Walk through a wedding timeline with me
Getting Ready & Details
When I arrive at the venue, I usually meet you where you’re getting ready. I say hi & start taking photos of your details. If you want your details photographed, it’s helpful for me (and you!!) when your details are in a box, ready to go when I arrive.
When it’s time to get dressed, the loved one helping you should already be dressed. I’ll wait for you to get mostly dressed, you’ll let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll take photos when your people start zipping or buttoning you.
Getting ready seems to always run longer than expected, so plan a little extra time just in case things go off schedule.
Immediate Family Photos
Family photos are such an important part of your wedding day because these are the people that made you who you are and both of your families are all in one place. This part of the day can be the most stressful since we are trying to coordinate with so many people. Having clear communication with all these special people is crucial! Let them know where & when they should meet for photos, so everyone is ready to go.
This part of the day is so special that it has its own blog post!
Just a little reminder:
As you begin planning your wedding, I’m sure there will be moments where you feel overwhelmed and pressured to do things you think you should do. I want to remind you that your day is about you two – your love, your story, the things that feel right to you. You’re allowed to plan your day however you would like, and I’ll be right there ready to support you and be your biggest cheerleader.
Cocktail Hour
Sometimes during cocktail hour, family members will stay in the ceremony space for family photos. As a photographer, I know these formal photos are important, but nothing compares to the candid, emotional, authentic moments that happen while you’re celebrating with your people. These end up being some of my favorite moments from your day. So it’s important to me that I capture group photos as efficiently as possible. Keeping your shot list short and specific gets you back to being in the moment!
If there are two photographers, I will stay with you two, and the other photographer will snap candids of your people during cocktail hour. Couples who take all their family photos before the ceremony just have to sign the license and then they can go mingle with their people!
As a wedding photographer, I photograph 1-2 weddings a week from May through October. You are most likely planning a wedding for the first time & I don’t want you to feel like you have to figure it out alone. I’m here to help make sure your day is everything you hope for.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the big events of your day and share some advice so you know what to expect.
Tips for a stress-free Wedding Day:
Plan your wedding day around what feels good to you and your partner!!
Have a details box ready for me when I arrive.
Plan extra time for everything & if there’s something you want to happen, make sure it’s in your timeline.
Create a clear & specific family shot list. Try to take as many group photos before the ceremony as possible.
Have clear communication with your family members so they know where to be for photos.
Stay with your partner during the reception if you want candids together.
First Look & Private Vows
We usually have so much time before the ceremony, so capturing as many important photos earlier in the day allows you to be in the moment during the second half of the day. Even if you aren’t doing a first look, taking photos with each partner’s groups (family & wedding party) is a great plan.
If you are doing a first look, take as long as you need during this time & let me know when you’re ready to begin portraits. Sometimes couples will choose to do their private vows right now too.
Ceremony
I usually will stand up at the front as you enter the ceremony space and if there’s a second photographer, they will start at the back. Once the ceremony begins, I will rotate around until the ceremony is over. I will stand at the end of the aisle for the first kiss, and the second photographer will stand on the side so we can capture it from multiple angles.
Sometimes couples will pause halfway through the aisle as you’re leaving the ceremony for a little dip kiss, so if that’s something you’re planning on, let me know! If you are planning on doing anything unique or special, please let me know so I know to be in the right place for it!
If you are doing extended family photos after the ceremony, have your officiant make an announcement after you have walked back down the aisle so those people remember that they need to stay in the ceremony space while everyone else is going to cocktail hour.
Reception
Once we finish group photos & signing the official stuff, I’ll follow you two around and capture those sweet moments with your people. If you want lots of candids of you two lovebirds together during cocktail hour & the reception, try to mosey around together as much as possible.
After your Wedding
When I get home from your wedding, I immediately begin backing up your photos to my computer to keep them safe. The day after your wedding, I go through all the photos I took and select the photos that end up in your final gallery. You’ll get all the best photos! Then, I will pick my very favorites and start editing your sneak peeks or preview photos. I will text or email you the link to these photos 2 days after your wedding! You’ll receive your full wedding gallery on your 2 month Wedding Anniversary!
