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wedding guide
tammy christina photography
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
01. welcome
02. engagement session
03. vendors
04. bridal portraits
05. first looks
06. timelines
07. rain tips
08. details
09. family formals
10. go unplugged
11. extra tips
12. albums
WELCOME
a note about this guide
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day. I’m sure your mind is racing with all that needs to be planned. It’s all very exciting , but it can also be somewhat overwhelming. You’re planning the day that you’ve been anticipating your whole life and yet you only get one shot at it! By the time you get the hang of it, the planning is over! My goal as a wedding photographer is to make this one aspect of the planning process simple. Photography is more than just images, it’s a real part of your day. Not only do you deserve beautiful images, you also deserve an amazing photographic experience. The goal of this guide is to help you plan your wedding day in a way that will allow us to provide you with the BEST experience possible. Since you’re officially a TCP Bride, the next step is to plan your engagement session and then start chatting about wedding day details as we get closer to your date! I'm beyond excited to be working with you!! I cannot wait to get to know you two during your engagement session!! From my family to yours, Welcome! It’s an honor to be your wedding photographer!
xoxo,
tammy christina
I PHOTOGRAPH PORTRAIT SESSIONS THE WAY I LIKE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED MYSELF:
Outdoors, in natural light, because I love images
that are clean, bright, fresh and timeless. Images
that look and feel like you! That’s why I begin all of
my sessions 1-2 hours before the scheduled sunset
–– during the magical “golden hour” –– when the
light in the sky is the softest, dreamiest and most
flattering.
You can use a sunset calculator online to determine
the scheduled sunset for the date and location
you’d like to do your session. Then, just subtract
two hours to figure out your approximate session
start time. If you’re wearing one outfit, we’ll start
your session about 90 minutes before sunset. When
scheduling your date, it’s important to remember
that the sun sets much earlier during the colder
months of the year and much later during the
warmer months, so make sure to factor that in ––
especially if you have small children with a specific
eating or sleeping schedule, or if you (or your
spouse) will need to leave work early to get ready
for the session and arrive on time. If you don’t have
plans after your session, I always recommend
going out for a fun date night since you’re already
dressed up!
My weekends fill up fast and far in advance, but my
weekdays are much more flexible. So if you’d like
to do your session sooner rather than later,
scheduling mid-week is the way to go!
SCHEDULING
your SESSION
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allow yourself more time thank you think you'll actually need
PLANNING
your TIME
When you’re planning "getting ready" time before your session (scheduling your hair, makeup, etc.) please give yourself a lot more time than you think you'll need. Make sure to account for things like traffic, getting lost and parking, so you can prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. I’m only able to shoot when light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down!
beach Front
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the location of your portrait session is completely up to you!
CHOOSING
the LOCATION
As you’ll see throughout this guide, most of my clients love showcasing the natural beauty of their home state. For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wideopen natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour. There are great options all around the area, so even if you've never seen me photograph in a specific place before, I’m always up for exploring a new spot together!
grassy field
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THINK
the
BOX
OUTSIDE
when it comes to choosing locations, don't be afraid to
think outside the box!
I encourage you to brainstorm unique places that you might have special access to that most
people don’t. For example, maybe you (or someone you know) have access to an amazing
location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, family ranch,
exclusive country club or luxury resort. Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking
around with people in your personal and professional network. You’ll be surprised with what
you come up with! If something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you
ask! You can also consider Airbnb or other property rental sites. In the past, my clients have
secured permission to shoot in some pretty incredible places!
If you need some location ideas and inspiration, I have plenty! Check out my Pinterest (@tammycoleman). I always keep a plethora of inspiration boards to help ensure I capture the tone and vibe for your session.
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DESTINATION locations
Your portrait session includes my travel time anywhere in the Shreveport-Bossier area. If you’d like to go somewhere else in the state, I'm up for the adventure! If you’d like to shoot outside of the city, there will be a travel fee to account for the extra hours of drive time there and back, the time required beforehand for me to scout locations and the overall longer session time. For destination sessions, I allow three hours (instead of two) so we have enough time to drive to multiple scenic spots.
i've done portrait sessions from coast to coast, everywhere in between and even in asia, too!
If I’m already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up! I’d love to meet you somewhere beautiful and make it work! If you’d like me to meet you in a destination outside of the state for your portrait session where I don’t already have plans to visit, just let me know and I’ll send you a custom quote.
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NUMBER
of OUTFITS
FAMILY: 1 OUTFIT
couple/maternity: 1-2
couple/maternity: 1-2 outfits
FAMILY sessions:
1 OUTFIT
how to plan
wondering how many outfits you should plan? i've got you covered!
