Wedding Timeline

with a First Look

What is a First Look Timeline?


  • Having a First Look has been a rising occurrence in weddings in the passed few decades. A "First Look" is usually a private moment when you and your soon-to-be spouse see each other before the ceremony. It makes the wedding day a little bit less stressful- adding in extra time for the "First Look" allows more time for portraits with just the two of you! This also allows you to get to your reception sooner.
  • You can also do a first look with a parent, grandparent, your bridal party - whoever you like!


We did a First Look - Sort Of


I'm not superstitious - but I'm a little-stitious (hello fellow Office watchers!). So I didn't want to see Chris (my husband and second photographer!) before the ceremony, but I needed to talk to him just to get my bearings straight. So we did a First Talk. I stood on one side of a building, and Chris stood around the corner. We could talk, hold hands, but we never saw each other. It helped me SO much, and I love the moments captured.

Do I have to follow this?


Absolutely not. Your wedding is YOUR wedding! This is just to help you get an idea of how long things will take on the photography side so we can be sure we capture all the moments that matter to you


This timeline is based on an 8 hour wedding

1:00PM - 1:45PM: Details


Every couple loves having those beautiful shots of their bridal details. It's an important part of the story and I love shooting all the details-dress, shoes, jewelry, etc. While I'm shooting the details, I am also capturing candid shots of the bride and her girls getting ready. I normally allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day.

1:45PM - 2:30PM: Getting Ready - BRIDE


It's time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big moment! Melanie usually asks the mother-of-the-bride and all of the bridesmaids be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. We'll get everyone to "help" put on the dress, necklaces, etc. so that your photos show you surrounded by those that matter most to you

1:45PM - 2:30PM: Getting Ready - GROOM


While Melanie is with the bride, Chris will be hanging out with the groom and groomsmen. He will capture any groom details-cuff links, shoes, ties, etc. While he is photographing details he will also capture groom & groomsmen portraits.

2:30PM - 2:45PM: First Look


The calm before the ceremony! We will find the perfect location for our couple's First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible. You are also more than welcome to pick a spot that you like the most

2:45PM - 3:15PM: Bride and Groom Portraits


After the First Look, we will begin taking romantic portraits of you guys! I will find the locations for these shots as well! As we shot these portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to join us

3:15PM - 3:30PM: Bridal Party Portraits


We will go ahead and snag a few photos of your bridal party. We'll get everyone (guys and gals together), and guys and gals separately. We will do a few more after the ceremony, but we'll get most out of the way with here

3:30PM - 4:00PM: Bride in Hiding


After bridal party portraits are complete, the bride will go into hiding so that early guests don't sneak a peek and the ushers will begin their duties. This also gives you a moment to catch your breath, laugh with your bridesmaids, and just enjoy the moment. Be sure to schedule in a break like this - it really helps the nerves!

3:30PM - 4:00PM: Reception Details



If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, we will use this time to shoot the reception decor untouched. 

4:00PM - 4:30PM: Ceremony


It's time to get married! Most ceremonies are 20-30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 minutes, we'll make adjustments to the timeline. Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!

4:30PM - Cocktail Hour


This gives your guests time to mingle while we're off grabbing some great portraits.


4:30PM - 5:00PM: Family Portraits


It's best to shoot all of the family formals immediately following the ceremony because all the family members will be present at that time. We'll need about 30 minutes for family. We recommend shooting portraits outdoors if possible, especially if the ceremony location is dark! Make sure family members are notified beforehand to stick around for the family portraits!

5:00PM - 5:15PM: Left Over Bridal Party Portraits


Or more bride and groom portraits! We'll use this time to ensure we've grabbed all the photos we need to for the bridal party, or get a few more of the bride and groom.

5:30PM: Reception


You made it! It's time to be introduced into your reception, take your first dance, and enjoy your guests.


Timeline is not as strict during the reception. We'll just focus on capturing every moment


We'll help guide you through the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.

9:00PM - Grand Exit


We recommend 8 hours of coverage so that we can be present for the main events of the reception and some of the dancing. If your party is still rocking and you're not ready to call it a night, you can either add additional coverage or plan a faux exit with just your bridal party.

Tips & Tricks


  • When we arrive, we'll start with the detail photos. It's best to have the following items set aside so we can start photographing easily! Feel free to add anything else you want captured
  • wedding rings (both!), a full set of invitations, any jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, headpieces), wedding dress, veil, bouquets, perfume, shoes.
  • Ask your florist for any extra scraps they may have from making your bouquets and centerpieces - this will add great detail to your photos!
  • Be sure that you notify all friends and family members that you want photographed BEFORE the wedding that they will be in portraits and to NOT go to cocktail hour till after portraits. Family portraits will go much smoother this way
  • If ceremony and reception are in 2 different locations, Chris will start photographing reception details while I'm photographing bridal details at 1:00pm in this timeline. If this is the case, try to have the reception area as much put together as possible
  • Faux exit: if coverage time is up but the party is still going, Chris and I can steal you two and your bridal party to do a faux exit. This way, we still grab the photo and you can go back to enjoy the night!
  • Want to see what a timeline looks without a First Look? Check it out here
  • the biggest difference: More time is needed After the ceremony with a traditional timeline, so you'll get to your reception later