I officially love surprise engagements! I mean really anything surprise is a blast to photograph, because those emotions are so real! When I received my first email from Jim, a month and a half out from the engagement day, I was so giddy with excitement! I reached right out to Christa at Flag Hill Distillery and Winery and she was equally excited, because well, we love, love!!

On the day of, I was a total creeper and was hiding behind the trees to watch Jim and Caitlyn's tour of the vines and the animals on the property and then jumped under the cover of the tent to hide as they came around the corner to "The SPOT" This is where I strolled out to "be the vineyard photographer" and got everyone together for a great photograph of the tour group, "for the website"! [...]

Everyone is always full of tips and tricks for a smoother wedding day, but this is not really that. These tips are going to be from the perspective of the photographer to ensure many beautiful photos for your albums, because who doesn't want that!

1. Look Up

I know this sounds super easy and silly to even mention, but it's worth mentioning. Brides as soon as you start down the aisle, look up at me. Mention it to your father too, because for some reason as soon as a bride and her father start down the aisle, instantly eyes drop down. I know it's nerves, and nerves will get the best of all of us... I too have a great shot of my father and I staring at the ground, but fight the urge. Look up at me, look past me to your groom, make eye contact with him, take it all in! This is the moment that all your planning has been for, this is your moment. I mean really how do you want to miss seeing this reaction?! [...]