Before hiring your photographer, ask your-
self two things: One, can he handle a dim-lit
room? And, two, is he nice? A wedding is a liv-
ing, breathing, unpredictable thing. He has to
be ver y go-with-the-flow and technically consis-
tent no matter what. Vet him in person, and
look at full galleries—not just his greatest hits.
I prefer outdoor weddings, but if you’re inside, here’s the
secret to album-worthy photos: Get the space as close to
daylight as possible, and add some candles for warmth. Avoid
color gels in your lighting, especially if they change throughout
the night; even yellow and orange are too warm. People won’t
photograph well.
Try an “unplugged” wedding. Send an enclosure with the
invite asking guests to power off—at least during the ceremony.
It’s awesome not to have to tell them to put down their phones
and stop Instagramming so I can get the picture!
Consider booking a boudoir shoot. I’ve shot brides wearing
lingerie, a veil, or nothing at all. Most are in the best shape of their
lives for their wedding, and the portraits are beautiful. It helps, of
course, that I’m gay. Your boobs just don’t excite me that way!
Rent a well-lit, crazy-fun, propped-out photo booth. Espe-
cially if you are hosting a formal affair because it breaks the ice.
Have your photographer show up an hour before getting-
ready shots. He can snap your invite, preferably on a set of table
linens. Please don’t make him iron them for you!
And be sure you get ready in a neat room. I can’t tell you how
many times I’ve moved suitcases and furniture out of the way.
If you’re shy, a 20-minute “first look” session is a good idea.
You’ll feel more relaxed in front of the camera later. After that,
my ideal time line is a 30-minute ceremony two hours before
sunset, followed by couple portraits in private, family pics, and
lots of photos of cocktail hour as the sun sets.
Know how to pose. Turn toward the center of the frame. Don’t
drop your chin. Relax your shoulders. Bend one knee, and hold
the bouquet at your hips. Breathe! Got all that? You’ll look gorge!
Avoid color pics of the dance floor. Late night, things can get
messy: Hair comes down, people sweat. Switch to black and white
so ever y thing looks a bit more ... timeless. —As told to Jaimie SchoenPLAN LIKE A PRO
PHOTOGRAPHER
The biggest name in wedding pics, Jose Villa,
shares his tried-and-true rules for your most
photogenic day ever
“The key to
capturing
an authentic
moment? Soft,
natural light
and a simple
background.
And motion!”JOSE’S SHORT LIST
THE HOT
ACCESSORY
FOR YOUR GUY
“Besides
a Rolex? A
ginormous
Tom Ford
bow tie.”THE PRIMP PLAN
“Your updo will
fall, your lips
will crack, so
arm your MOH
with bobby
pins, hairspray,
and gloss.
Touch up early
and often!”THE SLICE OF HEAVEN ”My abso-
lute favorite thing at a wedding
is cake—above all, red velvet.”THE DANCE-PARTY MUST
“Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just
Wanna Have Fun’ is my jam.”BRIDES.COMDETAILS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JOSE VILLA; ELIZABETH MESSINA; BARRY KING/WIREIMAGE; COURTESY OF YSL; ANTONIS ACHILLEOS PHOTOGRAPHY; GORMAN STUDIO. BOW TIE, $250, TOM FORD; 888-866-3673. Y VES SAINT LAURENT GLOSS VOLUPTÉ IN ROSE ORFEVRE, $32.292 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015圀漀爀氀搀䴀愀最猀⸀渀攀琀