Why Capturing Bride & Groom Prep is Key to Your Wedding Story

Your wedding day is a story that unfolds moment by moment, and every detail plays a vital role in that narrative. One of the most important parts of this story is the preparation time before the ceremony—those quiet, intimate, and sometimes playful moments when the excitement is building, emotions are high, and anticipation is at its peak. At Move Mountains Co., we believe capturing the bride and groom prep is essential to telling the full story of your wedding day. Here’s why it’s such a crucial part of your wedding photography and videography experience.

1. Setting the Tone for the Day

The moments leading up to the ceremony are filled with raw, genuine emotions. From the bride’s laughter as she gets her hair and makeup done with her closest friends, to the groom’s nervous excitement as he adjusts his tie or reads a heartfelt letter from his bride—these are moments that set the tone for the entire day. Capturing these scenes allows us to tell a complete story, highlighting the journey from the calm before the storm to the emotional vows and the celebration that follows.

2. Warming Up to the Camera

Starting the day with prep photos and videos helps everyone get comfortable in front of the camera. This is especially important for those who may feel a bit nervous or camera-shy. By beginning with these more relaxed, candid moments, we help the bride, groom, and their wedding party ease into the day and become more natural in front of the lens. It’s also a great way for everyone to get to know our team and understand our style. Building this rapport early on leads to more genuine, authentic shots later in the day, as everyone feels more at ease with us being around.

3. Documenting the Pre-Ceremony Emotions

There’s nothing quite like the emotions that flow during the preparation stage. The bride and groom are often surrounded by their closest friends and family, sharing laughter, tears, and everything in between. These candid moments of joy, excitement, and nervous anticipation are priceless. By documenting these emotions, we capture the true essence of your relationships—the heartfelt hugs, the inside jokes, and even the quiet, reflective moments. These shots add depth and authenticity to your wedding album, showcasing not just what happened, but how it felt.

4. Capturing the Details That Matter

The prep time is when all the little details come to life—the carefully chosen accessories, the sentimental gifts, the heirloom jewelry, the custom cufflinks, and the handwritten notes exchanged between the couple. These details are not just objects; they are pieces of your story that carry personal meaning and significance. By capturing these moments, we ensure that every meaningful element of your wedding is documented, creating a rich and layered visual narrative that you can look back on for years to come.

5. Creating a Seamless Story from Start to Finish

Including the bride and groom prep in your wedding coverage creates a seamless, cohesive narrative that flows naturally from beginning to end. It connects the dots between the pre-ceremony anticipation, the emotional ceremony, and the joyous celebration that follows. These moments serve as the prologue to your wedding story, setting the stage for everything that comes next. When you look back at your photos or wedding film, you’ll be able to relive the entire day as a complete story, from the quiet morning preparations to the first dance and beyond.

6. Building a Connection with the Team

Having our team present from the beginning of the day helps build a stronger connection between us and you. When we spend more time together, you get to know us, our style, and our approach, which makes you more comfortable and confident. This connection allows us to capture you in the most authentic way, ensuring your personality and love story shine through in every image and video clip.

7. Enhancing the Wedding Film Experience

For couples opting for videography, capturing the prep time is key to crafting a compelling wedding film. It lets us capture early moments of anticipation, laughter, and excitement, adding depth to your story. An early arrival also ensures clean audio of your vows, which enhances the emotional impact and makes your film an even more treasured keepsake.

Capturing the bride and groom prep is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a vital part of your wedding story. These moments are the heartbeat of your day, filled with genuine emotions, meaningful interactions, and the anticipation of what’s to come. At Move Mountains Co., we believe that these moments deserve to be documented with care, creativity, and attention to detail. By including prep coverage in your wedding photography and videography, you ensure that every aspect of your day is captured, allowing you to relive the complete story for years to come.

If you’re planning your wedding and want a team that understands the importance of storytelling, contact Move Mountains Co. We’re here to capture every moment—from the first brushstroke of makeup to the last dance of the night. Let’s create something beautiful together!

