session details, tips, and answers
wedding day
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day itself can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this experience.
Peruse this page and find tips – from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
Blue Water Kings Band
dj/bands
By Reflect Films
videographers
Where Pigs Fly & Such
florals
3rd Floor Paper Co.
paper
Four Leaf Events
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend
vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Planning a wedding day timeline is vital! It keeps your vendors in-line and adds a layer of time-security to your day. BUT most importantly, it ensures you get the MOST out of your photos!
We will have two calls to discuss your timeline:
1) Timeline creation & review - ASAP
2) Final timeline review & approval - 1 week before the wedding
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning along with a timeline worksheet:
timeline
03.
9:00
1:00
2:30
2:45
3:00
3:15
3:45
4:15:
5:00
5:30
6:00
6:15
6:30
6:40
7:30
7:35
7:40
7:45
8:30
8:35
8:45
10:00
the traditional timeline:
Hair and makeup begins
Detail & getting ready photos
Bride gets into dress
Bridesmaid Reveal
Father First Look
Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
Photos of Groom + Groomsmen
Photographers take ceremony and reception details
Bride in Hiding
Ceremony
Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
Family formals
Entire wedding party
Newlywed photos
Bride and Groom introduced to reception
First dance
Cake Cutting
Dinner served
Toasts
Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
Open dance floor
Send-off
Hair and makeup begins
Detail & getting ready photos
Bride gets into dress
Bridesmaid Reveal
Father First Look
Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
Photos of Groom + Groomsmen
Photographers take ceremony and reception details
Bride in Hiding
Ceremony
Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
Family formals
Entire wedding party
Newlywed photos
Bride and Groom introduced to reception
First dance
Cake Cutting
Dinner served
Toasts
Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
Open dance floor
Send-off
9:00
1:00
2:30
2:45
3:00
3:15
3:45
4:15:
5:00
5:30
6:00
6:15
6:30
6:40
7:30
7:35
7:40
7:45
8:30
8:35
8:45
10:00
9:00
1:00
2:30
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:45
4:15
4:45
5:30
5:30
6:00
6:30
6:45
7:00
7:35
7:40
7:45
8:00
8:10
8:15
10:00
the first look timeline:
9:00
1:00
2:30
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:45
4:15
4:45
5:30
5:30
6:00
6:30
6:45
7:00
7:35
7:40
7:45
8:00
8:10
8:15
10:00
Hair and makeup begins
Detail & getting ready photos
Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit
First Look with Bridesmaids
Father First Look
First Look Bride and Groom
Bridal Portraits Bride and Groom
Wedding party portraits
Family Photos
Bride In Hiding
Photographers shoot ceremony/reception details
Ceremony
Ceremony ends
Reception Opens/ Cocktail Hour
Bride and Groom introduced to reception
First dance
Cake Cutting
Dinner served
Toasts
Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
Open dance floor. Sunset Photos Bride & Groom
Send-off
Hair and makeup begins
Detail & getting ready photos
Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit
First Look with Bridesmaids
Father First Look
First Look Bride and Groom
Bridal Portraits Bride and Groom
Wedding party portraits
Family Photos
Bride In Hiding
Photographers shoot ceremony/reception details
Ceremony
Ceremony ends
Reception Opens/ Cocktail Hour
Bride and Groom introduced to reception
First dance
Cake Cutting
Dinner served
Toasts
Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
Open dance floor. Sunset Photos Bride & Groom
Send-off
BUDGET TIME TO ENJOY YOUR DAY
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time 1st then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
B&G with Bride's Extended Family
B&G with Bride's Immediate Family
B&G with Bride's Siblings
B&G with Bride's Parents
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
B&G with Bride's Grandparents Set 1
B&G with Bride's Grandparents Set 2
B&G with Both Sets of Parents
B&G with Groom's Extended Family
B&G with Groom's Immediate Family
B&G with Groom's Siblings
B&G with Groom's Parents
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
B&G with Groom's Grandparents Set 1
B&G with Groom's Grandparents Set 2
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important but can end up being one of the longest & most stressful parts of a wedding day. We ask you to create a family photo list to help prepare this time to be smooth, quick, and enjoyable!
Be sure to complete the Family Photos Form (Link Below) at least two weeks before your big day!
We encourage you to bring a copy of the final list to reference and assigning a family member, friend, or bridesmaid to make sure each person is present for portraits.
family photos
05.
Family Photo List Worksheet
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
Be sure to gather these wedding details that will be photographed on the morning of
checklist
06.
You should complete this as soon as possible as it is very helpful in gauging how much time you will actually need for family photos. However, it should be completed no later than two weeks before your big day!
06. When should we complete the family photo list by?
The first timeline call is a MUST! However, the second timeline call can be skipped if necessary as long as we don't have any major questions when reviewing your final timeline for changes!
05. What if I dont have time for a call?
The second timeline call should be completed about a week or so out from your big day! The purpose of this call is to review your timeline one last time for any changes that may have occurred since our first call and make any other necessary changes!
04. When should we have our second timeline call?
You can come to our first call prepared with your worksheet 100% complete or with a completely blank slate! We are happy to walk you through the process of timeline creation!
03. WHEN DO I NEED THE timeLINE worksheet complete?
Schedule your first timeline call ASAP. If you did not cover this during your inquiry process, please contact us ASAP to go over your timeline as soon as possible!
02. When should we have our first timeline call?
No way! The vendors you see listed on this page are some of our favorites. However, we will work with anyone you choose for your big day!
01. Do we have to use your vendors?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email!
FAQs
08.