Every week, we plan to throw out a topic and gather your questions. Aislinn, owner of Aislinn Kate Photography, has documented hundreds of weddings over the last decade and will offer her insights. So, if you are a bride, in the wedding industry, or just curious, check back each week for the answers in the our new Q & A Series!
What are the best months for an outdoor wedding in our area?
“Obviously, this changes dramatically based on where you plan your wedding. In the Pensacola, Destin, Mobile area, the best months weather-wise are April, October, and November. It’s not as miserably hot as the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms have moved out of the area, and there’s not typically tons of rain. If it had to pick one month, it would be October for sure – especially for a beach wedding!”
Barkley House | Outdoor Reception | Melissa + Mike
Palafox Wharf | Indoor Reception | Jordan + Kyle
What does my photographer need to know about my rain plan
“In advance, not too much. While weather certainly can affect how I approach (photographically) certain pieces of the day, it doesn’t change the equipment I bring to your wedding. If weather is a concern, I generally will find the planner as soon as I arrive to discuss any possible changes.”
Pensacola Country Club | Outdoor Reception | Pam + Patrick
What about an outdoor reception under a tent?
“I LOVE tents. The most stunning weddings I’ve photographed have taken place under tents, and there are tons of options. Clear-top tents, tents that have the entire inside draped to look like a fancy circus tent, gorgeous and simple sailcloth tents, open-air tents that look modern and architectural and can be draped with pieces of fabric in colors of your choice, tents with hundreds of market lights strung from the poles . . . you can air-condition your tent you it actually feels like a ballroom, you can have wood or carpet flooring laid over the grass, and portable fancy bathroom trailers waiting outside, allowing you to set up the tent anywhere! But here’s the deal with tents – if you hold your reception under a tent, it’s going to show in every single one of your reception photos. And tents can be absolutely stunning . . . or they can look like cheap white vinyl punctuated with silver metal poles. I LOVE pretty tents, but ugly ones are going to look like ugly tents in your photos. If you want a tent, invest in one that you love, and don’t think of it as a rain plan only.”
Pensacola Country Club | Outdoor Reception | Ali + Scott
Destin Bay House | Outdoor Reception | Amber + Richie
If it rains is there still fun ways to incorporate outdoor photos?
“Maybe. Are you willing to get wet? Maybe bring some cute umbrellas, some rain boots in your wedding colors, a kitschy slicker or rain hat, and most importantly, bring a sense of humor.”
5eleven | Indoor Reception | Lexis + Mark
Pensacola Beach | Outdoor Reception | Ariel + Michael
What are ways we can brighten up our indoor reception venue?
Lights, lights, lights. Strong market or twinkle lights all over your ceiling – then string up even more. So many indoor venues look boring, but turning down the overhead lights and adding sparkling lights will make it look glamorous and gorgeous. Another detail that can make a simple room look more interesting is greenery. Rent some plants or small trees, and a basic room will feel like a garden in an instant. Some nurseries will allow you to rent trees, but I love the idea of buying and planting them after the wedding.
Sanders Beach | Indoor Reception | Jessie + Willie
Sanders Beach | Indoor Reception | Jessie + Willie
Palafox Wharf | Outdoor Reception | Taylor + Justin
What about the ceremony-is there a benefit to holding the ceremony outside versus inside?
“Typically, outdoor ceremonies will give more variety to your ceremony photos, mostly because it gives your photographer the ability to move around in all directions. I love church weddings as well, especially if there are personal attachments to the building; but keep in mind that many churches have photography rules that are quite strict. The strictest rule I have encountered was a church that did not allow me to take ANY photos at all during the actual ceremony. Most of the time, we are asked not to use flash and to stay in the back of the church. All of this is completely fine, but just make sure you know what to expect when booking your ceremony site so you aren’t disappointed later.”
Barkley House | Outdoor Reception | Payton + Rick
