Chic Events interviewed photography expert, Jonita, of Strokes Photography on some helpful tips for your wedding photos! Here are some FAQs:
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How far in advance do I need to book photography?

I would recommend booking your photographer right after you book your venue. Anywhere between 12-16 months before your big day is the sweet spot. This allows your photographer time to help you bring your vision to life. If you're planning process is less than a year, 8-9 months before your date is a good time to book your photographer. But there is a chance that your first choice of photographer may not be available.

How would you describe your photography style?

Our signature style is timeless, light and airy, and exudes an effortless elegance. Our couples inspire our fashion forward and candid editorial style to capture their chemistry and authentic moments. We love documenting the big moments, but we also strive to capture what makes every wedding unique - those in-between, unscripted moments.

The best way I can describe our work is that, when you look back at your wedding photos 10 years from now, they will transport you back into those fleeting moments in time, and remind you how you felt in those instants - they will remain beautiful and timeless!

What do you love about your job?

I love meeting couples and getting to know them, getting to know their story, and building a relationship with them that allows us to capture the true essence of these two people on one magical day. For me, it’s about love and beauty. it’s about seeing beauty - whether it’s in a person, or a moment or a landscape, or a bouquet. We love capturing beauty and raw emotion in the most timeless, intimate and authentic way we can.

Another part of my job that I love is the creative process. I absolutely love drawing inspiration from fashion photography, natural landscapes and portrait photography to come up with unique concepts for our couples’ photos!

What are some tips you would in give brides that would better prepare them for their special day?

It all comes down to: being prepared, and staying present and enjoying the moment.

1. Hire a photographer and a planner who truly understand your aesthetic. Someone with whom communication is easy. Someone who understands your style and taste. Because when this happens - you like similar clothes and furniture and similar flowers and colour palettes - they will be able to translate your personality and style into your wedding day and your wedding photos!
2. Ask your photographer for their input when making the wedding day itinerary - this way, we can help you allocate the right amount of time for things that are most important to you - whether it’s photos of you and your fiance, or family photos - and with finding the right locations to do those photos to bring vision to life!
3. Book an engagement session - It’s a perfect opportunity to hang out with your photographer, get to know them better, allow them to get to know you and get used to being in front of the camera.
4. Remember to smile and have fun! The more relaxed you are, the more natural and effortless your wedding photos will be. We want to document you at your happiest - so remember that you’ve done all you can and now it’s just time to be present in the moment, soak up all the love, and radiate happiness because you’re marrying the love of your life!

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How do I know how many hours I need to book almost a year in advance?

Going through your wedding day and events in general with your photographer, we are able to ball park how many hours you would need fairly accurately. We also are able to make any adjustments to your hours by adding additional ones, if you need, closer to the wedding day when your itineraries are being finalized.

One tip for brides when booking their photographer?

Spend some time with your photographer when you meet them initially and ask yourself if this is someone who you’d enjoy spending many hours with on one of the most special days of your life - you want someone who understands you, shares your values, and someone you can laugh and be relaxed with. This is key to getting the best kind of photos - when you feel like the photographer is more like a friend. You’ll be at ease and your photos will look natural, effortless and beautiful.

XO,

Chic Events by Sonia