How free diving can teach you about wedding planing

In this article, We will discuss how important timing is for couples sessions, engagements, and weddings.

Breath holds are talked about often by big wave surfers and free divers. The goal is to stay underwater and prepare yourself mentally to dive down deep for longer periods of time. I’ve been told that the initial few feet down from the surface is the hardest to penetrate and equalize at. In other words, the difference from initially to in good practice is quite different. I was over the moon excited to do a personal breath hold best of 3 minutes and 15 seconds on land. Others that I train with can hold for much longer; in fact, the record is like 19 and a half minutes. Can you imagine that?

I think of couples sessions, engagements, and weddings in the same way. There’s so much that goes into it. You can’t be expected to know everything about weddings just because you’re now engaged. Same goes for couples sessions, engagements, and even anniversary sessions. We often assume that since we’ve seen something happen for others that we will look just as graceful, poised, and elegant and magically hold our breaths while looking effortless underwater. While the whole process is so exciting; it’s also a lot to handle.

You have to start in steps. This couple free dives all the time together. They practically live in the water. It’s familiar territory. Now, someone who lives in a landlocked state or only swims pools would have a completely different experience than these two. It’s important to choose a session based on who you are as a couple.

Think of couples sessions like a date. You’ll want to be dressed cute and in something you’ll be confident in. I highly recommend neutral colors and no big logos, clashing colors, or branding. Neutrals are more timeless and allow the focus to be on your emotion and interaction as a couple. Floral prints are great as well just watch out for colors that match too much.

I like to think of couples sessions as the initial breath hold. It’s a great way to get your feet wet, feel comfortable in front of a camera, and come away with great memories.

You’ll do some discussion beforehand to determine location, attire, preferences, and details so that you can just show up and enjoy your session.

Engagements are kind of similar. We do some planning; you’ll have a timeline already for how you will make your down on one knee moment special. Typically, we coordinate your special moment so that it’s a surprise. My favorite is the portrait of her and then turn around to see you.

Weddings involve a lot; you’ll want to jump straight in. You’ll want to soak in all the details — it’s your special day after all! Sometimes planning a wedding can feel like you’re out of breath. It’s as if your trying to reach the surface and once there are treading water with all the to-dos. That’s why free divers use equipment — the fins, snorkel, goggles all make the process so much better. That’s where your vendors come in: planning, setup, takedown, tastings, makeup trials, fittings, rentals, your photographer, videographer, officiant, and even wedding planner all take part in the process so that this day is memorable.

You’ve come so far and all of your vendors work together to make the day go smooth.

Here’s a bit of advice from your photographer and cinematographer:

• Location 1st. The first thing you need to book is your venue. Once you have a date secured, you can begin seeking out other vendors.

• Create a wedding day timeline with your vendors including a list of all the vendors and contact information as well as time in/out of the venue. You’ll want to provide an updated timeline and vendor list with contact info to all the vendors at least a week out as a reminder. You’ll also want to send this to the planner, maid of honor, or person designated to help things run smoothly.

• Get your feet wet before you jump in. Create an initial list of wants for your wedding. Sit down as a couple and discuss wedding theme, colors, preferences, food, cake or other desserts, guest list, and any special ideas, remembrances, or traditions from both sides of the family.

• Once you have your venue booked, you’ll have a date set! This is where you can begin your search for other vendors. I recommend that you start with photography and cinematography, as these get booked out far in advance. Around the same time, couples make decisions for having a full wedding planner or one that is a day of planner for helping the day run smoothly. Both can be booked early on, just note that day of planners typically step in for all the details about a month out. If you opt for no planner, it’s important to determine and check with your designated organizer — typically Maid of Honor, Bridal Party, Mom of the Groom or Bride, etc. Please do not hesitate to be over communicative in the process. Check, Verify, Confirm.

• Make a list of all the hired vendor due dates, check ins, contracts. It may be easier for you to create a separate email that has all of the wedding contacts in it. This allows you to find your wedding information easier than sifting through all of your emails.

• Take some time to research. Weather, attire, how the venue has been used in the past, what you like and don’t like about weddings, create a list of must-haves, and think about what you want to remember most about your wedding.

• Have fun and enjoy the process! Take each part of the process step by step; you don’t have to have your whole wedding planned in two days.

In the wedding process and want to discuss it? Happy to help!