Changing outfits during a session always takes more time than my clients expect, so in order to maximize shooting time and give you the highest number of photos possible, I recommend the number of outfits (as follows) to keep stress low and the number of photos in your final gallery high.
branding: 2-3
1
2
3
maternity/couples:
1-2 OUTFITs
branding session:
2-3 OUTFITs
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STYLING your SESSION
if you want your portrait session images to look and feel a little more editorial, i recommend bringing a few small, simple props with you, like fresh flowers to hold, a floppy hat to wear, or a blanket to sit on.
If you want to set up a picnic or incorporate another special element into your session, just let me know! Maybe you have access to some larger props that have a real “wow” factor, like a boat, classic car, vintage bicycle or hot air balloon. This is the time to dream a little bit and decide what really feels like you! Props aren’t a must by any means. Some of my clients love them and go all out. Some pick one or two items to bring. Others stick with just their outfits –– and that’s great, too! The most important things you need to bring to your session are love and laughter. I'll take care of the rest.
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STYLE TIPS
for HER
DRESS it UP
have you been eyeing A gorgeous dress, but just never had an occasion for it?
This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there’s no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to spend a ton of money adding a new permanent piece to your wardrobe, a lot of my clients love Rent the Runway for their portrait photos because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over! Some of my clients love having an excuse to go shopping and purchase a new permanent piece (or two!) for their wardrobe –– and that’s okay, too! Whatever works for you!
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SAY
TO THE
yes
there's nothing more flattering than a long flowy dress!
Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend choosing long, flowy dresses or skirts because they’re flattering on all body types, look amazing on camera and bring extra movement and dimension to your photos. Maxi (or floor length) skirts and dresses will give us the best “twirl factor,” add more romance to your walking photos and look especially gorgeous when juxtaposed with nature, like the desert, forest, fields or beach. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses or midi skirts photograph beautifully as well. My clients who choose to bring two dresses will sometimes choose one of each! I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress (or skirt!) or two! You won't regret it!
DRESS
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FLATTERING
your FEATURES
In my experience, every woman (regardless of her size or shape) has an area of her body that she’s self conscious about. Recognizing the areas you’re self conscious about when selecting your outfits is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. If your dress has shorter sleeves (or no sleeves) consider bringing a cute jacket, blazer, cardigan or pashmina to incorporate into your look. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera. For most women, skinny straps actually make arms look BIGGER. So I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is slimmer-looking arms. If it’s colder outside, I suggest bringing a warm coat (the longer, the better!) to wear when we’re not shooting so you don’t freeze in your dress.
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For shoes, keep in mind that heels elongate women’s legs and force constant tension in the calves –– which makes them look more toned. Closed-toed heels, in particular, look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. You can never go wrong with a pair of neutral pumps! If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your toes show. If your shoes don’t show at all in the dress you’ve selected, you could always choose neutral ballet flats to make your session more comfortable. Lastly, make sure to bring a pair of flats/ flip flops to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later!
the SHOES
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MAKE a STATEMENT
pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images
Whether it’s a necklace, belt, bracelet, earrings, hat, jacket, or scarf, bringing an accessory or two can bring great visual interest to your photos, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention when paired together. For example, if you go with bolder earnings, you might want to choose a more humble necklace, or maybe even no necklace at all. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well!
skip the spray tan
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session (even a few days prior) because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph most beautifully.
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GO PRO:
hair & makeup
professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients' portrait session checklists
It looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. You’ll have these photos forever, so this is the time to pamper yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light (if possible) so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my clients feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than they would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my clients always love the final result. If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I work with the best in the business and have a goto team! They’re sweet as pie, talented as heck, unbelievable professionals and wonderful people. You’ll LOVE them! Just let me know and I’ll send you their information. I know they’ll take good care of you!
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CHOOSING your COLORS
THE CAMERA LOVES SOPHISTICATED COLOR. I RECOMMEND LIGHT-COLORED, NEUTRALS, EARTH TONES, SOFT PASTELS OR JEWEL TONES.
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter, neutral tones and more muted shades. Bright, bold or neon colors are distracting and take the focus away from where it should be: YOU! And how much you love each other :) You can never go wrong with light neutral earth tones colors like cream, taupe, camel or light gray. The camera also loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light-colored neutrals. That softer, more neutral color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and keeps the focus right where it should be, on you!
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HOW TO
ALL THE
mix
The goal for coordinating a family’s outfits is to visually break up the colors and shades so that
you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom (like everyone in blue jeans with white
shirts). The more you can mix it up, the better! I encourage you to think about planning each
outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you
see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re
planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different
dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’ll look great all together.
For example, if you’re wearing a blush dress and nude heels (blush being your dominant color),
then your spouse could wear a camel colored coat with a white button-down and gray pants,
paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square (making camel his
dominant color). Your daughter could wear a soft powder blue top with a white skirt (making a
soft powder blue her dominant color) while your son could wear light beige pants with camel
colored suspenders and a white button down (making white his dominant color). Now each
person has their own dominant color while still incorporating a few touches of the other colors
that will pull all the looks together. This will visually break up all the colors and highlight each
person and their individual personality. Most of my moms choose their dress first, and then build
the rest of the family’s outfits based on that.
