The Wedding Guide

 

You're getting married (!!!)



…and I seriously can’t wait to photograph your day.

 

 

I’m so excited to be in your corner — not just with a camera, but with all the tips, timeline wisdom, and “don’t stress, I got you” energy you’ll need along the way. Whether you’re eloping on a mountaintop or throwing the party of the year, I’ll be there to help things feel relaxed, intentional, and totally you.


This guide is here to make your life easier — from planning your timeline to prepping for your Pre-Wedding Consultations, and everything in between.


So grab a your beverage of choice, and dive in. I’m so excited for what’s ahead!

 

Let's Talk Timelines


Helping you plan your timeline is one of the most important things I do (aside from taking beautiful photos, of course!). I’m here to be as involved as you want — whether you’ve mapped out your whole day or just have a rough idea, we’ll work through it together during your consultations.


We’ll talk through what matters most to you, and I’ll offer suggestions and adjustments to make sure there’s enough time for everything — without the stress or rush. My goal is to help things flow smoothly so you can fully enjoy the day while I capture it all.


The sample timelines below are just a starting point. Your day might look totally different — and that’s more than okay. No matter what your plans are, I’ll help you make the most of our time together.

Wedding Photography Timeline

(Sample)

Pre-Ceremony

12:00 PM - 12:30 AM: Bride and Bridal Party Preparation

  • Photographer's Arrival
  • Detail Photos: Capture details such as the wedding dress, rings, shoes, invitations, and any personal items like perfume, heirlooms, etc.
  • Candid Shots: Bride and bridesmaids getting ready, makeup and hair, and candid moments.
  • Portraits: Bridal portraits, bride with bridesmaids and family members

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Groom and Groomsmen Preparation

  • Photographer's Arrival: Details such as the groom’s suit, cufflinks, shoes, and any personal items.
  • Candid Shots: Groom and groomsmen getting ready, tying ties, adjusting cufflinks, and candid moments.
  • Portraits: Groom portraits, Groom with groomsmen and family members.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: First Look (Optional)

  • First Look Photos: If the couple chooses to do a first look before the ceremony, this is the moment for intimate, emotional photos of the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time.
  • Portraits: Couples portraits after first look. If no first look, couples portraits will take place after ceremony.


Ceremony

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Wedding Ceremony

  • Arrival: Capturing guests arriving, groom and officiant waiting, and the bridal party walking down the aisle.
  • Key Moments: The entrance of the bride, vows, ring exchange, kiss, and the couple’s exit.


Post-Ceremony

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Family Portraits

  • Immediate Family Photos: Bride and groom with immediate family members (parents, siblings). This is typically done immediately after the ceremony before guests head to the reception.
  • Formal Group Shots: Can include extended family or any other special groupings (e.g., bride and groom with grandparents).

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Couple Portraits

  • Bride and Groom Portraits: If couples portraits are taken after the first look, these are optional. This is also a great time for additional couples portraits or a different location for them.
  • Bridal Party Portraits: Group photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen


Reception

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Reception Venue Details

  • Reception Setup: Photographs of the reception space before guests arrive, including table settings, flowers, the cake, place cards, and any unique decor.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Guests Arrival & Cocktail Hour

  • Candid Shots: Guests mingling, enjoying appetizers, and drinks.
  • Bride and Groom Reception Entry: Couple’s and/or bridal party grand entrance into the reception.


6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner & Toasts

  • Reception Events: Photos of the couple at their table, speeches, and toasts.


Special Moments & Departure

7:00 PM - 7:15 PM: First Dance & Parent Dances

  • First Dance
  • Parent Dances

7:15 PM: Dance Floor Opens

  • Fun Party Shots
  • Guest candids
  • Bouquet Toss

7:45 PM: Cut the Cake

  • Can be an intimate moment between the couple or in front of guests

8:00 PM - 8:15 PM: Golden Hour Photos

  • For 10-15 minutes, step away from reception for some quick sunset photos if desired (these photos are timed with sunset, and would depend on your wedding date).

9:45 PM - 10:00 PM: Grand Exit

  • Exit Photos: Bride and groom’s grand exit (e.g., with sparklers, bubbles, or confetti)
  • Some couples have this as their actual exit, or some choose to have a 'faux' exit, so they can get a few more fun photos!

10:00 PM: Photographer Departs

HOT TIP: PAD YOUR TIMELINE

When building your timeline, don’t forget to factor in travel time — whether you’re hopping between venues or just walking from one end of the property to the other (and maybe grabbing a coffee on the way, if you’re anything like me).


Also, herding your wedding party can take longer than expected — especially with a big crew. Give yourself some buffer time to keep things stress-free.


Adding a little extra time is never a bad idea. If we’re ahead of schedule? Even better. That just means more time for deep breaths, happy tears, and soaking in the magic of the day.

Getting Ready


Choosing a space with lots of natural light makes a big difference — soft, natural light helps create the most beautiful, flattering photos. If possible, try to get ready in a room with big windows or plenty of daylight.


