If you’ve been around here long, you know that I love sharing honest advice through my Wedding Wednesday series. After photographing so many Central Mississippi weddings, there are a few things I’ve learned—things that can completely change how your day feels and how your photos turn out.
So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing a few truths—straight from Amy Beckley Photography, your local Mississippi wedding photographer who’s been in the middle of wedding days more times than I can count. These are the things I’d tell you if I weren’t afraid to hurt your feelings (and I promise, they all come from love).
1. If you’re not doing a first look, understand what that means.
Skipping a first look? Totally fine! But it does mean we’ll take all of your family formals, bridal party portraits, and couple photos after the ceremony—while your guests are waiting.
A true cocktail “hour” (and sometimes a little more) helps make that possible. Give guests something to enjoy—drinks, snacks, and music—while we get your portraits done.
By this point in the day, you’ll be ready to celebrate, but these photos still have to happen.
When portraits are done before the ceremony, you get to spend more of your day actually living it.
Make sure we have enough time—at least an hour before sunset. And remember: the sun sets at sunset, which means once it dips below the horizon, the light is gone. That dreamy golden hour? It’s short and worth protecting.
2. Lighting matters more than décor.
You can have the most stunning florals and details, but if the light is harsh or the space is dark, your photos will reflect that.
If photography is a priority, pick venues and spaces with soft, natural light. The glow of your images will matter more than the glow of your uplights.
3. Keep your getting-ready space clear and calm.
A clean, bright space sets the tone for your entire day—and your photos.
Keep clutter out of sight: coffee cups, makeup bags, curling irons, luggage, and shoes. Especially in suites with mirrors, every little thing reflects.
A few minutes of tidying up before I arrive makes your gallery look magazine-worthy.
4. Your dress will get dirty.
It’s okay. Really. You’ll walk, dance, and live in it—and that’s what it’s for.
Don’t let fear of a little dirt keep you from getting those incredible portraits. The joy always matters more than the hemline.
5. Hair and makeup delays happen—but preparation is everything.
Your glam team works hard, but it’s still your responsibility to make sure everyone’s following the prep schedule.
If bridesmaids start late, everything shifts—and the first thing to suffer is portrait time.
Share the schedule with your girls so everyone knows when they’re in the chair. It’s such an easy way to keep the morning stress-free.
6. Family photos aren’t fun for anyone—and that’s okay.
They’re important, but they can be chaotic. That’s why a clear, shared list is essential.
Make sure everyone knows when and where to be (especially the groom’s family). Adding “just one more” shot in the moment leads to confusion and cuts into your couple portrait time.
And please—tell me about any sensitive family dynamics or special circumstances. Knowing those ahead of time helps me organize portraits smoothly and respectfully.
7. We can’t control the weather.
It might rain. It might be windy, cloudy, freezing, or 98° with 80% humidity (welcome to Central Mississippi).
It’s no one’s fault—but a backup plan makes all the difference.
Covered porches, clear umbrellas, or alternate spaces still make beautiful portraits.
And during those hot Southern summers? It’s going to be warm. We’ll plan breaks, seek shade, and hydrate. Be prepared—and trust that we’ll still create magic.
8. Hire (or designate) a day-of coordinator—or better yet, hire a planner.
This might be my biggest piece of advice. You need someone focused on running the day so you don’t have to.
Pinning boutonnieres, drying bouquets, lining everyone up for family photos, fluffing your dress, communicating with the DJ, keeping things on track—that’s what a coordinator or planner does.
And here’s the honest truth: when there isn’t one, those tasks often fall on your vendors, especially your photographer.
When that happens, it pulls me away from what you actually hired me to do—photograph your wedding day.
If you can’t hire a full planner, at least designate someone organized, assertive, and detail-oriented. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your peace of mind.
9. Trust that we know best.
There’s a reason behind every suggestion we make.
That arbor at noon might be beautiful, but full sun is harsh and unflattering. I promise, when I guide you toward soft light or shaded spots, it’s not to control—it’s to make sure you look your best in every frame.
10. Your attitude shows up in your photos.
If you’re tense, rushed, or frustrated, it will show.
Take a breath. Smile. Soak it all in. The small hiccups won’t matter later, but your joy will.
11. You don’t need ten “staged” first looks.
You don’t need to line up your dad, bridesmaids, brothers, and dog for ten separate reactions.
The most emotional, heartfelt reactions happen naturally. Let them unfold—and let me capture them as they are.
12. If you want candid photos, be candid.
If you want those emotional, laughter-filled, in-the-moment photos, the best thing you can do is live in the moment.
Laugh, dance, cry, hug, whisper, spin—forget the camera and be yourselves. That’s where the real magic is.
The heart behind all of this
At the end of the day, my job isn’t just to take pretty photos.
It’s to help you feel your wedding day—so that when you look back, you remember joy, not chaos.
Every piece of advice here comes from experience and from a genuine desire to make your day everything you’ve dreamed of.
If you’re planning your wedding in Central Mississippi or anywhere nearby, I’d love to walk through this process with you—from your engagement session to the final album reveal.
You can learn more about Amy Beckley Photography and my wedding experience here.
Because your story deserves to be told beautifully—and truthfully.
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