Wedding Photographer
Sarah Ginder
Wedding Photographers Don't Just Take Pictures ...
Wedding Photographers Don't Just Take Pictures (Part 1)

wedding photographer

Father's First Look

One of my favorite moments in a wedding is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, it is probably the most sought after photos by most couples, as well. But the lesser talked about First Look between a bride and her father is always sweet and emotional!

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They all don’t go down the exact same way. Some fathers are dressed with cuff links and all at 8am, pacing around the house, and the girls yell, “No you can’t go in that room, her dress is hanging up.”, And they are in tears long before they even turn around to see her. Other dad’s are chillin! Just enjoying a beer, sitting outside reading the paper, or down in the hotel lobby talking with friends from out of state. And the girls are yelling once again, but this time it’s, “Dad, go shower!!”, and “Are you ready yet? We need to go!” But it is just their way of coping, emotions are high, and even the toughest of tough guys, often melt in this special father daughter moment.

And if you zoom out, and you picture that same father, much younger, with tears in his eyes as he hold his little baby girl for the first time… not knowing how he will do it. Wondering what it will be like to be a father, how to teach her that she is strong and beautiful and loved…. Suddenly you can’t hold back tears yourself, as you see a father in awe of the woman his little baby has grown up to be. How can he let her go? I am sure there is always a part of them that wishes they could just play in the yard together one more time, and kiss her tiny head.

And this wouldn’t feel complete without a shout out to my own dad! :) I am one of three girls, and he has helped shape each one of us in so many ways. I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I wouldn’t have my work ethic, if it were not from my dad’s example. He pushed us because he believed in us!

We all have so many fond memories with our dad: playing baseball (even though we were probably all terrible), building snow tubing ramps in our back yard, jumping waves in the ocean, helping him with his many projects in the garage, (Oh….And a few terrifying memories of doing math homework with Dad!! Hehe). He sat through many dance recitals, and when I finally realized that I liked martial arts, he would come with my mom to watch and support.

Here is a little peak at our first look on my wedding day!

I love you Dad!

(Photography by Susan Baker Photography)

Photographer For Life

The only compliment better than being recommended to friends and family, is to be called back to photograph another chapter of a couple’s love story.

When I photographed this family last weekend, I remember the look in their eyes, when they looked at each other on their engagement shoot, back in 2012. Their minds filled with the possibilities, of “imagine when…” and “what if we…”. And BOOM, the dream is reality..

Love, commitment, growth, then family…

And when these little ones arrive, love takes on a whole new meaning. And that person who makes you laugh, isn’t just there for the fun times. Now you have history together. Hard times, busy schedules, and routine changes us, but it all comes back to this… Two people dreaming of how wonderful life could be, when spending it together.

Change doesn't happen over night, but sometimes it feels like it does. Meeting my husband feels like a life time ago, but still vivid enough to feel like it was only yesterday. I was so naive to the fact that my whole life just changed in that instant. And here we are, almost four years married, and our son in my arms. The cycle of life is profound, I am so thankful that I get to capture it.

5 Things Brides Say Was a Waste of Money

I remember when I was a bride, just how many companies tried to up-sell me on things, and tug at my heart strings, not knowing I was in the industry… Not cool.

So what can you cut out of the long list of things you need to pay for on your wedding day? I asked some of my amazing brides that had unique, personal, and memorable weddings, to see what they said.

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So the good news is…

More and more brides and grooms are saying “no thanks” to old and costly traditions, and taking their wedding plans into their own hands! And because of this, the overwhelming majority of brides I talked to, say that there WASN’T a whole lot that they felt was a waste of money. And, if they were to go back and do it all again, they really wouldn’t change things! This makes me SO happy! :) … I guess I have some pretty budget savvy couples!

But, do you know what really shocked me…

Most of the bride’s I spoke to said they wouldn’t have spent less on something, but wish they spent MORE on a videographer or DJ. And I fall in that exact same boat as well. I wish that I had spent more on a different DJ. He was a great guy, and the price was unbeatable, but he had promised some things, like a specific type of dance floor lighting (I’m a photographer, I know what I wanted!) and he did not deliver. A few bride’s mentioned that they went with a cheaper videographer, and the end product wasn’t what they had hoped for.

