Wedding Timeline

without a First Look

What is a Traditional Timeline?


Having a First Look with your soon to be husband or wife was not a common occurrence in previous years, so many photographers refer to weddings without First Looks as a Traditional Timeline. It's a classic way to do a wedding day, building suspense and excitement for that moment in the ceremony when you look up to see the love of your life at the other end of the aisle!

Why does not having a First Look change things?


In a First Look Timeline, more time is given before the ceremony for Bride & Groom portraits. Without it, both Family Portraits and Bride & Groom Portraits must be done just after the ceremony and before the reception. This will make the Portrait session take about an hour and a half. Read the bottom of this page for my biggest tips & tricks for planning a Traditional Timeline

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

2:00PM - 2:45PM: Details


Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of her 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.

2:45PM - 3:30PM: 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

2:45PM - 3:30PM: 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.

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 - 5:30PM: Bridal Party Portraits


We will shoot the entire bridal party together and both the girls and guys separately. Make sure the guys haven't taken off their boutonnieres!

5:30PM - 6:00PM: Bride & Groom Portraits


Everyone else will head to the last bit of Cocktail Hour while Chris and I start capturing just the two of you! This is your time to enjoy each other, soak in the day, and relish in the fact that you are now Mr & Mrs


We recommend scheduling this time right around sunset. If the timeline forces portraits earlier in the day, we may steal you two for 10 minutes during the reception to take beautiful sunset photos

6:15PM: 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 guide you on posing best for the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.

10:00PM - 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.
  • a smooth family portrait session can get these done in 15 minutes, meaning more time in the reception!
  • If ceremony and reception are in 2 different locations, Chris will start photographing reception details while I'm photographing bridal details at 2:00pm 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 like with a First Look? Check it out here
  • the biggest difference is more time is needed BEFORE the ceremony for portraits with a First Look. This will mean less reception time