The
Alisandra Photography Blog

Today, I have a long to-do list. I’m packing for two trips at once so I need to stay super focused! This weekend, Chad’s parents invited us to Liberty to watch Chad’s brother’s play. The theatre department is doing Carousel, the musical. I’m really excited about it! The very HOUR I get home, I’m going to just put one bag down, and pick up another. I’ll be off in CT next week for a Justin & Mary workshop called Walk Through A Wedding. Obviously, I super excited about this. I love learning, I love photographers who love and KNOW good light, and I love spending time with other people who have similar passions [and in this case, jobs.]. I’m not sure what to expect, but I’ve only heard good things. Plus having gone to the What’s Next stop in DC, I know they have a wealth of information to drop on us.

Anyway, so I’ll be packing for a few hours, answering emails, preparing blog posts for next week… and of course a ton of house work will be thrown in the mix! But on the topic of packing bags, I thought I’d share three SUPER RANDOM items that are always in my bag or car when I go to weddings.

Umbrella // Hanger // Photo Props

Honestly, these are some random items that obviously vary in importance. The umbrella I just purchased this year – the idea is to either hand it to the bride and groom, or to my assistant to hold over me – depending on the situation! I shot too many weddings last year where it rained and I was standing out in it. Rarely do I have the bride and groom in the rain. However, with this tool, it might be more of an option!

I purchased the hanger at the beginning of last year and used it at about half of my weddings. The brides get really excited about it and I’m really glad to not have to photograph a plastic hanger. They don’t dress up well. There are other options that I might have as well – getting some generic wooden or satin hangers is a good option as well! The generic wire hanger could say, “I Do, Bride, Mrs,” etc.

The photo props are ONLY for fun. And they don’t fit the vibe of every client or wedding. But sometimes you have a really crazy bridal party, or a bride and groom who love to laugh together. With some extra time, you can pull these things out and clients get a kick out of the images. They have so much fun and it really creates genuine laughs.

What are some of the most random things you put in your wedding “bag?”