1. The Weather

Weather happens and this can sometimes include the 4 letter word that no one wants to hear on their wedding day…rain. There we said it. There is no reason to stress about the weather, especially rain. We can not control this. However, there will be a break in the weather to get all of those great photos done.

Also, be flexible on your day and if Mother Nature decides to take matters into her hands trust us when we say "lets' go take some photos!"  When we see an opening, be ready to go! In addition, some of our favorite photos we have taken were on the rainiest days in Tucson.

After Rain + Clouds+ Sunset=AMAZING PHOTOS!

#2. The Ceremony Starting on Time

We love prompt couples, however, very rarely does a ceremony start on time. Do not stress about it running a few minutes late. The venue and coordinator have your best interest in mind. They are probably waiting for all of your guests to arrive. Some of these venues are secluded and therefore, guests may be trying to find the ceremony location and are running late.

However, church weddings usually need to start on time since the church has a schedule to keep. How do you ensure your guests are there early for your ceremony? Put the start time 30 minutes earlier than the actual start time on your invitation. 

#3. The Wedding Dress or Suit Getting Dirty

Your dress and suit may get dirty...don't stress about it! You are getting hugs & kisses, holding babies, sometimes pets, and moving around in the desert. We always try to keep the dress clean for the ceremony, but after, it is time to have some fun!

Also, there are professional cleaners that will make it look like new again after your day!

Fun fact: Alisha fed carrots and rode clydesdales bare back at our wedding. Her dress had horse slobber and the lace was ripped at the end of our day!

#4. The Wedding Party Not Around for Photos

Couples are often asking when it is time for a wedding party photo "Where is my bridesmaid?" or "Where did my groomsmen go?". You can not control the entire wedding party, don't stress about it.

The larger the party the harder it is to get them all in one spot for photos. However, there will be a time we will get them in the same location. We always recommend designating a wrangler that knows both sides that can help us locate your party.

#5. Disagreements Between Family Members or Awkward Family Moments

Every family has its' fair share of disagreements or rocky relationships. This is not the time for family drama, this is the time to celebrate the love between you and your spouse! Do not stress about awkward family photo moments. We have you fill out a document letting us know if certain family members would not like to be photographed together.

Believe it or not, we are warned about family drama before weddings and we have yet to see any of that played out on a wedding day. Everyone is too busy celebrating you! Throw this one in the bucket of things not to stress about!

#6. Getting Your Photos/Video Taken

The groom doesn't like his photos taken? Do not stress, we’ve got you covered. So many couples comment that one or the other is worried about getting photos or videos taken on their day.

One of our gifts as wedding photographers is making you feel comfortable. We blend in and have fun with you. By the end of the day, you will be shocked that both of you actually loved having your photo and video taken by us! Also, the outcome is so worth it.

#7. Children Not Behaving for Photos

Kids will be kids. We have kids and we are not surprised by the sudden antics of children especially at events with a lot of excitement and lights. We are flexible with putting children in the photos and will make sure  you do get good photos with the young guests. The best time is usually the beginning of family photos and we make sure to put them first on our list.

In addition, if you are just playing with the kids or having a moment with them those photos will be less staged and true laughter will be captured. Bottom line: Stressing over children in photos will not improve their mood…have fun with them and enjoy your day!

#8. Sunset Photos

We know how important sunset photos are to you. Please don't waste your energy stressing over sunset photos.

Additionally, we are watching the sunset so you don’t have to. It only takes 5-10 minutes to get some really good sunset photos. Enjoy the moment and we will let you know when it is time for sunset! It may be right after introduction into the reception or right after dinner….but do your thing and we will make sure to pull you when the sunset is on fire!

However, sometimes the sunsets are not everything you would hope. If this is the case, we will set up some cool night shots and make sure you have the full experience.

#9. Photos With All Your Important VIP's

Having photos taken with all of your very important people should be a high priority on your list, but there is no need to stress about it. One of our main goals is to make sure you have photos with all of your guests on your big day.

To help ensure this, one month before your wedding you will receive a wedding day document to fill out the names of all of your vip's so we can cross them off the day of the wedding.

Did you forget to add a name during all that planning? Don't worry- Steve and I are with you both all day and if you are talking to someone we will make sure to get a photo!

#10. Guests Being Entertained During Cocktail Hour

Many couples worry about what the guests will do during cocktail hour. Trust us,  if there are drinks, appetizers and a place to sit people are happy! They probably do not know the venue like you do, so they are just enjoying the new scenery and catching up with family and friends.

However, if you really want to keep them busy there are many add on's you can do during cocktail hour. Some ideas include a live band, beer burro, yard games, or a Photo Booth.

#11. Dancing Your First Dance

Dancing your first dance should not stress you out. This is a moment to celebrate and get some time with just the two of you on the dance floor. Do not try to impress people with a choreographed dance if that is not your thing.

Instead of stressing about the first dance, pick a song that makes you happy and dance the way you would in your living room. Lock eyes and remember this day is about you two professing your love. Feel like everyone is watching? All of the  spectators are there to support your love and beginning your journey together.

#12. Guests Not Dancing at Your Reception

Our newlyweds can not control who dances on the dance floor, therefore, there is no reason to stress about it! However, couples can control if they are on the dance floor and if our couple is out there dancing, guests are probably going to join the fun.

Here are some tips to help people get on that dance floor. First, play a range of music so each guest hears their favorite genre. Secondly, have the DJ give a shout out and ask everyone to come out and dance with the newlyweds. Lastly, to get everyone out there plan a photo opportunity and invite everyone out for a group photo. Then, as the DJ plays a fan favorite everyone will already be on the floor!

Venues featured in photos (in order of appearance): La Mariposa Resort, Tanque Verde Ranch Skyline Country Club Hacienda del Sol Hilton El Conquistador  Buttes at Reflections Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Stardance Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Saguaro Buttes Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch  Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

About the photography/videography team: Steven & Alisha Palm are award winning wedding photographers and videographers in Tucson, Arizona. Planning your own wedding? Make sure to check out These Extra Photos to Add to Your List.