How to make your wedding album

Many of you may have access the digital files from your wedding photographer, hooray! You really wanted those right? And now you have SO many! But it can be overwhelming to narrow them down for your wedding album, prints or even to share online! In this post I will share my workflow on how I design a wedding album and maybe that will help you get them done!

Leather and Linen Wedding Albums stacked multiple colors Colorado

Why Make an album?

First of all we have to address this question, why even bother making an album? You have the files, they are on facebook/instagram/social media account of the current moment. Plus, albums are soooo expensive!

They Are Your Family’s First True Heirlooms

As an immigrant some of the only things I have from my (wonderful) childhood are a handful of photos. As the years go by I also seem to forget more and more details, which is why photos are SO important. Whenever I see a photo from ye olden days I know that it’s something rare and precious.

If your files only live online, what are you going to grab to show your friends, family, relatives, future kids, nieces & nephews when you want to share the highlights from your wedding day? Looking at photos online doesn’t have the same effect as piling up on a couch to look at photos.

Wedding Albums stacked multiple colors Colorado

My Wedding Album Workflow

For my own wedding clients I have the privilege to design their albums, and I use my own artistic memory of the day. I spend time narrowing down photos to the best of the best, fine tuning them and working closely with my album manufacturers to make sure the album is perfect. If it’s not perfect I don’t waste a minute to have it fixed until it’s perfect.

  • Pick your favorites Set aside about 30-45 minutes at least to go through your photos in GREAT detail and try to narrow them down as much as possible. You can be ruthless during this phase, it will save a lot of time later. I suggest picking 50-100 photos!
  • Copy the favorites to a new folder. This will save you lots of time if you need to redo the album or upload them to a website. If you’re using my PASS gallery system then you can Mark your favorites using your email address as long.
  • Send them to me if you’re making the album through me. I’ll fill in any gaps or make suggestions of how to cut it shorter.
  • If you’re self-publishing, then you can upload it to the manufacturer’s website to start laying it out.
  • Make sure you’re telling a full story of the day. I like to break it down to these phases:
    1. Setting the scene with a photo of the invitation or landscape, outdoor photo
    2. A spread of the bride & bridesmaids getting ready
    3. A few pages of the groom & groomsmen putting on the finishing touches
    4. First look (if there was one) photos
    5. Family photos
    6. Bridal party photos
    7. Ceremony setup & processional
    8. Ceremony finish and exit
    9. Cocktail hour setup & guests
    10. Additional Family photos
    11. Reception details like flowers, room photos
    12. Introductions, speeches, dances and events
    13. Crazy dancing photos
    14. Ending (special exits)

Wedding Albums stacked multiple colors

Where and how to get them made?

This is a bit tricky, since most consumer grade printers are not consistent and there’s no way to control the quality of their printing, warranty, craftsmanship. So for those reasons I can recommend the following manufacturers:

  1. Have it made by your photographer – As I mentioned, most of us have a strong relationship with the manufacturers so if there are any issues you have a warranty. Having a working relationship with them means that we know the quality of colors, paper and printing and it shows the photos in the best light and most archival quality. For full transparency, I use KISS books and LOVE them.
  2. Artifact Uprising – A great, local Colorado company started by some friends of friends of ours. I love their matte paper and they make it very easy to lay out photos.
  3. Blurb – The only other place I will recommend because most online printers are pretty terrible. We’ve used Blurb many times, and it’s not bad for an affordable option.

With the current state of the world, we are expecting to see a big uptick in couples turning to an elopement. Of course versus a larger wedding, in the coming months and year. While our hearts are breaking for all of those impacted by this pandemic we are choosing to find a silver lining. We absolutely love small, intimate weddings and are looking forward to being a part of more.

This Washington DC elopement from last summer feels so timely. Especially as couples are changing their plans. And looking for inspiration for sweet small celebrations.

Small Intimate Elopement Ceremony Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Casual Elopement Photography Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photographer
Light and Airy Wedding Photography Colorado Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Washington DC Wedding Photos US Capitol © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Photos with Dogs Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Washington DC Elopement US Capitol Short Wedding Dress © Bonnie Sen Photography
Intimate Elopement Ceremony Denver Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Fine Art Film Wedding Photographer from Denver Colorado © Bonnie Sen Photography
Exchange of Rings Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Small and Intimate Elopement Ceremony © Bonnie Sen Photography
Intimate and Personal Elopement Bride Crying © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Photos Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Photos in City Setting Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Casual Bride and Groom Photos in Urban Setting Denver Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography

We met Anne and Mark early on a beautiful Saturday morning. We started at their home getting a few photos with their dogs. Then, we walked around DC to a few spots that were special to their relationship. Like the Capitol Building, La Colombe and Cafe St. Ex. Cafe St. Ex turned out to be closed but we still got a few shots on the front stoop and they are some of my favorite from the day.

