10 Most Commonly Forgotten Wedding Planning Details

Planning a wedding is all about balancing the big, unforgettable moments with smaller, often overlooked details that make your day run smoothly. Beyond choosing a venue and organizing your guest list, it’s these seemingly small elements that help create an unforgettable celebration. Here’s a list of commonly forgotten wedding details to keep in mind so your day flows effortlessly and every moment is memorable.

1.Having a Rain Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

If your dream wedding includes the great outdoors, it’s wise to be prepared for all weather possibilities. From securing a tent to arranging an alternate indoor location, discuss weather contingencies with your venue. A proactive rain plan gives you peace of mind and ensures that no matter what, you’re covered.

2. Arranging Vendor Meals

Your key vendors—like the photographer, videographer, and DJ—are with you all day, working hard to make everything perfect. Be sure to include meals for them in your catering count so they’re well-fueled to capture and enhance your celebration. Plan for their meals to align with your own to avoid missing any important moments.

3. Stocking an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, mints, and band-aids can be a lifesaver for any unexpected mishaps. From a quick heel fix to a touch-up after a wine spill, having these essentials on hand will keep stress at bay and make small crises a breeze to handle.

4. Setting Up Signage for Guests

Clear signage at your venue—especially for larger spaces—is crucial. From directing guests to the ceremony and reception areas to marking bathrooms and parking spots, good signage minimizes confusion, helping guests feel more comfortable and keeping your event running smoothly.

5. Organizing Tips for Vendors

Tips for vendors are easy to overlook in the bustle of wedding prep. Arrange these ahead of time by preparing envelopes for key vendors like your coordinator, photographer, and musicians. Entrust someone in your wedding party to distribute them so that you can enjoy the day worry-free.

6. Planning for the Day After

Think ahead about how decor, gifts, and attire will be packed up and transported the day after. Arrange for family or friends to help with cleanup, or hire an event team to ensure nothing is left behind.

7. Having Comfortable Shoes for the Dance Floor

Consider bringing a pair of comfy shoes for later in the evening, especially if you’re in heels all day. This way, you can stay on your feet and in the moment without worrying about foot pain.

8. Allowing Extra Time for Hair and Makeup

It’s easy to underestimate the time needed for hair and makeup, particularly with a larger bridal party. Plan extra time to keep your schedule on track and ensure everyone feels fresh and beautiful.

9. Packing an Overnight Bag for the Couple

Whether you’re heading to a nearby hotel or straight to your honeymoon, pack an overnight bag in advance with essentials like comfortable clothes, toiletries, and travel items to ensure a relaxed and stress-free end to your big day.

10. Providing a Shot List for Photography and Video

While your photographer and videographer will capture the magic as it unfolds, a shot list of specific people or moments you don’t want missed helps ensure no detail slips by. At Move Mountains Co., we love working with our couples to customize these must-have moments so each video and album reflects their unique story.

These thoughtful details make a world of difference in creating a smooth, unforgettable wedding experience. At Move Mountains Co., we’re here to capture every carefully planned moment and every unexpected one, too. Reach out to learn how we can make your wedding day dreams come to life through timeless photography and cinematic videography.

7 Reasons Every Couple Should Consider a First Look

The excitement of a wedding day is like no other, filled with anticipation, love, and the promise of a beautiful future together. One aspect of modern weddings that has captured the hearts of many is the "First Look"—that intimate moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. The First Look offers a magical opportunity to capture raw emotions and genuine reactions in a private setting. Brides-to-be, wedding planners, and photography enthusiasts often debate its inclusion in the wedding timeline. In this post, we'll explore the compelling reasons to incorporate a First Look into your big day and how it can enhance your wedding photography and videography experience. See photos of Morey + Sierra’s first look throughout this blog post as well as some videos of other couples.

1. Intimate Moment Between You and Your Partner

A first look provides a private, intimate moment for you and your partner to share before the whirlwind of the day begins. It’s a chance to soak in each other’s presence, exchange heartfelt words, and calm any nerves in a tranquil setting away from the crowd. This quiet moment together can set a tone of relaxation and connection for the rest of the day.

2. Capture Genuine Emotions

The first look allows your photographer and videographer to capture genuine emotions as they unfold. The expressions of joy, surprise, and love on your faces are authentic and unscripted, creating powerful images that you’ll cherish forever. These photos often become some of the most treasured memories of your wedding day. See the highlights of Taylor + Emily’s sweet first look captured in video form:

3. Extend Your Celebration

Including a first look extends the celebration of your wedding day. By seeing each other earlier, you have more time together to enjoy the festivities. It also frees up your schedule after the ceremony, allowing you to mingle with guests during cocktail hour or spend a few quiet moments alone before the reception begins.

4. Maximize Natural Light

For outdoor weddings or venues with beautiful natural surroundings, a first look earlier in the day ensures you can take advantage of the best lighting conditions. Natural light enhances photographs, making them more vibrant and flattering. This timing can be especially beneficial for capturing outdoor portraits or scenic backdrops.

5. Reduce Ceremony Nerves

Seeing your partner before the ceremony can help alleviate nerves and anxiety. It’s a comforting moment that reminds you why you’re about to embark on this incredible journey together. Feeling more relaxed and composed during the ceremony allows you to fully enjoy and savor the experience.

6. Efficiency in Photography

From a logistical standpoint, a first look can streamline your wedding day timeline. It allows you to complete bridal party and family portraits before the ceremony, reducing the need for extensive photography sessions during cocktail hour. This means more time spent celebrating with your loved ones and less time away from the festivities. James + Christina chose to do a first look followed by their wedding party and family photos:

7. Personalize Your Wedding Day

Including a first look is a chance to personalize your wedding day and make it uniquely yours. Whether you choose a private setting, a meaningful location, or incorporate personal touches into the moment, it adds a personal and memorable touch to your overall wedding experience.

