New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

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distant.star said:
1. Consider renting the EF-S 15-85. On the crop-sensor it will give you a better wide end. You can rent it for less than $50
keep in mind that if it's an indoor wedding the EF-S 15-85mm probably necessitates the use of a flash, which is another piece equipment to master and either rent or buy.

15-17mm = f/3.5
18-26mm = f/4.0
27-37mm = f/4.5
38-60mm = f/5.0
61-85mm = f/5.6
 
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Flash should be available regardless the lens.

The 15-85 has a four-stop IS. I routinely shoot people at 1/30. Unfortunately, like any lens, you have to work with it to understand what it can and can't do. That need may make it untenable on a short-term rental. Something to consider.


thejoyofsobe said:
distant.star said:
1. Consider renting the EF-S 15-85. On the crop-sensor it will give you a better wide end. You can rent it for less than $50
keep in mind that if it's an indoor wedding the EF-S 15-85mm probably necessitates the use of a flash, which is another piece equipment to master and either rent or buy.

15-17mm = f/3.5
18-26mm = f/4.0
27-37mm = f/4.5
38-60mm = f/5.0
61-85mm = f/5.6
 
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Congrats on your first wedding job!

I won't reiterate the warnings that the others have given about shooting a family wedding - as a relatively new wedding photographer myself I can confirm that they are all valid!

My 2c's worth:
  • have backups of everything - memory cards, batteries, 2nd body (check), backup lens if you can
  • try and know your gear inside and out - button locations, max ISO you can get away with, what focus points you can rely on in low light...
  • definitely shoot RAW - can be a lifesaver when you haven't nailed the exposure or have really difficult white balance settings to deal with
  • make sure you understand the order of events with your brother and sister-in-law, and then try and anticipate where you and your wife will need to be, depending on the focal lengths you are covering. I shoot with my fiancee and this is one area we struggled with initially... try and stay out of each other's shots :)
  • in terms of gear, you may find 24-70 a little wide, the 15-85 is a great lens but a little slow for indoor use, my recommendation would be to buy or hire the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 - plenty of other posts on this lens but it's sharp, has IS, relatively fast and covers wide to moderate telephoto. The 85mm f1.8 would be a good match for this and the 50mm f1.8. The 10-22mm would still be great for room/venue shots, but you could probably do most group shots with the 17-55
  • agree with all the other comments about needing a strobe - try and bounce/diffuse if you are indoors and the ceiling allows this
  • if you're shooting AV mode, keep an eye on your shutter speeds - your camera will try and meter for ambient light, and indoors this can mean shutter speeds that are too slow to freeze motion adequately.
  • backup everything as soon as you get home. Twice!!

Good luck.. would love to see some of the photos!
 
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Having done a few weddings as back up shooter, and attended perhaps 15 the past few years and knowing I was very picky with the shots of my own wedding. Here's my advice (next to what's already been said):

- if possible, bring the couple to the church sometime before the wedding. churces are most of the time opened but empty... it will be good for them to practice the walk, standing by the altar etc and you will have all the time in the world looking at positions, trying out ISO and lenses!

- shoot alot 1! shot hands, rings, shoes, champagne bottles, the set tables (before people sit down) picky details in the church / the dinner place etc. the bride and groom will be so stressed they will have a hard time remembering the event and these shots of details will give them a more "complete" memory of the day

- shoot alot 2! the pros probably don't want to come home with to much photos for post. but for us amateurs that's one way of hedging our mediocre result ;)

- ask if it is ok for you to follow the bride the whole day. be with her when doing the hair, the nails, putting on the dress etc. it will add up to her memory of the whole experience!

- make a plan of when and where todo the shots of the couple. before or after the cermony? when will there be most time so both you and them can be relaxed? and since it is your brother. take "wedding" shots of them a few weeks before the wedding and all 3 of you will be more prepared for the day!

- bring umbrellas. even if it is raining you can make great shots outdoors and use the umbrellas to enhance the shot (ie not only for rain cover... ;).

Believe in yourself and everyone else will as well! You're the photographer!

