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The Wedding guide
Get to know my approach to your wedding day and information about wedding planning.
Ashly Mccoy
Describe your style
My style of wedding photography focuses on documentary and fine art editorial imagery. Throughout the day I capture moments directed and in the moment. Focusing on clean backgrounds and even lighting when directed. In candid moments I try to find the best angle to tell the story of the moment that evokes an emotional response. I want for all of my couples to feel their most elegant, beautiful selves.
Because I shoot film and love the gorgeous aesthetic it produces, my editing is clean and true to color. I do not focus on trending editing styles, as my goal is to ensure you love your wedding images from this day to twenty years from now.
Booking Process
My brand is focused on a luxury wedding photography, however this goes far beyond the images you receive. From our initial email I am dedicated to giving you, my client, a luxury experience to make sure you have receiving what you always envisioned.
Once you have inquired you will get a prompt response in a timely manner with information on my availability and a space to set up a time to chat on the phone. This is our initial discovery call where we talk about details, expectations, your story and vision. From there here is what you can expect:
• Initial email with requested information
• Follow up call or video chat
• Access to your client portal
• First client gift
• Call to discuss the engagement session
• Planning check in email
• Second client gift
• Timeline/details planning call
• Gallery delivery meeting
• Final client gift
Along with my hybrid style of wedding photography, my exceptional client experience is what sets my brand apart from others.
Secure your Date
Posing Couples
How do you work with posing couples?
I have photographed hundreds of couples from models to everyday people. No matter who I have in front of my camera my priority is capturing them in their best form.
Going in to every portrait session I have specific questions I ask to understand who you are and how you see yourself. I take in account things to highlight and what to avoid. Through this I direct natural prompts that really highlights the telling of your love story. Truthfully I don’t typically use the word “posing” because my style is more guiding you into natural movements for more authentic images. Rather than stiff connection my goal is to focus more on soft touches, more movement, gentle looks. Allowing romantic images to come to life.
My trained sense for the small details gives me the ability to see what works best for my couples when prompting. Making every movement feel at ease and natural.
Do you offer PHYSICAl products
I do offer and encourage heirloom products. Our heirloom albums are thoughtfully designed and handmade by one of our trusted companies.
Heirloom Products:
• Prints
• Albums
• Parent Albums
• Print Boxes
• USB's
Timelines & Details
Will you help with the timeline?
How do you capture my details & what will I need?
Planning is one of my specialities. As your wedding photographer, I love to curate thoughtfully planned timelines for your wedding weekend and or wedding day. Providing a wedding day timeline consolation is part of my luxury wedding experience. I will help you plan the photography schedule from your hair and make up to the exit.
What’s included in your timeline:
• Details
• Getting ready for both the bride & groom
• First look coverage
• Bridal party portraits
• Family photos
• Ceremony
• Light scheduling
• Cocktail hour
• Reception coverage
• Exit planning and more
Every detail is covered to maximize your wedding day time. This insures you are spending time with your family and friends, getting your desired portraits, and most importantly enjoying the day.
Your invitations set the tone for your wedding day. On our timeline call I will walk you through everything you will need to have set aside for me on the wedding day. These items include but are not limited to:
• Fresh flowers from your florist
• Heirloom details such as jewelry or keepsakes
• All stationary with envelopes
• Wedding bands and engagement ring
• Shoes
• Veil
• Champagne bottles*
• Special ring boxes
Provided by me are my accessories; like styling mats, ribbons, stamps, dishes etc to give your details an elevated artful look. Each wedding I start by introducing myself and catching up on all the excitement the morning has offered. From there I search the area for the best lighting to get started on creating. I throughly enjoy capturing the details first thing, it really helps me open up my creative flow for the wedding day!
How do you navigate the time with & without a first look?
A first look is a private moment between the couple that allows them to see each other before the ceremony. When we make time for a first look we have the benefit of starting on bride and groom portraits, bridal party photos, and family photos before the ceremony begins.
First looks can be very beneficial if your wedding takes place in the winter where our days are not as long.
While I do enjoy the liberty of a first look many of my couples choose not to partake in them. One important question on my discovery call is knowing when my couples are planning to have their ceremony. This helps me educate them on the lighting based around their event and how to proceed with scheduling.
For example, if you are having a ceremony at 5pm in November, in Savannah, GA I would highly recommend a first look to have proper light for all photographs. If you have decided you don’t want a first look we would discuss moving your ceremony time up to make time for everything afterwards.
My timelines are meant to give you the best lighting for all of your photographs whether we have a first look or we don’t!
Engagement Session
Engagement session Experience
Engagement sessions are a fun relaxed time to give us a chance to work together before the wedding day. I highly suggest having one! I cherish this one on one time with my couples because it gives me a chance to really get to know the two of you and your love languages.
Booking an engagement session with me before your wedding day is set up with a video call to plan outfits, locations, and planning details I have for the day.
I walk you through what locations best fit your vision along with the attire to where for that location. This includes the style of clothing, color palette, and accessories.
Because I capture engagement sessions all over the country, from the sands of Daufuskie to the New York Public Library and down to the coasts of California. I often meet my clients in your state. I even encourage it. I love traveling to new places! I am a destination wedding and engagement photographer, after all. I thoroughly research your area providing the same amount of detailed information as if it were my own back yard in Savannah, Ga.
You can expect:
• Detailed planning
• Attire consultations
• One to two week delivery
What if it rains on my wedding day?
As much as I wish we could control the weather, especially for wedding days, that just isn’t realistic. This shouldn’t mean that you don’t get beautiful wedding portraits. My first plan of action is to find a suitable indoor solution if possible and I offer bride and groom photos the day after for when the weather is more ideal.
Planning and problem solving is one of my many talents.
Reception
How do you capture cocktail hour & Family photos?
Do you use lighting for the reception?
Most often family photos are captured after the ceremony while your guest are enjoying cocktail hour. During this time my associate photographer is with your guest.
• Cocktail hour photographs consist of group photos of your guests and candid images provided up close and from a distance. We know that you want to see every moment of your day so we ensure all the best moments captured. This is one of the biggest reasons my wedding collections are tailored with two or more wedding photographers.
• Family photos are pre-organized before the wedding with my family photo template. After the ceremony your family will be instructed to stay for portraits. This part of our wedding day is directed and organized by my team and I for heirloom family images. I am highly trained in organizing large groups, handling delicate family situations with professionalism and compassion.
I have always said, “while my couple is my priority, lighting is my subject.” I am proficiently trained in all light situations. I bring my lighting to your reception to ensure that everything is properly lit. There is no lighting situation I cannot overcome.
Some of my techniques include:
• Clean reception photos for dances, speeches, etc
• Shutter drag for incredible iconic imagery
• Direct flash for more of that nostalgic look
and more
© ashly mccoy - wedding photographer 2023
hello@ashlymccoy.com | 912.429.4465