the how-tos of "I Do"

into the nitty gritty because....

YOU'RE ALMOST MARRIED!!!!

Your timeline is an essential part of your wedding day.

Whether or not you have a coordinator, I always think it's best that you understand what's required photography wise so we can make your wedding day exactly what you want it to be. It's often overlooked just how much time is needed to set up the moments throughout your wedding day, so that you have beautiful and stress free photos to look back on. I'm going to go in depth of every aspect your wedding day, and what that means for your schedule.


As a reminder, this is YOUR day! I will customize your timeline to meet your needs and wants to the best of my ability. These is just information and suggestions.

Do what's best for you!

Number 1: Hair & Makeup


Unless otherwise requested, hair and makeup should be finishing up by the time we arrive. This tends to take the longest, and is often the section of the day that can go longer than expected, so be sure to leave some buffer room in case.


As soon as we are done with details, we will start photographing the "Getting Ready" process, which is why everyone should be dolled up by this point!


TIP 1: A favorite trick of mine is to take "faux" hair and makeup shots: your hair dresser or bridesmaid spraying your hair (even though it's already done), you applying lipstick (even though it's already applied), etc. This allows you to have those shots without the stress or added time!


TIP 2: Add 30 minutes to however long your HMUA says - just in case! If things are on time, then you have 30 minutes to relax and have fun!

Number 2: the Details


Getting your details photographed is an easy way to elevate your wedding, and helps to celebrate all the hard work you and your partner put into your wedding day. The longer we have set aside for this, the more we can highlight!


If you have an 8-10 hour wedding, we will have plenty of time to photograph every piece in detail. For weddings of 5-7 hours, we can still capture all the pieces together and highlight some! But certain aspects like the dress may not be photographed by itself to save time.

What to Include:


Please have these items together in one place (For example: a shoebox). Your items in one box and your partner's in another. If you are getting ready at separate locations, then please keep ALL rings with the bridal items, including the groom’s ring. Note: all may not apply, and you are more than welcome to add more items to this list.


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

HERS: Invitation suite, shoes, ring(s), ring box, bracelets, earrings, necklace, hair pieces, vow book, perfume, bouquet, spare florals (ask your florist!), wedding dress (I will come to you or the Point of Contact for this!), etc.

Tip:

1) Textures can add dimension to your details. So if you have a fur or knit shawl, lace veil, or anything else, feel free to include it!


2) Have your dress on a cute hanger. If you didn’t buy one specifically for it, that’s okay! Any nice wooden hanger will do just fine

 

Number 3: Getting Ready

 

Let's be honest: no one really wants to be photographed with makeup halfway done, one eyelash off, and in their underwear. So the "Getting Ready" section starts when everyone is ALMOST fully ready! Dresses are on but not fully zipped, pants and button-ups are on but vests and ties are off, etc.


Exceptions: Want matching PJ/robe photos? That's awesome! We'll get those moments as soon as details are done, then get everyone dressed. This would require that we have the full hour or more for "Getting Ready". Otherwise, if everyone is almost fully dressed, this section should be around 45 minutes. Ideally, the bridal party should be fully ready 2-3 hours BEFORE the ceremony

TIP: Your "Getting Ready" location should be clean with plenty of natural light to get the best photos. We will be in this location for an hour or MORE photographing, so it should the best we can make it! Choose a room with large or numerous windows (ideally, we will NOT have lights on as this can cause unflattering color changes so the more windows, the better!), and try to keep everyone's items tucked away in one corner.

The (almost) Newlyweds should be the LAST one's to get ready. This way the bridal party/parents can help with the finishing touches! Lacing up the dress, putting on the vest, even putting on shoes - these are the moments we want to capture!

Number 4: First looks


You can do a first look with anyone you want! That's the joy of it being YOUR day. Parents, bridesmaids/groomsmen, kiddos, and of course your partner.


First Looks generally take 15 minutes EACH to complete. So if you want a First Look with your dad and then your partner, we need at least 30 minutes for the moment itself, plus another 15-30 to move everyone into proper locations.

Tip: Location


As always, lighting and location are important! You chose your venue for a reason, so if you have a preference on where the first looks happen, please let me know. Otherwise, we will choose a spot that offers the best lighting and keeps you hidden from guests.


I'll also have tissues with me as these moments do tend to have high emotions haha

Tip:


Did you know you don't have to LOOK at each other for a first look?

Chris and I did a variation where we stood on two adjacent walls and held hands around the corner. We talked to each other and calmed our nerves down without laying eyes on each other! There are tons of variations of the "First Look" - do what is most comfortable for you!

Couple in Hiding


This is just the calm before the ceremony. I aim to leave 15-30 minutes before the ceremony FREE. In an ideal situation, this lets us get into place and photograph your guests while you relax before the big moment. But if things are running behind, this gives a great buffer period so we're not late!


