WEDDING WELCOME GUIDE
ANNA KIZER WEDDING EXPERIENCE
INTENTIONAL IMAGERY FOR EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN CELEBRATIONS
Anna is an Alabama based and destination wedding photographer serving couples all over the US and beyond.
Getting to be a small part in so many love stories is such a gift and I am so incredibly thankful for every couple that trusts me with theirs. Your wedding deserves to be experienced fully - unhurried, intentional, and rich with meaning. I believe luxury is found in the way you feel on your day: relaxed, confident, and completely immersed in each moment. With a refined and thoughtful approach, I document weddings with an emphasis on connection, emotion, and elegant storytelling. The result is a collection of images that feel timeless and authentic, preserving the joy, beauty, and intimacy of your celebration for generations to come.
THANK YOU
Your special day comes only once in life, and I understand the feelings that have built leading up to this moment - excitement about the colors you envision, the location you'll say our vows at, and even the person to whom you will eventually say "I do."
There is so much more behind this decision than just "hiring a photographer." You are hiring someone who is capturing the moments on the most important day of your life, and I put so much weight on that. You had many photographers to choose from and somehow we crossed paths; for that, I am so grateful. A day like this is so important and as my clients, I want you to feel loved, heard, and valued.
Working with me you have a friend, a planner, and support system. We are in it for the long haul together! From the second you book to years after your day, I am here! Thank you for investing in me. I treasure it more than anything.
VENDOR RECS
Hair & Makeup
-Babes by Heidy
-Makeup by Bax
-Brittney Shelton Artistry
-Hair & Makeup by Asia Nicole
-Cosmetics x Mackenzie
-Styled x Paige
-H&M by Cait
Florists
-Cole Buys Designs
-The Ivory Orchid
-MAM Legacy Florals
-Stems Styles Homewood
-Artisanal Blume
-Lucky Me Flowers
-Olive & Sage Floral
-Old Frond
Planners
-W Events
-Click Weddings
-JLT Events
-Kalee Baker Events
-Lisa Stricklett Events
-Blair Events
-Vows & Velvet
-Elowen
Catering
-The Proper Pig
-Happy Catering
-Savoie Catering
-Tre Luna
-City Limits Cafe
-Namans Catering
-Event Catering Chattanooga
Videographers
-New Heights Film
-Omari Hood (marimedia)
-Evergreen Film House
-TB Productions
Content Creators
-Social by Morgan
-Champagne Social
-MLLV Content Creator
-Cooks Bridal
Entertainment
-Monochrome Mania Band
-DJ Szn (Austin)
-DJ Prez (Robert)
-The Good Time Company
-Platinum Entertainment
-DJ Sillz
-Golden Gate Entertainment
Rentals
-Decor2Adore
-The Prop House
-Owen Brothers
-EventWorks Rentals
-All Needz Rentals
Cake
-Dana DePew
-Pen & Pastry
-Sadies Cakes Bake House
-Louise’s Cakes and Supply
-Dan the Cake Man
Officiant
-Allan McConnell (Another Happy Couple)
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Now that you have booked your wedding date, we can begin planning the engagement session included in your wedding package! Engagement sessions are scheduled a few months prior to wedding day or whenever you feel ready. The engagement session also gives us an opportunity to meet in person before wedding day and for y'all to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It is so much fun to hang out with my couples at their engagement sessions getting to know each other and talking about all things wedding and getting excited for the big day.
These sessions can be as extra or casual as you would like them to be and we can discuss your vision for them - planning a vision is so fun and so exciting to see come to life so if you have any fun vision for your engagement photos, let me in on it! I will provide a list of location suggestions but you are more than welcome to let me know if you have any preferred locations. I also will travel for engagement sessions!
Just let me know when you're ready to plan a date for these and we'll get them scheduled!
Engagement sessions include:
1-2 locations
1-2 outfits
WEDDING DAY QUESTIONNAIRE
By 2 months out from wedding day I will have sent over the questionnaire to fill out about all things wedding day!
This will allow me to be informed for your day and be able to answer any questions about your day anyone may come to me with! Please be as detailed as possible and send any visuals/mood boards of your day that you have! The result of this questionnaire will be a detailed photo timeline from me with your vision in mind, a professional, carefully thought out, planned day of photo timeline from experience with many different weddings and details noted of the entire day from start to finish. So much thought and love goes into my side of helping you plan your photo part of the day & I will ensure that we are on the same page every step of the way! No detail gets missed. Your timeline can be as personalized to you as you would like it to be.
Please remember that the timeline is only a suggestion of when events should happen - I do not want time to be something you stress about on your day!
