Creating Cherished Wedding Albums With Iphoto

Creating a wedding album in iPhoto is a fun post-wedding activity, but it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. A good place to start is by getting organised. Chances are, with the digital world we live in, all your photos are going to be files stored on your computer and mobile phone. So get them all onto the same device and make two folders – one for general wedding memories and one for your wedding album shortlist. Then start filtering through. Not only will this make it easier to upload them to your bespoke album, but it’s also a good way to bring together all of your pictures. Make sure you back them up, too, on a hard drive or USB so they’re 100% safe and sound.

Selecting and organising photos

Once you've selected your most-loved images, label them in the order you want them to appear in your book. This will save you time when ordering them in the design studio. Remember, fewer images mean each one can truly stand out and embody the highlights of your wedding.

The pictures you choose to preserve in your album should tell the story of your wedding day. Whether the focus is on the chronology of the day, the emotional journey, the intricate details, or the overall atmosphere, ensure your images reflect what's most important to you.

Before you start designing your album, start with your favourite images. The images that will make you feel the most joy are the ones you love the most. Include photos taken in both portrait and landscape, or include shots in colour and black and white. At this stage, you’ll start to see what your album will look like.

Your wedding album is an heirloom, so be sure to include family photos. You might also want to include photos of the venue, location, or couple to offer context for the rest of the book. The following pages should include photos of the party getting ready, such as the groom adjusting his tie or the bride putting on makeup. The next pages must feature the couple seeing each other dressed up. The most emotional shots should take up a whole page, while multiple family photos, wedding party images, and venue snapshots could go on a single page.

Choosing a theme

Deciding on a theme for your wedding album is a crucial step in the album-making process. The theme you choose will help you select the photos that best reflect your wedding day and tell your unique story. Here are some tips to help you choose a theme that captures the magic of your special day:

• Chronological vs. Emotional Journey: You can choose to arrange your photos in chronological order, starting with the morning of the wedding and ending with the parting shot. This approach creates a clear narrative flow that takes viewers through the day's events. However, you don't have to stick to a strict timeline. Feel free to organise your photos based on an emotional journey, focusing on the atmosphere, emotions, and special moments that stood out.
• Focus on the Couple vs. Family and Friends: Decide whether you want the album to primarily showcase the couple or include a wider range of photos featuring family, friends, and the entire wedding party. Including photos of your loved ones can be a wonderful way to highlight the role they played in your special day.
• Romantic vs. Fun Moments: Your wedding album can focus on the most romantic and intimate moments, such as the couple's portraits, the first look, and the first dance. Alternatively, you can emphasise the fun and joy of the day by including more candid shots, reception details, and guests enjoying themselves.
• Traditional vs. Modern: Consider whether you want your wedding album to have a traditional or contemporary feel. This decision will influence the overall design, layout, and cover choice. Traditional albums often feature classic layouts, elegant fonts, and timeless cover materials like leather or linen. In contrast, modern albums might experiment with different page orientations, minimalist designs, and unconventional cover options.
• Details and Decor: If your wedding had a particular theme or unique decor elements, consider showcasing them in your album. Close-up shots of the rings, invitation suite, floral arrangements, table settings, or any other special details can add interest and help tell the story of your day.
• Venue and Location: The wedding venue and surrounding areas can provide a stunning backdrop for your photos. Consider including images that highlight the beauty of the location, whether it's a picturesque outdoor setting or a stylish indoor space.

Remember, your wedding album should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Choose a theme that resonates with you and showcases the aspects of your wedding day that were most meaningful to you.

