About the Photographers

JP Pratt Photography: JP is based in the SouthEast but loves to travel for weddings. “My style captures candid and fine art photography to ensure that you have the most amazing experience and unforgettable day. My hope is that years from now when you're sitting down to share your wedding photos with your children and grandchildren, your photos tell the true story of your love and the way you felt on your wedding day!” Check out his website: http://www.jppratt.com/

Jim Trice Photography: Jim is based in Charlotte, NC but enjoys traveling for weddings as well. “With a decade of experience, I strive to bring a calming, energetic presence to each wedding day that I photograph so my couples can relax, enjoy and find a more profound love while we create art together. Above all, I want you to walk away with images from this special time that you’re excited and proud to pass onto the future generations of your family.” Check out his website: https://jimtrice.com/

Anchor and Veil Photography: Devin and Kathryn aren’t just the owners…they’re also husband and wife! Together and with their team of photographers, they shoot out of Charlotte NC as well as destination weddings. “With our photojournalistic style we strive to document events from creative and personal perspectives. Because your love story should be told beautifully and honestly and your wedding deserves to be documented from the heart and by someone who is invested with all their heart.” Check out their website: https://anchorandveilphotography.com/

Q: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?

Jim Trice: I've been photographing weddings since 2008 and really just love being able to witness and document such a life-changing day for my couples and their families. I got into the industry after I stopped playing music and have never looked back. It's such an honor and responsibility that I'll never take for granted.

JP Pratt: The relationships that I build with couples!! I've had couples that have become incredibly dear friends to me over their wedding planning process! Being with someone through their most precious day and capturing those intimate moments really can bring people together. I love the artistic side of the job, but the people and the relationships/friendships are my favorite!

Anchor & Veil: Being able to capture the most important moments of your life. The fact that 15 years from now, you will be able to look at your album and experience those moments all over again. Tears will roll down your eyes, and your cheeks will hurt from laughing and smiling, even 15 years down the road. I don’t care about the current trends, I care about moments and timeless art. That’s why our motto is “Bold and intimate images for those who don’t want the same basic wedding photos as their friends.”

Q: What's your favorite moment to capture?

JP Pratt: I love the portrait time with brides and grooms! There is so much excitement surrounding the day and being in those one on one moments with a couple you get to hear some really sweet things, laugh together, and have a really good time.

Jim Trice: I love capturing the look on a groom's face during a first look or, after the ceremony, the over-the-moon joy excitement as the bride and groom recess down the aisle. I also love working with the families to get genuine smiles and real personalities shining through in my portraits.

Q: Team first look or no first look?

Anchor & Veil: ALWAYS a first look. I’m not just saying this from a photographic standpoint, but even from our wedding.

We did a first look and can attest to the amount of stress that is immediately lifted off of your shoulders the moment you see each other. You get to have a conversation and hold each other and take the day in, and your soon-to-be husband actually experiences that OMG moment twice.

It doesn’t take away from the moment you walk down the aisle, at all. You also get to knock out most of your family photos, bridal party photos and photos of you two before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour. Always do a first look!

Jim Trice: I'm absolutely in favor of first looks. I find that it's usually the groom who objects because, more often than not, the only mental image men have of their wedding day is seeing the bride enter for the first time in the dress, which I totally understand and respect. I don't push any couples into doing them, but just try my best to explain the pros and cons. Of those I've convinced, there's not a single couple who regretted doing one in over ten years of photographing weddings. In a more practical way, if the wedding takes place in the late Fall or Winter months, first looks are a bigger deal because the sun sets much sooner. In this scenario, I'd highly advise my couples to opt for one if they want pretty natural light photos.

