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Jenny McCarthy has been photographing weddings for almost 20 years, so it’s safe to say that she has witnessed nearly every problem that could possibly wreak havoc on the day.
Along with creating helpful timelines and schedules, Jenny’s role has evolved from photographer to substitute maid of honour, stepping in wherever she can help. She even comes prepared with her own emergency wedding kit.
“Anything that goes awry on a wedding day, I’m there to fix,” she says. “I have sewed brides into their dresses. I have sewed grooms’ trousers after they have split them from being too tight. There’s nothing that I haven’t done on a wedding day.
“I always see the little things that can potentially go wrong before they happen. So I often tell the bride and groom, ‘If this happens, this is what you do. And don’t tell anyone it has happened because nobody needs to know’,” she laughs.
Based on her experience, Jenny says it is crucial to make sure that you have everything in order the night before your wedding. Here’s what should be on your list…
You know those gorgeous detail shots that include the wedding invitation, the bride’s shoes, jewellery, perfume, etc.? Jenny often reminds brides that it’ll save time and stress if these bits are set out the night before.
“Lay out any of the details that the photographer or you are going to need for the morning. Now, I’m not saying it has to look nice because the photographer will come in and move them where the nicest light is. Just have them all out together so that you’re not rushing around in the morning trying to do that when it’s your time to have your hair and your make-up done.”
“You would not believe the number of brides who are running around on the morning of their wedding still popping things into a suitcase for the hotel. Make sure that you have your bag packed so that all you have to do the next morning is add your toiletries.
“Along with this, try and take away all those stressful little things that add up, so that you can enjoy getting ready and take in your wedding morning.”
Fret not, because it’s easier than it seems. Start with your ceremony time and work backwards from there. “For example, if you’re getting married at 1pm the lads and the photographer need to be up at the church (or ceremony space) at 12.30pm. Then you can get the photos you need before the ceremony starts,” explains Jenny.
“So you need to work back from 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to begin. I actually have a detailed spreadsheet of timelines that I send to couples after we have our Zoom meeting so that nobody gets confused.” From there, you can estimate your ceremony duration, time for couple photos, travel time to the drinks reception, and so forth.
Along with her expert timeline, Jenny has packed all of her priceless wedding knowledge into her new book The Wedding. Filled with valuable tips based on decades of experience, the book is more than just a bride’s guide, it’s a guide for grooms and mothers of the couple as well!
“It includes everything from the wedding dress and mother-of-the-bride outfits to questions to ask your vendors and tips to capture the best photos – all you need to know for your wedding is in there. There is also space in it for notes, which is really cool.
“I just called it ‘The Wedding’ because you know yourself. What do you say when you’re talking about your big day? Everything is about the wedding. There are about 360 pages and it’s in a handy A4 shape with a lovely white hardcover so it’ll last a lifetime. I’m just so proud of it.”
Photography by Jenny McCarthy
This article was originally published in July 2023.