Here’s the page that can be somewhat intimidating! The TIMELINE! I know this isn’t the most exciting aspect of the wedding day, but this is the one thing that can make or break your photography! These next two pages will outline an ideal wedding day working off of a 6pm ceremony time frame. This ideal timeline is also based off of a wedding day that includes a first look and a second photographer. Most of my couples choose to do a first look, and you can read more about that option a few pages over! Remember that all wedding days are different, and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations. We will work together to create a timeline to suit your day perfectly.
Timeline Prep + details
sample timeline
Bridal details
getting ready
first look
reception details
bride in hiding
bridal party portraits
portraits
the exit
reception begins
cocktail hour/ sunset portraits
family portraits
ceremony
6:30-7:00
6:00-6:30
5:30-5:50
5:30-6:00
4:50-5:20
4:10-4:45
2:30-3:15
4:00
3:15-3:45
10:30
7:30
6:30-7:30
An important part of the story I normally like to allow at least 30-45 minutes. While I’m shooting details, I’m also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready!
Groom details
2:30-3:15
my second photographer is with the guys photographing his details and getting ready images. if there is no first look this can start 2 hours before the ceremony
t’s time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big mo- ment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits!
This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for my couple’s First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! Don’t stress about that one bit! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible.
After the bride and groom take their time with the First Look, I will begin taking a few portraits of the two of them while the initial excitement is still present! I will find the locations for these shots as well! Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot and so I can’t decide on portrait locations until the day- of. As we shoot these portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to us for Bridal Party portraits!
Now it’s time for Bridal Party shots! I buffer in extra time throughout the day just in case we have some unexpected things that hold us up! One way to make sure we stay on schedule for bridal party portraits is to have someone put the boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they arrive for portraits. During Bridal Party portraits, I will take great shots of everyone together and all of the girls. while my second photographer takes on all the guys!
If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to shoot the reception decor UNTOUCHED. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, I recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible so that I can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins.
This is when the bridal party lines up for introductions and the party begins!! By this part of the day, my timeline isn’t as strict. I work off of the natural light and so after the sun is set, my portrait time is over and I begin focusing on the reception events!
One hour before sunset is the BEST time of day for couple’s portraits. The sun is glowy and golden, and we can sneak off just the two of you for some romantic and fun photos! *Depending on Sunset time, we may do portraits here, or after speeches!
It’s time to get married!! Most cere- monies are 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 mins, we’ll make adjustments to the time- line! Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!
Family formals normally take place immediately following the ceremo- ny. It’s best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony be- cause ALL family members will be present at that time. We’ll need about 30 minutes for family formals and I will send a questionnaire before the wedding where you can list out the shots that you want. I recommend shooting portraits outdoors if possible so that they resemble more natural family portraits, especially if the ceremony location is dark!
If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to shoot the reception decor UNTOUCHED. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, I recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible so that I can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins.
I include 8 hours of coverage so that I can be present for the main events of the reception and about an hour of dancing! If you’re interested in having your exit photographed, there are several options for this! You can either add additional cover-age or plan a faux exit with just your bridal party! I have had GREAT success with this and the party never stops! Email me about this if you’re interested in learning more!
sample timeline
Bridal details
getting ready
first look
reception details
bride in hiding
bridal party portraits
portraits
the exit
reception begins
cocktail hour/
sunset portraits
family portraits
ceremony
6:30-7:00
6:00-6:30
5:30-5:50
5:30-6:00
4:50-5:20
4:10-4:45
2:30-3:15
4:00
3:15-3:45
10:30
7:30
6:30-7:30
Groom details
2:30-3:15
2:30-3:15
view on desktop for more detail!
winter
spring
summer
fall
Winter weddings are gorgeous! However, they do take some additional planning simply because of the sunset time. The hard part about a winter timeline is the fact that the sun sets around 4pm. This means that all of your portraits have to be done before then! This isn’t a problem if you’re having a late afternoon wedding. However, if you’re planning on having a late evening wedding, you may have a bit of down time from 4pm until the start of the ceremony. You will also need a first look, and more coverage time.
Summer weddings are amazing! I love that there is so much daylight! In some months, the light will last until 9pm! So, if you’re having a summer wedding, you’ll need to plan on having a few minutes to slip out of the reception for your sunset portraits! You will NOT re- gret this! This is the absolute best light of the day and you’re going to want to have portraits during this time period. Usually these portraits happen during dinner or open dancing so that no one even notices that you’re gone for a few minutes!
