Why I Offer Free Rehearsal Dinner Photography With Every Wedding Package. And It's a Very Selfish Reason

Okay, confession time.

Every wedding package I offer includes complimentary rehearsal dinner coverage.
And not because I'm feeling extra generous (though hey, I do love a good celebration).

It’s because I’m selfish.

Yup. You heard that right.

I do it for me.

Here’s why:
The rehearsal dinner is where the magic starts. It's the warm-up before the big show—the night where nerves melt into laughter, inside jokes fly across the table, and your favorite people finally meet. It’s intimate. It’s emotional. And it’s real.

And that is what I live for.

But wait—there’s more. Here are 5 more reasons I choose to show up early and photograph your rehearsal dinner for free:

1. I Want to Know Who Matters to You
When I meet your people—your dad who hides his emotion behind sarcasm, your best friend who tears up every time she talks about your love story—I start to understand your story better.
This makes your wedding day photos ten times more meaningful.

2. Your Guests Warm Up to Me (Fast)
Showing up the day before breaks the ice. Uncle Joe doesn’t squint at me on the wedding day wondering who the camera guy is. I’m already part of the crew. That comfort? It leads to better photos—natural, unguarded, full-of-feeling photos.

3. You’re Not in Wedding Mode Yet (Which Is a Good Thing)
The rehearsal dinner is usually more relaxed. You’re not running on timelines. You’re being present. That’s when some of the most beautiful, unscripted moments happen—and I’m there to catch them.

4. I Get a Sense of the Emotional Landscape
Which sibling is the softie? Which friend is most likely to drop a surprise toast?
This helps me anticipate moments on the wedding day, so I never miss the ones that matter most.

5. It Tells the Whole Story
Your wedding story doesn't start when you walk down the aisle. It starts when you raise a glass the night before, surrounded by the people who built your world.
If I’m going to tell your story honestly, I want to start at the beginning.

So yeah... it’s a little selfish.
But it’s also rooted in love, connection, and the kind of storytelling that moves you when you look back years from now.

If you’re into photos that don’t just look good—but feel like your people and your love and your weekend—then we’re probably a good match.

With love,
Lalo

Why I believe everyone should bring a film camera to their summer gatherings.

Intentionality in Each Shot: Shooting on film requires a mindful approach. Each frame is precious, leading to more thoughtful and meaningful photos.

Unique Aesthetic: Film offers a distinctive look that digital can't replicate. The grain, colors, and contrast add a nostalgic beauty to summer memories.

Tangible Memories: Unlike digital photos that can get lost in the endless scroll, printed film photos provide a lasting presence, evoking memories every time you hold them.

Less is More: With a limited number of shots, film encourages quality over quantity, ensuring each photo has significance.

Embrace the Simplicity: You don’t need an expensive film camera to start. Even a simple one-time-use 35mm film camera can create magic. The simplicity of these cameras allows you to focus on the moment rather than technicalities, and the anticipation of developing your film adds excitement.

Why You Should Try It

This summer, I challenge you to bring a film camera to your next beach or pool party. Capture the sun-kissed smiles, the splashes of water, and the candid moments that define summer. Your photos will stand out not just for their aesthetic, but for the timeless memories they hold—memories that won’t get lost in the digital abyss.

Are You Aligned for Your Dream Wedding?

This 6 Part quiz is designed to help you and your partner uncover whether your visions for the big day are in sync. By answering a few key questions, you'll gain instant insights and actionable steps to ensure you're both on the same page for your perfect wedding. Let's make sure your special day reflects both of your dreams!

Vision & Style

1. What kind of overall vibe or theme do you envision for your wedding day? (e.g., formal, casual, vintage, modern)

2. Do you prefer a big celebration with many guests or a more intimate gathering with just close friends and family?

3. How important is photography/videography to each of you on your wedding day? (e.g., candid, posed, artistic, documentary style)

4. Do you both have strong feelings about any specific locations or venues? (e.g., beach, mountains, traditional, outdoor)

Financial Compatibility

1. What is your ideal wedding budget?

2. How do you feel about spending money on certain aspects of the wedding (like food, decor, or entertainment)? Are there areas where you'd like to save or splurge?

Wedding Day Priorities

1. What are the top three must-haves for your wedding day? (e.g., live music, great food, meaningful ceremony, etc.)

2. Is there something each of you definitely doesn't want at the wedding?

3. How involved do you both want to be in the wedding planning process? (Will one person take the lead, or will it be a shared effort?)

Family & Guest Dynamics

1. Are there any specific family traditions or cultural elements you’d like to incorporate into the wedding?

2. How do you want to handle guest lists—will you both invite the same number of people from each side?

Emotional & Relationship Aspects

1. What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

2. What do you think is the most important part of the wedding day? (e.g., the ceremony, the reception, the first look, etc.)

3. How do you want to feel on your wedding day, and what can you do to make sure that happens?

Long-term Compatibility & Goals

1. How do you envision your marriage, not just the wedding? (What are your long-term life goals and values as a couple?)

2. What does marriage mean to each of you, and how do you plan to work through challenges together?

These questions will give you and your partner an opportunity to talk about key decisions and expectations, ensuring they align with both of your visions for the most spectacular wedding day and long into your marriage.

5 Tips for Incredible Getting Ready Wedding Photos

By Gerard Lalo, California Wedding Photographer | Photojournalistic + Editorial Style

The big day is here. The coffee is brewing. The playlist is on. The room is buzzing with anticipation. You're in getting-ready mode, surrounded by your favorite people, and your photographer just walked in with cameras in hand.

