Bride’s Guide: How to Feel Confident & Camera-Ready on Your Wedding Day

We’ve already covered the Groom’s Guide to getting camera-ready, so now it’s time to turn our attention to the ladies. Your wedding day will be filled with emotion and unforgettable moments, and every glance, laugh, and happy tear deserves to be captured beautifully. With a bit of thoughtful preparation, you can step in front of the camera feeling relaxed, confident, and radiant. Here’s Move Mountains Co.'s ultimate guide to looking and feeling your best in every shot.

1. Build a Skincare Routine That Works for You

Beautiful makeup starts with a healthy foundation—your skin. In the months leading up to your wedding, stick to a skincare routine that suits your skin type, focusing on cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating. Consider adding facials or targeted treatments, and remember that staying hydrated and eating well are essential for that natural glow.

2. Perfect Your Makeup Look

Whether you envision a natural glow or a bold look, schedule a makeup trial with your artist or practice if you’re doing it yourself. Experiment with styles to find one that flatters you in various lighting and angles. When it comes to your wedding day, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can enjoy every minute without stress.

3. Don’t Skip Hair Prep

Your hairstyle is as important as your dress. Schedule a trial run with your stylist to find the best look for your dress, face shape, and personal style. To get your hair in top condition, avoid major changes close to the wedding, get regular trims, and opt for deep conditioning treatments.

4. Keep Hands in Focus

Your hands will take center stage for the ring exchange and bouquet close-ups, so they deserve special care. Regular manicures and moisturizing treatments will keep nails and cuticles looking their best, and a simple, elegant color can elevate your look.

5. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

A well-rested bride is a radiant bride. In the days before the wedding, make time for self-care, get plenty of sleep, and relax with calming activities like meditation or a nature walk. Feeling calm and rested will add to your glow in photos.

6. Final Touches on Your Attire

Your dress is the focal point, but the little things matter too. Be sure your shoes are polished, jewelry is shining, and accessories are perfectly in place. Tailoring makes all the difference in how your dress fits and moves on camera, so don’t skimp on alterations.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re nervous about posing, practice a few angles and expressions that feel natural to you. Use your engagement shoot to discover what works best, and on your wedding day, trust your photographer to guide you—they know how to capture your beauty in every light and from every angle.

8. Celebrate Your Unique Beauty

Above all, let your natural beauty and personality shine. Whether that means minimal makeup, a non-traditional dress, or embracing your natural hair, choose what feels authentic to you. The camera captures confidence, so feeling true to yourself is key.

At Move Mountains Co., we’re here to document your day in a way that feels genuine and timeless. With a bit of preparation, you’ll look back on photos that capture the best version of yourself—beautiful, confident, and fully in the moment.

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.

The Importance & Art of Audio in Wedding Videos

When couples envision their wedding video, it's only natural for them to focus on the visuals—the breathtaking shots of the ceremony, the joy-filled reception, the quiet, intimate moments, and all the details that make their day unique. But there’s a hidden hero in wedding videography that can transform a beautiful video into a truly cinematic experience: great audio.

Here are the key ways that quality audio elevates your wedding video to something timeless and moving as well as some of our favorite videos that showcase perfect audio:

1. Capturing the Emotion in Words

While stunning visuals tell the story of what happened, audio captures the heart of the day. The vows, toasts, and candid exchanges bring an added dimension of intimacy and emotion that images alone can’t convey. Imagine watching your wedding video years from now and hearing your partner’s voice tremble with emotion as they say “I do” or reliving the humorous and heartfelt toasts shared by loved ones. These audio moments allow you to reconnect with the feelings of that day, bringing back voices, laughter, and even unexpected moments you may have missed in the rush of the celebration.

In Chase + Corrina’s video, we layered parts of their vows in the intro, added applause from the ceremony, switched up the music halfway to build excitement, and included heartfelt speech moments for added emotion.

2. Capturing Pristine Audio, the Move Mountains Co. Way

To ensure clarity, we use small, discreet lavalier microphones to capture vows, starting even before the ceremony when possible. In a quiet, private moment, we give the groom or bride a chance to record their vows alone—free from distraction and as many times as they’d like—so that every word is delivered with pure intention and emotion.

