An engaged couple sharing a kiss on a rooftop balcony during sunset, with El Paso city buildings in the background. The woman is wearing a white dress and heels, being lifted by the man in a black tuxedo.

The Civil Wedding Guide

JasminCPhoto

Welcome to JasminCPhoto!

I cannot possibly tell you how excited I am that you made your way here, and how excited I am to be the one documenting the biggest day of your life!

A wedding reception with a bride and groom dancing. The bride is in a white wedding gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Guests in formal attire are watching and clapping. The background has a neon sign that says 'Monte Carlo'.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, gazing into each other's eyes. The bride wears a white wedding gown with a veil and holds a bouquet of white roses. The groom wears a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie and a white flower boutonniere. There is a large tree and other greenery in the background.
A bride and groom are standing close together underneath a sheer veil. The bride is wearing a white lace wedding dress with floral embroidery, and the groom is in a light-colored suit. They are touching foreheads in an intimate moment, with a metal arch decorated with string lights and autumn trees visible in the background.

This guide is made up of two main parts: The Civil Wedding Day and The Experience. It's all the details I can tell you about civil weddings, photography, and working with me!

Photography is far more than just showing up with a camera on wedding day and hoping for the best. I take your experience with me, the actual moments of your wedding, and the photos I create for you VERY seriously!

You ready to do this thing? Let’s dive in!

Illustration of a woman sitting at a desk with an open laptop, files, and stationery, working in an office setting.

As a photographer, I’ve been so blessed to be a key part of so many weddings over the years! Not only did I attend them, but I learned and experienced each one. As your friend, here’s the most honest thing I could tell you after all that experience: the quality of a photograph is showcased by two things:

(1) the photographer, and (2) what is being photographed.

Let me explain: The photos with stunning lighting, not only had an incredible photographer to catch that lighting, but the actual stunning lighting was probably there. Photos with breathtaking backgrounds were likely shot in breathtaking locations. Relaxed, authentic photographs were likely shot at relaxed or authentic moments. (And don’t worry, this has NOTHING to do with budget, faking something, etc...)

Now, as your photographer, it's my job to create amazing photos no matter what! I'll make anything work! It's my job to make the moment look even more special, so when you get your sneak peeks the next day, you relive it all over again!

From my experience with shooting weddings, here’s everything I’ve learned, everything that I can promise you works well and doesn’t, the things that make it hard and the things that make it easy, what to expect while working with me, and everything in-between!

The Wedding Day

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The Wedding Day 〰️

Here's all my creative advice for your special day...

Let's start at The beginning of your day.

The Pre-First Looks

Est. Time: 15 Min.

Brides, are you thinking of doing a first look? DO IT! It’s so worth it. If you aren’t driving together, we can set aside some time before your ceremony to make this happen.

Thinking of doing a first look with your dad or mom? ALSO DO IT! These are the photos that always make me emotional the most.

A man and woman standing outdoors during daytime under a tree, smiling and looking at each other, the woman dressed in a white dress, the man in a suit.

The Details

Est. Time: 5 Min.

After your ceremony, we can make time for some detail shots! Even though these might not be the most important photos of the day, they are still meaningful if you choose to have them!

If you would like detail shots, please prepare all your details you’d like photographed, and keep them prepared in one designated spot or box! This creates a seamless start to the day, instead of trying to track down each detail! These details can include:

• Both wedding bands, and engagement ring.

• Wedding bouquet.

•Pairs of shoes.

• Special Heirlooms

• Anything else for desired photographs.

A pair of black high-heeled shoes, a wedding invitation card, a small black flower decoration, a silver ring, and various floral arrangements on a wooden surface.

Prepare the Details

A pair of white wedding shoes with pearl and floral embellishments, a bouquet of cream and white flowers, and greeting cards on a beige marble surface.
A black and white illustration of a bride wedding dress and groom suit and tie.
Two champagne flutes filled with a pink-colored sparkling beverage, a green jewelry box with gold accents, and a bottle of champagne on a wooden stand with a woven basket edge, placed on a round table covered with red and white checkered tablecloth. In the background, blurred red flowers are visible.
A diverse group of people holding hands in a circle outdoors in a park, dressed in formal and casual attire, including a bride and groom, smiling, with green trees and grass in the background.

Family Photos

Outline drawing of a plant with leaves and buds.

Est. Time: 15 Min.

If your family is attending your civil ceremony, and there are more than 8 of you, it helps me greatly if you know, in advance, exactly the photo combinations you want for your family photos. I always recommend that you write out a list of all your desired photographs with combinations of family members, and send it to me before the wedding day!

Close-up of a hand wearing a diamond engagement ring, holding another person's hand.

And then we celebrate!

Line drawing of two wedding rings, one with a large diamond gemstone.

Est. Time: 30 Min. - 1 Hour

YOU’RE OFFICIALLY MARRIED!

