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Let's go!

I'm the gal behind the lens, and the founder of paige elizabeth photography. 

If I'm not working you can usually find me exploring new towns, eating sushi, or cuddling with my pup and cat. Explore my blog to learn more about me, my couples, and even learn a thing or two!

Hey, there! I'm Paige.

How to Prep for a Wedding Day

Hey, friends!

 

In honor of my wedding season starting this Saturday, I wanted to share a bit about how I prep for weddings with you, in hopes that it can help you too! Full disclosure: I’ve been told my multiple of my friends/peers that I over-prep, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt. Or, if you’re like me and like to be prepared for pretty much any scenario, then this is the perfect blog post for you!

 

Prepping properly for a wedding day is so key to me, and now that I’m full time and can do this during the day, I know it’s going to make a huge difference in my prep. Previously, when I had a full time job on top of this business of mine, I would try my hardest to prep two nights ahead, so I could get to sleep at a “decent” hour the night before the wedding. That was easier said than done, because of course I was also having to answer emails/inquiries, edit, and all the other goodness that comes with running a business. (This was at night, by the way, after I’d already worked an 8+ hour day.) More often than not, I found myself prepping all of my gear at 9-10 pm the night before a wedding . While it got done and got done well, I am very excited to be able to do this during the day now, and not have any last minute things I need to rush to find or pack.

 

So, I am going to walk you through the different bags/gear/tools I bring with me and why, and below I’ll list out ALL of my gear for you! Bonus: there may be a surprise for you at the end of this blog post. Keep reading to find out šŸ™‚ Or, if you don’t care and just want to see the good stuff because you have no chill, scroll to the bottom.

 

Let’s start with what’s already in the trunk of my car on any given day:

  • 1-2 Reflectors
  • 12 Clear Umbrellas
  • Pop Up Changing Tent
  • Small, portable steamer

I keep these in my car at all times, because it’s easier than taking them in and out, and they are things I could pretty much always need! It’s been a huge help for me to already have these things with me.

 

The first step for prep I’ll do is send a final check in email to both my clients and to my second shooter. I’ll make sure to let my client know any last-minute details, but normally this is just a “I’m so excited to see you tomorrow at X time!” email. I’ll then email my second shooter any final details, such as where to meet, what time to be there, and any specific shots I’m requesting from them if they’ll be shooting alone. I also make sure to send them a copy of the Timeline and Questionnaire!

 

The second step for prep I’ll do is go through and make sure I have plenty of SD and XQD cards that are already cleared and formatted ahead of time. I typically always import following a session right onto two different hard drives, but occasionally I’ll only back up to one. So I make sure any cards are backed up to a second one before clearing them off! Once any outstanding images are imported, I’ll go through and format all the cards. This is one of the most important steps so I don’t have to worry about shooting over a full card, accidentally deleting images I’d need, or forgetting to format the card and risking it being corrupted!

 

Next I print out the Timeline and Questionnaire. You should always have a Timeline for the wedding day and I highly recommend sending out a Questionnaire to your couples to get any and all other info you may need from them in one place! I print out two copies of these. One for me, one for my second shooter.

 

My final step is to go through my gear and make sure I have everything I need, as well as clean any lenses/bodies that need it. I’ll plug in all my batteries so they’re charging while I’m prepping! Here’s a list of each of the different trunks I bring with me, and what I have in them.

 

I bring 3 separate bags/trunks with me to every wedding. That includes:

  1. My camera bag
  2. My gear/extras trunk
  3. My emergency bucket

Let’s see what I keep in each of those bags!

My Camera Bag:

I use the Kamrette Backpack as my main camera bag. I also have their tote, but the Backpack actually has a lot more room, and I love being able to just throw it on my back and not worry about it swinging around near my cameras on my harness. I can’t say enough great things about this bag, I’ve used it nonstop for a year and a half and it’s held up PERFECTLY!

Inside I’ve got:

  • 2 Nikon D850 bodies (named Addison and June)
  • Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 lens
  • Nikon 50mm 1.8
  • Nikon 85mm 1.8
  • Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 lens
  • Nikon SB-910 flash
  • At least 6 fully charged camera batteries
  • Fully cleared and formatted SD and XQD cards.
  • Printed Timeline
  • Printed Wedding Questionnaire

 

As you can imagine, that can get pretty heavy to lug around- so I generally use my ShootSac to carry around the lenses/cards I know I’ll need, and set my backpack down somewhere nearby.