However, a few things came up, over and over, that brides and grooms felt was not impactful to the day, and they could have done without.

The 5 Things Brides Say They Could Have Lived Without

  1. Party Favors

    Yup, like a little bag of candy to eat on the ride home? As if the mountains of food served for the past 5 hours would leave guests starving… One bride said it best. “Your guests love you, but they could probably do without your wedding monogrammed koozie.” haha! Plus, as a wedding photographer, I often see favors sitting on the tables at the end of the night, untouched. And that means the extra four bucks times however many guests, is going down the drain. So, if you cut it out all together, I don’t think many would notice or mind. But if you do want to do something, but don’t want to buy 150 bottle openers… It has become more popular to make a donation to a cause that is meaningful to the couple.


  2. Wedding Party Gifts

    Some of my lovely brides went a little overboard, and showered their bridal party with gifts. One bride realized that if she were to get her bridesmaids something, it would only be something that they could REALLY use after the wedding was over. So things like a robe that says “Bridesmaid”, seemed kinda like a waste in the end. And after all, they are there because they love you, not because they want a free necklace, or a wine glass that says “Maid of Honor”.


  3. Flowers

    Now, we are not hating on flowers, or the gorgeous work that so many talented florists do for weddings. But the fact is, it’s temporary, and guests might notice, but it isn’t going to be the thing they go home talking about. If you choose a venue that is your style anyway, chances are it doesn’t need a whole lot of added decoration.


  4. Extra Food/Desert at the End of the Night

    I think the best way to describe this is “extra”. Milk and cookies anytime, anywhere, is NOT a bad thing! However, it isn’t needed… and if you want to find a way to save, couples recommend you don’t splurge on this one.


  5. Formal Invitations

    Who’s idea was it to ship a package filled with so many envelopes, cards, and stamps? And does anyone use the directions card, on how to drive to your venue if they are coming from Rt.80 West vs. the Parkway North? Umm, someone just call Grandma an Uber. … All joking aside, there is something beautiful and regal about a well made, formal wedding invitation. However, if something needs to get cut, so that you can afford the wedding dress of your dreams, or a photographer who will help you remember the whole day (wink wink), don't sweat the gold embossing.


All in all, trust your gut!

Couples that sit down together, and figure out what means the most to them, were all very happy with their decisions in the end. If flowers are super important to you, don’t hold back baby! If you really like a veil, but feel it is unfairly priced and you care more about dancing with your friends, chances are you are not going to miss that expensive piece of tulle.

A lot goes into creating your dream wedding, and unfortunately no matter how you slice it, a good amount of money too. But hopefully this will give you a little extra confidence to cut out the small things that you and your love won’t miss anyway. :)

To Look, or Not to Look

One of the big decisions a wedding couple gets to make, is whether or not to do a “First Look”.

What is a “first look” you ask? It is simply when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, but before they walk down the aisle.

I would say there are three choices when it comes to seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day. And each has different pros and cons. So hopefully this will help you two hash things out! :)

Option One: No First Look!

If your ceremony is at a different location then your reception venue, there really isn’t a need for a first look. You can just build in some time between your ceremony and cocktail hour, so that you can have plenty of time for photos, and you won’t have to miss the tasty hors d’oeuvres. :)

Many have dreamed about the moment they walk down the aisle to see the look on their partner’s face, and seeing each other before the ceremony is just not an option.

The Pros: You can keep things traditional, and everyone can witness that moment along with you. Also, you can avoid some questions from conservative parents and grandparents.

The Cons: If your ceremony and reception are at the same place, this means the only window you will have to take photos, is during your cocktail hour. And this can make your day feel a little rushed. Not only will you be missing the food, drink, and conversation, many of your family and wedding party will have to miss part of it too.

Tip: If you or your partner are shy, or getting married in a more conservative setting, you might not be able to be yourselves when you see each other for the first time, so make sure your photographers are ready outside those church doors, when you two can really let loose, and bond with each other.

Option Two: Yes First Look!