Best of luck!
 
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Lots of good advice here. A few more cent's worth of thoughts.

I've successfully avoided shooting weddings since my film days, so these are either old, long-buried memories, or observations from weddings I've been to.

Definitely rent or secure a 580 EXII, you'll need the output and battery power. If possible, also rent the battery pack, so you have plenty of power throughout. Get a diffuser and practice with it beforehand, so you know where to set the flash exposure compensation.

At every wedding I've been to, regardless of if the couple is spending thousands on the wedding or just a few hundred, the photographer works the reception with a camera, strobe and diffuser capturing candids, also needed for the cake cutting, first dance, etc. etc.

If some portion of the ceremony or reception has enough light to be shot without strobe, great, but don't count on it. Even a crappy direct flash picture is going to be better than no picture at all. (And, even those crappy shots can often be salvaged with some plug-in and effects -- they won't look great, but they can be made to look okay. Not so with a blurry and out of focus shot)

Do some research and draw up a shot list. Some of these can be done either before or after the actual ceremony (hands with rings, hands lighting candles, and other detail shots) Take the bride to a window (assuming it's a daytime ceremony) and have her stand there with the light hitting one side of her face. Have someone hold a piece of foamcore on the other side to reflect some light back onto the other side of her face. Obviously these are natural light shots.

Stake out the location beforehand and take your camera to test exposures, bounce flash, etc.

Play to your strengths. You can take four times as long as a professional photographer prepping for the shoot because you aren't billing for it. You know the couple, so you know what they like, how they interact, etc. etc. Use that insider knowledge.

Finally, get your head wrapped around the idea that you want to "cover" the event like a photojournalist and not "direct" it like a commercial or fashion photographer. It's "f8 and be there."
 
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Great advice so far. In addition, I have the following suggestions:

If you're comfortable shooting in manual, I suggest doing so. Also, I suggest manually setting the white balance for the conditions, rather than using auto white balance. That way if the white balance doesn't come out quite right, you can batch process all the photos at once, instead of trying to correct the white balance for each one individually. Same reason for shooting full manual. If you shoot in AV or auto white balance, the camera tries to guess the correct shutter speed or white balance for each shot individually, and while most of the time it does a pretty good job of doing so, if it doesn't it can be time consuming to correct each photo individually. To get the best results out of this, you'll need to shoot in max resolution RAW.

Since memory cards are relatively cheap nowadays, I suggest shooting in max resolution RAW + small JPG (or even medium or large JPG if you have a large memory card, depending on how many shots you plan to take). That way, you have the JPGs for immediately sharing with your brother & his new wife e.g. for emailing to friends & relatives who couldn't attend, posting to facebook etc., and you'll also have the max resolution RAW for getting the best possible results after post processing. If you have a smaller memory card and/or will have the time to convert all the photos from RAW to JPG very soon after the event, you can get away with shooting max RAW only, but sometimes having e.g. small JPGs for emailing / posting to facebook etc. already available can be handy.

*** Make a plan to have a friend or relative, who is hopefully somewhat familiar with cameras take some photos of you & your wife. Worst case, set the camera to full auto, recruit whoever is nearby, and then check the results to make sure they are worthwhile. If the camera is struggling in the conditions, you can frame the shot & set the parameters, and then have the bystander just frame the same shot & press the shutter button. While you are being very selfless & gracious in agreeing to shoot your brother's wedding, you still want to be in at least some of the shots & the standard set pieces yourself e.g. family of the groom etc. ***
 
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libertyranger said:
I recently shot my brother's engagement photos with my new camera and a 50 1.8 lens I borrowed from a friend. They came out pretty good (Well at least he thought they did) and asked if I would shoot his wedding. While I have no experience shooting weddings (and clearly told him so:), I said I would.
Also, any other suggestions for a budding wedding photographer. Thanks in advance.
Mike

Mike, My advice in the strongest terms is to decline. The potential for life long lingering resentment, whether subtle or overt is high.