COLORS
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COORDINATING THE LOOKS
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
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MIXING UP THE PIECES
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, if one of your daughters wears a dress and flats, the other can wear a skirt and booties, if that’s more of her style. If one of your sons wears a bowtie, the other can wear suspenders or a blazer. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring even more visual interest to the photos.
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FASHION
TIPS for
HIM
The same way that a dress is the most flattering silhouette for the female body, a blazer, sport
coat or jacket has the same flattering effect for men. You can’t go wrong with a dress shirt, slacks
and a blazer.
Long sleeves are more flattering than short sleeves on men, so I'd recommend steering clear
of t-shirts or polos, and instead opting for a long-sleeve button-down. The other benefit to long
sleeves is we can roll the sleeves up for a slightly more casual look, which gives you two looks
with one shirt.
tops & bottoms
For colors, I recommend neutrals and soft tones. When selecting your pieces, I recommend choosing a different “weight” for the pants and coat. So for example, beige pants (darker) and a heather gray blazer (lighter). Or gray pants (darker) with a soft powder blue shirt (lighter).
colors
When selecting an outfit for photos, the most important part isn’t the price. It’s the fit. For men,
it’s important to have a jacket that fits snugly (but not too tight), and pants that are the correct
length and don’t have too many breaks. Just like high heels make women look taller than they
are, bunched up fabric stacked on top of a man’s shoes makes him look physically shorter than he
really is.
Solid colors will help keep the attention where it belongs, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns
tend to distract the eye, so stay away from too strong of prints, avoid logos and opt for solids
instead.
suits
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LAYERED LOOKS
The next time you walk by a store like J. Crew or Banana Republic, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you a lifetime. Adding extra layers will bring additional dimension and visual interest to your photos. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath, or bringing a leather or denim jacket with you. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!l!
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IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
The next time you walk by a store like J. Crew or Banana Republic, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you a lifetime. Adding extra layers will bring additional dimension and visual interest to your photos. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath, or bringing a leather or denim jacket with you. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!l!
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HOW
TO
YOUR
MAN
PREP
EVEN THOUGH TAKING PHOTOS MAY NOT BE HIS FAVORITE THING, *YOU* ARE!
Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos for two hours, mostly because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you, which is why I recommend sitting down together for fifteen minutes to educate and empower your man. Tell him why you chose me and my style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that I’ve done, explain why you love the photos so much and express to him how much this session means to you. Trust me, if he loves you, he’ll bring his A-game and light up the camera for you! The most common thing I hear from guys before portrait sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t feel like they’ll be good at it. By the time the session is over, though, most guys can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
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PREPPING
your LITTLE ONES
SETTING EXPECTATIONS BEFORE THE SESSION IS THE KEY TO GREAT PHOTOS AND HAPPY KIDS.
Before your session, pack a bag with water and your
kids’ favorite snacks. If they’re too young to follow
directions, bring any objects that you think might help
me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed
animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do –– as a treat after the session –– if their kiddos are good listeners. Like dinner at their favorite pizza place or an ice cream cone!
It also helps if your kids' bellies are full and they’ve
had some good rest before the session. After you do
your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them)
some grace! I have a lot of experience working with
kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating
perfectly for some reason, rest assured that I'm not
judging you (or them). I’ve seen it all and know how
to get great photos no matter what! My goal is to
make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be
for you and your family! This season of life feels long
right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it's
short. So even if things don't go exactly as planned or
as you'd hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one
day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos.
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FALL and WINTER SESSIONS
When seasons change and temperatures drop, sometimes it’s just too cold for a dress and
heels by themselves (no matter how warm your coverup overcoat is). So I have some
suggestions for late fall and winter that will still help you be fashion-forward and keep your
color tones camera friendly.
First, let’s talk about color palettes. Just like in warmer weather, I recommend muted hues
over bold, primary colors. During fall, warm neutrals like camel, taupe, cream, champagne,
and gray are still going to look great. If you’d like to incorporate color, choose sophisticated
jewel-toned versions of bright primary colors. Here are some examples: mustard over
yellow, crimson or burgundy over red, camel over orange, sage or emerald over green, and
powder blue or navy over blue. These jewel tones will photograph beautifully in any season.
FALL/WINTER
COLDER WEATHER
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Add a peacoat, tights, scarves and heeled
booties to a form-fitting cocktail dress.
cold weather tips:
Statement coat with a beanie, scarf and
gloves or a warm, oversized, snuggly
sweater with tall boots and a hat. The
great thing about snow is it creates a
beautiful white backdrop, so even though
it might seem counterintuitive, soft
pastel, muted colors like soft pinks and
powder blues still look great! And,
remember, regardless of the setting, you
can never go wrong with neutrals!
SNOW SESSIONS:
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