So, you’re planning your dream outdoor wedding ceremony? Well, first off, let me say congratulations! You’re about to embark on one of the most beautiful journeys of your life, and I’m here to help you make sure every moment is as stunning as you are.

Planning your outdoor wedding ceremony at the worst time of day can truly be a recipe for discomfort and photographic disaster. Picture this: the scorching midday sun beating down relentlessly, casting harsh shadows on everyone’s faces, while beads of sweat threaten to ruin meticulously applied makeup and dapper suits. Your ceremony  is meant to be one of the most exceptional events in your life, and you don’t want to have any regrets. Planning an outdoor ceremony comes with its own set of challenges, but fear not, because with a little know-how, you can make sure your big day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.

• Timing is Everything: Determining the best time of day for your outdoor ceremony is crucial. As someone who loves a good golden hour glow, I can’t stress this enough! For those of you who don’t know, “Golden Hour” is that hour right before the sun sets when everything around you is golden. I like to photograph portraits within that 2-hour mark before sunset.
  
  Lighting can make or break your wedding photos, so you want to make sure you’re exchanging vows when the lighting is just right. Whether you’re going for a romantic sunset ceremony or a dreamy sunrise affair, websites like sunrisesunset.com can help you pinpoint the perfect time for that magical golden hour glow.
  
  And remember — as the seasons come and go, the sunset times change as well! For example: If you’re planning a winter wedding outside, just because the sun sets at 8:45 in July doesn’t mean it will set that late in November!

• Setting the Scene: When it comes to the directional setup of your ceremony site, lighting is key. Aim to position yourselves and your guests so that the light is flattering and enhances the beauty of the moment. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you see those picture-perfect photos!

• Comfort is Key: Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a plan to keep you and your guests comfortable against the elements. Whether it’s providing shade with elegant marquees, offering fans or cool drinks on hot days, or having cozy blankets and heaters for chilly evenings, making sure everyone is comfortable will allow you to focus on what truly matters – celebrating your love.

• Strike a Pose: Now, let’s talk about those bride and groom poses. Working with harsh light can be a challenge, but with the right poses, you can still capture gorgeous portraits that you’ll cherish forever. Embrace the light and play with shadows to create stunning silhouettes or opt for soft, romantic poses that highlight your love against the backdrop of the great outdoors. Trust your photographer, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative – the results will be absolutely breathtaking!

So there you have it, my top tips for planning the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony. Remember, at the end of the day, what truly matters is the love you share and the memories you create together. So go ahead, embrace the beauty of the great outdoors, and let your love shine bright for all to see. Cheers to your happily ever after!

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