All things Wedding...

 

starting with the timeline

It is important to leave some extra time and don't cram too much into a tight schedule. It's inevitable, nothing ever goes exactly as planned on a wedding day. If we have extra wiggle room, it won't matter if something takes longer than anticipated. That way everyone can be relaxed and not rushed or stressed! Here are a couple sample timelines:

WITH A first look


9:00am Bridesmaid hair + makeup begin

11:00am Bride's makeup + hair begin

1:45pm Groom begins getting ready

2:00pm Wedding details photographed

3:00pm Put dress on

3:30pm First looks with dad & bridesmaids

3:45pm First look with your man

4:00pm Bridesmaid & groomsmen photos

4:45-5pm Guests ushered to ceremony

5:30pm GET MARRIED!

6:00pm Family & group photos

6:30pm Couple's portraits

7:15pm sunset

7:30pm Grand entrance into reception

8:00pm Dinner begins

9-10pm Dancing & Reception events

11:00pm Grand exit

without a first look


9:00am Bridesmaid hair + makeup begin

11:00am Bride's makeup + hair begin

1:45pm Groom begins getting ready

2:00pm Wedding details photographed

3:00pm Put dress on

3:30pm First looks with dad & bridesmaids

3:45pm Bridesmaid photos

4:00pm Groomsmen photos

4:45-5pm Guests ushered to ceremony

5:30pm GET MARRIED!

6:00pm Family & group photos & bridesmaid & groomsmen photos

6:30pm Couple's portraits

7:15pm sunset

7:30pm Grand entrance into reception

8:00pm Dinner begins

9-10pm Dancing & Reception events

11:00pm Grand exit

Getting ready



When I arrive, I will start with detail shots. If possible, have the following together somewhere, like in a shoe box. Bride's items in one box, groom's in another. Please keep ALL rings with the bridal items, including the groom's ring.

HIS: shoes, ring, ring box, bowtie or tie, tie clip, pocket square, watch, cuff links, vow books, etc.

HERS: invitation, shoes, ring(s), ring box, bracelets, earrings, necklace, hair pieces, vow book, perfume, etc.

In addition, if there are any sentimental details that you love and feel would make a great accent items feel free to throw those in there! Please have your dress on a cute hanger or any nice wooden hanger. If at all possible, I will grab the brides bouquet and incorporate it, if the bouquet can be arranged to be there along with the other bridal details, that would be awesome!


Once I'm done photographing details of your items and dress I'll start taking candid photos of the bride and her girls. I typically don't shoot "getting ready" until you are almost completely ready, unless specifically asked. I will then head to the boys for their getting ready shots.

The ceremony

The best time to start your ceremony is 2 hours before sunset. This gives us time to capture all formal photos right in time for sunset.

Family photos - The posed



Family formals come immediately after the ceremony, so making sure family members stay put after the ceremony ends is so important. PLEASE provide a detailed family photo list, it helps me keep things moving and everyone wrangled. Below is an example.

 

COUPLE

  • Bride and Groom + Groom Parents (insert names)
  • Bride and Groom + Bride Parents (insert names)
  • Bride and Groom + Both Parents (insert names)
  • Bride and Groom + Siblings (insert names)
  • Bride and Groom + Immediate Family (insert names)

BRIDE

  • Bride + Mom (name)
  • Bride + Dad (name)
  • Bride + Mom and Dad
  • Bride + Siblings (names)
  • Bride + Immediate Family (names)

GROOM

  • Groom+ Mom (name)
  • Groom + Dad (name)
  • Groom + Mom and Dad
  • Groom + Siblings (names)
  • Groom + Immediate Family (names)

 

Wedding party photos



Once we finish up with family photos, we will bring in the whole wedding party for group photos. If you're having a first look, full wedding photos might happen before the ceremony to leave room for more time for couple portraits.

Couple portraits

Here's where I sneak the two of you away for sunset photos! I normally set aside 30+ minutes for couple portraits.

Grand entrance / Reception

Please communicate with your wedding planner and/or DJ to turn off any colorful lighting, strobes lighting, and other distracting lighting for the entrance, first dance, any special parent dances, and during the cake cutting. My camera also begs that you DO NOT HAVE ANY LASER LIGHTS.


Since no one wants photos of them with a mouth full of food, I'll be eating/taking a quick break while you eat.

Exit and other fun originals

Take your exit SLOW, we want plenty of opportunity for photos.

Having a choreographed dance? Fun surprise? Extra activity? Let me know ahead of time!!

You will also be receiving a shot list from me and a questionnaire. If you have ANY questions at any time, ask! I can't wait to get this party started with you!!