Ultimate Guide to a Dream Garden Wedding at Sherman Library and Gardens

Guys getting ready is kept short and sweet. We'll get a few portraits of just the groom, some staged getting ready shots, and photos of all his details as he's getting them on.

First looks with your dad and/or groom are sweet, intimate moments we love to capture! We never want to pressure you to do a first look if you have your heart set on seeing your groom down the aisle for the first time. However, there are key benefits to doing a first look, such as finishing all your family and wedding party photos before your ceremony! This makes your day 10x less stressful because after your ceremony, you get to enjoy the bliss of being freshly married without the stress of wrangling family and wedding party. This is a PERFECT time to read your personal vows or letters to each other as well. It makes for great highlight films and once again, removes the stress of reading them for the first time out loud in front of all your guests.

Family & Wedding Party

There are a variety of spots we can take wedding party and family photos depending on the number of people and if the venue is busy with guests exploring the grounds. We ALWAYS provide a family shot list for you to fill in so these shots go as smoothly and quickly as possible! Typically, Dan will shoot and Tyler will call out names, direct, pose, organize, cross of the list and move on to the next photo, for a seamless transition. More often than not we’re told, “that was the best family photo experience I’ve ever had” from members who have been in weddings previously. We’d say that’s a win!

For wedding party photos we’ll capture a variety of poses and prompts of the bride with ALL bridesmaids, bride and groom with all bridesmaids, groom with ALL groomsmen, bride and groom with all groomsmen, bride with each bridesmaid, groom with each groomsmen, then bride and groom with both sides wedding party bridesmaids, groomsmen and flower girls and/or ring bearers/dogs if applicable! We get it all!

It’s ALL in the DETAILS! Sherman oozes effortless romantic garden escape vibes! We’re careful to capture these details and more on every wedding day. Welcome table CHECK, guest book CHECK, custom bar signs CHECK, dessert table CHECK!

Ceremony

Now, it’s time for the ceremony! We begin prepping for the ceremony a minimum of 30 minutes before the processional is set to begin. During this time we’re capturing the ceremony decor and when possible the reception decor too, as well as candids of your guests arriving! We also need this time to check our gear, switch out batteries, grab a drink of water (usually the first sip in 2-3 hours), set up tri-pods, mic up the groom and officient, plug into the Dj’s sound board or speaker and test lighting! One of us will also come check in with the wedding party and be sure everyone knows to walk slow, keep your head up, smile - to the bride and groom hold the kiss, feel free to kiss multiple times (its what we’re all here for!) and don’t forget to celebrate as you come back down the aisle as husband and wife, a quick dip or another kiss is always encouraged as all your guests are giving you a standing ovation!

Newlywed Portraits

Newlywed bliss! You’re married!! Grab a drink and let’s hurry off to capture this love between the two of you! A HUGE benefit to being a husband and wife team (Dan and Tyler) is that we actually show you how to do a lot of what we're asking you to do! You don’t need to feel awkward or wonder what to do with your hands, we got you! We will direct you into effortless, fun, and romantic movements with laughter and lots of kisses! We pay attention to the details, so you don’t need to be in your head wondering if your hair looks good, we’ll be there fixing those fly-aways, rotating your necklace chain, positioning your train and veil, and reminding you where to hold your flowers.

Reception

Party time!! Your reception begins with a grand entrance, followed by a first dance from the newlyweds, and a thank you speech or prayer to kick off dinner. Us vendors, typically eat when the bride and groom eat, so we encourage and make sure YOU eat. This is our first 5-10 minutes of the day to set the camera down, sit, take likely our second drink of water for the day and nourish our (about to pass out, but totally keeping it together bodies). Once we’ve had a brief rest we’ll be ready for table greetings, table photos, and candids. After dinner, toasts begin. We love listening to these and makes us feel like we’ve know the couples for years! It's important to have these recorded on video because the day goes by so fast. SO fast. You will not, will not, remember a single word said in a single toast the next day. (I tried!) Let us record these fleeting moments and words from loved ones you will never get back. We’re here for you, ready to support you and your legacy. Trust us, this is why we do what we do. After the tear filled speeches you’d typically go into the mother-son, father-daughter dance, a huge group photos on the dance floor and then open dance until cake or dessert bar opens. You can end the evening with a private dance before being sent off by all your biggest supporters and loved ones!