Getting Ready

The first thing I do when I arrive is begin gathering all of your accessories for a detail photo. Having all of your important items in one spot will make it easier on me and save you (or a bridesmaid) from having to search the room for everything you want photographed.

Getting Dressed

It's a good idea for the folks helping you into your wedding dress to already be dressed and ready before it's your turn.

If you're thinking about doing a bridesmaid first look, make sure to include it in your timeline! It's better to plan some extra time in the morning to avoid feeling rushed before your ceremony.

What time should your photographer arrive?

I like to arrive at least 1 hour before your ceremony. If you are looking to do more photos before the ceremony than after I recommend having me arrive at least 2-3 hours before your ceremony.

• 30 minutes - 1 hour of getting ready photos

• Any travel time from getting ready location to the venue?

• 30 minutes - 1 hour for First looks, Wedding Party images, Bride + Groom photos and more. Plan for even more additional time if you are traveling to a different location for photos.

• 30 minutes extra time before the ceremony starts because let’s be honest… plan for things to run behind schedule.

First Look

If you're thinking about having a first look before your ceremony, I would strongly suggest making it a special moment just for you and your partner. I completely understand that your mom, sister, and best friend are eager to witness the look on his face when he sees you for the first time – it's such a heartwarming moment! However, this time is truly magical when it's just the two of you, lost in your own world. Beforehand, it might be a good idea to gently remind your family and bridal party that you'd like this moment to be intimate and private. After all, there aren't many opportunities for alone time on your big day, and this one is definitely worth savoring!

Ceremony

What should I have ready to go for my details photos?

Shoes, rings, invitations, perfume, Vows, jewelry, etc.

If you are …

doing a first look, I will use any extra time before your ceremony to try to do the whole wedding party photos.

If you are not …

doing a first look before the ceremony I will try to focus on getting groomsmen and/or bridal party photos done at this time. This will save us some more time for Bride and Groom photos later on.

I prefer not to schedule any family formal photos before the ceremony since parents are usually running around and we tend to repeat the same photos after the ceremony anyway. You will want the majority of your photos to be you and your partner together with your family!

If there's anything unique or different about your ceremony plans, please give me a heads-up in advance. Here are a few examples:

1. If your kiss doesn't happen at the very end of the ceremony, or if your church doesn't include a kiss in the ceremony at all.

2. If the groomsmen will be entering from the side in a line, rather than walking down with the bridesmaids.

3. If you and your partner have some creative ritual planned like planting a tree, sawing a log in half, or making whiskey together (yes, I've seen it all!), and it requires me to move from the center aisle.

4. If your adorable dog will be strutting down the aisle in style.

I really want to capture every special moment, so I don't want to miss a beat because I wasn't in the right spot! Your help in keeping me in the loop is much appreciated. Can't wait to be a part of your unique and wonderful ceremony!

Family Formals

This can become a very stressful point in your day. I try my absolute best to organize the chaos but here are some tips to help make these 30 minutes go by smoothly.

1. List with Names: When creating your list, include specific names. While it's easy to jot down "mom," "dad," "brother," or "uncle," remember that I won't know which Uncle you're thinking of. Using names like "Uncle Mike" helps me call out and locate the right person quickly.

2. Familiar Face Coordinator: Enlist the help of someone who knows your family well to gather everyone for photos. They can be a lifesaver in rounding up the right people efficiently.

3. Unique Family Dynamics:If there are any unique family dynamics, please inform me beforehand. It's essential to be respectful of everyone's situations. For example, if your mom or dad are remarried, knowing this allows me to avoid any mix-ups.

4. Priority for Grandparents and Children: I prioritize capturing photos with grandparents and/or children first. This ensures that we don't keep them waiting for too long, and we can capture those heartwarming moments right away.

5. Large Group Photos: If you have any large group photos with ten or more people, it's a good idea to schedule them early in the photo session. This way, we can efficiently organize and photograph these larger groups before moving on to smaller ones.

By following these tips, we can make sure your family photos are a breeze, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your special day!

I recommend your list for family photos being no more than 15 different variations. Now that you are your partner are married you will want to be in most photos together as a couple. Here is an example Family Photo List.

Bride, Mom, Dad

Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad

Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad, Siblings

- add siblings S.O.

- mom and dad step out for sibling photo

Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad, Siblings , Grandparents

Bride, Groom, Grandparents

And then repeat for Grooms family.

Wedding Party & Bride/Groom Photos

This is the fun part!

We will first do the whole wedding party, then the groomsmen, then the bridal party. If I have a 2nd photographer, they will take the groomsmen and I will stick with the bridal party. After those are wrapped I focus on all of the photos of you and your now husband/wife. In most cases, after all of the other photos are done, we have about 30 minutes for Bride and Groom photos. I will always try to pull you both again later on for golden hour photos!

Between ceremony and reception if you have to do family photos, all of the wedding party photos, and Bride and Groom photos you will need at least an hour and a half of time set aside.

This is my favorite part of the whole day (obviously).

Plan on traveling for photos? Let’s make a plan!

If you are planning to go somewhere for photos either before or after your ceremony it’s important to factor in travel time. Here are some things to think about.

• Is the whole wedding party going or just you are your partner?

• How is everyone getting there?

• Factoring in travel time (there and back), do you have at least 20 minutes for photos?

• Are you looking to go before or after your ceremony?

Reception

Tell me your reception plans!

• Grand Entrance

• Speeches. How many?

• Cake cutting

• Special dances. How many?

• Are you doing a bouquet or garter toss?

• Any other events, dances, or games?

• Are you doing a special send-off?

For open dancing photos, I just need 30-45 minutes of coverage. If open dancing begins at 8:00pm then the latest you need me is until 9:00pm.

Sparkler Send-Offs

For sparkler send-offs a lot of the time I’m not scheduled to be there that late. Here are some alternative ideas!

• Have your send-off earlier! A lot of guests slowly start to leave as the night goes on. Do a fake send-off when open dancing begins and just have fun running through the sparklers.

• Have it be just with your bridal party! This is a great way to have fun with all your friends. You can also opt out of sparklers and do bubbles or confetti!

• Do a fun exit after your ceremony. I personally LOVE these photos. Everyone is so excited for you after you just tied the knot!

That's a Wrap!

I hope this information has been helpful and addressed some of your questions. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to send me an email. My primary aim is to ensure that your wedding day is an enjoyable and memorable experience from start to finish.

While photos are undeniably important, what truly matters is how you and your partner feel on your wedding day. Let's work together to create a stress-free timeline that allows both of you to have a fantastic time. After all, your happiness and enjoyment are what it's all about!