Let's start from the very beginning --
GETTING READY
Getting ready photos are some of my favorite and so special to have the moments of you getting ready to walk down the aisle documented - the moments that set the tone for the entire day. If these are important to you, I recommend being completely finished with hair & makeup at least an hour before heading into another part of the day so you’re not rushing and really get to soak in the moments of getting ready to marry the love of your life, with the people who have helped you get to this day.
Designate a room or an area where you’re getting ready to keep clean for photos.
Start hair & makeup earlier than you might think - especially if you have a large bridal party. I know an early wake up call isn't any fun but it allows you to get started with your day sooner and also allows for extra time if things get behind.
DETAILS
FLATLAYS
A flatlay is a stylized editorial photograph taken from above that captures all of your little wedding details in one gorgeous photo. You can include your stationery, rings, bridal shoes, flowers, or special family mementos. They preserve all of your special wedding trinkets, jewelry, or heirlooms in a single shot.
Tip: Ask your Florist for some extra florals to include. This can really make the photo that much better.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED?
It’s important to remember that photography is a complex art that requires a lot of time and care to get right. Great detail photos take more than just 15 minutes . The most special wedding photos require plenty of planning time to envision your story and figure out the best way to tell it. Typically, I will work on details for at least one hour as soon as I arrive to your venue.
ARE FLATLAYS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
An important question to ask yourself is, "How important are little details to me?" If you’re all about them, please let me know so I can be sure to allocate enough time to photograph them for you. Not into little details and want to focus more on the bigger picture? That’s awesome too! Just let me know and I’ll plan accordingly. Perhaps you are more in the middle - you may want some detailed photos, but not too many because you want a bit more emphasis on the candids. All of this is perfect, just communicate your wants and needs with me!
FIRST LOOK
If you opt for a first look on your wedding day, we will aim to get all of your formal portraits done before the ceremony. It’s so special to do a first look on your wedding day but also not necessary if it doesn't sound like something you are into! While some couples prefer to wait for the aisle for the big reveal, others choose to find a time earlier in the day to see each other all dressed up for the very first time. This makes for a special memory and also calms any excited nerves you have. Choosing to have a first look or not is an important decision, so take some time, think on it and if it feels right, we'll make it happen!
If you’re considering doing a first look - it will not take away from that special moment watching you walk down the aisle, don’t worry! They are two separate but equally emotional moments. It also allows you to spend more time being present at your wedding.
FIRST TOUCH
If you don’t do a first look, all photos including the couple will be taken immediately after the ceremony - make sure you look at the sunset time and plan for enough time after the ceremony for light! Some couples like to plan a time in the day to do a first touch and read personal vows, pray, etc to still have a moment together before the ceremony.
COUPLE PORTRAITs
One of my favorite parts of the day! For your wedding day, we can carve out as little or as much time as you personally want for your couple portraits - or even break it up into shorter segments throughout the day!
Most couples can feel a little nervous about aspects such as how to pose, how to act, and just being in front of the camera. These feelings are so normal. My biggest tip is to soak in each other's presence. Your wedding day comes and goes so quickly. Taking in every minute is so important and you'll be able to look back on your images and remember how in the moment you were. Doing an engagement session is a great way to get comfortable with me & being in front of the camera beforehand!
BRIDAL PORTRAITS
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GROOM PORTRAITS
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WEDDING PARTY
Photos with the people you’ve chosen to stand by you on your day through a mix of posed and candid, fun prompts.
We will do full group photos and then do bridesmaids and groomsmen photos separately. The amount of time it will take to do these will depend on the size of your wedding party!
If you have inspo, mood boards, etc, show them to bridesmaids & groomsmen to help them see the kind of photos you are wanting to get. Couples will show me lots of fun, candid inspo, but sometimes it's hard to get that out of a group of people who don’t understand what we’re trying to capture. Prepping the people who will be in your photos a little bit prior to being in front of the camera helps more than you think!
FAMILY PORTRAITS
If doing a first look, we will do all family photos before the ceremony. If we do get family photos done beforehand, this may potentially allow for more time during cocktail hour with your guests! If not doing a first look, we will do bride & groom separately with their families before the ceremony & do any remaining family photos with both the bride & groom in them.
Pro Tip – these will go really smoothly if you have a photo list made ahead of time. Think of each photo combo of yourselves and relatives that you'd like and write them down in an order that makes sense, so we can knock them out quickly.
Also remember that family photos don’t have to only be “Formal.” Have fun with them!
The moment everyone has gathered together for --
THE CEREMONY
All the preparation, nerves, stress, and anticipation have led up to this moment. The best advice I can give is to simply soak in the moment. This moment will go by in a blink of an eye so really take the time to just breathe and be present. Hold hands, take a pause, look around and enjoy each other as you celebrate the culmination of your love journey.
