GRAEME + KELLEY

LINCOLN PARK ZOO CAFE BRAUER WEDDING: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: GRAEME + KELLEY

On my blazing hot, super sunny day weddings something I’ve done a lot this season is adapt on the fly where the formal portraits were to be. Opting to be in the shade whether it be a different side of the venue, under a tree, or wherever we can, is so helpful in not squinting, having crazy shadows, or melting into a sweaty mess. Skipping the wow spots while overly bright, and then circling back for pics come sunset.

So glad we did this for Graeme + Kelley’s blazing hot wedding day. We actually ended up using a side of their venue I wouldn’t have naturally chosen, but now I’m in love with the nook we ended up in. We then scooted out during the reception to grab some of the spots we hoped for earlier, but were overly bright and or were taken up by other weddings earlier in the day. Sure, sunset is called golden hour because of the gorgeous warm tones it gives off, but to me, golden hour is the golden opportunity to get the photos you really wanting in the first place.