JP Pratt: I've started becoming a big fan of them! Truthfully, we didn't do one at our own wedding because we like tradition, but as I've been in this job longer and longer I've seen some really sweet intimate moments between couples during first looks. A lot of people think that doing a first look will mean that the groom doesn't have a reaction to the bride walking down the aisle, and that's actually not always true. A lot of times they give two different reactions of joy and excitement, and I've actually seen grooms cry harder when the bride walks down then during the first look. They're really sweet moments! They are also very advantageous for photos! You can actually get most photos done before a ceremony if you do one, and you also get so many portraits of the two of you! This also can allow you to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

When the time changes in the fall, then I think it is really important to think about doing one. If you're having an early ceremony (like 3pm or something) then it's not as important to do one, but if you want a 4pm or later ceremony then I always recommend one.

Q: What are some tips to not feel/look awkward during an engagement shoot?

JP Pratt: Getting photos taken is not something normal. No one wakes up on a Tuesday morning and says "HEY! Let's get photos taken!" It's nerve wracking to have photos taken, and most photographers know that. You are not alone in those feelings!

Honestly, what I like to tell people is that feeling awkward isn't always bad. Lean into it. Laugh through it. Giggle.

Also, don't be afraid to reach out to your photographer and ask to grab coffee with them, or jump on a call if they're out of state/town. Having a relationship with your photographer will help for your engagement session and on your wedding day. Another thing is to TRUST your photographer. Experienced photographer know how to make couples feel relaxed and at ease.

Jim Trice: Maybe have a glass of champagne beforehand and then try to stay loose with proper breathing or focusing on your significant other. I try to keep my shoots light and fun with plenty of movement, so nerves usually burn off in the first few minutes.

Anchor & Veil: One of the biggest tips is to do something you love. I tell my couples that I don’t care about going to a park and having a picnic if that isn’t you two. I do a lot of sessions in homes, while cooking, at an airfield, breweries, you name it. Engagement sessions should be ALL about you two and remembering this season in your life, not about what the photographer wants.

Q: What details should a bride bring for the morning-of "details shot"?

Jim Trice: This sort of varies amongst photographers, but I typically carry a "styling" kit in my car, so as soon as I get to the site, I can start building flat lays of the smaller details and stationery. Brides should bring any jewelry, perfume, stationery, menus, and heirlooms that they want to be documented. Also, I suggest that they communicate with their florist to see if it's possible to get the boutonnieres and extra pieces of the florals so I can use them to help style the flat lays. Also, don't forget a nice-looking hanger for the dress shot.

JP Pratt: First off, don't be afraid to ask your photographer what they recommend, too. I usually send an email to the bride one week before a wedding day to help her as she thinks through last minute detail items. I always tell her to have her Wedding dress, Wedding shoes, Garter, Jewelry, Purse, Perfume, Personalized hanger, Wedding invitation, Wedding rings, Bouquet, Note/gift for the groom, Handkerchief, Sentimental items (if applicable) available. It also helps to have your florals there, especially if you're doing everything in one location.

Q: How long is ideal for wedding coverage? What time do you suggest covering for if the getting ready starts at 8am but the after party goes until 12am?

JP Pratt: My most popular package is about 9 hours. Typically, photographers arrive more towards the end of getting ready so they can get photos of all your details as well as some last minute touch ups on your makeup to help tell the story of your day. If you give the photographer about 60-90 minutes on the front end then that's plenty of time in most cases. If you're planning on doing a special exit, then that may shift the arrival time of the photographer to either be later, or you will pay for extra time. If you're not doing a special exit, then honestly having them leave 2 hours into your open dancing is usually plenty of time to get photos of your guests having some fun on the dance floor.

Jim Trice: It's hard to say exactly, every wedding is a little different. All of my wedding collections include eight hours, or more, of coverage because I don't want my couples to stress over their schedule. In general, I would say 10 hours is the sweet spot, which usually gives us plenty of time to shoot some of the bride getting her hair and makeup done through the grand exit.

Q: Do you suggest rehearsal dinner coverage and why?

Jim Trice: Not required, but I absolutely recommend it because this is the first time family and close guests will be together for the weekend, so why not document as much of the festivities as possible?

JP Pratt: That's honestly up to you. Out all the years I've been photographing weddings, I've only done a handful of rehearsal dinners. The advantage of them is you can have some additional portraits of you and your fiancé from the evening/day, and you'll also get some additional group photos of family members, people hanging out, etc

Q: What questions do you suggest asking when booking a photographer?

