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Cynthia and James’ downtown Wilmington wedding, held at 128 South, was total perfection.  This couple and their crew had so much fun all day long and wanted everyone to join in on the party…  Special thanks to all the groomsmen who kept me laughing throughout the day, and to the top notch vendors that made this day run smoothly from start to finish (see below)!

Venue: 128 South

Design:  Design Perfection

Coordination: Belle Ame Events

Transportation: Azalea Limosine

Entertainment: Port City Shakedown

Cake: Imaginary Cakes

Hair and Makeup: Adrianne Terzian

Rentals:  Party Suppliers

Desserts: Duck Donuts

I had the honor of photographing Carrie and Derricks Brooklyn Arts Center Wedding and it couldn’t have been more beautiful!  These two were so much fun to work with- from the first time I got to meet them, through their engagement session and entire wedding day.  And actually even before our first official meeting, my wife and I were taking a walk on the beach one evening when we saw this handsome guy down on one knee proposing.  It wasn’t until later that night that I saw on facebook one of my past wedding clients saying how excited she was that her little sister just got engaged and posted a picture.  Sure enough it was Carrie and Derrick…  Fast forward a few months and I saw an email in my inbox with a familiar last name asking about wedding photography… and the rest is history!  They are one class act couple.  Big congratulations and many blessings to everything in front of you both!

 

Amazing vendors who helped make this day perfect:

Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center
Coordination: Orchid Island Events
Florals: Eco Chic Blossoms
Video: The Good Life Film Co.
Dress and Veil: The Wedding Dress Shoppe
Cake: One Belle Bakery
Rentals: L and L Tent
Entertainment: Active Entertainment

I don’t even know where to start to explain just how much fun this wedding at was. Weddings at Wrightsville Manor are always a blast, but this one was one of my favorites. The whole day was such a great celebration of Sarah and Mary Thomas’ wedding and it was an honor to be a part of it. It didn’t hurt to have the beautiful Wrightsville Manor as the backdrop, and we used every inch of the grounds to make these gorgeous photos (and then a few secret spots around the venue to get the rest) With the help of some amazing Wilmington wedding vendors (listed below) this incredible day was made possible. With clients like this, you can’t not love your job!

 

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Venue: Wrightsville Manor
Design and Florals:  Fiore Fine Flowers
Entertainment: Active Entertainment
Cake: Tammy Cake Lady
Rentals: L & L Tent Rentals
Catering: Middle of the Island

Cate and Justin are from Canada, but Justin has family land here in Holden Beach, so they came down to get some time at the beach and shoot their engagement session.  Even though I won’t have the pleasure of shooting their wedding back home, it was so much fun to get to spend the afternoon with them.  Congratulations Cate and Justin on your upcoming wedding!!

 

 

It’s the #1 question brides ask:  What can I do to get the most amazing photos on my wedding day?

Having been through the in’s and out’s of many, many weddings all over the world (we just shot #275 last month !?!), I have LOTS of tips to share.

Of course, getting beautiful wedding photos begins with your photographer, and nothing will replace their ability to create stunning works of art. BUT after you’ve hired someone you totally love, what can you do help?

Let’s get right to it…here are 8 things you can actively do to get the most amazing photos possible on your wedding day!

 

1. Pick A Venue You Truly Love

From getting ready location to reception, do your research. Do you prefer elegance over urban flair? Do you envision an outdoor garden reception draped in market lights or an indoor ballroom reception lit by candles and chandeliers?

Whatever your tastes may be, there is a venue out there that fits your personality and that you will fall in love with!

Visit locations and keep an eye out for the photographic potential of the venue. Search online for examples of weddings that have been photographed at different venues to find one that provides the look and feel you’re desiring.

Then communicate with your photographer what you love most about your venue. Is it the greenery in the gardens? The modern architecture? The classic ballroom? The natural rustic feel of the meadows?

The more you communicate with your photographer, the better.

 

2. Have Details Ready to Go

We always begin your story by photographing all of the little details while you’re getting ready.

The shoes, the dress, the jewelry, the garter, gifts to your wedding party, mementos from generations passed, and (don’t forget!) the invitation… collect all of these little details and have them set aside in the room where you are getting ready.  We’ll set them up so they look perfect while everyone is finishing hair and make up.

The cherry on top is a silk, wooden, or personalized hanger for your dress.

 

3. Prepare for the Unexpected

I love the saying “Spontaneity is the reward of preparation.”

So prepare for the unexpected during your wedding and include valuable cushion time in your schedule for the day. You’re thinking it will take 30 minutes to get from the hotel to the ceremony site? Add a 15 minute cushion to account for getting into the cars, unforseen traffic, and people running late (or slow).