During the ceremony, we mic up the groom, officiant, and any additional speakers with individual lavs, allowing us to capture each voice clearly. We also take it a step further by plugging a recording device directly into the DJ’s setup, creating a “main feed” of audio that’s straight from the source. This setup continues through to the reception, where we record any welcome toast, welcome prayers, and all speeches using a similar method: lavalier mics for each speaker and a direct feed from the DJ booth to ensure we capture each word with professional-grade quality.

In Ryan + Jessica’s video, we featured audio from both officiants during the ceremony, captured the applause and cheers after they were pronounced, and highlighted heartfelt moments from the reception speeches.

3. Music & Sound Design: Setting the Scene

Music and sound design are the unsung storytellers in your wedding video, creating the emotional rhythm that draws you in. A well-chosen soundtrack can shift the mood seamlessly—from a soft, romantic instrumental during bridal prep to an upbeat track that captures the energy of the dance floor. At Move Mountains Co., we encourage couples to choose their own music, usually royalty-free so it can be shared widely. This choice allows the soundtrack to be deeply personal while also ensuring it’s easy to share with family and friends.

By blending these music elements with the natural sounds of the day—such as laughter, applause, or the rustle of leaves in a breezy outdoor ceremony—our videographers create a layered audio experience that feels authentic to the spirit of your wedding. The goal is a soundscape that enhances rather than distracts, inviting you to relive each moment exactly as it unfolded.

4. A Holistic Experience: Sights and Sounds in Harmony

The combination of meaningful visuals and sounds turns your wedding video into an experience, one that you’ll want to revisit again and again. Audio makes it possible to truly relive the day, capturing not only what it looked like but what it felt and sounded like. This powerful combination of sights and sounds helps you fully remember and feel the energy of the day, in all its beauty and emotion.

In Justin + Danielle’s video, we opened with a city soundscape and applause to capture the excitement of their day. Highlights from the reception speeches added depth, creating an immersive experience that brought their celebration to life.

Your Story Deserves to Be Heard!

When planning your wedding videography, don’t overlook the power of great audio. At Move Mountains Co., we prioritize not just capturing the visuals of your day, but the sounds that make it unforgettable — Because your wedding story deserves to be heard as well as seen.

Reach out to us today to explore our wedding photo and video packages and find out how we can preserve your memories in a way that’s truly cinematic.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Cinematic Wedding Film

Creating the perfect wedding film goes beyond simply recording moments; it’s about telling a story that captures the heart of your day. At Move Mountains Co., we understand that a wedding film is a lifelong keepsake, meant to preserve not only the events but also the emotions, atmosphere, and essence of your celebration. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite recent wedding videos as well as our top 10 tips for making your wedding film a cinematic masterpiece you'll treasure forever:

1. Communicate Your Vision

Start by sharing your vision with your videographer. Talk about your preferred style—whether it's classic, cinematic, documentary, or something uniquely you. Discuss must-have shots, like the first look or that magical sunset kiss, and any specific details or moments that are especially meaningful. By being clear on your vision, your videographer can tailor their approach to reflect your personal story, creating a film that feels authentic to who you are as a couple.

2. Choose the Right Videographer

Take time to find a videographer whose style aligns with your vision. Review their portfolio, watch full wedding films (not just highlight reels), and make sure their previous work matches what you envision. A good match will bring a seamless creative connection, making the filming process enjoyable and ensuring you’ll love the final product. An aligned vision and communication style are key to building trust, which is essential for a stress-free experience.

3. Plan a Detailed Timeline

A well-structured timeline is crucial to capturing every important moment without rushing. Collaborate with your videographer on this timeline, allocating extra time for essential shots, including prep, the ceremony, and those intimate sunset shots. This careful planning ensures your videographer has time to set up, get the best angles, and capture each moment thoughtfully—leaving you free to enjoy the day.

4. Scout the Venue

Take your videographer to the venue before the wedding day. This allows them to identify the best shooting spots, assess lighting conditions, and find unique angles that highlight your setting. A venue walkthrough also gives them a chance to get creative with how they’ll approach each part of the day, maximizing the venue’s beauty and ensuring a seamless shooting experience.

5. Consider Audio Quality

High-quality audio is essential for a great wedding film. Clear recordings of vows, speeches, and toasts bring the emotions of the day to life in a way visuals alone can’t capture. Ask your videographer about audio equipment, and make sure they use quality microphones. Good audio setup is crucial for avoiding any technical mishaps and ensuring every spoken word is beautifully preserved.