Adding a first look to your wedding timeline brings so many benefits, enriching both the practical flow and emotional experience of your day. It’s a great way to capture genuine reactions, ease pre-ceremony nerves, and extend your celebration while giving more time for photos. Discussing the idea with your partner and planner can help you decide if a first look fits your vision, creating unforgettable memories and setting a beautifully intimate tone for your wedding day.

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!

4 New England Fall Engagement Shoots to Inspire You

As summer fades and the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, it's the perfect time to start planning your engagement shoot. New England's fall season offers a breathtaking backdrop with its vibrant foliage, golden light, and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal time to capture the essence of your love story. Here, we showcase four couples who embraced the beauty of fall for their engagement shoots, offering you inspiration for your own autumnal session.

Jordan and Kimberly's engagement shoot at Roger Williams Park, located in Providence, was a perfect blend of cozy fall vibes and timeless romance. Jordan looked sharp in his sweater and collared shirt, while Kimberly stunned in tall boots, a white sweater, and a chic plaid scarf. Surrounded by vibrant autumn colors, they strolled through the park and shared tender moments, including a sweet dance on a charming bridge. Their love story came to life against the backdrop of Rhode Island's autumn splendor. For more photos from their session check out this blog post!

Mitch and Dayna's engagement shoot at Francis William Bird Park in Walpole, MA, was a perfect blend of casual elegance and autumn charm. They each had two outfits that complemented the vibrant fall colors around them, enhancing the natural beauty of the park. Starting in an open field surrounded by the season's foliage, they then ventured deeper into the wooded areas, creating a series of stunning, intimate moments that truly reflected their connection amidst the serene autumn landscape. Check out this blog post for more photos from their session!

Jared and Jessica's engagement shoot at Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island, embraced the beauty of the rocky coastline rather than the typical fall foliage. The couple wore neutral-toned fall outfits that perfectly complemented the serene New England ocean vibes, creating a backdrop that highlighted their connection against the park's stunning coastal scenery. Their choice of location and attire made for a timeless and tranquil session, capturing the essence of Rhode Island's coastal charm. Dive into the full gallery from their session here!

Pasha and Olga's engagement shoot was also at the Roger Williams Park in Providence and captured the essence of fall romance. Pasha looked effortlessly stylish in a cozy, smart sweater, while Olga brought a touch of whimsy with her pretty fall floral dress. The park's autumn backdrop complemented their outfits beautifully, creating a series of warm and intimate photos that highlight the couple's connection amidst the vibrant fall foliage.

As fall approaches, take a moment to envision how you want your engagement photos to reflect your unique love story. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic countryside, the heart of the city, the deep woods, or the calming coast, New England’s fall season offers endless possibilities. At Move Mountains Co., we're here to help you capture these fleeting moments in the most beautiful way possible. Reach out to start planning your dream fall engagement session today!

10 Things to Consider When Making a Timeline for Your Photographer

Planning a wedding is an exciting and, at times, overwhelming experience. One crucial aspect of wedding planning is creating a timeline that ensures your photographer captures all the special moments and details of your big day. A well-thought-out timeline can make a significant difference in the quality of your wedding photos. Here are 10 important things to consider when making a timeline for your photographer:

1. Timely Communication: Don't wait until the last minute to provide your photographer with the timeline. Involve them in the conversation early on, ideally 30-60 days before the wedding. Maintain open communication about essential details.

2. Location Planning: Keep the locations simple. While having a variety of photo locations can be appealing, it can also lead to logistical challenges and stress. Stick to a few well-chosen locations to streamline the day.

3. Start Time: Determine when you want your photographer or videographer to arrive. A general guideline is 1-1.5 hours before the bride puts on her dress, and they should stay for about an hour into the dancing. Adjust this based on your specific photography needs, such as capturing more dancing shots or planning unique exit moments like a sparkler send-off or vintage car departure.

4. Detail Shots: Ensure there's time for your photographer to capture detail shots, such as your dress, rings, and venue decor. If you don't have a second shooter available to handle this separately, plan to allocate time before the guests arrive at the ceremony location for these shots.

5. First Look: If you want to attend your cocktail hour, consider doing a first look before the ceremony. Family photos, bridal party shots, and portraits should be scheduled with enough time. Add extra time if you plan on shooting at multiple locations or want extensive bridal portraits.

6. Ceremony Length: Consider the length of your ceremony. If you're having a Catholic ceremony or a full mass, you may need to allocate more time for photography. A typical 8-hour coverage may need to be extended to 10 hours to accommodate a longer ceremony.

7. Sunset Portraits: Schedule 10-15 minutes for sunset portraits. Be mindful not to overlap this with other events like speeches to ensure you don't miss this golden hour opportunity.

8. Vendor Meals: Suggest to your venue that vendors (including your photographer) eat at the same time as your guests. This ensures that your photographer is well-fed and energized to capture all the key moments without interruptions.

9. Trust Your Photographer: Trust the professional you've hired. Provide any necessary direction and preferences during the planning process, but on the wedding day, let them work their magic. Trust their judgment on locations and lighting, as they're experts in creating stunning images.

10. Winter Weddings: If you're having a winter wedding, plan accordingly for the earlier sunset. Daylight is limited, so ensure you allocate enough time for your photos before it gets dark. Otherwise, you may end up with all your photos taken with artificial flash lighting.

In conclusion, creating a well-considered timeline for your photographer is crucial for capturing the essence of your wedding day. By taking these ten factors into account, you can help ensure that your wedding photos are a beautiful and lasting memory of your special day.