Interview with Marielle Hayes, Professional Photographer

Q.What tips would you give to brides and grooms to make their wedding day run more smoothly?

"I think that one of the most important pieces to making your wedding day run smoothly is to have a defined timeline. Let your photographer have that timeline so that he/she knows what is happening, where it is happening & at what time. Make sure you allot at least 30 minutes for family photographs & an hour for bride & groom photographs. This will give the photographer ample time for formal photographs without being rushed! Another way to make your wedding day run smoothly is to relax, kick off your shoes & have a blast! Your wedding is a fabulous party where all your guests are celebrating YOU!"

Q. How can a bride and groom maximize their time spent with a photographer?

"To get the most "bang for your buck," I always suggest to my clients that they opt for a "First Look," a time when they bride & groom see each other before the wedding ceremony begins. This way they can have a few intimate moments together before their ceremony, as well as have some extra time for more photographs. I've written an article about it HERE."

Q. How long have you been in the photography business?

"Four years. I started out working in a high end residential real estate company doing photography. I began to slowly begin taking photographs of all my friends, all my friends babies, and basically anything I could photograph. It turned into a full-time obsession. I eventually started photographing weddings & feel so blessed to have found a career doing something that I have always been very artistic & this has been a way for me to express who I am, a way for me to be an artist. I love more than anything-being with people & capturing their joy! There is no doubt in my mind that I just might have the best job on the planet!"

Q. How should and bride and groom dress for an Engagement Session?

"I think the way you dress for your engagement session should be a reflection of who YOU are. If you are an ultra fabulous fashionable couple who loves nothing more than getting dolled up for a night on the town, then break out your suit & little black dress & wear them! If you are the kind of couple who feels right at home in your comfy jeans on a ranch, then strap on your wranglers, sexy cowboy boots & let's go! If you are a fun & funky couple who loves vintage store shopping & VW love bugs, grab your sundress & faded jeans & get ready for an awesome shoot.

Can't decide what to wear? Most couples bring two changes of clothes & begin their session in casual clothes, then change it up a bit & wear something more fancy. Don't forget to accessorize, accessorize. A fabulous necklace (or three!), belt or amazing pair of shoes will always photograph well. Having your makeup professionally done will always make you look extra fab. Fake eyelashes? You betcha. I advise couples to not be too "matchy-matchy." Don't be afraid to think outside of the box, bust out some bold colors & wear items that make you feel gorgeous.

Basically I just want to showcase people in love BEING THEMSELVES. I want you to be comfortable, look fabulous & to most of all: HAVE FUN!"

Q.How should couples choose a photographer?

"I feel like there are two important pieces to finding "the perfect" photographer for you.

1. Find someone who you like as a person. It sounds silly, but it is such an important part of the puzzle. You will be spending more time with your photographer than you will with your florist, your caterers, your officiant, and maybe even your bridesmaids! Your wedding photographer will be there for the entire day, documenting the story of your wedding. That's why it's important to find someone you click with, someone who you enjoy being around because they will be with you for a huge chunk of your day."

2. "Find a photographer whose photographic style speaks to you. Take a look at the photographer's website & their blog which usually showcases their more recent work. Look for a photographer whose photographs you would want hanging on your wall. It's so important to find someone whose style you like from the beginning instead of asking a photographer if they can "do" a certain style of photography. Every photographer has their own style & it's your job to find the photographer whose style you love."

Q. What sets you apart from other photographers?

"The thing that sets me apart from other photographers is that I want your experience to be fun! I want you to look at your wedding photographs & smile because they capture the joy, the laughter & the emotion from your wedding. I love watching couples interact with each other- laughing & just being in love. I love documenting each & every single part of your wedding day-from your gorgeous shoes that you spent months trying to find, to the vintage hankie that you walked down the aisle with, to the laughter & joy that will come during your wedding day. Each part of your wedding is important & I try to document each & every single part of it. I try to stray from posed, stiff photographs. I want the photographs to be a reflection of you as a couple, that will be timeless in the years to come."