Of course one of the true benefits of an elopement is the flexibility of time. Especially when taking photos. You are not on the clock to rush back to a reception or make it to the church on time. Ultimately you can really savor the time together and capture important spots for you and your relationship.

A Backyard celebration after the Elopement

After the morning photos, the couple met two friends in Meridian Hill Park where their close friend (who introduced them) performed the official marriage ceremony. The whole day was a sweet, personal and emotional elopement just for Anne and Mark. The two did celebrate with a party a few weeks later getting the best of both worlds. The party was in their backyard of their new house. The sweetest at-home celebration and elopement they could imagine.

It is no secret that Meridian House is one of my personal favorite venues of all time. The history, the linden trees, the garden, the classic architecture, the library, I love it all! Catherine and Erik’s Meridian House wedding incorporated all of these elements and more to create a stunning, elegant, French inspired, day.

The Hay-Adams Hotel Washington DC © Bonnie Sen Photography
Classic Bridal Shoes with Bow Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Pale Blue and White Wedding Invitations by Steph B. and Co with Vellum and Wax Seal © Bonnie Sen Photography
Getting Ready Photos Black and White Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Classic and Elegant Wedding Denver Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Hay-Adams Hotel Wedding Bride and Groom with Bikes © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bridal Party Photos Light Blue Bridesmaids Dresses © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom on Bicycle Colorado Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Light Blue Bridesmaid Dresses Peony Wedding Bouquet © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Portraits in Garden Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Sweet Root Village Bridal Bouquet with Peonies © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Photos Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Portraits Sitting Down Fine Art Film Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding in the Garden Spring Wedding Flowers © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding in the Spring © Bonnie Sen Photography
Classic Bride and Groom Portraits Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Ceremony Springtime Washington DC Wedding © Bonnie Sen Photography
Wedding Ceremony in the Meridian House Garden Washington DC Wedding © Bonnie Sen Photography
Light Blue Long Bridesmaids Dresses © Bonnie Sen Photography
Groomsmen in Black Tuxes Outdoor Wedding Ceremony © Bonnie Sen Photography
Just Married First Kiss Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Ceremony in the Garden © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Ceremony with Sweet Root Village © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Ceremony with Cheers Darling Events © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Walking Up the Aisle Cheers Darling Events Wedding in Washington DC © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Cocktail Hour in the Linden Grove © Bonnie Sen Photography
Ceremony Program by Steph B and Co with Venue Illustration © Bonnie Sen Photography
Ceremony Program by Steph B and Co with Venue Illustration © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Dinner in the Library © Bonnie Sen Photography
Classic Place Setting with Menu and Place Card Scroll Denver Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Blush and White Wedding by Sweet Root Village with Green Accents Gold Flatware © Bonnie Sen Photography
Bride and Groom Black and White Wedding Photography Colorado © Bonnie Sen Photography
Wedding Guests Toasting Black and White Fine Art Film Wedding Photographer Denver © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Dancing © Bonnie Sen Photography
Sparkler Send Off Black and White Photography Denver Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Meridian House Wedding Sparkler Send Off © Bonnie Sen Photography

The wedding day started with getting ready at The Hay-Adams. I knew we were off to a great start as soon as I saw Catherine’s shoes. The adorable heels were donned with the most perfect sweet bows. After a first look, some adorable photos on the Hay’s bikes and with gorgeous bridal party we headed up 16th Street to the Meridian House.

The wedding ceremony took place in the Meridian House gardens followed by cocktails in Linden Grove. A BD3 Design bar and amazing hors d’oeuvres by Well Dunn Catering kicked off the evening of celebration. Cocktail hour wrapped up with the groom sabering a bottle of bubbly in front of all of his friends and family (no pressure, as it was Erik’s first attempt at sabering!). Guests then moved inside to dinner in the house’s Drawing Room and Library. The dinner tables were flawlessly designed by Cheers Darling Events and Sweet Root Village. The evening ended with dancing, cake and a sparkler send off in the Meridian House driveway.