 

My Gear Trunk:

I use a Husky Tough Trunk that I purchased at Lowe’s (or maybe it was Home Depot) to carry pretty much anything and everything else I may need on my wedding day. I stuff a LOT into this baby, so I’m just going to list it out here for you:

  • Yungnuo backup flash
  • Camera Harnesses/straps (HoldFast)
  • AA Batteries
  • All battery chargers
  • Lens gels/diffuser covers
  • Off Camera Lighting setup
  • 15″ Macbook Pro
  • Hard Drive
  • Any cords I may need
  • Walkie Talkies
  • Headsets
  • Walkie Talkie Charger
  • ShootSac Bag
  • Extra Lens holders
  • Styling Ribbon/Materials
  • Ibuprofen
  • Cough Drops
  • Back Brace (I have back issues, this is just a personal precaution)
  • IcyHot Patches (again, personal precaution)
  • 3-4 bottles of water
  • Luna Protein Bars (I pass these out to vendors like candy, y’all)
  • My Styling Mat
  • Flash Dome
  • Mini light
  • Battery Chargers
  • Camera Cleaning Kit
  • Business Cards
  • Other emergency things like:
    • Cottonelle Wipes
    • Tide Pen
    • Downy Wrinkle Remover
    • Pads/Tampons
    • Ace Bandage
    • Band-Aids
    • Headband/Hair Clips
    • Hand Warmers in the Winter
    • Deodorant

#ProTip: I also have a lock that I lock this with at the wedding. There is a lot of expensive gear in here and I don’t like to take any chances, so better safe than sorry!

 

My Emergency Bucket:

Let me preface this by saying, I’m not sure I would have this bucket if it weren’t for the fact that I was a rentals wedding vendor for 3 years before I was a photographer. In fact, I know I wouldn’t have it- but I am SUPER glad I do. It’s come in handy a couple of times! That being said, it’s anything I would have needed then, as a rental vendor. So not all of these are things you need to have by any means. Think of things that could be needed at a wedding, and throw those in your own emergency bucket!

  • Hair Ties
  • Bobby Pins
  • Safety Pins
  • Tide Pen
  • Cottonelle Wipes
  • Hair Spray
  • Lotion
  • Make Up Wipes
  • Windex
  • Paper Towels
  • Tape (different kinds)
  • Chalk Pens (different sizes/colors)
  • Furniture Pens
  • Scissors
  • Notepad and pens
  • Fabreeze
  • Zip Ties
  • Magic Eraser
  • Mini Sewing Kit

 

The very last thing I’ll do? Make sure I get plenty of rest. I don’t make plans the night before a wedding, and I also watch what I eat/drink the day before. I have a sensitive stomach, so I’ll usually make sure I’m drinking plenty of water, and not eating anything that could potentially make me sick or feel sluggish. The morning of I’m also drinking plenty of water and will have a smoothie to start the day.

 

Okay so there you have it! That’s an overview of my process and everything that I bring with me! I know it’s a lot, but it brings me peace of mind knowing I have pretty much anything I may need right there either in my trunk, or in my vehicle.

 

If you’re a new photographer, and prepping for your first wedding seems a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. Getting pre-wedding jitters honestly never goes away, but it’s a good sign because it’s a reminder that you know how important this day is to your clients! To help you with the prep part, I’ve put together a simple PDF checklist for you so you never have to miss a step! Click here to download your Wedding Day Prep Checklist!

 

So what did you think?! Any questions on the prep process?? Leave me a comment and let me know!

 

XO,

Paige

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- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a ā€œcovid coupleā€ who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- Claudia + chris

Paige was an amazing photographer for our engagement and wedding pictures! We got along with Paige immediately and she made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. Paige is very genuine and fun and our guests noticed this as well. The wedding party had fun joking with her during portraits and our guests loved that she danced while photographing the reception.

Paige kept track of the schedule once we started the portraits which allowed us to focus on our friends and family and having fun. She also looked over the tentative schedule during the planning process to ensure we had enough time for each part of the day.

Paige gave us clear expectations for when we could expect the finished pictures and delivered hundreds of high quality pictures within those timeframes. We love Paige’s documentary style photography that captures the moments as they unfold rather than staging them.

We would recommend Paige to anyone looking for a photographer and we will definitely be booking her again in the future!

