Top 10 Wedding Day Tips From Your Best SLO Wedding Photographer
Weddings on the Central Coast have a special kind of magic – golden light, ocean breezes, and that easygoing California vibe. As a SLO wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky to witness countless romantic moments and learned a thing or two about what helps the day go smoothly. If you’re a fun-loving San Luis Obispo bride who adores beautiful details (with just a touch of luxury) and cares deeply about how your love story is captured in photos, this list is for you. Here are my top 10 wedding day photography tips to ensure your SLO wedding is as whimsical, fun, and picture-perfect as you’ve always imagined.
1. Get Matching Robes for Bridesmaids
Picture a sunlit morning with you and your besties in matching silky robes, laughter and champagne filling the air. Coordinating robes for your bridesmaids create a cute, cohesive look for those getting-ready photos. Not only do matching robes make your girls feel pampered and photo-ready, but they also set a fun, unified tone for the day. (Plus, as your SLO wedding photographer, I love capturing those twinning floral patterns and pre-ceremony giggles – talk about a charming start to your wedding story!)
2. Wear Something Cute to Get Ready In
Don’t spend your morning in old pajamas or a random tank top. Slip into a pretty robe of your own or a cute pajama set while you have your hair and makeup done. You’ll look lovely in all the candid getting-ready shots (and you won’t risk messing up your hairstyle by pulling a T-shirt over your head!).
Whether it’s a lace bridal robe or a monogrammed button-up shirt, wearing something special and cute to get ready in will make those intimate morning photos feel whimsical and elegant – and make you feel like the bride you are from the very start of the day. These images are often the first chapter in your album.
3. Prepare Loose Blooms & Details for Flat-Lay Photos
Your love story lives in the little details – the invitation suite, rings, jewelry, and more – so let’s capture them beautifully. Ask your florist to include a few loose blooms or greenery sprigs when delivering your flowers; we can sprinkle these around your invitations and accessories for gorgeous flat-lay shots. Also, pack a small shoebox with meaningful flat lay items (think invitations, save-the-dates, perfume, jewelry, vow books, and any heirlooms) and have it ready for me when I arrive.
With pretty petals and all your treasures gathered in one place, I can style those magazine-worthy detail photos in a flash, without hunting things down – resulting in dreamy images of your wedding day keepsakes. And as your SLO wedding photographer, I want you to look back on them and remember just how much you felt like the bride—from the very beginning of the day.
4. Don’t Get Your Shoes Dirty Before Photos
Those sparkling new heels (or pristine white flats) deserve their moment to shine. Try to keep your wedding shoes clean and scuff-free until we’ve finished all your important portraits and detail shots. If you’ll be walking outdoors for a first look or portraits before the ceremony, consider slipping on an older pair or using shoe protectors so you don’t sink into grass or dirt.
Trust me, As your go-to wedding photographer in San Luis Obispo, I’m always keeping an eye out for the little things—shoes included. Clean shoes look so much better in your pictures – and you’ll feel so much happier stepping out knowing your kicks are spotless for that aisle walk and those close-up shoe shots.
5. Build Buffer Time Into Your Timeline
No matter how perfectly we plan, weddings have a way of laughing at strict schedules. Hair and makeup can run late, the limo might take a wrong turn – and that’s okay! The fix is simple: pad your schedule with a little buffer time between events. Add an extra 10-15 minutes here and there (before the ceremony, before photos, before the reception) so if something runs long, you won’t be stressed or cut into photo time.
As a photographer, I find this breathing room keeps everyone relaxed and even lets us capture sweet candid moments that happen in those unscripted pauses. And if everything runs right on time (hooray!), you get a few extra minutes to breathe, soak in the moment, or grab a sip of champagne with your bridal party. From years of experience as a SLO wedding photographer, I can tell you this simple step makes all the difference in how your day feels—and how your photos turn out.