JP Pratt: You want to ask a photographer questions about their experience and help figure out if they're going to be the best fit for you. You can also ask them personal questions about themselves.

They will be the one who's with you the longest out of anyone on your wedding day outside of your bridesmaids. There are many days that I'm with brides and grooms longer than even some of their family.

Steer away from questions about what kind of cameras they use or lenses. Unless you're a professional photographer yourself and you know gear then those answers won't mean much. Some questions that may be good are things like 1. What is your plan if you are unable to be there? 2. Is it possible to see an example of a full wedding day? 3. What do you love about your job? 4. How long have you been photographing weddings? Questions about experience and personality are key. I would even ask to see if you could jump on a call or grab coffee/drinks with your perspective photographer. Making sure that you jive with their personality and trust them is so important.

Q: Is it better to capture getting ready or sparkler exit?

Anchor & Veil: This answer really depends on what is important to you; each have important aspects to the story of your day.

It’s more than just you two getting ready. Its you hanging out with family friends. Mom or dad walking into the room and tears running down their face, dance parties that break out full of excitement and anticipation.

On the other side, the pure emotion, joy and excitement of your closest family and friends sending you off are really important as well. My best suggestion: go with someone that offers all day coverage or add on the extra hours. You only get to experience this day once!

JP Pratt: You can capture both! Depending on how late your day goes, you can have your photographer get there about 60 minutes before the end of your getting ready time, and stay until you leave. If it has to be a choice, then I would suggest the sparkler exit, but just know that a lot of the photographing of details like your shoes, dress, rings, stationary, etc happen during the getting ready portion of the day.

Jim Trice: Ideally, both parts of the day! There's a ton of great photos to be had at the start of the day because everyone is anxious and emotional before the ceremony. And then at the end, sparkler exits are just over-the-top excitement and fun.

Q: Biggest pet peeve pre wedding and on the wedding day?

Jim Trice: A lot of times I don’t think couples realize how important the getting ready space is and how it plays directly into the tone and vibe of their wedding photos. Always pick a place with tons of window light and as little clutter as possible. If the room feels dark and heavy, there’s little a photographer can do to change it aside from going to another nearby location.

JP Pratt: I don't know if this is a "pet peeve", but one thing that can tend to be frustrating to photographers is having to chase down family members for family photos. Family photos are very important on a wedding day, but don't be afraid to keep these lists to 10-12 groupings. If you do wish to get large group photos, or desire a lot of different groupings, then make sure you over communicate with the people that you want in the photos to not go anywhere after the ceremony. The drinks can wait. :-)

Q: How do you make sure the bride's photo style lines up with yours as a photographer?

Anchor & Veil: During our initial consult I talk to them about YOU TWO, and what you love about each other and create a connection between you two. Then I ask what images you want us to capture for you and what type of images you want to look at in your album 15 years from now. This gives me a good indication on if we are a good fit or not!

Q: What if there’s an emergency and you can’t make the wedding?

JP Pratt: Every good/reliable photographer should have it written into their contract that if there is to be any case of them not being able to make it (car crash, family emergency, having a baby, etc), that they provide an additional professional in their place and if they are unable to then they offer you some sort of refund. These are your WEDDING PHOTOS, so make sure that you're covered!

Q: Are getting ready photos really necessary?

Jim Trice: I think they are because a third of the wedding day will be spent in the "getting ready" phase. A lot of the fun, nervous/anxious energy can happen in the morning before things really start moving, which typically makes for some authentic, heartfelt moments. Plus, it's always nice to ease into the tempo of the day and to not be rushed right at the start. I work hard to build the best timeline so my couples can take their time and enjoy everything.

JP Pratt: They're not necessary, but they do help with remembering your day. Some of the sweetest moments happen in the getting ready portion of the day. This is also the time that photographers generally capture the details of the bride and groom (dress, rings, invitations, shoes, etc), so if you're not wanting getting ready photos, but want those captured, then make sure to budget in time for the photographer to capture those things.

