I got the opportunity of being the second shooter for one of my favorite photographers Olivia Griffin about a month ago. I’ve been asking her to let me be her assistant for quite a while and finally had the chance to go up to Greenville, SC where it worked out for both of us! Olivia started only one or two years before I got into photography, and she’s already made such a beautiful porfolio and I feel very inspired by her!

Here is one thing that Olivia did that I have been wanting my brides to do: “First look”. I call it ” First Sight” when the groom and the bride see each other before the ceremony! This is the second time I’ve had the chance to experience this, and I am telling you…its such a beautiful thing! Its a moment when he first looks at her, and realizes what a beautiful woman he is marring. I thought this was very special and it allows each other to really say whatever they feel at that very moment. Its really hard to do that in front of lots of people during the ceremony. I truly LOVE, LOVE this and hope my future couples may consider this special moment for themselves.

After shooting a wedding with Olivia, what did I take away that I could apply to MY weddings?

1. Doing most/all formals before the ceremony! This bride wanted to do most of her formal photos before hand which made everyone be more relaxed and not rushed. Of course this will be up to the bride, but I think that after experiencing it, I would highly suggest it.

2. “First sight” was such a sweet experience and so unique. I didn’t know this couple at all, but even I was taken by how sweet this is. I think I teared up a little! Again, this is up to the couple and is ultimately their call. I think that what they feel at that moment is something that can’t be recreated in any other way.

3. Not overfixing the brides’s dress. The natural look really comes together when the bride is relaxed and her dress just drapes naturally!

4. When doing photos of the bride-bridesmaids everyone must look natural, and not necessarily in the same pose, spice it up!

5. Be who I am 100%. I loved when Olivia talked with lots of confidence. I’ve always felt shy when talking to people, but the reality is that you can’t learn everyone’s name to ask them to move or to help you. That concept really gives permission to talk in the way that gets the message across!

To conclude this blog post, I am really excited having learned from another photographer that completely rocks!  I can’t wait to put all these concepts to practice in today’s wedding!