You may well be a terrific photographer but as you have close to zero experience shooting weddings or events, there are traps by the million that you possibly don't even know exist yet.

Give your family relationships the best possible chance and reconsider. If you are doing a good job as a wedding photographer you'll be 100% locked in to that job and you'll miss out on being a great brother at the wedding.

By all means take your camera, but make it VERY clear that you are not there as primary photographer...you are there as the brother of the groom and want to enjoy the event and a social time with family and guests. Trust me.

If you do go ahead and do the wedding, be VERY VERY clear and honest with your brother and his wife about the reality of your skill level and the high likelihood of missed or botched shots. If you are doing your job properly you'll barely have time to have a conversation with anyone...your attention will need to be on the job. There is no half measure.

If you want to give your brother and his wife a great wedding gift, offer to pay for a professional.

Paul Wright
 
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pwp said:
Mike, My advice in the strongest terms is to decline. The potential for life long lingering resentment, whether subtle or overt is high.

You may well be a terrific photographer but as you have close to zero experience shooting weddings or events, there are traps by the million that you possibly don't even know exist yet.

Give your family relationships the best possible chance and reconsider. If you are doing a good job as a wedding photographer you'll be 100% locked in to that job and you'll miss out on being a great brother at the wedding.

By all means take your camera, but make it VERY clear that you are not there as primary photographer...you are there as the brother of the groom and want to enjoy the event and a social time with family and guests. Trust me.

If you do go ahead and do the wedding, be VERY VERY clear and honest with your brother and his wife about the reality of your skill level and the high likelihood of missed or botched shots. If you are doing your job properly you'll barely have time to have a conversation with anyone...your attention will need to be on the job. There is no half measure.

If you want to give your brother and his wife a great wedding gift, offer to pay for a professional.

Paul Wright

The above advice is worth considering strongly. While the temptation is there to use friends and/or family, especially when finances are tight, there is no do over of the day as a whole. You might even consider suggesting to your brother that a number of people chip into a pool together to pay for a professional, in lieu of a wedding present, if necessary. Again, you know your family best, so only you & they can determine what is acceptable.

If you do end up shooting the wedding, as has been mentioned, it is important for you to be very clear in setting expectations. It is far better to under promise & over deliver, than the other way round.
 
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Well, I don't really have any general wedding suggestions, and surely nothing that compares to the others' postings, buttt, here's a fun (albeit renty/equipment-needy) idea..

DISCLAIMER: the practicality of this is highly-dependant on your (your brother's and his wife-to-be's) family and friends, I imagine. : D But if you're shooting their wedding, it sounds like they are more of the casual type, and may enjoy it.

I was at a wedding, once, where the photographers had set up a bit of a mini photo studio/booth where guests could go over and take their own small-group photos during the reception. I believe for part of it, this was actually a manned station (there were at least 3 photographers at the wedding) for the important family photos, where they'd take care of organizing/posing them and taking the shot. However, for the rest of the reception, we could just go over with friends and snap our own pictures. It was actually a whoooole lot of fun (for a few minutes, at least... and that adds up among different groups of guests!).

Though they wouldn't exactly be WEDDING shots, you would have some nice, consistent (very controlled lighting - minimal processing) family/friend portraits that could range from lovely-shots-with-the-grandparents-and-grand-children (for non-wedding use, etc..) to friends-drinking-one-too-many-and-rolling-around-laughing-and-taking-pictures-of-themselves.

It's pretty much a possibly useful or possibly pointless set up, depending on the wedding style.. : D Again it depends on what your brother and his wife-to-be want for memories and/or to share with family and friends.. like "Hey! Here's that picture you guys took of yourselves! It came out great! Enjoy it!" OR "HAH, we're keeping this one for blackmail down the road.."

Anyway, you pretty much would have zero processing on those pictures (maybe a batch lens-correction / barrel distortion), since you'd set up proper exposure before hand, so however many pictures were taken, all you'd really need to do was sort through for the good ones.. (I imagine if you gave them all straight-up to your brother and his wife, then they might get overwhelmed if they have a thousand family/friend portraits to go through, eventually making them quite sick of the things!) But I digress..