To keep things photo-ready, consider tidying up or designating a corner for bags, snacks, and extra stuff that tends to pile up. That said, I also love capturing the real, messy, joy-filled energy of the morning — so don’t stress too much.


And if you’re planning on matching robes or pajamas for your crew? I’m all for it. They're not only adorable, but they add a fun, coordinated touch to your getting-ready photos.


The Details

Those little pieces you’ve carefully chosen — the rings, the flowers, the perfume you’ll always associate with this day — they deserve to be photographed just as beautifully as everything else.


To make sure we don’t miss a thing, gather your important items ahead of time. A small box or container (a shoebox works great!) makes it easy for me to grab everything and start styling those detail shots while you’re getting ready.


Here’s what to include:


Wedding bands + engagement ring (and ring boxes if you have them)

Jewelry, hairpieces, watches, cufflinks

Shoes

Full invitation suite (with envelopes + stamps if you’ve got them)

Vow books

Perfume or cologne

Bouquets, boutonnieres, or loose florals from your florist

Something borrowed, blue, or sentimental — like a handwritten note, heirloom, or keepsake

If it feels special to you, I’d love to include it. These little details help tell the full story of your day.

 

Family Photos

 

A little bit of planning helps family photos go smoothly. I highly recommend appointing someone in your wedding party who knows the majority of the family members to help corral everyone for these photos.


Also, please let family know ahead of time when these will take place so they are ready (and don't wander off). I will have you provide me a list of family member names, and we will create a list of the photos desired at your final consultation.

Family Photo List Example

Will you have a first look?

First looks are a beautiful way to soak in that just-us moment before the day kicks into full gear. Whether it's with your partner, your wedding party, or a parent, it can be a chance to slow down and connect — just the two (or few) of you.


Doing a first look with your partner can also give us extra time for portraits before the ceremony, which means you may be able to jump right into celebrating with your guests afterward.


That said, saving that first look for the walk down the aisle? Just as magical.


No matter how or when it happens, that first glimpse is always special — and I’ll be there to capture it with care.

 

 

“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”

– Arrigo Boito

 

 

PORTRAITS

These photos are all about the two of you — your connection, your energy, your love story. They’re often the most meaningful images from the day, and where we get to slow down and get a little creative.


The more time we have for portraits, the more relaxed (and fun!) the experience will be. If you have inspiration in mind, feel free to share a Pinterest board or a few favorite images — I love collaborating to bring your vision to life.



And if you’re up for it, I’ll sneak you away for a few golden hour portraits near sunset. Just a few quiet minutes together, some dreamy light, and a little extra magic to end the day.

FAQ

Where will I be standing to capture all of those perfect photos?

I usually start near the front of the aisle (close to your partner) to capture those emotional moments as everyone walks in. Once the ceremony begins, I move carefully between the front and back, staying as discreet as possible so I don’t distract from the moment. Depending on the setup, I may step into the aisle briefly to get the best angle — always with respect for your ceremony space and guests.


As things wrap up, I’ll position myself near the middle or back of the aisle to catch your first kiss and that just-married walk — yes, I’ve mastered the art of walking backwards with a camera!


And pro tip: when you reach the end of the aisle, pause for another kiss (or even a dip!) — it makes for the best celebration shot.

What's my number one recommendation?

Go Unplugged!

Ask your guests to put their phones away during the ceremony. It’s such a meaningful part of the day — and having everyone fully present makes it even more special.

Plus, it helps ensure that your professional photos are free of screens, raised arms, and photo-bombing guests. I promise: you’ll love the images so much more when your ceremony is filled with connection, not distractions. Let your people soak it in — I’ve got the photos covered.

My wedding is outdoors...what if it rains?

No worries at all — some of the most romantic photos happen in the rain! If you’re up for it, I’m totally game. I always keep a few umbrellas on hand just in case, so we’ll be ready to make magic no matter the weather.

Scroll down to see those umbrellas in action!

The Reception


Receptions are full of energy, emotion, and fun — and I’m here to capture as much of it as you'd like, depending on your coverage time. Many couples choose to have me stay through the major moments and the first part of open dancing, which works great when those events are scheduled close together.


Here are some of the key moments I often photograph:


  • Grand entrance
  • Dinner + toasts
  • First dances
  • Cake cutting
  • Dancing
  • The big exit


During cocktail hour or dinner, while you're mingling or taking a moment to eat, I’ll usually step away briefly to swap out memory cards and batteries, and prep for the rest of the evening. But don’t worry — I always make sure I’m ready for whatever comes next. Nothing important gets missed.

 

After the "I do"

 

 

72 Hour Sneak Peek

 

Within three days, you'll receive a small collection of preview images — perfect for reliving the joy, sharing with loved ones, and posting a favorite or two while the excitement is still fresh.

 

Full Gallery

 

Your complete gallery will be delivered within 3–6 weeks. It’s downloadable, easy to share with family and friends, and includes all the best moments from your day — beautifully edited and ready to be cherished.



Albums + Fine Art Prints

If you’ve ordered an album or fine art prints, these will arrive within 8–12 weeks of your wedding. Want to add something special? I’d love to help you design a custom keepsake that reflects your style and story.