creative bride/groom shots, on-site portraits, etc. how do YOU light?

I'm looking for the most efficient way to easily light bride/groom on location.

Constraints:
1. NO assistant (I use one but not always)
2. Free standing device.. tripod?
3. Soft diffusion (thinking a medium softbox)
4. enough flash power to semi-kill the ambient
5. Lightweight (not completely necessary as i'm a big guy but still)

Here is what i'm thinking

2 speedlites on a flash bracket, firing into a medium sized (collapsible) softbox. mounted on a carbon fiber tripod.
This would all be remotely triggered obviously.

With that said...
I wonder if 2x 430EX II's would provide sufficient light WITH a softbox (or if 2x 580's would be required). or even a Qflash.

Do they even sell softboxes (or similar) compatible with 2 speedlites?

How important is the softbox in the first place? surely I can produce good results from speedlite barebulbs.

how would YOU all do it?

I use a 430ex on a tripod and shoot thru umbrella and it gives me plenty of light as long as I dont have to overpower the sun...

bdpaco wrote in post #10700889
I use a 430ex on a tripod and shoot thru umbrella and it gives me plenty of light as long as I dont have to overpower the sun...

i'm thinking a shoot thru umbrella may be the best option. soft light like a softbox and it weighs less..


all i have is a 60" which is too big. what size do you use?

just get yourself a inexpensive light stand, a 40-45" umbrella and use the flash you have.

Usually I use a 33" and a 45" just depends on what I am shooting...

I use one of these (as shoot-through) on a light stand, anchored by my bag.

If using an umbrella remember that the slightest breeze may cost you if you dont anchor it down!