When shooting a wedding or portraits, there are several thing to remember before the big day. Number one is to be prepared. I usually have a friend or my wife as a backup photographer. If something does go wrong with equipment then they will hopefully be able to capture any special moments you may miss. I have a check list that helps me to not forget anything. The first thing is to have a contract filled out and signed. This way there no questions as to pay, time provided and what will be provided in finished product. A day or two before the event I check my gear and camera settings. It is very easy to have your camera set to bracketing or the wrong white ballance or something like that. Batteries need to be charged and memory cards empty and ready to go. I also have a check list of the time I have for what is required to capture all events of wedding. For starts you have getting ready shots. I usualy start with the bride as they take longer to get ready. Take pictures of dressing room photos. Makeup being applied, hair, dress etc.. depending on time I either run and get a few of the guys or take the pre wedding shots of Bride and Bridesmaids and family. Then it time for groom ,best man and groomsmen. I like to get as many family pictures done before the wedding as I can so as to reduce picture time after the wedding. Just bremember to leave time to get family being seated pictures prior to wedding. Things go very fast at a wedding so use a check list and be prepaired to make changes as needed. Be sure and check with the minister prior to the wedding if flash photography is alowed. Outside weddings usually have no restrictions to flash where inside church weddings often do. Be ready for the bride to walk down the aisle and know where you want to stand. Then position yourself for the ceremony pictures. Be prepared for the kiss as you don’t want to miss that. What you do miss you can recreate after the service when you take Bride and Groom and family and grooms and groomsmen portraits. Have that somewhat planned out also as you need to be good and capture all the portraits needed but will find everyone wanting to get to the party and relaxe . Now it’s reception time. You need to get a shot of bride and groom intering the reception. I then get a shot of the cake , food table , and table settings. Take lots of candid shots of people and kids as they can be some of the favorites. Next you have eating, Toasts, dance, flower toss, garter and cake. I hope this gives you an idea of what is instore for you if you shoot a wedding. My best advice is to be prepared, nice and friendly but firm and if you miss something don’t panic as things will only get worse. Relax and enjoy the shoot. Good luck and happy shooting.