Here is what you'd need for the set up (unfortunately it's a bunch of stuff..):

1) a low traffic area at the reception (a corner..) - probably don't want it TOO far out of the way, because you want people to be near it, but you also don't want them to drunkenly (or dancingly) crash into it by accident, either.. Near a (neutral colored) wall will also give you some extra fill-light from the flash bouncing off the wall (see below.. essentially flash from a bounce umbrella will be coming at them from a bit of an angle opposite a wall... that light bouncing off the wall should lighten the shadow side and help even out the lighting).

2) dedicated camera - this could be your backup DSLR (a 3rd one besides your t3i and your wife's 60D), OR it could be a smaller camera like a Canon G12, etc, that has a hot-shoe.. you really shouldn't need anything amazing for the camera.. ** unfortunately you'd need to ponder number 5 below (shutter release cable) **

3) a wide-angle lens - nothing fancy.. the 18-55 kit lens should do just fine at 18mm (you'll want to do a batch barrel-distortion correction in post-processing, though). I think the G12, at its widest, has about the same focal length. The focal length is some what of a compromise.. a longer focal length will give you less distorted family members, but you're going to have a significantly larger "photo booth". (PS someone chime about where to put the thinner/thicker people..? thinner people at the edges in this sort of mid-close range shot...?) However, if it's more of a fun/casual thing, I guess a little distortion isn't the end of the world.

4) a tripod for the camera - perhaps attach a weight to the tripod, to keep it from getting moved too much and/or knocked over.

5) shutter release cable / remote switch would be recommended - this way, you'll keep people away from touching the camera.. unfortunately, I don't know what non-DSLRs accept these..

6) flash - I imagine any flash will do, since this will be used in a very close setting, as long as it works with a hot shoe cord and/or isn't really old with high-voltage that can fry your hot-shoe. It *will* need an adjustable head.

7) flash umbrella - increasing the size of your flash..

8) tripod / flash stand for the umbrella - you'll want that light a bit off camera, to the side, perhaps..

9) hot-shoe flash cord - this isn't really required.. You can mount the flash right to the top of the camera, and point the flash toward the umbrella that's to the side of the camera.

10) a chair or two, and some sort of simple back drop (a plain wall, if in the corner..?)

11) flash card(s) / extra batteries!

I know it's a lot of stuff, but depending what kind of spare camera/flash you have and if you already happen to have a tripod and a flash umbrella, it could be a fun (and easy) thing to set up.. : D

Maybe you'd have to worry about people knocking it over, or manning it at some point.. Technicalities, technicalities.. : D Perhaps find your most-trusted child or niece/nephew and give them 20$ to be a photo-shooting rock star for 30 minutes, etc.. maybe 2 of them, so they keep themselves entertained. You probably know the limitations of your family. : D

Anyway, sorry for the longness factor.. Again....

DISCLAIMER: It was fun to use as a guest, though I seriously have no idea how useful the pictures were to the bride and groom. They thought they were fun, but they were definitely NOT "wedding" pictures.. more of an added-bonus.. So definitely don't spend too much time on it.. I think the whole point is being able to set it up (if you have the gear), and then let it take care of itself.. Then come back later, and you have a whole set of pictures! : D

Also, I know I didn't really explain the exact set up, so if you don't get it, I can easily draw a picture and post how you would set it up. : D
 
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underjammer said:
I was at a wedding, once, where the photographers had set up a bit of a mini photo studio/booth where guests could go over and take their own small-group photos during the reception. I believe for part of it, this was actually a manned station (there were at least 3 photographers at the wedding) for the important family photos, where they'd take care of organizing/posing them and taking the shot. However, for the rest of the reception, we could just go over with friends and snap our own pictures. It was actually a whoooole lot of fun (for a few minutes, at least... and that adds up among different groups of guests!).