What to Expect from Your Wedding Photo + Video Team on the Big Day

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and having a dedicated wedding production team like Move Mountains Co. by your side ensures that every precious moment is captured with care and artistry. But what exactly can you expect from us on your big day? Here's a closer look at how we work to make your wedding day experience as seamless and memorable as possible.

1. Early Arrival & Setup:

   Your production team arrives early to make sure everything is perfectly set up before the celebration begins. From finding the most flattering lighting to discreetly arranging equipment, we handle every detail with precision. Whether it's capturing the intimate getting-ready moments or the beauty of the venue before guests arrive, we start the day with thoughtful preparation and attention to detail.

2. Crafting a Clean, Editorial Style

At Move Mountains Co., we pride ourselves on delivering a clean, polished, and cohesive aesthetic for all our wedding photos and videos. Achieving this look often requires a bit of staging—clearing away distractions, rearranging elements, or scouting locations with optimal lighting and visual appeal. Our aim is to make you, your venue, and every detail—from florals to décor—look their absolute best. By focusing on these subtleties, we ensure the final product is not just beautiful, but also a true reflection of your wedding day's elegance and thoughtful design.

3. Capturing the Essence of Your Day

Our approach to capturing your wedding day is more editorial in nature. While the industry often uses terms like "photojournalistic" or "photojournalism" to describe a candid, documentary style, we find this term can sometimes be misleading. While we do capture natural, organic moments throughout the day—such as candid shots of guests, ceremony moments, and cocktail hour interactions—we believe our style is more about blending an editorial vision with our couples' aesthetics. We style and direct to create images that are clean, simple, and minimalistic, yet feel genuine to the moment.

4. Seamless Coordination with Other Vendors

We understand that a wedding is a collective effort, and we work seamlessly with other vendors—planners, DJs, florists, and caterers—to ensure everything runs smoothly. This coordination helps capture all the essential moments without interruption, allowing us to document your day exactly as you’ve envisioned.

5. Adaptability & Creative Problem Solving

Weddings often come with surprises, but your production team is always ready to adapt. Whether it's accommodating a last-minute change in the schedule, adjusting to unexpected weather, or finding creative solutions to any challenges that arise, we stay calm and flexible, making sure every moment is captured flawlessly.

6. A Supportive & Professional Presence

On your wedding day, we are more than just photographers and videographers—we're a supportive team that understands the significance of the day. We strive to help you feel at ease, guide you through photo sessions, and ensure that you and your partner can focus on enjoying every moment. Our approachable and friendly demeanor brings out the best in everyone, resulting in natural and heartfelt photos and videos.

7. Post-Wedding Care & Expertise

Our commitment to you continues even after your wedding day is over. We meticulously review and edit every image and video to craft a stunning visual story that captures the essence of your celebration. If you choose to include an album as part of your package, we make the design process as simple as possible. We collaborate closely with you to select the most meaningful photos, ensuring that your album beautifully tells the story of your day. Our goal is to provide a final product that is not only beautiful but also a genuine reflection of your love story, creating memories you'll cherish forever.

At Move Mountains Co., our focus is on capturing the magic of your wedding day with a blend of editorial vision, creativity, and a personal touch. Whether you need photography, videography, or content creation for your big day, we are here to bring your vision to life. Contact Move Mountains Co. to ensure your wedding day is in capable, creative hands.

The Art of Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses & How to Achieve the Look

At Move Mountains Co., we’ve seen countless trends come and go, but one that has truly captivated brides in recent years is the artful approach to mismatched bridesmaid dresses. While some brides still want their bridesmaids to wear identical gowns, more and more couples are opting for a mix of patterns, textures, and styles, all unified by a cohesive color palette. This trend not only allows for individuality but also adds visual interest and depth to your wedding photos.

Why This Trend Works

The beauty of mismatched bridesmaid dresses lies in their versatility. By selecting dresses in the same color family but varying the patterns and textures, you create a look that is both cohesive and dynamic. This trend allows your bridesmaids to choose a dress that flatters their unique body type and style, making them feel more comfortable and confident on your big day.

