Custom By Nicole – Featured Wedding Vendor

Hudson Valley Wedding Photographer: Custom by Nicole

One of the most important vendors on your wedding day will be your photographer. While everyone is going to be an important part of the day, your photographer is going to capture images that will live on for years to come. Your photos will be able to tell the story when you no longer can. Here in the Hudson Valley we have found just the photographer for you!

Meet Nicole Wagner, Owner of Custom by Nicole

Custom By Nicole was started eight years ago by Nicole Wagner. She absolutely loves what she does and there is no other career that she would rather have. When we asked Nicole why she chose wedding photography as a career and what she loves most about it, she took us back to the beginning.  “I have always been a very creative person and found photography to be my favorite form of art. When I was thinking of starting a wedding photography business I had it in my head that I wanted to create art that the couple is a part of. After being in business for a little while I realized just how important the job of documenting this monumental day in the couple’s lives really is! It’s a day where everyone who is important to the couple is in one room together having an amazing time. There are so many moments to be captured throughout and these preserved moments only grow in value over time. I feel like documenting a couple’s love story and their wedding day is the best gift I could give someone!”

Wedding Photography Advice from Nicole

1. Make your engagement session personal and fun.

I always ask the couple if there’s a meaningful location to them. Many times they do have a spot in mind. Where they met, had their first date, or a park that they enjoy visiting. Couples who have a pet also tend to enjoy bringing them along as well.

2. Give your photographer creative freedom.

I prefer to not receive a wedding day shot list. It’s my job to know the standard portrait combinations and events that will be taking place that need to be documented. I ask my clients to fill out a details form that guides them through providing me with important information pertaining to their day. This helps me to get a really good feel for what’s important to them. I also discourage providing a Pinterest shot list. I want to deliver unique images to each couple rather than trying to recreate what’s already been done.

3. Do a private first look.

I like a private first look so the couple can focus on each other alone without distraction. I usually look for an area that is visually appealing, but also has even lighting since the couple’s movement is unpredictable during that time. For example, you don’t want harsh sun with raccoon eyes on one of the individuals and shade on the other. I also like when there’s a good distance that the bride has to walk to get to the groom. This allows for great shots of the look of anticipation on each of their faces as the bride approaches. It’s also fun for them to talk to each other before she starts walking toward him. Another option would be for the couple to stand back to back with each other while they read love letters that they wrote then turn around afterward to see each other. That usually makes the first look even more emotional.

4. Don’t worry about rain ruining your day!

Rain hardly ever causes big problems in regard to photography on wedding day. When the forecast calls for a chance of rain it just means there’s a chance it will rain at some point during the day. It hardly ever rains continuously the whole day and often it doesn’t rain during the time we would need to be outdoors for photos. Most of my couples tend to do a first look, which allows for a more flexible pre ceremony timeline. If it rains at some point during the portrait time, we can work around it by choosing to shoot indoors or under a covered outdoor area until it stops. Maybe do some portraits by a window inside using natural light or some more moody bride and groom shots with dramatic lighting until the rain stops. After the rain stops, there’s always a chance there will be a rainbow!

We would like to thank Nicole of Custom by Nicole for taking the time to speak with us. You can check out some of the weddings and styled shoots we have worked on with Nicole in our Portfolio here. If you’d like to see more, you can also visit her website at www.custombynicole.com to see more of her work.