Though they wouldn't exactly be WEDDING shots, you would have some nice, consistent (very controlled lighting - minimal processing) family/friend portraits that could range from lovely-shots-with-the-grandparents-and-grand-children (for non-wedding use, etc..) to friends-drinking-one-too-many-and-rolling-around-laughing-and-taking-pictures-of-themselves.

It's pretty much a possibly useful or possibly pointless set up, depending on the wedding style.. : D Again it depends on what your brother and his wife-to-be want for memories and/or to share with family and friends.. like "Hey! Here's that picture you guys took of yourselves! It came out great! Enjoy it!" OR "HAH, we're keeping this one for blackmail down the road.."

Another thing I've seen done in the past, is that the bride & groom have put a cheap disposable camera with flash on each table at the reception, for those sitting at the table to capture some of the more fun & frivolous casual shots of each other themselves. However, that would entail extra cost for processing all of the rolls of film, for questionable results, depending on the conditions & skill of those using them etc. Cheap P&Ss are so prevalent that these days lots of people have them, so perhaps an email to all guests beforehand encouraging them all to bring their own cameras would work just as well or better (though, in fact, this may be unnecessary, since I imagine most people will bring their own cameras, if they remember, anyway). Having a neutral colored wall, or a light colored sheet hung up in a well/better lit area, may work well as an open area where anyone can come & take pics of each other. Sometimes, having a bucket of fun props e.g. crazy hats, oversized luminous-colored glasses etc. that people can use can lead to some fun shots (not as staid or self conscious). One note though: the communal pic taking area has to be close to where everyone else is though; they are *much* less likely to make use of it, if it is at all removed from the action. One of the downsides of the 'people taking casual pics of each other' approach is that you then usually have to chase people to send their pictures to you and/or the bride & groom afterwards. If you setup a communal online account/gallery, where everyone can easily upload their pics afterwards (and maybe even print slips of paper with an already set up upload address on, to hand out or leave on the tables), you may get a much better return rate.

Obviously, the above is just to capture some of the more fun casual shots to supplement the main pics, not in any way a replacement for the main pics.
 
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Lots of good tips so far

1 tip i havent seen yet is wear a black shirt not a white or coloured one
the reason is 2 fold.

1. wearing black will help you to reflect less in their eyes for tight shots

2. when they look at you the black helps ease the eyes and the pupils will dilate a bit more
especially in brighter light.
 
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Wow, thank everyone so much for replying. I didn't realize I needed so much information aside from lens recommendations.

I've made a list of all these suggestions and now it's time to study and practice. The wedding is 4 months away so I have some time.

Again, thank you everyone for your information and experiences.
 
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Good luck with the wedding! :)

My advice:
- research and look at other peoples wedding shots, crops, composition, lighting etc
- you need a wider lens, your widest lens is 28mm which is around 45 on a ff... You will need to stand A long way back to get a group shot with that. Someone suggested the 10-22 efs... That is great, the sigma 10-20 and tokina 11-16 would also work.
- definitely get lots of batteries and cards and shoot raw, this will help with post and you can then overshoot
- practice with speed lites before the wedding, don't think they are like a lens that you just pop on... And definitely don't use the on camera flash for this stuff

Have fun! Learn by doing :)
 
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Don't know if anyone's mentioned it, but an external Battery pack for your speedlight will help the flash recycle much faster so you don't miss shots due to the flash failing to fire. Make sure batteries are fully charged and you have spares.

Having a BlackRapid strap cross-shoulder &/or belt holster is alot easier than having to dive into your backpack, and carrying 2 camera bodies, each w/ a different lens much faster than changing lenses.

ANTICIPATE THE MOMENT sometimes 'THE KISS' can be faster than Prince Williams and Kate's so you may only have time for one shot BE READY!!!!
 
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libertyranger said:
Hello CR,

I've been following CR for a couple months now since I bought my T3i and have delved into the world of photography. I've done some wildlife photography recently and some portraits and have discovered I really enjoy portraits and events.

I recently shot my brother's (with my wife's help) engagement photos with my new camera and a 50 1.8 lens I borrowed from a friend. They came out pretty good (Well at least he thought they did) and asked if I would shoot his wedding. While I have no experience shooting weddings (and clearly told him so:), I said I would. So...