There will always be something that will come up – late bridal party members, lost family members, someone forgetting something, etc. These can all cause the schedule to come to a pause, so you’ll be in a much happier place if you create buffer times in your schedule.

Looking for the perfect wedding day schedule? We’ve created the wedding day timeline of your dreams!  Just ask and we’ll happily email it over to you.

 

4. Hire Awesome Hair and Make Up

Your wedding is going to be a long day and you want your face and hair to look fresh in your photographs from morning until night. Nobody wants their hair flying about by the time they get to the reception.

Find professionals who are experienced and equipped with the tools to not only create a beautiful look, but also one that can withstand the demands of a full wedding day. We are always happy to provide the names of vendors we love.  In fact we have a Vendor Referral Guide if you would like some help narrowing down the field of choices.

Schedule a trial-run with your chosen hair stylists and makeup artists and be open about your vision. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind if you aren’t feeling the look! Regrets over not speaking up about what you really wanted is the last thing you should be feeling when you look at your photographs years from now.

 

5. Golden Hour Light

That hour right before sunset is known as the Magic Hour for photographers – and for good reason.

This warm, soft light is a photographer’s best friend, so you definitely want to take advantage of it by scheduling your couple portraits during this time.

Typically the best time to schedule this is between the ceremony and reception, but if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, consider taking 5-10 minutes to step away from the reception with your groom to be bathed in some golden light.

 

6. Communicate with your Photographer

It’s so important to communicate with your photographer about your vision for the wedding day. Let them know what moments you are most excited about, if there are any guests or family members that you definitely want photos with, or any details that you don’t want missed.

Also, let them know what you love about your body – do you love your smile? Your hair? Your arms? If you don’t tell your photographer, then they won’t know how to pose you in a way that you will love.

And it’s ok if there’s something you’re less than excited about – maybe you don’t love yourself in a certain angle or you have a scar you want to hide. Don’t be afraid to be honest with them so they can help you look and feel as beautiful as possible!

But remember – it’s really important to focus on the positive when it comes to body image. The more you tell your photographer what you LOVE versus what you DON’T LOVE, the more confident you both will be to capture it.

I’ll let you in on a secret – as a photographer, it’s much easier to bring out your most beautiful features than it is to hide things! So help them focus on your best features, and you’ll be a happy subject!

 

7. Trust Your Photographer!

So now that you’ve chosen the perfect photographer to document your day and communicated with them your likes and dislikes: trust them 100%.

I don’t mean trust them kind-of-sort-of or hand them a large list of images from Pinterest to recreate.

I mean really trust them.

A wedding is the ultimate documentary assignment. Nothing can be recreated, but everything has it’s own importance in the story of your wedding day, and you’re hiring them for their eye and how they interpret the story.

Let them tell your story.

By relinquishing control, you’re telling your photographer that you have full confidence in their storytelling abilities. What a gift!

 

8. Have Fun!

I just can’t sign off until I say this: Joy is contagious!

On your wedding day, surround yourself with people who bring out the BEST in you – those who you can be yourself around and who make you smile.

Stress and tight schedules can easily turn your dream wedding day into a less-than-perfect experience, so this is when turning to your soon-to-be husband, best friend, mom, or your goofy little nephew can help remind you of the true purpose of the day: Celebrating your legacy with the love of your life!

Smile through some of the stressful moments, even if it feels unnatural, and it will become completely genuine! Your joy is your most beautiful feature!

 

 

 

 

We are in the process of interviewing people for a studio manager position with Eric Boneske Photography and want to start getting the word out! The position will be about 20-30 hours a week and will include everything from receiving new contracts, to helping in the editing process to assisting with shoots. Applicants must have a good working knowledge of Lightroom and Photoshop. Being a photographer is a plus, but not a necessity. All inquiries please email me at eric@ericboneskephotography and we can’t wait to hear from you!

Ok parents (and pet parents)- It’s that time again!  Christmas is just 2 months away 🎅🏻 Now is the time to get those Holiday pictures done- and there couldn’t be a better cause to help while doing it… we are offering quick and easy sessions (think 10 minutes in and out) in the studio with this Pinterest-perfect set for this year’s annual Snowflakes and Snapshots.  The set design is all whites and golds so whatever holiday colors the kids (or dog, or cat, or potbelly pig) wear will pop and everything will look amazing. Perfect for Christmas cards or just annual holiday pictures.

All you have to do is bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive (Toys R Us is right across the street!) and your smiles. We’ll provide the hot cocoa, cookies, candy canes and Christmas Cheer!

 

Who’s Welcome:  Everyone!  Kids and fur babies too!

 

 

Snowflakes and Snapshots is a collaboration between Social Butterfly Events and Eric Boneske Photography providing Holiday pictures and collecting toy donations that are given to homeless children on Christmas morning!  HoHoHo 🙂