Maybe you didn’t picture your wedding day this way, because likely your parents didn’t do a first look, and you don’t see it much in the movies either. But, you don’t want to miss mingling with your guests at cocktail hour. And maybe your venue has so many places you would like to take pictures, that you couldn’t possibly fit it in after your ceremony.

The Pros: Who wouldn’t want to make the best day of their lives as long as possible? Adding a first look, can give you as much time as you would like, and you get to spend that time together! A private first look can also allow you to feel more like yourselves, you can talk, kiss, and catch up on all the things that went on that morning. And after the ceremony, it is party time! And you two can relax and enjoy your night.

The Cons: Walking down the aisle can still be special, but it won’t be the first time you see each other that day.

Tip: Seeing each other before the ceremony can take a lot of pressure off. Any stress you felt leading up, will melt away when you are in the arms of your love one.

Option Three- Why First Look?

This option is for all of you super chill couples that say, “Um I saw you yesterday, what is the big deal?”. And that means no first look… You just get ready, and casually meet up like you would any other day. And you can still have fun, take your pictures, and then go get married together!

Pros: You don’t have to miss your cocktail hour, you don’t have to feel awkward seeing each other in a formal way on camera, AND you still have as much time as you would like to take pictures and hang out before your ceremony.

Cons: Not sure I see any cons if this is your vibe, and you don’t tend to make a big deal of things. :)

Tip: Your photographers will likely have their cameras ready, and snap a few candid shots as you greet each other.

On my wedding day.

I never pictured doing a first look, but I knew from experience, I didn’t want to make my wedding day go by any faster than it would already, or feel rushed at all. And cocktail hour is my favorite part! So I definitely didn’t want to miss that! To my surprise, our first look didn’t make walking down the aisle any less special. When we did our first look I cried, it was so crazy exciting, and I could tell Abraham was so happy. We talked and hugged and kissed, and then took photos together in the gardens, before meeting up with family for portraits.

But when my dad walked me down the aisle, I still cried, AND Abe got a little emotional too. Because this time we were GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!! I would have bet good money that my husband would not cry on our wedding day. I have never seen a tear drop from this man. But seeing each other earlier that day and taking photos, didn’t take away from our wedding ceremony at all. If anything it just helped us feel relaxed and like ourselves, and we were able to really be in the moment at our ceremony.

Of course all couples are different, and you two will know what is best for you!

Who photographed my wedding?

Susan Baker! My close friend and photography idol! I will definitely be writing a blog post about working with her, both professionally and personally. Check out her website!

 

Love Will Persevere

This affects everyone. It might affect us differently, but in some way it is making it’s mark on our lives. And that is one of the beautiful and horrible things about this situation.

While some children are rejoicing because they don’t have have to goto school, some parents are pulling their hair out. Medical staff and essential workers carry on knowing their job is more risky but as important as ever. Hundreds woke up to find themselves unemployed, while others put their grinding commutes and business attire on hold, and work from home.

Small business owners are holding their breath as their livelihood becomes more and more uncertain. But we just take it one day at a time, and know that we are not alone, and there for sure are people out there who have it much worse.

As a wedding photographer, I can’t help but feel for the couples who have to put their dreams on hold, or come to terms with a new version of their perfect day.

On Friday I was walking through a park with my husband and our little one, as we witnessed a very small and quick wedding ceremony. I watched the bride’s face closely as I often do when I am shooting weddings. Is she stressed, is her mind wandering, is she happy? And she truly seemed so happy. She was glowing! I don’t know what her wedding plans were, if family and loved ones couldn’t be there, if she lost a lot of money. But in that moment it seemed like all was right in the world, she was marring the love of her life, and all the details, the fancy food, the flowers, just disappeared from their minds.

It was a beautiful reminder, that all we need is love.


A quick cell phone pic of the wedding we saw in the park. Congratulations to these two!

A quick cell phone pic of the wedding we saw in the park. Congratulations to these two!

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Destination Wedding, Jamaica

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My husband and I watched the palm trees blowing in the breeze and asked each other, “Why are we going home tomorrow”? Lesson learned! When I am flown out to a tropical island to photograph a destination wedding, stay longer! Stay much MUCH longer! :)

These cold winter months in New Jersey have me dreaming of that warm Jamaican sunshine, fresh papaya, and the hot crispy grilled catch of the day! Add some Coca Bread to that too please! If you are looking to get married in Jamaica, the food and the stay at the Hyatt in Montego Bay was outstanding! 