Spring weddings are wonderful because they are the perfect temperature! However, I recommend having plenty of Claritin and Zyrtec on hand just in case allergies start to flare up during portrait time. Spring wed- dings normally mean the potential for some blooms! If we happen to find any type of blooming tree or plant, it will be worth it to give us a few minutes for portraits with it! You’ll LOVE the result!
Fall weddings are my favorite! The weather is perfect, the leaves are gorgeous, and the sunsets are awesome! Most of my fall brides worry about color, and I just want to encourage you that all I need is one tree with some color in order to make it look like fall! A little bit of color can go a long way!! Your portrait time will vary depending on your wedding date! We’ll be sure to discuss this when we approve your final timeline!
Portrait and Timing tips for
WINTER SPRING SUMMER & FALL
weddings & seasons
It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time to hand them over to someone else. Delegation is a key part of a stress-free wedding day. I know it’s hard to hand over the decorating duties and all of the last minute things that need to be done, but it really is important to relax the morning of your wedding. The rest of the day is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emotions! Take advantage of this down time! There are a few things to consider about the “getting ready” portion of the day. Do you want to share a “first look” with your dad or any other person who plays a huge role in your life?
Will you and your groom be exchanging gifts during this time? If so, who would you like to deliver them? Are there certain women in your life who would appreciate seeing you get into your gown? Some brides want very few people around for this moment. Other brides love having aunts and grandmas present! It’s totally up to you! A few other things to consider as you get ready to put your dress on, refrain from putting any jewelry on. I love shooting all of those final steps once you’re in your gown! Speaking of the gown, if your gown is on a plastic hanger, try to make a note to bring a wooden hanger along for picture sake. If you forget, no big deal! I bring a bag full of emergency extras to use for your details! Keep reading along for more “getting ready” tips to help you prepare!
let the day begin!
This portion of The Wedding Experience really sets the stage for the entire wedding day. The next few pages will share tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless morning of bridal preparation and beautiful portraits!
Pre-ceremony
getting ready
By having just a simple window in the bridal prep area, I am able to create beautiful portraits with soft light. I prefer natural light so the more windows, the better!
The Window Effect
dress
veil / hair pieces
rings (all three)
shoes
bouquet & bout
jewelry
perfume
invitation suite
borrowed & blue
extra florals
pretty dress hanger
dont forget to bring...
The whole day begins with the DETAILS! This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day, because it allows me to prepare and get my creative side warmed up for the rest of the day! I photograph a bride’s details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the entire wedding day. So, in some ways, the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding and I love having ample time to stylize, and shoot everything from the dress, to the jewelry, to grandma’s handkerchief! To the right, you’ll find a list of the most common details that I shoot. I ask brides to gather any details they have before I arrive so that I can walk in, say hello, give you a big hug and then begin with all the goodies! (I will take GREAT care of the dress, I promise!)
every little detail...
extra florals
Ask your florist for extra blooms and greenery to add into your details photos!
A little bit goes a VERY long way!
The girl's getting ready takes up most of the morning. I will arrive 2-3 hours before the first look or before the ceremony starts.
- I will start with details as you and your ladies finish getting hair and makeup.
- If you are doing a pajama shot make sure everyone has hair and makeup done and are in the pajamas when I arrive.
- I will finish up details as they are getting changed into their dresses. And we will get a few shots of your makeup touch ups.
- Decide who you would like to help you get into your dress. I photograph just the final zip/button/lace up of the gown and the ladies "fluffing" your gown.
- After the gown is on, I will photograph you putting on your jewelry, perfume, and bridal portraits near a window or in a spot with great natural light.
- followed by outdoor bridal portraits and bridal party portraits before we head off to the first look or ceremony!
The morning with the ladies
The guys getting ready usually takes much less time than the ladies! The second photographer will join them for an hour and a half before the first look or before the ceremony starts.
- Remind your Groom to not put on any of his details before the photographer arrives. Just be in his shirt and pants.
- The second photographer will take photographs of his details { watch, shoes, tie/bowtie, cufflinks, cigars, florals, etc.)
- Have the rest of the groomsmen dressed and ready for when the Groom puts on his jacket and details. Typically the Father of the Groom or Best man will assist in putting his jacket on and getting his tie just right.
- Followed by Groom portraits and candids of the fellas and groomsmen portraits.