If you want your maid of honor to stand out, consider a dress in a slightly different shade or a unique pattern within the same color palette. Another option is to add distinctive accessories like a statement necklace, a floral crown, or a more intricate bouquet. These subtle differences will highlight her special role while still maintaining the overall harmony of your bridal party’s look.

Brian and Libby’s wedding perfectly captured this trend. Libby's bridesmaids wore light blue dresses that beautifully complemented the wedding colors. Each dress had a unique cut, with some featuring solid colors and others adorned with sweet white floral patterns, all perfectly enhancing the springtime celebration:

Additionally, the visual appeal of mixed dresses creates a richer and more layered aesthetic, which translates beautifully in photos. When done right, this approach can elevate the entire bridal party's look, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. At Luke and Cassie's wedding, the bridesmaids dazzled in a variety of green shades, with some donning floral patterns and others in solid colors. Each dress was uniquely cut, cocktail-length, and perfectly suited to match the personality and style of each bridesmaid:

How to Achieve the Mismatched Look

1. Choose a Color Palette: Start by selecting a color palette that complements your wedding theme. Whether you’re drawn to soft pastels, earthy tones, or bold jewel hues, the key is to stick to shades within the same family.

2. Mix Patterns and Textures: Once your palette is set, you can introduce variety through different fabrics and patterns. Think lace, chiffon, velvet, or even subtle prints like florals or polka dots. The variation in textures will add depth and keep the look from feeling flat.

3. Keep Some Elements Consistent: To maintain a sense of unity, consider keeping certain elements consistent across all dresses. This could be the dress length, the type of fabric, or even just the color intensity. For example, you might choose to have all your bridesmaids in floor-length gowns or all in muted tones of the same color.

4. Involve Your Bridesmaids: Allow your bridesmaids to have a say in their dresses. Provide them with the color palette and style guidelines, but let them choose the dress that suits them best. This not only ensures they’ll feel comfortable but also adds a personal touch to the bridal party’s look.

5. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Complete the look with accessories that tie everything together. Consider matching bouquets, similar hairstyles, or coordinating jewelry to add another layer of cohesion to the ensemble.

Real Weddings, Real Inspiration

At Move Mountains Co., we’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings where brides have masterfully executed this trend. Whether it’s a seaside ceremony with bridesmaids in varying shades of blue or a rustic barn wedding with earth-toned dresses, the results have always been stunning. These real-life examples serve as inspiration for how you can bring this trend to life on your wedding day. Taylor and Emily went for a unique look—Emily’s bridesmaids wore dresses in various greens, pinks, and blues, with different cuts and a mix of patterns and solids. The result was a spring garden party vibe, perfect for their May wedding:

The mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is more than just a passing fad; it’s a celebration of individuality and creativity. By thoughtfully mixing and matching dresses within a cohesive color palette, you can create a look that is uniquely yours. At Move Mountains Co.untains.co/, we’re here to capture every beautiful moment, ensuring your wedding day is as unforgettable in photos as it is in real life.

The Benefits of Bundling Photography & Videography Services

When planning your wedding, every detail is significant—from the venue to the flowers, the dress, and the guest list. But perhaps one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is how to preserve the memories of your big day. Photography and videography each offer unique, irreplaceable value, but when combined, they create something truly special. Couples like Morey + Sierra and James + Christina chose to entrust us with both their photo and video coverage, ensuring a seamless and beautifully cohesive experience from start to finish. Here’s why opting for a combined package might be the best decision for your wedding day:

1. Seamless Coordination

When you bundle photography and videography services, you're hiring a team that works together seamlessly. A photographer and videographer from the same company are accustomed to each other's styles and workflows. They can anticipate each other's moves, ensuring they capture every moment without getting in each other's way. This harmonious collaboration results in a smoother experience for you and a more cohesive final product.

2. Consistent Aesthetic

Every couple has a vision for their wedding day, and having a unified aesthetic across your photos and video can be crucial to realizing that vision. Bundling services means that your visuals will share a consistent style, color grading, and storytelling approach. This consistency enhances the overall impact of your wedding memories, creating a harmonious collection that feels thoughtfully curated.