"Genuine and fun"

- amanda and mo

I have hired Paige for several things, but she SLAYED my wedding this past September! Not only were my pictures amazing (which I knew they would be), but she was phenomenal with shot ideas and even breathing techniques to help keep me calm right before the walk down the aisle. Photos came back super quick and we will be ordering prints from her soon! HIRE THIS WOMAN!!!!

"SLAYED"

- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a ā€œcovid coupleā€ who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- emily

Paige is the absolute best photographer you could have! We took our engagement photos with her and was blown away how at ease she made us feel and how amazing the photos turned out. When she sent us our sneak peak photos from our wedding, our mouths dropped. They were better than we could have ever imagined! I still have family members talking about how much they loved her. She is also not afraid to kick everyone off a deck to get some night time pictures if they are in the way hahaha! She is truly the best. BOOK HER!

"Better than we could have ever imagined!"

- Sam + Ryan

Paige is the best! We met first when we booked her for our 2019 wedding and engagement. She was our first vendor booked and obviously our favorite. We just knew we HAD to work with her. She is incredibly understanding, warm, and always smiling. She does her best to feel like family and make your shoot full of ease. She completely understands when people feel ā€œawkward in front of the cameraā€. We’ve continued to use her through the years, taking anniversary shots, mini sessions, and most recently family photos as our family grew. We have loved watching her succeed over the years and having her document our successes as well :) book her!

"Book her!"

- Sydney + andrew



"I WAS NOT READY! 

Paige, these are absolutely everything and have helped us relive the most special day. You not only captured all of the sweetest moments but somehow all of the FUNNIEST and most memorable moments that we are all still laughing about. Have no idea how you were so many places seemingly at once but we are forever grateful. 

Thank you for making us feel so comfortable and celebrated throughout the entire process. We'll be looking at these photos forever. I only wish we could do it all together again!"

"I was not ready!"

- Mackenzie

Paige has been such a gift to our family over the past 3 years since we started booking her as our photographer. From family sessions, to boudoir and maternity- Paige has always nailed our vision. I have GLADLY recommended her to friends for their weddings and beyond, and everyone has been thrilled with Paige’s work. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but an awesome person. I felt like we were fast friends which made me even more comfortable in front of the camera. If you’re looking for a photographer, look no further!!

"such a gift"

- text from makenna

"..THANK YOU is an understatement. You made our wedding, you captured EVERYTHING, and to think that you were a one woman show blows my mind. You were everywhere and captured every single detail. I knew when we booked with you that we wouldn't regret it, we are so pleased with everything. We are so happy and can't wait to share all the pictures with our whole family. I can't wait to TRY to pick our favorites and display them all over our house. Just know that you will be in our lives for a while, hopefully capturing our kiddos one day!...Thank you for being you and for sharing your talent with us! We are overwhelmed with all that you have given to us!"

"THANK YOU!"

- texts from rachel 

"OMFG"
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"
"These are INSANE"
"Holy shit I'm dying"
"OMMMGGGG"
"I'm legit obsessed this is amazing!!!!"
"Holy f**K I cna't stop staring at them" 
"You are insane"
"WE ARE DYING OVER HERE"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"

- Megan

Absolutely amazing to work with!!
I've followed paige for years,admiring her work and was lucky enough to work with her this past summer for what was just a couples shoot, turning into a surprise engagement shoot. Paige and her sister were such a joy and SO easy to work with! Paige makes you feel so comfortable infront of the camera. She truly feels like a friend and we are so lucky to have her shoot our wedding in 2024. Her work is beautiful so please do yourself a favor and book with paige Elizabeth 

"Truly feels like a friend"

- Morgan

I first met Paige in 2019, she came with our wedding photographer as a second shooter. She made not only myself, but my husband and our wedding party feel instantly comfortable and like we had known each other for years. Paige then did our maternity pictures in 2020. Not only is all of her work incredible, but the smile that she has when she is behind the camera is so bright that you cannot help but myself when you are having your picture taken by her. She is great at making poses not seem staged and the way that she communicates with you while she is taking your pictures is so calming. Paige is so talented and the passion that she has for her work is truly inspiring!

"Instantly Comfortable"

- Brittany

PAIGE PAIGE PAIGE! I'm crying! These are gorgeous! Thank you so much for these - we always love your work. Can't wait to schedule our next session with you! 

"Can't wait to schedule our next session.."

- Lindsey + emmit

Thank you thank you thank you. You are honestly incredible. You are the best third wheel ever!

"Best third wheel ever!"

