THE IDEAL TIMELINE FOR YOUR WEDDING
This guide runs through a list of key elements and suggested time frames for the traditional wedding day. This format does an amazing job at covering your day from start to finish and is typically paired with 8 or 10 hours of coverage.
Once you've reserved your date, expect to receive your custom timeline about 1 month before your wedding date.
Bridal Prep & Details | 1- 1.5 Hours
Ideal Time: Morning
Ideal Location – Bridal Suite or Hotel Room
Your dress, shoes, jewelry, and bouquet, will be the first items shot by your photographer. Please be sure to have these items readily available when they arrive.
Once your detail shots are complete, your photographer will begin taking photos of the bride and bridesmaids as they prepare for the day. To ensure that your photos are captured in the best light, the subjects will get ready near a window or well-lit area. For these photos (and for most of the day), your photographer will be a fly on the wall, snapping candid photos as the day unfolds. If eye contact or a smile is needed, your photographer will be sure to let you know.
Tip: Keeping your suite clutter free is key.
Once the bride is finished getting ready, she will be pulled aside for solo portraits.
Groom Prep | 45 Minutes
Ideal Time: Morning
Ideal Location – Groom's Suite or Hotel Room
Generally, the prep time for the guys is significantly shorter. The first thing your photographer will do is gather items for the groom's detail shots. Typically this includes his tie, cuff links, or any other items that are especially relevant to his wedding day.
Next, the groom and his groomsmen will be photographed as they get ready. To ensure that we are capturing the best light, your photographer will have everyone get ready in a well lit area, near a window. Once the groom has finished getting ready, he will be pulled aside for solo portraits.
Portraits of Bridesmaids | 30 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Mountain Side or nearby forestry
Group photo of bridesmaids + individual photos of each bridesmaid with the bride.
Portraits of Groomsmen | 30 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Venue - Garden
Group of groomsmen + individual photos of each groomsman with the groom.
First Look | 15 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Venue Garden or Empty Venue Hallway (shaded areas with natural light)
Newlyweds are often on the fence when it comes to the first look. I highly recommend them for several reasons:
1. You get a chance to stop and enjoy the company of one another. You’ve been planning this day for a long time, you’re looking your best, and your other half is dying to see you. Why not take a 15-20 minute break in your day to enjoy one another looking mighty fine?!?
2. You get to truly take in the moment. When the groom sees the bride for the first time at the ceremony, he cannot truly express his feelings. Once he’s at the altar, he’s unable to hug you, hold you, or tell you how beautiful are. We can make time for him to do this. Trust me, I’ve never heard anyone regret this.
3. You take full advantage of your investment. You’ve poured a lot of money into your wedding day and you should get the most out of it. By doing a first look, you will receive significantly more photos. The emotion captured in these images are unlike any others we will take that day.
4. You're able to refocus. Both of your hearts have been fluttering all day. Your minds have been racing. It can get stressful! Your first look is a very valid reason to bring you two together and remind one another that you’re in this together. You got this!
Bride and Groom Portraits | 35 Minutes
Following the first look, portraits of the bride and groom will be taken. With the excitement still fresh, these intimate portraits are truly some of the best images of the day.
Wedding Party | 40 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Ideal Location - Venue Garden
These are pretty straight forward and to the point. In order to keep everything moving smoothly, please have the groomsmen put their boutonnieres on before they arrive to shoot the bridal party photos.
Buffer Time Before the Ceremony | 45 Minutes
After the Bridal party photos, the bride will slip away to stay out of view of her guests. Candid photos of the bride and her bridesmaids will be taken as they prepare to walk down the aisle.
Ceremony | 30 - 40 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Afternoon
During the ceremony your photographer(s) will move around discreetly to capture a variety of perspectives. If specific areas will be off limits at your ceremony, please let your photographer know in advance.
Family Formals with Immediate Relatives | 30-40 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Ideal Location -Venue Garden, Beach, or Park
Family formals typically take place promptly after the ceremony. However, they can easily be done before the ceremony if you choose to do a first look.
Family Formals require a shot list. This is a simple list of family members that you would like to see in your photos. Please have a shot list prepared at least a few days before your ceremony.
Reception Details | 15 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Afternoon
Photos of the cake, decorations, and venue, are standard. If there is anything specific that you would like photographed, please let your photographer know in advance.
Reception
Ideal Time of the Day – Evening
Photos of the first dance, speeches, cutting of the cake, and all of the other important milestones are standard. If there is anything specific that you would like photographed, please let your photographer know in advance.
For the remainder of the reception, your photographer will revert to capturing candid moments for the remainder of the evening.
Sunset Portraits | 15 - 20 Minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Evening
Ideal Location – Venue Garden
Generally the best time to shoot portraits is around 6-8pm. This is when the sun is golden and just on the verge of setting. When this time comes, your photographer will ask for the bride and groom to step out for a few quick “Just Married” portraits. At this point in the reception your guests will be settled and entertained. Your photographer will make a conscious effort to be timely and get you back to the celebration ASAP.