Santa Cruz-area couples have loved having their engagement images taken by photographers like me, Kyer Wiltshire. I also recommend Susan Helgeson Photography and Adriane White Photography. 

Many photographers in Santa Cruz, like me, Kyer Wiltshire, Terry Way, and Nico Faraj offer more artistic wedding photos. My other URL is Artistic Wedding Photos.

Many document the wedding day, from preparation to reception, and create a short, cinematic edit that showcases the day’s best moments. Some videographers will create a film that tells the couple’s love story, from how they met to their engagement. Nowadays, more and more videographers use drones to capture aerial footage of the wedding venue and surrounding area. As an artistic touch, you can also include low-motion footage that captures special moments in slow motion for a more dramatic and artistic effect. Some packages include unedited footage from the wedding day for the couple to keep and a short video they show at the reception, showcasing highlights from the day’s event.

When choosing a Santa Cruz portrait session, consider the following factors:

• Style: Look for an artist whose style matches your desired aesthetic for the portrait, whether traditional, candid, or more artistic.
• Experience: Check their portfolio and reviews to gauge their experience level and ensure they have a track record of producing high-quality portraits.
• Personality: A professional should be able to make you feel comfortable and confident during the shoot. You can choose someone whom you feel a good connection with.
• Equipment: Ensure they have the necessary equipment to produce high-quality portraits.
• Pricing: Consider your budget and compare prices between photographers to find one that fits within your means.
• Availability: Make sure they are available on the dates you need and have flexible scheduling options.
• Editing and retouching: Determine the photographer’s process for editing and retouching the final images and whether they meet your expectations.

• Choose the right photographer: Look for one whose style and portfolio you like and whom you feel comfortable working with.
• Plan ahead: Work with your photographer to create a shot list and timeline for the day to ensure your desired photos are taken.
• Natural light: Use natural light to your advantage and schedule outdoor sessions during the golden hour (just before sunset) for the best lighting.
•  Please communicate with your photographer: Let them know of any specific shots or poses you want, and be open to their suggestions.
• Prepare yourself: Get plenty of rest the night before, and take care of yourself on the wedding day to look and feel your best.
• Relax and have fun: Don’t stress too much about the images, and enjoy the moment. Your positive energy will come across in the photos.
• Consider hiring a second photographer: Having two allows for more coverage and different perspectives during the wedding day.

Remember, having fun and enjoying your wedding day is the most important thing. The photos will turn out great if you have the right team.

Here are some tips for posing:

• Stand up straight: Good posture instantly makes you look more confident and relaxed.
• Use your arms: Experiment with different arm positions, such as crossing your arms, placing your hands on your hips, or holding them loosely by your sides.
• Angles: Try angling your body slightly to one side rather than standing straight on, as this can create a more dynamic and engaging picture.
• Hands: Avoid placing your hands in pockets or behind your back, as this can look awkward. Instead, could you try gesturing or holding props?
• Smile: A genuine smile is always the best way to look natural and relaxed.
• Make eye contact: Eye contact with the camera lens can add connection and emotion to your images.
• Experiment: Try different poses and angles to find what works best for you and the photo’s context.

Remember, it’s essential to feel comfortable in your pose. If you feel awkward, it will show in the photo. So, you can try out different poses until you find the one that feels natural.

• Budget: Determine a realistic budget for your dress, keeping in mind that it is often one of the largest wedding expenses.
• Style: Consider your style, the formality of your wedding, and the venue when choosing a dress style.
• Silhouette: Think about the body shape you want to accentuate and consider trying on dresses in different profiles to find the one that flatters you the most.
• Fabric: Consider the material that will be comfortable and suitable for the season and location of your wedding.
• Fit: Make sure to get the proper fit by getting measured by a professional and considering alterations if needed.
• Timeframe: Give yourself enough time to find the dress, including time for alterations and shipping, as wedding dresses can often take several months to arrive.
• Accessories: Consider the accessories you’ll need to complete your look, such as a veil, jewelry, and shoes.
• Consult with trusted people: Take along friends and get their opinion.

Black and white images can be an excellent option, adding a timeless and elegant touch to the day’s memories. Black and white images often have a classic, emotional, and dramatic feel and can convey a mood and atmosphere that color photos may not be able to achieve.
However, it’s essential to remember that not all images may look good in black and white. Certain scenes, such as outdoor landscapes or brightly colored decorations, may not translate as well and may be best captured in color.
Ultimately, choosing between black and white or color comes down to personal preference. Many photographers offer both options and can advise on which images may look best in each format. If you’re considering black-and-white, it may be a good idea to ask your photographer to shoot both color and black-and-white versions of some key moments so you can choose which you prefer.

The best place to get married in Santa Cruz depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Some popular options include outdoor locations such as beaches, gardens, and parks and indoor venues such as hotels, ballrooms, and historic buildings. Ultimately, the most critical factor is finding a location that holds special meaning and creates the desired atmosphere for the wedding day.

The best time to get married in Santa Cruz, California, depends on your preference and the type of weather you are looking for. Santa Cruz’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers.

If you prefer warm weather, the summer months of June to September can be ideal for an outdoor wedding, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (15°C to 25°C). Also, know that we can have fog in the summer. The fog can be cold, but it keeps the temperature down when wearing a warm tuxedo or wedding dress. As a photographer, I prefer photographing weddings with fog during the ceremony and portrait sessions. The overcast lighting is better for skin tones. Then the sun comes out for the reception.

For a cooler, more temperate climate, the spring months of March to May or the fall months of October to November are good options, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (12°C to 15°C).
Regardless of the season, it is always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.