2666loco

I shot one a while back on an overcast day on a large house boat
I would suggest center meeting, not matrix. I took lots of photos (210). You can't tell the facial expressions on the camera monitor, so that's why I shot 210.
I went through ALL of them in Elements, and it takes a LONG time. It was under a red awning which complicated color on most shots.
I used a Nikon D700 and Tamron 28-300. Matrix metering took into account the background (trees and lake) and most could be improved, and that's why I suggest center metering.
Good luck

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Make a mental check list and be sure to not leave anyone out of the images you collect. Small groups may work better than one large group shot. Couples together with the bride and groom individually may make some nice groupings. Hands, rings, invitations, details all can help build a nice story. Fill flash as discussed above is essential. Practice in similar environments may help get the rhythm of the event evident. Patience is a virtue. Enjoy!

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Good to know. I'll practice with both.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I like the idea of small groups with the bride and groom. Much more intimate. Thank you.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Never underestimate older folks! Be prepared. I have been regularly shooting weddings for over 50 years- I still do! I have been to "second time around" weddings- older brides and grooms that were- shall we say, rather WILD! Hey! I'm 74 adn I still know how to PARTY! Also- another contributor here also to the possibility that the venu may be open to the public and somewhat busy. I am not suggesting that there is going to be unmitigated chaos so as per my previous advice, simply plan well, stay organized, get ready to take control of a few situations and shoot fast and plenty. Shooting some casual shots of the couple well in advance is a great idea- older folks are entitled to a nice romantic "engagement" shoot too- why not?!

That's what I always loved about wedding photography, it keeps you on your game and there are many surprises- nice surprises, as long as you are ready for them!

Remember that Frank Sinatra hit "...Love is Lovelier the Second Time Round". Keep it in mind!

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I can’t give you any more advice than what you have received here so all I can say is GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!!

Shutterbug57

Here are a few tips.

1. On the morning of the shoot, synch the clocks in both cameras. When you bring the files into post, sort by capture time and all will be in order.

2. Work the schedule with the bride. If they don’t have a wedding coordinator, not likely, the photographer generally keeps things on schedule. Shoot the schedule with your phone and make it your background.

3. Have plenty of fully charged batteries.

4. When not in use, turn off all Wi-Fi/Bluetooth functionality. Those eat batteries.

5. When indoors, particularly if lit by incandescent lights, you can create dramatic shots by under exposing ambient by a few stops (turns orange) and flashing the couple with a gridded flash. Try this with a table lamp or wall sconce in the frame. It is an easy way to transform a blah setting into a pretty cool shot. (MagMod is your friend for quick on and off flash attachments).

6. Use gels to color match your flashes with ambient light or know why you are not doing so as an artistic choice. (MagMod again).

7. If there will be any chance of an indoor shoot, practice bouncing flash off walls and ceilings before the event.

8. You can create interesting outdoor effects by changing your camera’s white balance. This can be especially effective if you gel a flash on the subject. Put a CTO gel on a flash and light the couple. Set the camera to incandescent. The couple will appear normal and the background will take on a blue tint. If your gear allows you to dial in the color temp, you will have more control over the effect.

9. If the bride is wearing a traditional wedding dress, not likely in the case of older folks, but possible, have a helper to arrange the dress and fly the train to simulate wind.

10. Have a plan for sunny weather, overcast and rain.

11. Know where the sun will be at all important times - there are apps for that. Use that schedule in #2 to plan where you need to be for the lighting conditions. Even if indoors, knowing where the sun will be can be useful so that you are not shooting against a setting sun coming through a window behind the couple.

12. Finally, use YouTube to do some research. Look at videos with big name shooters and see what you can glean from them. Some of the things will not apply because they are setting dependent, but some will apply. Understand that the big signature shots will be outside your scope. Pye Jursa is a top shooter and has some dramatic and compelling signature shots. He also has stated that the typical wedding he shoots has a PHOTOGRAPHY budget of $75K-$100K. He brings a team of shooters and he spends all his time on a few grand signature shots. His minions shoot all the normal stuff. With a team of 1, this is simply out of scope, his and other videos are still worth watching for other tips that can apply.

You have 6 months to prepare, so you have time to scope out the site and plan the shoot. Relax have fun, be prepared.

ETA - when in doubt, bracket.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Thank you for taking the time to provide these tips!!