Ricky Sando Photography

How to Be a Supportive Bridesmaid During Wedding Planning Stress – A Wedding Photographer's Perspective

Wedding planning can be both exciting and stressful, and as a bridesmaid, your role is crucial in helping the bride stay calm and supported through the process. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how much the support of bridesmaids impacts not only the bride’s experience but also the vibe of the entire day. Here’s how you can be a supportive bridesmaid and help reduce wedding planning stress:

1. Be Her Calm in the Chaos
Wedding planning can get overwhelming, and as a bridesmaid, your job is to be a calming influence. Listen when she needs to vent, reassure her that everything will come together, and remind her that the wedding is about love, not perfection. Your support will make a huge difference in her stress levels and overall experience.

2. Offer Practical Help (Before She Asks)
The wedding planning list seems endless, and brides often feel like they’re juggling a million things at once. Offer to help with smaller tasks, like confirming vendor details, organizing the bridal shower, or keeping track of timelines. The more you take off her plate, the more she can enjoy the fun parts of planning.

From a photographer’s perspective, when bridesmaids assist with logistics—like gathering everyone for photos or keeping the timeline on track—the bride feels more relaxed, and the day flows smoothly.

3. Encourage Her to Take Breaks
Wedding planning can be draining, so encourage the bride to take moments for self-care. Whether it's a spa day, a quiet coffee break, or just some time to relax, taking breaks will recharge her and reduce stress. I’ve seen brides who’ve had time to unwind on the lead-up to their wedding day radiate confidence and calm—key ingredients for stunning wedding photos.

4. Be There on the Wedding Day
On the big day, the bride will likely feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. As a bridesmaid, your presence and support are invaluable. Help her with last-minute touch-ups, remind her to stay hydrated, and make sure she’s on schedule. Your calm demeanour will help her stay grounded, and the positive energy will shine through in photos.

5. Create Special Memories Along the Way
Wedding planning isn’t just about the stress—it’s also about creating lasting memories with the bride. Celebrate small wins, like a successful dress fitting or booking the venue, and make sure she’s enjoying the process. These moments of connection will create beautiful memories—and meaningful moments for the photographer to capture on the wedding day.

Final Thoughts
Being a supportive bridesmaid means more than just looking pretty in your dress—it’s about being there for the bride emotionally and practically throughout the planning process. As a photographer, I can tell you that a calm, supported bride will shine on her big day, and that’s something every wedding album is made of.

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Bridesmaids, how do you help your bride manage wedding planning stress? Share your tips and thoughts in the comments! If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your bridal party.

Why Your Getting Ready Photos Matter: 6 Quick Tips for Success
The getting-ready moments at your wedding are filled with emotion and set the tone for the day. To ensure these moments are beautifully captured, here are six essential tips:

1. Keep the Room Clean
A clutter-free space helps your photographer capture your dress and details without distractions.

2. Stick to the Schedule
Make sure your hair and makeup are finished on time to avoid rushing through important moments.

3. Give Your Photographer 2-3 Hours
Allow enough time for your photographer to capture all the key moments, including first looks and candid shots.

4. Prepare Your Details
Have your dress, shoes, jewelry, and bouquet ready when the photographer arrives to save time.

5. Communicate with Your Bridal Party
Let your bridesmaids and family know when you’d like candid shots, so they’re prepared for the photographer.

6. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
Surround yourself with people who make you feel at ease—this will shine through in your photos!

By planning ahead, you can ensure your getting-ready photos are everything you want them to be!

Getting better at posting regularly... I swear! 😜

Why Have a First Look with the Bridesmaids?

Create a Connection: It’s a meaningful, emotional moment where you can connect with your closest friends before the hustle of the ceremony begins. Their excitement will calm your nerves and get everyone in a celebratory mood.

-Genuine Photos: The raw emotions captured during this moment make for incredible photos. Your photographer has time to capture these candid reactions without rushing.

-Build Anticipation: Sharing this special moment with your bridesmaids builds excitement for the ceremony and helps everyone feel more connected to the big day.

-Unique Tradition: It’s a modern twist on traditional wedding moments, creating a unique memory with the people who matter most.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a heartfelt moment with your bridesmaids, the answer is yes! A first look with them not only adds emotional value but also gives you beautiful, candid photos and reduces pre-ceremony jitters. It’s a personal and meaningful way to honor your friendships and kick off your wedding day on a positive note.

Ultimately, if you want to make your day even more special and memorable, a first look with your bridesmaids is definitely worth it!

What Happens if it Rains on My Wedding Day?

As photographers, we get asked, “What happens if it rains on my wedding day?” quite often! While rain might seem like a challenge, it can actually bring a unique and romantic vibe to your photos. That said, having a solid Plan B is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, I highly recommend looking into local studios for indoor photos, so you have peace of mind no matter what the weather has in store!