3. Cost-Effective

Bundling services can often be more cost-effective than hiring separate vendors. Many companies offer package deals that provide significant savings compared to booking photography and videography services individually. This bundled approach not only saves you money but also time, as you won’t need to search for and coordinate with multiple vendors.

4. Streamlined Planning Process

Planning a wedding involves juggling countless details, so simplifying the process wherever possible is a huge advantage. When you book both photography and videography through the same company, you’ll have a single point of contact for both services. This streamlines communication reduces the potential for misunderstandings, and makes it easier to manage your timeline and expectations.

5. Enhanced Storytelling

Photography captures moments, while videography brings those moments to life. Together, they create a rich narrative of your wedding day that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. By bundling these services, you ensure that your story is told in the most dynamic and comprehensive way possible. The synergy between the two mediums allows for creative storytelling that captures the essence of your relationship and the magic of your day.

6. Peace of Mind

Finally, bundling your photography and videography services provides peace of mind. Knowing that a cohesive team is handling both aspects of your wedding’s visual documentation allows you to relax and enjoy your day, confident that your memories are in capable hands.

At Move Mountains Co., we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving every detail of your wedding day. Our bundled photography and videography services are designed to deliver a seamless, cohesive experience that honors your love story in the most beautiful way possible.

In addition to our bundled packages, we’re excited to also offer content creation services and photo albums ensuring that every aspect of your wedding memories is beautifully preserved. From the first look to the final dance, we’ve got you covered—capturing the moments you’ll cherish forever and creating keepsakes that will last a lifetime.

Ultimate Checklist for Magazine-Worthy Wedding Flat Lays!

When planning your wedding, the details matter. From the flowers to the table settings, every element contributes to the overall magic of your big day. One often overlooked aspect is the wedding flat lay—a curated collection of your wedding's most beautiful and significant details, artfully arranged and photographed. Perfect flat lays can make your wedding album look like it belongs in a high-end bridal magazine. Here's your ultimate checklist to ensure your flat lays are picture-perfect, brought to you by Move Mountains Co.

Move Mountains Co. photographers and videographers bring flat lay mats (typically cream for brides and black for grooms) and an accessories kit, complete with ring boxes, jewelry dishes, ribbons, and other decorative elements, to help create stunning flat lays.

1. The Invitations & Stationery

Start with the basics: your wedding invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and any other stationery. These items set the tone for your wedding and often feature your color scheme and themes. Including them in your flat lay creates a cohesive narrative.

2. Rings & Jewelry

Highlight the sparkle! Include both engagement rings and wedding bands, along with any other special jewelry pieces you'll be wearing. Position them thoughtfully to catch the light and add a touch of glamour to your flat lay.

3. Flowers & Greenery

Incorporate elements of your wedding bouquet and other floral arrangements. Small blooms, petals, and greenery can add color and texture, making your flat lay vibrant and organic. Choose flowers that reflect your wedding's floral theme.

4. Personal Touches

Add items that are uniquely you. This could be a locket with a photo, a special brooch, or a handkerchief with sentimental value. Personal touches make your flat lay more intimate and meaningful.

5. Vows & Letters

Include handwritten vows, love letters, or notes exchanged between you and your partner. These heartfelt words add an emotional layer to your flat lay, capturing the essence of your relationship.

6. Wedding Accessories

Don't forget the accessories! Shoes, cufflinks, hairpins, and bow ties can all be beautifully arranged to enhance the visual interest of your flat lay. These items help tell the story of your wedding day attire.

7. Perfume & Cologne

A bottle of your wedding day fragrance adds a sensory element to your flat lay. Not only does it look elegant, but it also reminds you of the scent that will forever be tied to your special day.

8. Fabric Swatches & Ribbons

Enhance the texture of your flat lay with fabric swatches or ribbons that match your wedding colors. They can be used as backdrops or to tie together different elements of the flat lay, creating a harmonious look.

9. Keepsakes & Mementos

Incorporate small items that hold significance, like a piece of lace from your mother's wedding dress, a family heirloom, or a souvenir from a special trip. These keepsakes add depth and a personal story to your flat lay.