Q: Do you really need an engagement shoot (esp if you're not planning on using that pic for save the dates)

JP Pratt: I think this is actually INCREDIBLY helpful and important for a wedding day. If you opt out of an engagement session, then a lot of times you are having to get comfortable not only with the person behind the camera, you're also having to get comfortable in front of the camera. Engagement sessions are such an awesome time to get to know your photographer and for them to get to know you. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is feeling uncomfortable because you don't really know your photographer and aren't comfortable with them taking photos.

Jim Trice: Engagement shoots are a fun, no-stress way for everyone to get to know each other better, and I strongly believe in them. I don't want anyone who books me to think of me like a stranger on their wedding day. Plus, the engagement shoot helps set expectations and a feeling for how the wedding might be so everyone can just relax and enjoy the day.

Q: Does it bother you if brides give you pictures from pinterest that they want to emulate?

JP Pratt: If it's one or two then it's not a bother at all! I typically tell couples to steer away from lists, examples, etc. because the reason that you should be hiring a photographer is because you like THEIR work and because you trust them. Trusting your photographer and their eye makes your life (and their's) so much easier on your wedding day. Plus if you're worried about a list on your wedding day, then there's a good chance you'll be thinking about that on your day and not necessarily in the moments of the day.

Jim Trice: Pinterest is excellent for sharing creative ideas and shoot goals, but using it to create shot-for-shot replications is not ideal. I want to help my couples to get in touch with who they are so our shoots mean something to them. Constantly referencing a board in the middle of a shoot really disrupts the flow.

Q: If you're having a morning wedding, when should couples pics be done if there's no first look?

Jim Trice: This is rare, but I would just discuss a few options with the couple. Depending on the time of year, the mid-day sun isn't the most flattering, but there are plenty of ways to mitigate its effects if there are areas of open shade or buildings to shoot around.

JP Pratt: A lot of this is based on lighting, time of the ceremony, when you're leaving, etc. I've had morning weddings and have done bride/groom portraits at like 11am and been totally fine. If there's tree cover in places, then you can easily work with the light. Honestly, it is all based on the timing of things.

Q: Is it helpful or micromanaging to give a visual shot list of poses?

Jim Trice: The only lists I find helpful are family shot lists when the families are large or have challenging dynamics. Usually, my memorized list works for 90% of the critical family shots. If there are unique shots that the bride and groom love, I'm always happy to go over those before the wedding so I can understand more of what they're drawn to, but they're usually not referenced on the wedding day.

JP Pratt: I would probably say that it is not entirely too helpful to give a photographer a list of poses. As I stated earlier, you should be hiring a photographer because you trust them and like THEIR work. Giving your photographer a couple 'must have' shots is great, but I would probably shy away from the spreadsheets of lists. A lot of photographers send questionnaires before the wedding day and they ask things like "what are a couple of your must have shots" (ie. groom's reaction, photos with my grandparents, etc).

Q: How much time do you suggest having a photographer for each part of the day (bride, groom, bridal party, etc)

Jim Trice: It's hard to say exactly, but in general, I always try to create a schedule with plenty of wiggle room so we can relax and enjoy the day. Being rushed only amplifies stress, and that's something no one wants on the day, especially when it comes to taking beautiful pictures.

JP Pratt: It depends on the photographer. Brides usually have a photographer with them longer because it takes them longer to get ready and that's when photographers usually get those detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry, etc). Feel free to ask your photographer to help come up with a photo timeline or something. I usually send something like the below rough timeline to brides. Again, these are estimates, but typically I aim for something like this.

90 minutes - Bride Prep (includes details)
30 minutes- Groom Prep
20-25 minutes- Bride/Bridesmaids Photos (I typically try to do these pre-cermony)
20-25 minutes- Groom/Groomsmen Photos (I typically try to do these pre-cermony)
15-20 minutes- Family Photos (if you have large extended families, it may take longer)
20 minutes - Full Bridal Party Photos
30-45 minutes - Bride + Groom Photos

Q&A With The Photographers