6. Bring Extra Makeup for Touch-Ups
Happy tears and warm California sunshine can take a toll on your makeup as the day goes on. That’s why it’s smart to have a mini touch-up kit on hand. Pack your favorite lipstick or gloss, some powder and blotting papers, and a travel-size setting spray or tissue. After the ceremony (or before those dreamy sunset portraits), a quick touch-up will refresh your look in minutes. T
his is one of those tiny but mighty tips I always give as a SLO wedding photographer who loves capturing you at your most naturally stunning. You’ll stay camera-ready from first kiss to last dance, and your photos will show a glowing bride without any shine or smudges – just radiance and joy.
7. Pack a Second Pair of Dancing Shoes
When the dance floor opens, you’ll want to be footloose and fancy-free! After a day in heels or formal shoes, give your feet a break by switching to a second pair of comfy dancing shoes for the reception. Whether it’s chic flats, sparkly sneakers, or those custom “Bride” converse, having a backup pair that’s broken-in will be a lifesaver.
You’ll be able to dance the night away without pain, which means more genuine smiles (and less wincing) in your reception photos. Trust me, as your SLO wedding photographer, I’m watching for every joyful spin and lift, and it always shows when you’re comfortable and fully in the moment.
Pro tip: Make sure your bridesmaids or planner know where your second shoes are – when it’s time to swap, you can step into comfort and get right back to the party, no fuss.
8. Secure Your Bustle & Perfect Your Hemline
Nothing should stop you from dancing freely – especially not your dress! When you have your gown altered, ensure the hem is tailored to match the height of your shoes (including any fancy flats you’ll change into) so you’re not tripping on your train. And for the reception, make sure you have a strong, easy-to-do bustle to lift that gorgeous train off the floor.
Ask your seamstress to show your maid of honor exactly how to bustle the dress, and even practice it before the big day. A flimsy bustle that breaks or a hem that’s too long can put a damper on your fun (imagine trying to waltz while holding up your dress!). But a well-fitted hem and a sturdy, secure bustle let you glide and twirl with confidence – and let me capture all your moves without a hitch. And as a detail-oriented SLO wedding photographer, I’ll be watching to make sure everything stays picture-perfect throughout the night.
9. End Your Ceremony with a Rose-Petal Toss and a Dip
As newlyweds making your grand exit down the aisle, why not add a little extra magic? If your venue allows, have guests throw rose petals as you walk out – think of it as a natural, romantic confetti. Petals raining down create a dreamy, whimsical scene (and stunning photos with flowers floating around you!). Then, when you reach the end of the aisle, share a dramatic dip kiss with your new spouse.
Practice your dip ahead of time – maybe at your rehearsal – so you both feel steady and camera-ready. With soft petals swirling through the air and you two in a movie-perfect dip, your ceremony exit shots will absolutely scream “just married” bliss. I’ll be there, camera ready, making sure your SLO wedding photographer captures that iconic exit with all the feeling it deserves.
10. Take 10 Minutes Alone as a Couple
Amid the excitement of the day, carve out a quiet moment for just the two of you. One of my favorite suggestions is to sneak into your perfectly decorated reception space alone together before the guests enter – hand in hand, just to gaze at the beauty of the room you dreamed up. Or step outside during golden hour for a private breather away from the crowd. You just got married. Let that sink in.
Taking 5-10 minutes to be alone as newlyweds lets you both soak in the magic of the day without any distractions. You can laugh, hug, happy-cry, and say “OMG, we’re married!” away from the eyes of your guests. Not only will this become a cherished memory (the day flies by, and these quiet minutes help you remember it), but I’ll often capture a few candid, heartfelt shots from a distance. Those images of just you two, lost in the moment, often turn out to be absolute treasures in your wedding album, and if you choose me as your SLO wedding photographer, you’ll always have those moments preserved—just as they happened.
➡️LOOK: Real Weddings Captured by a SLO Wedding Photographer⬅️
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Ready to Capture Your San Luis Obispo Love Story?
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event—let’s capture it with passion, creativity, and joy. As a SLO wedding photographer, I specialize in romantic, heartfelt imagery that reflects your unique story. From dreamy flat-lays to golden hour portraits, I’ll document every beautiful moment with intention.
Contact me today to book your SLO wedding photographer and ensure your love story is told with timeless, artful images you’ll cherish forever. 💕