When it comes to ceremonies, I have a very hands-off approach. I won't be directing anything, as the officiant will take over this part of the day. We will reconnect after your ceremony for some bridals and intimate portraits. But for now, live in this moment.
JUST MARRIED PORTRAITS
Couple portraits taken right after the ceremony so you can enjoy the rest of the night after!
With a first look, these will take 10 minutes or less. Without a first look and waiting for the aisle, these will take a bit longer to make sure that you get all of the photos of the two of you together that you want. Keep this in mind for timing if you are wanting to be a part of your cocktail hour.
RECEPTION
Get excited - it’s time to party, connect with your guests, and even relax a bit after an emotional day. The reception is such a fun and energetic part of your wedding! Imagine great food, all your fav tunes, and a beautiful celebratory atmosphere!
The reception is the time for you to celebrate this joyful day all night long. The celebration only stops when you say it does. Until then, consider the reception the perfect time to cut loose and have the best time possible. After all, you’ve finally done it! After all that planning and stress, you’ve tied the knot, and now it’s time to kick back and do a victory lap. This is your time to really bask in the joy of the day and have the best time possible with the most important people in your life.
SEND OFF
At last, we’ve reached the end of the evening, and it’s time for the two of you to make your exit. There are tons of options available to cover pretty much any type of exit you choose to make! Whether you choose a traditional sparkler exit or something like fun popper streamers, confetti, or bubbles, the only limit to your grand exit is your imagination!
Mock exits - For a mock exit, you are essentially going through your "exit" like normal but just earlier in the evening before it is actually time to leave. Then, you head right back into the reception to party for the rest of the night! This is done for a few reasons. It ensures everyone is present for your "exit" since some may leave the reception early and won't get to "see you off."
A mock exit can be an extremely fun way to add some dramatics to the evening while also providing some great photo opportunities. If you don’t think a mock exit is right for you, that’s completely understandable. We’ll party all night and send you off at the end of the night!
Ideas for exits:
-Sparklers
-Confetti
-Flower petals
-Streamers
-Cold Sparks
-Fireworks
-Bubbles
-Light wands
-shakers
-A jump in the pool/ocean
-etc
Some couples choose to have a private last dance while their guests are setting up for the exit.
FILM
I love to incorporate film on your wedding day and add film scans into your wedding gallery - it provides variety & texture into your gallery & film captures a feeling that digital truly cannot replicate!
Sure, they aren’t always perfect – the lighting can be too bright or too dark, or you might be looking the wrong way – but I guarantee you’ll treasure these little gems. The imperfectness makes them perfect!
I shoot a mix of 35mm and 120 to give you a wide variety of extra goodness to go along with your digital photos! I also shoot Super8 film if you are interested in adding on a beautiful. nostalgic video of your day! Super8 is such a fun extra piece of your wedding day to have along with your photos to go back and relive all the feelings through a video. Ask me what Super8 is if you’re unsure but think you’re interested!
TIPS FROM YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHOTOS
-My biggest piece of advice is to slow down & enjoy the day. Being stressed, tense, distracted, etc will visibly translate into your photos.
-Editing can fix lighting, colors or a stray hair; but your photos are a reflection of how you felt. Allow yourself to be present, to feel all of the emotions that come, and don’t be afraid to show them.
-If you don’t love your hair & makeup, you won’t love your photos. Please make sure you use an artist whose work you love & do a trial run to see if there’s anything you’d want to fix for wedding day!
-The best photos usually don’t come from a shot list. Yes I will provide direction when you need it, but again, being present with the people you love, especially if you are wanting candids, will make for a great outcome. To get candids you have to be candid.
-A couple who is in love will photograph well.
-If you want lots of photos together, you have to stay together. Lots of times, couples are everywhere but together at the reception and then will ask if there are any more photos of them together that I didn't send them. Spend your wedding day together making the same memories together, that you get to reflect on together when the day is done.
-If you have inspo, mood boards, etc, show them to the people who will be in your photos as well such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. to help them see the kind of photos you are wanting to get.
-My approach to capturing your wedding day is through a mix of posed and candid images on digital and film; so you have the best of all the worlds! I will provide direction when needed and step back to let a moment unfold. You will never be stuck guessing but don’t always rely on my direction if you want candids!
-Ask your florist for loose florals to incorporate into your detail photos if that is important to you! The addition of florals can really elevate the look of your details paired with your invitation suite!
A WEDDING EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS TO COME.
From here, we will thoughtfully design a photography experience that feels calm, elevated, and honest to you as a couple - allowing you to be fully present with the people you love most. If you have any questions about planning your special day or you just need someone to talk to during the planning process, I’m always here – reach out anytime! I can't wait to see your beautiful wedding come to life.
It is an honor that is never lost on me that I get to celebrate you in this season and capture your day!