Here are a few amazing studio options in our area to consider:

Timeless Studio - Location: 14 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON
Timeless Studio offers a chic, modern space with versatile setups and elegant backdrops, perfect for a classic indoor wedding vibe. Their setup allows for creativity with every shot!

Mint Studio - Locations: Markham and Toronto, ON
Mint Studio combines natural light with stylish interiors, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. With locations in both Markham and Toronto, this studio makes a great option if you’re looking for a warm, welcoming indoor space.

Millworks Studio - Location: 64 Hatt St, Hamilton, ON
Located in the heart of Hamilton, Millworks Studio has an industrial, urban feel with exposed brick and large windows. This spot is ideal for couples looking for an edgy, contemporary vibe on a rainy day.

Ivory Studio - Location: 213 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON
Ivory Studio offers a beautiful minimalist setting with clean lines and bright, natural light. Its neutral tones make it easy to incorporate any wedding color palette, making it a versatile option for indoor photos.

Each of these studios brings its own charm, and I’m always happy to help coordinate or recommend the best fit based on your style and needs. So, if you’re a little worried about the weather, know that there are some stunning indoor options available to ensure your day is picture-perfect, rain or shine!

Black Friday Alert! 10% OFF All Wedding Photography Packages! 🎉

Ready to check one big thing off your wedding to-do list? This Black Friday, I’m making it easier to capture your love story with 10% off every wedding package! From that first look to the last dance, I’ll be there for every unforgettable moment—and now at a price that’s too good to pass up! 📸💍

Here’s the deal: book before November 24th to lock in this Black Friday discount. Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Shoot me a message to learn more, and let’s make magic happen for your big day! 🌟

Katie and Carter are such a special couple to me. I’ve had the privilege of knowing them for a few years now, and when they first asked me to capture their couple photos, I never imagined I’d get to document one of the most important days of their lives – their wedding. Their love has this infectious, young spirit to it that’s only grown stronger over the years, and it’s been so heartwarming to witness firsthand. The way they care for each other, the subtle glances, the shared laughter, and all those little moments make their bond truly inspiring.

What makes this even more meaningful is that a few members of Katie’s wedding party are also couples I get to photograph for their weddings next year. It’s amazing to see how their friendships are interwoven with their love stories, and I feel so honored to be a part of it all. Katie and Carter’s day was filled with such joy and love, and I couldn’t be happier to have captured these memories for them.

Venue:
Bride: groom carter_baker
Photogrpaher & content creator:
Officiant:
Videographer:
Photobooth & Phonebooth

Hey beautiful people!

For your wedding, would you rather have a first-look session or keep it traditional and see each other at the ceremony?

There’s something timeless about a groom kissing his bride’s hand—a simple, powerful gesture of love and respect. It’s these little moments that speak the loudest, capturing a promise to cherish and protect forever.

Who's ready for Christmas? :)

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ove and marriage are journeys that begin with a simple promise but grow with every shared moment, challenge, and joy. They are built on the quiet, everyday acts of kindness, trust, and unwavering support. When two people choose to walk this path together, they’re not only committing to each other’s present but to the beautiful unknown of the future. It’s in these bonds, strengthened by time and tested by life, that we see the true depth of love—a love that doesn’t just look forward but also reflects on the memories made along the way. Here’s to all those embarking on or continuing this journey, embracing each day with open hearts and eyes toward the future.

It was a true honor to capture this beautiful love story. From the tender first look to the sacred vows exchanged before friends, family, and God, every moment was filled with meaning. They stood side by side in the church, singing hymns and lifting their hearts in worship, bound by faith and devotion. Surrounded by loved ones, they received heartfelt blessings over their union, joining together as one in a promise that reaches beyond this day.

Witnessing the love between these two was a reminder of how rare and precious it is to find a soul who mirrors your own. Here’s to a lifetime of grace, laughter, and boundless joy.

Throwing it back to this unforgettable wedding from a few months ago! ✨ Working with this incredible couple was a joy from start to finish— their warmth, laughter, and genuine love for each other made every moment a pleasure to capture. From the smallest details to the big moments, they poured so much heart into their day, and it was truly inspiring to be a part of it.

📸✨ Just wrapped up an amazing event with our mirror photo booth! Everyone had a blast capturing fun moments and making memories. The laughter and smiles were contagious! Thank you to all who joined in on the fun—can’t wait to do it again! 🎉💖
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Imagine this: It’s your wedding day, birthday, or engagement party, and you’re soaking in every unforgettable moment. Friends and family leave you heartfelt (and maybe a few hilarious!) voice messages on our phone booth—messages from people you didn’t even get a chance to chat with because you were too busy celebrating! 🎈💍💖

Our phone booth is more than just a party prop; it’s a memory-maker. From heartfelt well-wishes to funny inside jokes, every message is saved for you to relive the love, laughter, and joy of your day. Just imagine playing these back years from now and feeling like you’re right back in the moment. 🎙️✨

Whether it's a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday bash, our phone booth is a unique way to capture memories you’ll cherish forever. Ready to make it part of your big day? Let’s chat!