See more of Catherine and Erik’s wedding featured on United with Love

Meridian House Wedding Vendors

Event Planning: Cheers Darling Events

Florist: Sweet Root Village

Rentals: Party Rental LTD

Decor & Lighting: BD3 Design

Stationery: Steph B. and Co

Catering: Well Dunn Catering

Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop

Hair and Make Up: Georgetown Bride

Ceremony Music: Capriccio String Quartet

Band: Free Spirit

Transportation: Limos Inc.

Officiant: Julia Jarvis

Bridal Suite: The Hay-Adams

Destination Engagement sessions aren’t always that difficult to plan. A few years ago we saw a strong trend of couples who were opting for a destination engagement session. This is a fun way to get your engagement photos taken at one of your favorite places in the world. Whether it’s Disneyland or Vail, Colorado. Most couples want photos at their summer vacation spots. Or places they have lived. This is true especially if their favorite spot is different from where they were getting married. Many of us have an absolute favorite place. But often logistics or other factors make it impossible to hold a wedding there.

Destination Engagement Session East Coast Beach Atlantic Ocean © Bonnie Sen Photography

Needless to say, we are more than happy to travel to a location that you love because chances are that we will love it too!

Destination Engagement Sessions Tips

Once you have decided to go for destination engagement sessions, here are the first things we do: 

1. Research, research, research. Thanks to the bounty of information on the inter-webs we can often find top photo spots online, which is a great place to start. We gather information like the popular photography locations, how crowded they get, are they open during golden hour, and if they require a photography permit.

2. Choose wisely! If you’re trying to show off the beauty of the Italian Alps, then it doesn’t make sense to do photos in a generic garden or field. Pick a spot that really shows where you are!

Destination Photo Shoot in Seattle Washington - Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photographer
Destination Engagement Session in NYC - Destination Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photographer

3.   Dress appropriately – this is true whenever you pick a destination location destination or not! Let the scenery set the tone. Gardens are great for pretty dresses and sport coats. The mountains of Colorado call for dramatic flowy materials or the completely opposite – hiking gear. 

Destination Engagement Session on a Sail Boat - Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
The Sail Selena in Annapolis, Maryland

4. Theme it up! If you’re going to be doing these photos at Lake Como in Italy (dream spot!) then go for the vintage wooden sports boat! Opt for a more editorial outfit. This is the time to be a little more bold than you would at home. After all, you’re on vacation! 

Spring engagement sessions can’t come soon enough! Between snow in Colorado this week and all the rain that DC has been getting, I am ready for some sunshine! This look back at Ariella and Adam’s Washington DC spring engagement session is just what I needed to power through the rest of winter. So let’s get to it!

Georgetown Washington DC Engagement Session in Spring © Bonnie Sen Photography
Georgetown Washington DC in Spring © Bonnie Sen Photography
Natural Light Headshots Photo Session © Bonnie Sen Photography
Natural Light Engagement Shoot by Destination Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Light and Airy Engagement Shoot by Destination Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Light and Airy Engagement Shoot by Destination Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Engagement Photos Shot in Film Denver Colorado Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Washington DC Monuments Fine Art Film Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Washington DC Monuments © Bonnie Sen Photography
Washington DC Monuments Engagement Photos © Bonnie Sen Photography
National Mall Photos Washington DC Fine Art Film Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Monument Engagement Photos Washington DC Fine Art Film Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Engagement Photos Red Dress and Nude Heels Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
Jefferson Memorial Engagement Photos Washington DC Destination Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography
National Mall Engagement Photos Washington Monument Fine Art Film Wedding Photographer © Bonnie Sen Photography

Dressing the Part of a Spring Engagement

Ariella and Adam met through a mutual friend in New York City. But eventually, they came home to DC. Like many couples we meet. For their spring engagement session, we captured the city they love and where they are building their life together. And while we love a good Cherry Blossom session this day was proof that there is more to DC in the spring than the madness of the blossoms.

We start the day with a few casual pictures in Georgetown. And then headed to the National Mall for some more quintessential DC shots. A&A’s outfits perfectly matched the vibe for each location and captured the different sides of their personalities. The bright red dress that Ariella wore was a particular favorite because it stood out against the white walls of the monument so well. I love red for weddings. Such a celebration of life. And for guys, wearing your best suit can only help. Better to be overdressed rather than underdressed.

As many know, we love when couples show up with two looks. A casual and a fancy look. But of course, the casual look is still a little dressy. Ultimately you always want to match the character of the location. I imagine that Colorado dressy will be a bit different.

We are, of course, going to miss having these monuments in our backyard but are so excited to find amazing new locations for Denver engagement photos. Stay tuned for more Colorado weddings soon!