Planning your wedding day photography timeline can be overwhelming and you may not know how many hours of photography coverage you will need. If something goes off schedule (and it probably will!) and your timeline wasn’t thoughtfully planned, you could end up with rushed portraits or missing the beginning of your reception! Most couples find that 8 hours of coverage is plenty for their day but if youโre having a long reception or traveling between locations, you may need more. Feel free to reach out for a sample timeline!
Here’s a few tips and things to consider when you’re planning your timeline.
Getting Ready
Ideally, I would like to arrive when your makeup artist begins. I will spend that time capturing all the gorgeous details that you worked so hard to plan! Your dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, perfume, veil, rings, and any other detail should be ready in one spot so we aren’t trying to track down items. I’m all about pre-planning so your day runs as smooth as possible! Also, make sure your florist delivers your bouquet and loose florals early so I can include that in your detail images.
Once I’ve captured the goods, it’ll be time to get the finishing touches of your makeup along with shots of you and your girls getting ready and in matching robes. Make a fun playlist, have a mimosa, and get excited because you’re about to get married!!
When hair and makeup is complete, it’ll be time to slip into your dress, shoes, veil, and jewelry! That may sound like a easy task but it can take up to 30 minutes getting on undergarments, Spanx, your momma finding her glasses to button your dress, bathroom run after your putting on your Spanx, and finally the dress. Everything takes longer than expected and the best way to stay relaxed is to add buffer time. And make sure the person helping you button your dress is ready before you since they’ll be in those images as well. Though it would be hilarious to have your mom buttoning your gown in grumpy cat t-shirt and yoga pants; I’m guessing you both would want her dressed looking her best for those images. ๐
One of my biggest tips:
Pick a getting ready space that has plenty of natural light if possible. Windowless church basements with unflattering florescent lighting and concrete walls will not do you justice. I highly recommend finding a hotel room or Airbnb with plenty of natural light to elevate your images! Also, consider the room size vs. bridal party size. If you have 9 bridesmaids, you probably need a larger suite to comfortably fit everyone.
Groom Getting Ready Images: In order to capture the groom and groomsmen getting ready images, I will either need a second shooter or extra time in the timeline to get those images and the groom will need to get ready at the same location as you. However, groom’s getting ready images are usually short and sweet. I’ll arrive when he’s partially dressed then capture him putting on his jacket, bowtie, cufflinks, etc.. as well as grab some candids of the guys.
First Look
I highly recommend first looks. A first look is a beautiful, intimate moment that will allow you two to connect before the ceremony. You have the freedom to hug, twirl in his arms, kiss, hear him whisper how amazing you look. That’s something that doesn’t happen when you’re walking down the aisle. On top of that, if you don’t see each other before the ceremony, all of your couple portraits and bridal party portraits will have to be done after the ceremony. So, you will miss 60-90 minutes of the beginning of your reception. That being said, I COMPLETELY respect and understand those that want the traditional seeing each other at the aisle! There is something special about that moment so either way, we will rock it! ๐ Just be sure to check the sunset time and leave yourself enough time after your ceremony for all the portraits if you skip the first look option!
Couple Portraits
Immediately following the first look, I like to spend 30 minutes with couples grabbing fun, sweet, and classic portraits that you’ll appreciate for the rest of your life. Great couple portraits should be relaxing and fun and the only way to get that vibe is to not feel rushed. You’ll never regret making intimate, beautiful portraits with your spouse a priority!
Wedding Party Portraits
Following couple portraits, we will complete the wedding party portraits. This usually takes 30 minutes and I will get bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen, and the entire bridal party. If your family is around, we could do family portraits before the ceremony so you would be able to enjoy your ceremony and reception without interruption! After the portraits are complete, the couple will separate and freshen up before the ceremony. You’re getting married!!
Reception
Yay, you’re married! Now it’s time to have champagne, enjoy all your friends and family gathered for you, and dance the night away!
Last Words
You and your wedding will be unique. Maybe you don’t care AT ALL about pictures of your dress but you want me staying all night to capture dancing shots! Maybe you’re eloping or having a tiny elaborate wedding. I want to learn what’s important to you and work together to create a timeline that fits your day and vision!
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