Picking a format

• Wedding Photo Book vs. Album vs. Magazine: The first decision you need to make is whether to go for a photo book, a traditional album, or a modern magazine-style format. Photo books typically have paper pages and a flexible binding, while albums have stiffer board pages and may offer a lay-flat design. Magazines are perfect if you want to include a large number of photos and text, and they are often a great option for gifting. Consider the number of photos you plan to include and the overall look and feel you want to achieve.
• Board Pages vs. Paper Pages: Another important choice is between board pages and paper pages. Board pages are stiff, inflexible, and heavy, while paper pages are flexible and can be made from art paper or matt art paper. Board pages are ideal if you want a durable and luxurious feel, while paper pages offer more flexibility and are often more affordable.
• Square, Landscape, or Portrait Format: The orientation of your photos will also play a role in your format decision. Landscape is the most popular choice, but portrait formats have a classic and elegant feel. Consider the majority of your photos' orientation and choose a format that will display them optimally.
• Size of the Book/Album: You'll also need to decide on the size of your wedding album. Large formats are often preferred as they allow for more photos and can be a better fit for displaying on a coffee table. However, if you had an intimate wedding, a smaller, understated design may be more appropriate. Consider where you plan to display or store your album and choose a size that fits your needs.
• Cover Options: The cover of your wedding album is essential, as it sets the tone and introduces the story of your special day. You can choose from a simple text cover, a custom photo cover, or a designer cover with UV-printed templates. Consider what will best reflect the style and theme of your wedding.
• Cover Fabric: In addition to the cover design, you'll also need to select a cover fabric. Popular options include premium natural linen, classic linen, premium-colored linen, premium coated cloth, vegan leather, and Milano Italian leather. Choose a fabric that captures the look and feel of your wedding celebration.
• Page Paper Stock and Finish: The type of paper you select for the pages will impact the final look of your photos. Options include satin (a coated stock with a slight sheen), photo lustre (a thick, smooth paper with a lustrous finish), and matt white (an uncoated stock with a slightly muted print result). Consider the finish you want for your photos and choose a paper stock that aligns with your vision.
• Presentation Box: If you choose a large-format album, consider adding an elegant presentation box to keep your album safe and protected from wear and tear. This can also add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your wedding album.

Sizing

When choosing a size, consider where you will be displaying your album. Will it be a statement piece on your coffee table, or will it be tucked away safely on a bookshelf? The number of photos you want to include will also influence your size choice. Smaller albums may have fewer pages, limiting the number of photos you can include.

Another factor to keep in mind is the orientation of your photos. Most wedding albums are available in landscape, square, or portrait formats. Landscape is the most popular choice, but portrait formats offer a traditional and elegant look. Review your photos and match the orientation of your album to the majority of your images for the best display.

Additionally, the size of your album will impact the cost. Larger albums with more pages will generally be more expensive than smaller albums with fewer pages. If you're working within a budget, consider the number of photos you want to include and the desired size of your album to determine the most cost-effective option.

Finally, don't forget to think about storage and preservation. A larger album will require more space and should be stored flat to protect the binding. You may also want to invest in a custom box or case to keep your album safe from dust, spills, and humidity.

In summary, consider the number of photos you want to include, the desired display option, your budget, and storage possibilities when deciding on the size of your wedding album. Choose a size that best reflects your special day and showcases your favourite memories.

Adding details

Select and Organise Your Photos:

Begin by creating a folder specifically for your wedding photos. This will make it easier to upload them to your chosen platform or software for designing the album. Go through all the images and select your favourites that capture the most meaningful moments, emotions and details. Include a mix of candid shots, portraits, and group photos. You may also want to create sub-folders for different parts of the day, such as getting ready, the ceremony, couple portraits, reception, etc. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to arrange the photos in a chronological order or a story-like sequence.

Decide on a Theme:

Choose a theme for your wedding album that reflects your style and personality. This could be a romantic or emotional journey, focusing on the couple or including family and friends. You may also want to highlight the intricate details such as florals, attire, or venue décor. Ensure the images you select align with the theme you've chosen.

Find the Right Format:

Decide on the format of your wedding album – will it be a traditional photo album, a photo book, or a magazine-style layout? Consider the number of photos you want to include and the overall look you wish to achieve. If you have a large number of photos, a photo book or magazine format might be more suitable, as they offer more flexibility in terms of page count and layout.

Size and Orientation:

Determine the size and orientation of your wedding album. Landscape format is the most popular choice, but portrait format has a classic and elegant feel. Choose a size that fits the space where you plan to display your album, such as a coffee table or bookshelf. If you had an intimate wedding, consider a smaller, understated design, while a grander celebration might call for a larger format.

Enhance with Details:

When designing your wedding album, pay attention to the small details that bring your wedding day to life on the page. Use a mix of full-page spreads, collages, and single-photo layouts to create variety and interest. Play with text by adding your vows, song lyrics from your first dance, or meaningful quotes. Consider leaving some white space to create a clean, timeless look and allow your photos to breathe.

Customise the Cover:

The cover of your wedding album sets the tone and introduces the story of your special day. You can choose a simple text cover, a photo cover, or a designer cover with customised text and images. Select a cover fabric that captures the look and feel of your wedding, such as linen, leather, or coated cloth in colours that complement your wedding aesthetic.

Preserve and Protect:

Finally, consider how you will preserve and protect your wedding album for years to come. Store it in a protective case or box, preferably lay-flat on a table or surface, to keep it safe from wear and tear and prolong its lifespan.

Frequently asked questions