After your ceremony we will drive to any location of your choice and document you and your love. This is the perfect time to celebrate, be in the moment, and document special photos of you two.

A couple dressed in wedding attire sharing a kiss inside the Enrique Moreno courthouse with a large window showing the El Paso city skyline, during the daytime.
A happy bride and groom celebrating at night, with the bride holding a bouquet and both raising their arms joyfully in front of a fountain and string lights.

The Ceremony

Black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing.

Est. Time: 20 Min. - 1 Hour

The moment we've been waiting for!

Here's a tip: Before the ceremony is a great time to just calm down. So, keep your favorite people close, take a deep breath, and enjoy this moment!

Most court ceremonies take around 20-30 minutes, or some extended services can take up to a full hour! So, just make sure you cater enough time to that part of the day!

After-Ceremony Photos

The Experience

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The Experience 〰️

From start to finish, here's what to expect as we work together...

Today (booking day!)

Now Until Wedding Day

Engagement Photos

Booking Payments

WEDDING DAY!

Day-After Wedding

I will text you the morning of, just to let you know that I’m excited to finally be headed to your wedding! Then, we have a blast documenting dreamy photos!

I will send you the first previews from your wedding day gallery, so you already have something to enjoy and look back on!

Feel free to come to me with ANYTHING about your wedding. Send me inspo, colors you’re thinking, or ask me any questions!

Your date is officially BOOKED on my calendar! I’m so excited to work with you!

Your final payment is due 2 weeks before your wedding day. (you will get an auto-reminder email for your payment!)

Booked an engagement session with me? Let’s get that date on my books and we’ll get started on your vision, location, and outfits!

1 Month after Wedding

It’s finally time!! I will deliver your FULL wedding! I will be SO excited for you to see, and promise to pour my heart into them!

Back view of a couple embracing outdoors, woman hugging man with arms around his neck, woman wearing an engagement ring, lush green background.

“What now?”

Don’t be a stranger! I always encourage my clients, if you loved working with me, don’t hesitate to reach out when you need a photographer again! I LOVE anniversary sessions, maternity sessions, or ‘just because’ photos! Seriously… seeing your name pop up in my inbox is one of my favorite things!

Did you book an engagement session with me? If you haven't yet, I couldn't recommend it more! Engagement photoshoots are one of the best ways to get to know each other, get comfortable with me, and it makes the wedding day photos SO much less intimidating. Also, these shoots are just so much fun!

Black and white illustration of a bow.
A man and woman with dark curly hair kneeling and writing at White Sands National Park, with a mountain in the distance and a blue sky above.

Engagement Photos

A man and a woman are standing in front of a white brick wall, holding hands and looking at each other. The woman is wearing a shiny purple velvet dress with black tights and black shoes. The man is dressed in a white shirt, dark pants, and black shoes.

One of the first things I ask my couples before an engagement shoot is: "Do you have a vision for this shoot?" Basically, do you have something in mind that you'd like to make a reality? Or do you have something small that you'd like to build off of?

Either way is great! The greatest thing you can do for me is to just let me know where you are at! If you need inspo, I can help guide you through the process of finding and picking a location, a theme, and your outfit choices. My biggest piece of advice is just to make it feel like YOU and let’s get creative!

I only shoot engagement photo sessions in the early morning or in the evening before the sun sets! This is to ensure the best lighting for your shoot!

A man and a woman are kissing in Downtown El Paso at night. The woman is wearing a white dress and a veil. The background shows a neon sign for the Plaza Theatre.

HERE ARE SOME COMMON QUESTIONS PAST COUPLES HAVE ASKED...

  • If it rains on your wedding day, I’m not scared at all! The only thing that might put me in a difficult situation as a photographer on a rainy wedding day is if the couple is completely unwilling to take photos outside or if they lose heart over the weather. Don’t worry, I’m not saying you have to be willing to get soaked! But, if you come prepared with some pretty umbrellas, or you’re willing to put up with light rain on your hair, or duck under some trees, then there is nothing to worry about!!

    Rainy wedding days are some of my favorites. And they say rain on your wedding is good luck!

  • No worries! I've likely dedicated most of the day to your wedding, so if you need me for longer, it's just $200 per extra hour and you can add that on as late as the day-of!

  • Don't worry about it! This guide is simply created to HELP you, not to stress you out or pressure you into something that doesn't feel like you. Obviously, I stand by the things I say in the guide, and they are important, but if you can only implement a solid handful of tips that I laid out in this guide, you're already ahead!

Thank you!

I absolutely cannot wait to photograph your wedding day!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I’ll be there every step of the way to guide you and document all the special memories!

Let’s have some fun!

A woman with purple and pink hair, glasses, wearing a lavender shirt and jeans, stands in front of a white brick wall, holding a bouquet of sunflowers and a camera.
A black and white drawing of a cake.