Number 5: The Ceremony

The moment we've all been waiting for!! There's not much to change or adjust for, but here are some helpful tips:


-If possible have your ceremony 2 hours before sunset. This lets us get your bridal portraits right at sunset! Or we can sneak you out of reception at sunset for some final photos.


-Avoid having your ceremony at Mid-Day, especially in the summer. This will cause harsh lights, and your guests (and you!) to squint during the ceremony.


-We will ask your officiant to move so your first kiss is just the two of you!


-Stopping at the end of the aisle for a kiss offers a beautiful shot of all your guests looking at you! We'll remind you the day of


-Have an unplugged ceremony! I cannot stress this enough. So many beautiful photos have been obstructed with phones, iPads, and even someone's personal camera flash. Let your guests enjoy your ceremony without interruption.


Number 6: Family Portraits



Family formals don't need to take longer than 20-30 minutes IF we are organized! To ensure this happens, here are your tips:


  1. Tell ALL family members/friends who you want photographed to STAY near the ceremony site after the ceremony. If you don't, most will head into cocktail hour and we have to track them down.
  2. Please provide me a list of everyone you want photographed! Names are essential! Examples:
  3. Bride and Groom with Bride's parents (John and Maria)
  4. B & G with G's siblings (James, Mike, Joanna)
  5. Bride with Bride's parents, siblings, and grandparents
  6. Notify me of any family tensions I should be aware of so I don't cause any unnecessary awkwardness. For instance, if Aunt A doesn't talk to Aunt Z, but you want a photo with both, I know to not put them next to each other in the photo!

Number 7: Wedding Party & Bridal Photos

After family portraits, we will do FULL wedding party photos (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Only 15-20 minutes usually!

I love to do beautiful poses mixed with fun prompts here! So this is your time to get creative if you want a fun photo with the people you chose to be by your side.


We will also do Bride and her bridesmaids, and Groom with his groomsmen here. If you have a first look, we may do some of this before the ceremony to save time.

After wedding party portraits, we will do YOUR portraits! YAY!!


Ideally, we will do this within Golden hour (within 1 hour of sunset). This will offer the most gorgeous lighting for your forever photos. If your timeline does not allow that, then we can aim to steal you away during the reception for 15-20 minutes to get these shots!


TIP: Most couples by this point are tired. I suggest having a bridesmaid/groomsmen get you a snack and some water to fuel you both for this little bit. I know you've had a long day up unto this point, but these are moments you do not want to miss out on!

Cocktail Hour:


Do you want to spend cocktail hour with your guests instead of taking photos? That's fine!! As long as you have a first look, we can get wedding party photos and bride/groom photos BEFORE the ceremony. That way the only photos we need to do afterwards are family portraits - then you can finish up cocktail hour with your loved ones!

Number 8: Reception


Now it's time to have FUNNNN! Dancing, cake cutting, toasts, Aunt Susie busting out the moves you didn't know she had - I can't wait!


Dinner (for weddings of 5 or more hours): Since no one wants photos of open mouths full of food (haha!) I’ll be eating at the same time as you. Make sure to inform your caterer/coordinator so I'm not in another room away from important events, and so there are no delays!

P A R T Y T I M E

WOOHOOO!!!

I WILL sing along, and dance with you all night longgggg!!

(plus take all the dancing + drunk photos of your wedding party, family + friends!)


TIP: Tell me what reception events you have planned in advance so I can plan accordingly. Is groom dancing with mom? Who all are doing toasts? Do you have a flash mob or choreographed dance?

Number 9: Exit


Time to ride off into the night!! Pinterest has thousands of ideas on how to exit your wedding day. Some great ideas:


-Sparklers

-Bio-Confetti Poppers

-Flag Sendoff

-Tinsel Streamers

-Bubble Shooters

-Pompoms

-Foam Glow Sticks

-Lightsabers!


Tip 1: If doing sparklers, get LARGE ones. These will last longer so they will still be lit by the time you finish coming down! Also ask your DJ about cold sparklers - they are AMAZING!


Tip 2: If your wedding is less than 8 hours, we either need to sacrifice time in the beginning of the day or at the end. If we choose the end, don't worry! Faux send offs are beautiful, intimate occasions. We'll gather a select few people (close family and friends), do a faux send off, then send you back into your party! This also ensures that people are still pretty sober haha


Final Tip:

be in the moment

 These are only tips and suggestions to help guide you through the creation of your wedding day. But what really matters is the time you will share celebrating the connection between you and your love, with your family and friends by your side. 


The day of your wedding, I want you to feel the moments in your soul. The moment you are walking down the aisle towards your love, the moment you read each other's vows and promises to one another, and the moment you have your first dance as husband and wife. These are the moments that count, everything else is just icing on the wedding cake.


I'll be in touch


As we get closer, I'll be in touch with rough drafts of your timeline and any questions I need cleared up.


In the meantime, please:

  • complete this questionnaire
  • send me any photo requests if you have any
  • let me know if you have a preference on location for bridal or family portraits, or if you would rather I choose on arrival
  • GET EXCITED!!