Your experience in front of the camera matters just as much as the photos you receive! My mission as a wedding photographer in Philadelphia is to help happy couples celebrate life's biggest joys with high quality photos and a dang good time cultivating lasting memories.

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a bride and her bridesmaids laugh as they take photos during a wedding at Pen Ryn Estate Belle Voire.

Essential Wedding Day Details You Don’t Want to Forget

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with countless details to consider. I’m here to help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared!! (Type-A girlies unite!) In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five often-forgotten wedding day details that can enhance your wedding experience and keep the joy flowing.

1. The Scent of Memories: Perfume and Cologne

One of the simplest yet most impactful details is wearing a special perfume or cologne on your wedding day. Perfume and/or cologne are often included in wedding detail photos, alongside rings, invitations and flowers. But brides and grooms sometimes forget to actually wear the scent they picked out specifically for this big day!! It’s a nice thing to remember, since memories are tied strongly to scents; wearing a unique fragrance can evoke the emotions of your wedding day every time you wear it on future dates and anniversaries. So before you dive into the whirlwind of getting ready, don’t forget to spritz on that special scent!

2. Boutonnieres: A Small but Crucial Detail

The groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres are often overlooked in the hustle of wedding day preparations. I actually once witnessed a groom’s panic when he realized the boutonnieres were missing just moments before the ceremony! (It all ended up being okay and the boutonnieres were applied just in time!) Avoid this last-minute scramble by coordinating with your florist ahead of time. Ensure you know where the boutonnieres will be placed and that someone is assigned to put them on the guys before they walk down the aisle.

3. Staying Hydrated and Fed  

Amidst the excitement, couples often neglect their basic needs for food and water. The fix? Plan ahead for food!! Consider having a hearty breakfast and a real lunch – not just snacks – to keep your energy up. This is essential not only for your well-being but also to ensure you can enjoy the festivities without feeling faint, especially if you plan to indulge in a bit of celebratory drinking later on.

4. Bustling the Dress  

While it may not be a physical item, knowing how to bustle your wedding dress is vital for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. I highly suggest filming a tutorial or practicing with a friend before the big day. This way, you can avoid the stress of forgetting how to do it while you’re caught up in the excitement of your wedding. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you can fully enjoy your cocktail hour!

5. Group Photos with Friends 

Family portraits are usually prioritized, but don’t forget about your friends! Many couples overlook the opportunity to capture moments with friends who are not in the wedding party. I suggest discussing with your photographer the importance of including friend group shots, ideally during cocktail hour or right after dinner. This way, you’ll have beautiful memories with those who matter most without the chaos of the dance floor distracting you.

Your wedding day is destined to be one of the best days of your life, regardless of the small details that might be forgotten. However, being mindful of these often-overlooked wedding day details can enhance your experience and help you savor every moment!!

For more wedding tips, check out Choosing A Wedding Venue From A Photography Perspective and Why Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies Are Always A Good Idea. Or, check out my wedding planning podcast “The Busy Bride” available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!! Happy planning 🙂

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- kristen & jared

“Hiring Gabriella as our photographer was the single best decision we made on wedding day. Because we had an intimate elopement at town hall, it was important to us to capture the small details and intimate moments in a way that we could look back on our day and feel like we are reliving it. Well, Gabriella’s work does just that. She exceeded our expectations and we could not be happier with our gallery. She gave updates and clear expectations along the way so that we were never left wondering what next steps were, and was timely with getting sneak peaks and the full gallery back to us. We are an introverted couple who is not used to being in front of the camera, and Gabriella was super patient and made us feel at ease throughout the whole day. Her communication style is to be seriously commended. She also went above and beyond to scope out of the venue and found the perfect spot for us to do our private vows in. We don’t have a single negative thing to say about our experience. If you are considering working with Gabriella for your special day, do it!!

"THE SINGLE BEST DECISION"

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- RYlie & ryan kelliher

We LOVED working with Gabriella for our Wedding photography! From our first video call, she made us feel totally at ease about the whole process, and it was clear she had a ton of experience. We do not consider ourselves very photogenic, but Gabriella got AMAZING pictures from our Wedding and an Engagement shoot. She’s fun, friendly, professional, and everything you need in a Wedding photographer (or for any other event). Cannot recommend her highly enough!

"SHE MADE US FEEL TOTALLY AT EASE"

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- AARON & LYDIA

“Gabriella is the BEST photographer and we could not have asked for anyone better to capture our proposal! I had intentions of interviewing multiple photographers, but after seeing her work and talking to her over the phone, I immediately booked with her. Her passion for photography is so evident. She goes above and beyond to make your shoot about YOU. She does a great job of taking control and guiding you with poses that you will love, and her candid shots are unbelievable. She had a smile on her face the entire time and we felt like a close friend was there doing this for us. Would recommend her 100 times out of 100!

Gabriella was absolutely amazing. She made the photography session so easy and effortless. Her personality is so warm and inviting, she made us feel so so comfortable during these pictures. Gabriella went above and beyond for us and I’m so grateful my significant other found her as a photographer. I would highly recommend!”

"SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND"

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