B. W. Hinson Loc: Colorado Springs

Hi, missmarylou,
I've only been in the wedding photography business for a short while (since 1971 and over 500 ceremonies) so what do I know? One thing is this: if I had a dollar for all the brides who cried on my shoulder for having their inexperienced friend or 'uncle Harry' shoot their wedding, I'd be financially independent by now. Well, almost. But you get the point.
And, OMG! Anybody who would recommend that you treat a church ceremony like any other photoshoot by so much as suggesting the use of flash is not thinking about (a) the distraction AWAY FROM what's really important - the ceremony and (b) overriding the normally beautiful lighting that is characteristic of most churches.
There are better ways to 'learn somehow' and better other places to be 'bold and mighty.' A friend's wedding is not one of them. One is to read a book on wedding photography by a seasoned pro. (I, a seasoned pro, bought Digital Wedding Photography by Glen Johnson and learned a lot!) Another is to find a local seasoned pro and attach yourself to him or her. It's how I started, it's what I still do, so I still take the same medicine I'm prescribing.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A BRIDE'S WEDDING MEMORIES FOR YEARS TO COME, FERCRYIN'OUTLOUD! If you value your friend, don't use her to advance yourself at her expense.
But..... if you're going to do what I think you're going to do anyway... dress in a way that shows respect for the couple, the occasion and the house of worship; stay behind the last occupied pew (the guests didn't come to watch your backside); shoot at around 800 or 1600 ISO (nobody ever orders over 8x10 of the ceremony anyhow); use an image stabilized lens and shoot like an Army sniper (a whole 'nother topic)... and... attend the rehearsal so you know what happens when.
Sorry, kiddo, we've only scratched the surface on a topic deeper than you can imagine at this time. Good luck.
At this point I'm sure I haven't changed anyone's mind, but I have a clear conscience knowing I've done the right thing by urging you to get some training through books and as a 2nd shooter.

D2hundred

I think you've given yourself the best advice. Going in early and doing a rehearsal. "How do you get to Carnegy Hall? Practice, practice, practice.

An option is shoot natural at a higher asa and process those with a noise reducing software called Imagenomic http://www.imagenomic.com/ It's supposed to be the best and they offer a free trial version. Otherwise $49/69.

Flash is good but "unplugged" is so nice in the right light.

Dennis

Find out if a wedding is being held at this church a week or two before the one you're shooting, if so then go and take a few photos of that wedding and see what you get.

SpiffyPhoto Loc: Southern Wisconsin

While I haven't shot any weddings I agree ..... very scary situation to be in .... lots can go wrong even for the most experenced......

Unclewiggley Loc: Winter Haven, FL

As I said previously, I did it for 15 years. There was no digital then only film. In fact I started out with a 4 x 5 Graphic then went to Hassleblad 2 1/4 so you could not check your shots till they were developed. For 15 years I would dread the wait till I got the proof's back. Believe it or not I quit because my nerves couldn't take it anymore. I was lucky and really never had a bad shoot. Guess I was just lucky. Do all the practice you can and you will get there.Remember to sit with the bride and groom way before the wedding and discuss what they expect and any special shots they would like then after the wedding you will have to sit with them and discuss the proofs and what they want in an albut etc. It is a lot of work and time.

dirty dave

I posted earlier and got to thinking more about it the last time I was asked not to use a flash during a wedding ceramony was in 2006 I was wondering if this is still a issue. I counted and have done 63 from then until now mabe I am just shooting weddings that allows it but all the ministers that I have been involved with seems to be happy to assist in any way they can they seem to understand that it is the brides day. Now wacth the next wedding I do I will be asked not to use a flash I just jinxed myself. I am just wondering if others are having this issue?

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I have been to at least one wedding where the photographer had to take his shots before and after. No photography (of any kind) was allowed in the sanctuary itself.

To me, this is when the experienced wedding photographer can do wonders, getting the kinds of shots that the couple will be happy with afterwards.

Daveedwe Loc: Ormond Beach, FL.

Us your Tripod from the back of the church . If they have Balcony Try some from up there they are good shoots to take. Up your ISO and Good Luck.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I like the idea of shooting from the balcony where you wont be as intrusive.
Also, before the ceremony, you can photograph the couple up close for the closer side shots. During the ceremony, I strongly believe in shooting from afar (balcony). Definitely check with the minister to find out his/her preference.

maxcrump

I have a 430 EX II with a little flip-down diffuser. The church has a really high ceiling, about 30 feet, so I aimed straight up and bounced the flash off the ceiling. Don't know your particular church but hope that helps.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

OK I have been doing Weddings for 30+ years. In the film days we always used a tripod at the back of the Church. Shot wide open sometimes for 1/2 sec or more. It's great that the wedding party holds still a lot. Do the same now. Use a tripod, set your camera on A (or whatever your camera uses to indicate apature priorty) Set your ISO as high as you can without getting too much noise. I would set a cuztom white balance or if you don't set in on incandesant. In film days we got a yellow glow and told customers it gave a romantic look. Your 24-70 f/2.8 is the lens you have that I would use. I wish you had a longer lens. I use a 70-210 F/4 and it works great. Have fun. Warn your friends that you are not a Wedding Photog. Most of the wedding ceremonies give you plenty of time to take a shot and see if it's good and if not take another. Love digital. By the way many churches forbid flash duing the Cerimony and they anounce it before the start. I agree. I don't think a sacrad ceremoney should be turned into a photo event. - Dave

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Nah, that's what you end up with when you twist the zoom ring on an 18-135 just a teensy bit too far to the right.. :)

gessman Loc: Colorado

Isn't that also the setting where you get lockjaw?

DCDan

You have the equipment, push the ISO a little and plan most of your shots for before and after the actual ceremony. Sneak in a few shots during and explain your dilemma to your friend in advance, they'll understand and pictures taken during the actual ceremony. You can always stage shots afterwards, everyone does.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

This is one thing that I eluded to earlier. Before the ceremony, you can stage up close shots as if were during the ceremony. It's the day-of, and no one will know the difference. It allows the photographer to get in close to get those types of shots, that otherwise would be very intrusive during the ceremony itself.
During the ceremony, getting those faraway shots (from a balcony) is probably the way to go.
I definitely like the staged ceremony up close shots where you can see facial details, etc. Works out very nicely.