Good photographers can create stunning images under pretty much any set of circumstances. But there are a few things you as the bride or groom can do while planning your wedding to help us get the best possible images of the day.

1. Allow plenty of time for group portraits and -- more importantly -- portraits of the two of you alone. We recommend setting aside *at least* an hour for your portraits. Ideally, only about half of this time will be spent on family and wedding party formals, leaving the other half for wandering around getting killer images of the two of you by yourselves.

2. If your wedding is later in the day, consider seeing each other before the ceremony. Late afternoon is by far the best time for portraits, when the light is all pretty and glowy and the sun isn't harsh. If you're having a sunset ceremony and wait until after to take portraits, you'll risk losing all the nice light. Besides, arranging for some "first sight" photos can be super romantic.

3. It won't rain on your wedding day, but if it does, embrace it! Rain and clouds can make for wonderfully dramatic images.

4. Let your photographers know about any restrictions your church has as far as the use of flash, movement of photographers during the ceremony, etc. Everything can be worked around, but the more notice you give your photographers, the better prepared they'll be.

5. Be willing to get creative during your portrait session. You've hired your photographers for their particular vision, so if they have an idea, try it! Some of our clients' favorite photographs have resulted from our weirdest ideas.

6. When choosing what block of time to have your photographers present on your wedding day, opt for more time at the beginning of the day rather than at the end. Photos from the end of receptions tend to be very repetitive (there are only so many shots of guests dancing that you'll want included in your album), but the beginning of the day -- when the anticipation and excitement is filling the air -- is always bursting with good photo opportunities.

7. Don't let your nerves freeze your face. A smiling couple is a gorgeous couple.

8. If you're having an outdoor ceremony where there's no shade, avoid scheduling it for a time of day when the sun will be directly overheard. Bright, direct sunlight makes for harsh, unflattering photos.

9. Most of all, just enjoy your day in the spotlight. Even if you don't normally like having your picture taken, soak it up on your wedding day. You won't regret it.