This quiet part of the day? It’s where some of the most authentic, storytelling-rich photos come from. Not just the picture-perfect details, but the real moments, the nervous laughter, the deep breaths, the energy before everything unfolds.

As a photographer who blends photojournalism with editorial imagery, I’m always chasing two things: how it felt, and how it looked.

So here are 5 ways to make your getting ready photos feel effortless, honest, and absolutely stunning:

1. Light. Is. Everything.

Choose a space with windows and soft, natural light if possible.
Good light doesn’t just flatter. It tells the story. The way the morning sun falls across your face while you sip coffee, or the glow through your veil as you stand by the window — these are the moments that give your images that cinematic, editorial feel.

Think of your space like a film set. Light sets the tone before anything else.

2. Keep the Chaos Contained

A little mess is real. A mountain of bags and Starbucks cups in every shot? Not so much.
Designate one area for personal items, and ask a bridesmaid or sibling to keep the main space clean. This lets your environment support the story, not distract from it.

Less clutter means more clarity in the frame.

3. Prep Your Details in One Spot

When your photographer arrives, having your dress, shoes, rings, florals, and invitations gathered in one place saves time and creates space for intentional, styled images that still feel cohesive with your day.

These flat lays are more than pretty. They’re chapter one of your visual narrative.

4. Wear Something Photogenic Pre-Dress

Whether it’s a silk robe, a linen button-up, or something custom, choose something that feels like you and looks good in motion.
You’ll be photographed before the gown goes on, and these in-between shots often end up being some of the most intimate and real.

Avoid logos and neon colors. Think soft, timeless, and flattering.

5. Don’t Perform. Just Be.

Here’s the secret: the best photos don’t come from perfect poses.
They come from presence. Take a moment. Breathe. Laugh with your people. Wipe that happy tear. The camera sees everything, especially the in-between moments.

You don’t need to “do” anything special. Just feel it. That’s more than enough.

Final Thought

The getting ready part of your day isn’t just prep. It’s a story within the story. It’s where your people are close, your energy is electric, and everything begins.

Ready to have your wedding morning documented with intention and artistry?
If you're looking for a photographer who captures real moments with an editorial eye, I'd love to hear your story.
Reach out here to check availability and learn more about my approach.

💍 Wedding Ready or Not? The One Quiz Every Engaged Couple Should Take!

Planning your wedding is supposed to be exciting, joyful, and full of unforgettable moments. But if you’re like most couples, it can quickly feel like a never-ending to-do list—and even the most organized brides and grooms can forget a few crucial details that could seriously derail their big day.

So here’s the real question:

👉 Are you actually wedding-ready—or just hoping you’ve remembered everything?

Introducing the Wedding Ready or Not? Quiz

At Weddings by Lalo, we’ve worked with hundreds of couples across all kinds of celebrations—from elegant vineyard weddings to backyard boho elopements. And while every couple is unique, there’s one truth that never changes:

It’s the little things you forget that can cause the most stress on the day.

That’s why we created this quick, fun (and eye-opening) quiz—to help you spot any gaps in your wedding planning before they become last-minute emergencies.

🤯 What Couples Often Forget to Plan (and Why It Matters)

You’ve booked the venue, found your dream dress, and maybe even locked in the caterer. But are you overlooking these common “oops” moments?

🕒 1. Timeline Buffer (Spoiler: You Need It)

Weddings run late. It’s not a question of if—it’s how much. If your timeline is too tight, stress builds fast, and those dreamy photos you wanted? They get rushed—or skipped.

Fix: Build in breathing room. Even 10-15 extra minutes between events can save your day.

👥 2. Family Photo Chaos

It sounds simple: “We’ll do a few family shots after the ceremony.” But without a plan, this turns into a logistical nightmare—especially with big families or divorced parents.

Fix: Assign a trusted person to gather family for photos—your photographer (hi, that’s us 👋) can guide it, but we need support from someone who knows the faces.

🍽️ 3. When Are You Going to Eat?

Sounds silly, right? But you’d be shocked how many couples forget to eat—no time before the ceremony, too many interruptions during dinner, and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re starving.

Fix: Schedule food breaks, or have someone bring you plates.

🌦️ 4. What’s Your Plan B?

You’ve got your heart set on an outdoor ceremony. But have you actually prepped a rain or wind backup?

Fix: Have a covered option ready and know your venue’s last-call timeline for switching.

🎤 5. Ceremony Audio

You’ve spent months writing heartfelt vows... and no one in the back row hears a word because there’s no mic.

Fix: Confirm with your officiant that audio is covered—don’t assume!

💡 Here’s the Good News

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. That’s what this quiz is for.

In just 2 minutes, you’ll know whether your wedding plan is on point—or if a few easy fixes could make your day run a lot smoother.

🎁 Plus, when you book your wedding with Weddings by Lalo after taking the quiz, we’ll include 3 hours of complimentary rehearsal dinner photography—so you can start telling your love story the night before your vows.

💬 Real Talk From Gerard

Hi, I’m Gerard—photographer and founder of Weddings by Lalo. I’ve captured over 100 weddings, and I’ve seen what makes a wedding feel effortless (and what makes couples feel overwhelmed).

I created this quiz not just to help you “check boxes,” but to help you feel confident that your wedding is in good hands. Because when you're not worried about the little things, you get to enjoy the big ones.

🎯 Ready to Find Out If You’re Wedding-Ready?

Take the quiz, check your results, and let’s talk about how we can help capture your day—stress-free and beautifully.

👉 TAKE THE QUIZ NOW