Wedding Photography: A hobby that pays & tips!

Once you buy a nice camera all sorts of things can happen to you. When I purchased mine on a very expensive whim I never thought it would already have paid for itself!
I love going to weddings, they always make me want to settle down, hitch someone to this ole' wagon (aka myself...) and become a real housewife of Oklahoma or something, but did I ever think I would be doing wedding photography and getting paid for it!? Well... no. Do I love doing it? While I will neither answer in the affirmative or the negative, I will admit that it is slightly addicting.
I just shot my friend, and now cousin-in-laws' wedding two weekends ago and it was a blast! The wedding party was so fun, the theme "the perfect pair," was executed flawlessly and it is obvious that they both are really in love. 
While I'm trying to maintain a certain level of humility in my photography since I'm a novice, I do some kick ass work... go ahead and see for yourself! I've added what I think are some mildly helpful hints too.

1. Start cropping before you hit the computer, really be aware of how you are framing any subject

2. Use guiding lines in your picture. See how the bridesmaids hand leads the eye right to the bride?! That's not on accident people.

3. While this is not the angle for every bride, this shot is an interesting perspective and allows the viewer to catch great details of the dress.

4. Capture every dramatic moment! Here all the bridesmaids were offering the bride all sorts of advice on hair and make up. As a photographer always be snapping pics, even if you don't think it's relative- the unplanned pictures can be the best.

5. Do not be afraid to move around! When you're on location in the heat of things, make sure that you're taking pictures right on the front lines! All those annoying relatives might be mad that you're in their shot, but hey- it's your job to get the good pics... not theirs.

6. Don't hesitate to get up close and personal shots. I can say this easily, because this is a shot of my sister (who was a bridesmaid)... but for real, people let photographers do whatever we want, even if it's get in their face.

7. When taking posed portraits, phyiscally move your subjects. Sometimes it's hard to explain what hand you want to go where, so just go ahead and move their hand for them... trust me, they'll trust you and you'll look like you know what you're doing.

8. Be creative! I thought of this shot when I took couple pictures for some friends of mine and absolutely love it. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I like to think it's pretty cute and creative.

9. If the shoe fits, have the bridal party get crazy and fun! Here we see the classic "I want my bouquet back" shot... not sure if I saw this somewhere or thought of it myself... but I more than encourage this kind of behavior with every wedding party I work with.