I will start this by saying that I am NOT a wedding photographer. I'm just a good friend with a camera, trying to save a friend the $$$ of hiring a pro. I want to do a good job for her! I've got a T3i, with a Tamron 18-270, and a 50mm prime (1.8). I also have an Allura flash to fit on my hotshoe (or I have a stand for slaving it). This is the total sum of my equipment.

I thought I would show up early enough to catch photos of the bride and/or groom getting ready, which is to happen in someone's house. I have no clue what the lighting will be like. I assume that the makeup artist will have a well lit mirror for working on the bride's face and hair. Some clever reflection pics would be nice. Close-ups of hands brushing hair, tying bowties, etc, might look nice too. The wedding takes place starting at 4pm, an east coast beach, so the sun setting opposite the water.

Advice? I tend to get stuck in manual. I could use a shooting mode. Shutter priority, perhaps? Probably using the 50mm for inside shots and the 18-270 for outdoors. Should I set the WB for auto? Or keep the outdoors photos on sunshine and test which (tungsten, etc) is best for indoors?

I suspect that your answers will get uber technical, but then you must remember my hardware limitations.

Oh, one more question! Would it be inappropriate to bring model release forms? I might not get anything good at all, or I could get some that are fantastic. Since I'm not charging, I would at least love to request the right to promote myself with this work. The last thing a bride and groom would want to do is sign forms for me, but they live in another state, so there wouldn't be another good opportunity.

I just saw a thread created by a young lady who said she posted one of her images on Facebook asking for anyone wanting a print on canvas. Apparently one of her clients stole the image and had it made displaying it on a wall, which was photographed by a relator for the sale of her house.

My question is; I occasionally find a stunning photograph that I download to my computer for use as a background screen. Many of the ones I use are from National Geographic, Popular Photography or submissions on this forum. These are for my private use, and only used on my computer as the lock or wake up screens. Am I in trouble?