10. Calligraphy & Wax Seals

Elevate the elegance of your flat lay with calligraphy place cards or envelopes, and don't forget the wax seals. These details add a touch of sophistication and timeless charm to your photos.

By following this ultimate checklist, you'll create wedding flat lays that are not only beautiful but also tell the story of your love and celebration in a way that's worthy of a magazine spread. Happy planning!

Brought to you by Move Mountains Co.

Capturing a Lifetime: John + Daria's Journey with Move Mountains Co.

At Move Mountains Co., we have the privilege of capturing life’s most cherished moments, creating lasting memories that tell a unique and personal story. One such journey has been with John and Daria, a couple whose love and life we have documented through their engagement, wedding, and most recently, their newborn portrait session. The experience of being part of their significant life moments has been incredibly special and highlights the importance of having the same photographer throughout these milestones.

Where it all started

Our journey with John and Daria began with their engagement photos in the fall of 2021 in New York City. The excitement and anticipation of their future together were palpable, and we were honored to capture those emotions. The engagement session allowed us to get to know them as a couple, understanding their style, personalities, and the unique bond they share.

From Engagement to Wedding

Their wedding day, in the summer of 2022 at Cruiseport Gloucester, was a beautiful continuation of this story. Having already built a rapport with John and Daria during the engagement shoot, we knew exactly how to capture their special day in a way that felt authentic and meaningful to them. The trust and comfort they had in us allowed for genuine, candid moments, resulting in photos that truly reflected their love and joy.

Welcoming a New Life

Recently, we had the incredible honor of photographing John and Daria's newborn portrait session. Seeing them transition from newlyweds to parents has been a heartwarming experience. Their newborn session was filled with tender moments and the profound love they have for their new baby. Capturing the same couple in different stages of their life adds a layer of continuity and intimacy to the photos, creating a visual narrative that spans years.

The Importance of Consistency

Having the same photographer document these key moments in life offers numerous benefits. Firstly, there’s a level of comfort and familiarity that can’t be replicated. John and Daria were already at ease with us, which allowed for more natural and relaxed photos. They didn’t have to start from scratch with a new photographer, explaining their preferences and getting accustomed to a different style.

Additionally, the consistency in photography style ensures a cohesive look across all the important milestones. The photos from their engagement, wedding, and newborn session all harmonize, creating a beautiful and unified collection that tells their unique story. This consistency is something that future generations will cherish as they look back on the family’s history.

A Special Bond

Being part of John and Daria’s journey has been a testament to the special bond that forms when a photographer is there to capture life’s most important moments. It’s a relationship built on trust, familiarity, and mutual respect. For us at Move Mountains Co., it’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating a visual legacy that families can treasure forever.

Blake + Anna

New York City Engagement Session

New York, New York

In the city that never sleeps, Blake and Anna brought their own brand of magic to the streets of New York for a fun and flashy engagement session. Embracing the trendiest vibes, this dynamic duo turned the urban landscape into their glamorous playground.'

Draped in chic elegance, Blake and Anna's fashion-forward choices brought an air of sophistication to every corner of the hotel. From luxurious lobbies to hidden nooks, their ensembles added a touch of glam to this exclusive indoor affair.

The hotel's interiors became a canvas for neon dreams as Blake and Anna ventured through its stylish corridors. The trendy vibes and vibrant colors created a flashy atmosphere that perfectly complemented the couple's dynamic energy.

From playful moments to laughter echoing through the halls, Blake and Anna's engagement session was a glamorous journey through luxury. Every snapshot captured the trendy and fun-loving spirit that defines their relationship.

With each floor revealing a new opulent setting, the hotel provided a diverse backdrop for the couple's engagement session. From high-rise views to decadent lounges, Blake and Anna showcased their love in a variety of lavish scenes.

Blake and Anna's engagement session was a glamorous journey through chic elegance and playful moments. These images beautifully capture the essence of their love story in the exclusive world they created indoors, showcasing the fabulous connection between this dynamic duo.

Photo Look: MMC 4

Package:The Deluxe