Should I Do A First Look?

Are you weighing the options of doing a First Look?

In a short answer, I say GO FOR IT. If I was a time traveler and could go back to 2009, my hubby and I, without a doubt, would have done a First Look. You might be wondering, will that take the surprise and anticipation out of my wedding day? Rest assured, it will not. With more of my clients opting to do a First Look than not, I (as well as they) can tell you, you'll be happy you did. Everyone chooses to do one for different reasons. I've heard many "I'd rather ball my eyes out before I'm standing in front of hundreds of people", to "I want it to be a special moment with just the two of us". You really get to be yourselves, not having to worry what everyone will think or how you'll look with mascara running down your face. Not to mention, you'll get to run up and hug/jump/smooch your groom whereas you won't if each and every one of your family members and friends are watching. And trust me, I love it when my brides and grooms get emotional, it makes my job that much more special.

You might be wondering when I suggest doing a First Look. You have two options, at the Bridal/Groomal session, or, on the wedding day 1+ hours prior to the ceremony.

www.ambershawphotography.com

Johnson Mill Engagement : Dave+Angela : Utah Wedding Photographer

On my drive to Johnson Mill, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly gorgeous the wispy clouds were against the vibrant blue sky. It was a perfect mid-November day. We couldn't have wished for better weather and I couldn't have asked for a cuter couple to spend the afternoon shooting with.

Saying I'm obsessed with their engagements is an understatement.
I'm super excited to shoot their bridals+groomals soon and especially their wedding day in December!

www.ambershawphotography.com

www.johnsonmill.com

Autumn Engagement : David+Lindsay : Utah Wedding Photographer

I really enjoyed shooting with David+Lindsay that rainy (and almost snowy) day. The week, maybe even weeks, leading up to their session were super sunny with blue skies. Mother nature decided it was time to bring in a storm, but we went ahead and photographed their session under the trees in the rain. It was pretty magical if you ask me. The gorgeous Fall colors, although fading, last well through November, so you'll notice all the beautiful pops of color.

These two are SO cute together. Lindsay brought some items she bought from every girls favorite website, Etsy. And boy am I glad she did. Is there anything they sell that isn't totally adorable?!

www.ambershawphotography.com

Should My Dog Be A Part Of My Wedding?

If you ask me, my answer will always be YES. But not on the wedding day itself. If I could re-do our engagements and bridals, we would've had our kiddo (since we only had one at the time) in the photos. As for a wedding day, I would say, leave Buddy at home. Wedding days, as amazing and life-changing as they are, can get pretty darn chaotic and the last thing you want to be worrying about is the safety of your pet. I have been a part of weddings where the dog was the ring bearer, so I think it really depends on the location, venue, and especially the dog's attitude and personality. With that being said, I highly recommend bringing them to your engagements and/or bridal session. They don't need to be in EVERY SINGLE PHOTO, but by having them in some of the photos, it makes your session truly unique. And trust me, even if they're a hand full, down the road you'll treasure the fact that you brought them along. The only things I recommend bringing, aside from the pup(s), is someone else to watch/wrangle/play with them while we're shooting the rest of the session. Treats are also a fab way to keep them entertained and behaving.

I'm the biggest dog/animal person you'd ever meet. The hubby and I are the people who call their dogs their kids, feed them some of the best organic raw meats available (stella and chewy's) and cook free range turkey and organic fruits and veggies for snacks. YES, we're those people, and proud of it. 

www.ambershawphotography.com