and gather everything in one place. This will save you the stress of chasing your veil in the living room, your earrings in the bathroom and your shoes in the bedroom.

• Find out what the rules are at the ceremony. All venues are different, some restrict where photos can be taken and even when they are allowed. Also, let your officiant know that a professional is present.

If possible, prefer to take your couple photos alone with your photographer and out of sight. It is already not obvious to be at ease, we let you imagine if everyone looks at you, or if your friends take advantage to tease you!

Take the time to eat lunch. It may sound weird, but take the time to eat something before the ceremony, because it will be a while before you have time to eat. Take a first aid kit with you: sewing kit, stain remover, pin, emergency button, hair pin, doliprane...

Why do we need to think about the lights to have beautiful wedding pictures?

Even if you spend months preparing the most beautiful details for your wedding, if you don't think about the light, we will unfortunately not be able to immortalize the event as you expect. We can fix a lot of things during the shooting, we can recover some defects during the digital development phase (or 'retouching'), but not everything.

As we said above, it is better to avoid the sunlight when it is at its zenith!

For those who get married in church, temple

or synagogue, if you have the choice, try to find a place of worship with beautiful openings on the outside (stained glass and others) or, failing that, with a powerful lighting system. The eye is very sophisticated and adapts very well to darkness... our cameras, less so.

Ideally, we shoot the couple at the famous Golden Hour, which is 1 to 2 hours before sunset, when the sun is basically just above the horizon to play hide-and-seek with the bride and groom's heads and create that famous 'flair' effect and that soft, warm light that makes everyone beautiful.

So take a look at the D-Day ephemeris to see when that Golden Hour will hit (if you're getting married in June or September, it will change dramatically! ).

And if it really seems impossible to organize, make sure you have a place with trees near your ceremony/reception site that will provide the necessary shade.

If you're getting married in September in the northern half of France, remember that it's almost dark by 8pm and the temperature drops at lightning speed, so if you want pretty portraits of your guests on the fly, think about starting early (and therefore planning your ceremony early as well, if possible).

At dinner... Candles don't light up, they are part of the decoration. BUT it's still very, very pretty, especially at the bride and groom's table, to light up your faces as much as possible while your loved ones make their speeches, their animations, and you cry or laugh in turn. Tip: when you place your table, think about what will be behind you, because it will be on

all the pictures of you two... A nice wall with a garland, a little decoration or why not a small LED curtain will do the trick.

When the rain invites itself to your wedding, it's time to get down to business! Everything we've explained above can only be summed up as finding the brightest rooms possible. A photographer will be very comfortable with the kind of diffused light provided by a gray sky, well protected from the rain.

Think of the 'crystal' tents (their roof is made of transparent plastic), which let the last rays of light pass through and which can also be decorated with electric garlands once the night has fallen. Bring plenty of transparent umbrellas for you and your guests. That way, on a rainy town hall/church/etc exit, we can still shoot your loved ones' happy faces and your first mythical kiss as husband and wife.

The weeks before and directly after are busy weeks. Here is a schedule that will help you understand our way of working and the deadlines necessary to render a quality job.

Two weeks before your wedding you communicate us your planning of the day by email or by phone. After discussing the schedule, we take note of the latest information and essential elements so as not to miss anything.

Two days before the wedding, we make a last point together on the planning by phone to confirm the details.

The D-day, we arrive on time and start the rush of the day.

Six weeks after the D-day, we send you the link to the

online photo gallery.

Up to twelve weeks after D-day, we send you the link to your online video.

IN A NUTSHELL

WE SAY YES TO

WE AVOID

- Even shade, when there is a lot of sun.

- White fabrics that filter a bit of harsh light (whether hung in a window or above the bride and groom during an outdoor ceremony).

-Windows, stained glass windows, anything that lets natural light into rooms, places of worship and other reception halls.

- Candles and electric garlands of any kind when it is dark, inside or outside.

- Transparent umbrellas if the weather is bad.

- Crystal tents

- Fluorescent lights.

- The rooms all dark and/or very crowded for the preparations.

- The sun in your face.

- Rooms lit only in purple/blue.

- Green and/or red lasers at dinner and on the dance floor.