6. Incorporate Personal Elements

Adding personal touches makes your wedding film feel more intimate and unique. Whether it’s exchanging handwritten vows, including special decor, or filming at meaningful locations, these elements deepen the narrative and make the video more special. Encourage your videographer to capture the details that mean the most to you—each one will help tell your love story in an authentic, personal way.

7. Stay Natural & Candid

The best wedding films capture the genuine joy of the day. Try to stay present and focus on each other, letting your emotions show naturally. Don’t worry about the camera; instead, embrace the spontaneity of the day, from quiet glances to bursts of laughter. These candid, unscripted moments make your film feel authentic and give it a heartfelt, relatable charm.

8. Use Natural Light

Natural light is incredibly flattering and gives your film a warm, organic quality. Work with your videographer to plan key moments—like couple’s portraits—around "golden hour" (just after sunrise or before sunset) for that soft, glowing light. Indoors, consider window lighting, as it adds depth and brightness to your film. Great lighting brings a cinematic quality that makes every moment shine.

9. Trust Your Videographer

Once you’ve chosen a videographer whose style you love, let them work their magic. Trusting their expertise allows them the creative freedom to experiment with angles, perspectives, and techniques that will enhance your film. They have a trained eye for capturing the little moments you might miss, and giving them space to do so results in a more artful, professional film.

10. Enjoy the Process

Remember to savor your wedding day and let your happiness shine! The more you relax and embrace the day, the more that genuine joy will come through on camera. Your wedding film is a reflection of the love and excitement you feel, so let go, enjoy each moment, and allow yourself to truly be present—those emotions are what make your film timeless.

At Move Mountains Co., we are committed to capturing your story in a way that reflects the genuine magic of your day. Reach out to us to learn how we can turn your wedding moments into a cinematic memory that lasts a lifetime!

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.

Fall Wedding Inspiration from Real New England Celebrations

As summer bids us farewell and the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s time to embrace the beauty of autumn and all the charm it brings to weddings. New England, with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant fall foliage, offers a stunning backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot. Here, we’re showcasing three breathtaking weddings that perfectly capture the essence of the season, providing you with inspiration for your own fall wedding.

Jamy + Malissa's October wedding at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA, was the epitome of cozy fall elegance. With warm-toned florals and décor throughout, the couple beautifully captured the essence of the season. The bridesmaids added to the autumnal ambiance, dressed in stunning burnt-orange gowns that complemented the golden foliage surrounding the venue. The reception was lit with a soft, warm glow, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. To top it off, a late-night s’mores station brought a playful touch, adding to the comforting fall vibes that made their celebration unforgettable. For more photos from their wedding check out this blog post!

Mike + Mel’s wedding at Mad River Barn in Waitsfield, Vermont was a fall-inspired dream come true! Surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn, this New England wedding embraced the season's beauty in every detail. The rustic charm of the barn venue was perfectly complemented by the natural fall landscape, with the crisp air and colorful foliage adding to the magic of the day. To top off the autumn theme, guests enjoyed apple and pumpkin pie for dessert, adding a delicious touch to the celebration. Our photographers and videographers teamed up with an all-star vendor crew to capture the essence of this Boston couple's upbeat and genuine love. Check out this blog post for more photos from their session!

Anothony + Brynne’s wedding at Mad River Barn in Waitsfield, Vermont was another stunning celebration that perfectly captured the fall vibe! Anthony looked dashing in a green velvet suit jacket, which complemented the rich fall-colored florals and warm tones throughout the decor. The couple went above and beyond to enhance the seasonal atmosphere by providing cozy blankets for guests to use during the ceremony, adding a touch of comfort to the crisp autumn air. Their reception featured seasonally appropriate food that delighted the guests and matched the fall theme beautifully. It was a day full of vibrant colors, heartfelt moments, and the cozy charm of autumn. We loved capturing this special occasion and look forward to more enchanting fall weddings at this picturesque venue! Dive into the full gallery from their session here!

These three weddings showcase the endless possibilities that come with planning a fall wedding in New England. Whether you’re drawn to rustic barns, elegant vineyards, seaside venues, or enchanting gardens, there’s no shortage of inspiration to make your autumn wedding a day to remember. As you plan your big day, let the beauty of fall guide your choices, from color schemes and floral arrangements to venue selection and décor.

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!