What lenses do you suggest I use. I know I can borrow the 50 1.8 from a friend and she'll let me borrow her 28-70 2.8L lens. I'll probably borrow her 60D and shot with my wife (She'll use the T3i).

Also, any other suggestions for a budding wedding photographer. Thanks in advance.

Mike


Ill be honest, its a huge undertaking.
shoot the heck out of it, and have lots of cards. cant go wrong with the 20-70. shoot raw, make sure everything is in focus, fix exposure and framing in lightroom. If family is hip and young, rent fish eye for some "backstage" shots. With the fisheye, at least you can say exposure or other issues were artistic choice! ha!
 
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I just shot a wedding on the weekend and tried out the yongnuo external battery packs on the 2 580ex2's and they were amazing, shooting for about 10 hours and i never ran out of batteries on either flash. definately worth looking into getting one for each flash so you dont have the stress of battery changes, they also boost the recycle time a fair bit too.
 
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Wow! I can't believe you got three pages of such great advice! After I read through it all, I thought I would give you a few suggestions about "timing" your shoot that day...

If possible, attend the rehearsal. You can pick your locations and angles for the wedding day. You can also check with the minister to see what his rules are regarding photographer's and flashes...

On the wedding day, I would get to the church three hours early. Let's say it was a 12:00 ceremony; I would get there at 9:00 AM. The first hour was my time to set up equipment and scout shooting locations. Walk around the grounds and evaluate backgrounds and lighting. See what spots will be best for solos, couples, and groups...

The next hour was for the bride and her party. Bride, bridesmaids, Mom & Dad, family shots if she wanted them. You will finish her one hour before the ceremony so she can hide before anyone gets there...

Last hour is for the groom and his party. Everyone has seen a guy in a tux so it is no big deal to shoot him as the guests start arriving. Groom, groomsmen, Mom & Dad, family shots if he wants them. You can shoot these practically up to the start of the ceremony...

If you follow this schedule, then all you have to do is shoot the ceremony and the bride & groom couple shots afterward. Then off to the reception; which is like photographing a party but with a few special twists... Their entrance, first dance, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet/garter, their departure... Then you're done!
 
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libertyranger said:
Hello CR,

I've been following CR for a couple months now since I bought my T3i and have delved into the world of photography. I've done some wildlife photography recently and some portraits and have discovered I really enjoy portraits and events.

I recently shot my brother's (with my wife's help) engagement photos with my new camera and a 50 1.8 lens I borrowed from a friend. They came out pretty good (Well at least he thought they did) and asked if I would shoot his wedding. While I have no experience shooting weddings (and clearly told him so:), I said I would. So...

What lenses do you suggest I use. I know I can borrow the 50 1.8 from a friend and she'll let me borrow her 28-70 2.8L lens. I'll probably borrow her 60D and shot with my wife (She'll use the T3i).

Also, any other suggestions for a budding wedding photographer. Thanks in advance.

Mike

Hey Mike,

So what month and where is the wedding going to be? Is it a day or night wedding? Exactly what gear do you currently have or will borrow for the wedding day?

Weddings can be tough for sure but you have some time to plan and prepare and get any gear you may need so that's a good thing. I do 30 weddings or so a year, full time and have been doing it for just about 10 years. They most definitely aren't easy and you have to be prepared to do more than just click photos. You will be directing people as well during stuff like the formals and group shots. That is a big part of the day some people don't realize they even have to do.

You will need to make decisions when it comes to formals and the group shots. You can't be indecisive, wedding parties hate that. You can't ask the clients where they want the pics, stuff like that....and since it's your bro and his friends and your family, everyone will be nice to you and these things won't be a big factor like they would be at a clients wedding...lmao....drunk and jerky people can certainly be a huge pain on a wedding day at formals time...lol...Almost every wedding is a rush, things like makeup and hair always run late.

You will either come out of this wedding thinking, dam I will never do that again...Or you may love it and want to continue.
 
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