- makenna + andrew

Paige, you are INCREDIBLE! You have such a gift, you are so good at what you do. Thank you for these pictures. I can not stop drooling over them. I can’t wait to share them! Thank you so much!! 

"INCREDIBLE"

- Melissa + max

So completely blown away, I can't wait to share more!" 

"Completely blown away"

- samantha + ryan

"These are the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen in my life. You are a wizard (yes the HP kind) with a camera - it was meant to be in your sweet perfect hands. Thank you so much for yesterday and for everything. We are so so lucky to get to have you and your talents capture the best day of Ryan’s and I’s lives"

"You Are a Wizard"

- HALEY + BRANDON

"OH MY GOD PAIGE YOU F*@%KING KILLED IT...Thank you so much for capturing everything. We are so grateful for you!"

"OH MY GOD"

- Krista, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the kindest people I've ever met! When it comes to senior pictures, I'm so glad I chose her. She was quick with our photos, always gave us sneak peeks, and hyped us up during our whole shoot! Wish I could be a PEP Senior Rep forever!" 

"I'm so glad I chose her"

- Kelsey + gavin

"Paige made our engagement and wedding photo experience unforgettable. She was professional, fun, and did an amazing job capturing our personalities in our photographs. Great turn around time. I cannot say enough great things about this woman!!!"

"Unforgettable"

- jen and shane

"PAIGE! I just got a chance to completely look through all of the photos. They are absolutely stunning!!! Thank you so much, you captured everything perfectly!"

"Captured Perfectly"

- courtney, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"I genuinely could not be happier with the experience Paige provided me with this year. I was super nervous to be in front of the camera, but my shoots with Paige literally felt like hanging out with your best friend while simultaneously taking photos. Paige sincerely cares about each and every one of her clients, and that is made so evident by the hard work she puts into her craft. I’ve learned so much from watching Paige run her business and I am in awe of how much she loves what she does- and how incredibly talented she is at what she does. Not only did I gain breathtaking photos of my Senior year that I will keep close to my heart forever, I also gained a friend, and to me that is priceless. If you’re thinking about booking a shoot with Paige, do it now- you’ll wonder where she’s been all your life. šŸ’•"

"Could not be happier"

- Gabby + Kyle

"Literally sitting here crying because your pictures are so amazing. I’m absolutely in love they are perfect. I love your style of candid and how you get the perfect shot...The hardest thing for me to choose was our wedding photographer, it took me the longest time. And we 1000% made the right choice. You did amazing. Thank you so much!"

"Absolutely in love"

- Baby, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"You're literally the best at what you do...I love them all!"

"The best"

- Tori + aaron

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER...Don't know what we would have done without you!"

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER"

- hannah + ross

"Paige is phenomenal. From the very first meet up, I knew that she was going to do everything in her ability to make our day something special. She is so easy to work with, and really plays to the strengths of the couple. My husband and I are awkward and we laugh at everything, and she let us be ourselves and really captured our personalities in the pictures. She truly went the extra mile and brought so much energy to our day."

"Phenomenal."

- Chelsea + seth

"We had a blast with Paige, and have the most amazing photos to show from it. We are blessed beyond belief that we met this wonderful human and that she provided us with photos that will adorn our home for years to come. Through grateful tears, THANK YOU for your work. We are so happy to have a friend in you."

"The very best day."

- Keeley, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the most kindest, hardworking, selfless, people I know. I’m am not a confident person at all, but when I did my shoots with Paige she would make me laugh and feel confident. One of my favorite parts of my senior year was being able to get to know her, and do my senior casuals with her. She is not only a great photographer but a great personšŸ’•"

"She would make me laugh and feel CONFIDENT"

- Alicia + Justin

"From personal experience, I can say that Paige is incredible to work with. She was the best photographer we could have asked for! We highly recommend her!" 

"Highly Recommend"

- Tori + otto

ā€œPaige is an outstanding professional with AMAZING photography skills. My husband and I LOVE her, and we were so delighted with our experience using her services on our special wedding day. Paige has a way of making you feel so comfortable in front of the camera and the photography she creates is absolutely top notch. Thank you Paige!ā€

"So Comfortable"

- morgan + skye

ā€œPaige is just the best. She (sometimes literally) bent over backwards to make our day and everything before our day go absolutely perfect. There aren't enough words to explain how thankful we are for her AND her beautiful work. I can't imagine our wedding day without her and will most definitely be recommending her to everyone in the future.ā€

"Aren't Enough Words"

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