Okay, OKAY! Enough about the food Sarah! Let’s talk love!

What I loved about this wedding was that despite some things not going exactly as planned, the day was perfect, and the bride and groom never lost sight of why they were truly there. Their vows were misplaced by the staff, so they spoke from the heart, and it was spontaneous, raw, and so real! And perhaps my favorite First Look of all time, was when the groom saw his two beautiful daughters all dressed up for his wedding day! … Were there tears? Oh yes, there were tears! :)

Wedding Photographers Don't Just Take Pictures (Part 1)

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Oh, you thought I take photos of peoples weddings? Well, I do!

BUT, I also…


The list of things I have done at weddings that didn't involve cameras, is a long one! Wana hear a few?!

- I physically dressed the mother of the bride while she was freaking out about not being ready.

Haha yup! Poor Momma was so stressed out about her daughter’s big day, that everyone was waiting for her to get dressed, - and the bride just about HAD IT! She was too busy asking about what table Aunt Someone was seated at, and folding dirty socks. … I closed the bedroom door, placed my hands on her shoulders, looked her in the eyes, and said “It’s a big day right!? You ok? Well, it’s time! :) We need to get ready, so we can enjoy this amazing day!” And then continued to physically help her out of her clothes, and into the Mother of the Bride dress. “See, all done! You look fantastic, now let’s GO!” :)

- Give a Groom a hair cut.

“Why didn’t you get a hair cut?” asked one of his groom’s men. “Does it look bad?” the groom asked… The guys were all a few beers deep, but they all kinda agreed, “Yeah, it looks like you need a haircut dude”. I gave my friend Brandon a haircut once in high school, and I was the only sober adult in the room… So, it appeared that I was the most qualified person for the job! And, I am proud to say I did a pretty damn good job! No pressure right? It was only the guy’s wedding day.

- Drive the bridal party to the venue (in 3 separate trips) after their limo broke down.

I wish I could say that this was the only time that a limo broke down on a wedding, but it had to have been the third time? The thing about limos is they can hold a lot of people at once, the thing about my car, is that it was drivable! Haha! … So I took 3 trips and eventually got everyone from the park where we took photos, to the Venue. Thankfully both locations were in Mountain Lakes, so the turn around time wasn’t bad at all.

 - Keep the father of the bride company while he was quite emotional about letting his little girl go.

This one was easy. A memory that I truly cherish, and think of as a highlight of my “job”. I remember thinking to myself in that moment, as I was sitting in the living room of a complete stranger having a heart to heart…. this is the best job ever. Who else gets to have a front row seat to the best day of peoples lives!!?? Wedding days are magical, emotional, and not just for the couple. I was so thankful that could be there for him. Happy that he felt he could open up to me. He was showered and fully dressed about 2 hours too early! We talked about life, his fondest memories of his children growing up, and how hard it is to let them go.

- Be responsible for the Bride's wedding night undies.

Nice right?! … At a wedding at the Boathouse in NYC, a bridesmaid came up to me and handed me a nice white (clean) pair of panties. “Can you hold onto these? The bride wants to change into them later in the night, but doesn’t have a place to put them.” Yes, of course! Thats what this handy camera bag is for! :) So, I slipped those silky lacy undies into the pocket of my camera bag for safe keeping. After the ceremony and some portraits around Central Park , the package was discreetly delivered to their rightful owner.

- And OF COURSE, bustle MANY dresses, put on many veils, fix falling out up-dos, and pin on ALL of the boutonnières. 

I am practically a stage mom! :) It is those little odds and ends that any respectable photographer must become a master in. I am happy to lend a hand for all jobs big and small. The list goes on forever: Tuck in bra straps, cut the tags off dresses (I always have scissors with me), tell someone if their underwear can be seen through their dress or not. It reminds me of the good old days in the dressing room of my dance recitals. A lot goes into looking and feeling our best, and I am happy to make it all happen for them.



This is only part one! Stay tuned for part two!

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