Planning a wedding is a whirlwind, and when the big day finally arrives, I want you to focus on one thing: each other. I’ve created this guide to help take the guesswork out of the photography side of your day. By following these simple tips—from how to prep your ‘detail box’ to nailing that first kiss—we can ensure a smooth, stress-free flow. This allows me to focus on the art, while you focus on the celebration. Let’s make some magic!
1. Getting Ready
The morning of your wedding is where the story begins, and our team (Photography & Videography) will typically arrive during the final hour of hair and makeup. This intentional timing allows us to capture those beautiful ‘finishing touches’ while ensuring you feel comfortable and camera-ready. If you have any questions about how our arrival fits into your hair and makeup schedule, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help you sync the timeline! Here are a few tips for a seamless getting ready process.
- De-clutter the Space: Please try to designate one corner of the room for luggage, garment bags, and snack trays. We certainly don’t expect a ‘perfect’ room—weddings are busy!—but having a dedicated clutter-free zone allows us to focus on you rather than the background distractions.
- The “Detail Box”: Have all your details (invitation suite, vow books, rings (engagement ring and wedding bands), wedding shoes, perfume, jewelry, etc) in one box ready for when we arrive. This prevents us from hunting for a missing item during prime shooting time. Please don’t worry if you don’t have some of these items. We will use whatever we have for a set of detail shots.
- Get Ready for Group Photos: If you’re planning on portraits with your wedding party or parents before the ceremony, please ask them to be ready by the same time you are. Having everyone ‘camera-ready’ at the same time ensures we can move straight into those fun group shots without losing any of your precious portrait time.
2. The First Look
Logistically, the first look often allows us to finish your couple’s portraits and wedding party photos early, meaning you can head straight to your cocktail hour to celebrate with your guests. However, please know that this is entirely your choice! If you prefer the traditional ‘down the aisle’ reveal, we will absolutely honor that. Your wedding day should be a reflection of your comfort and vision, and we are here to capture the magic whichever path you choose. If you’ve opted for a first look, this is your private moment of the day.
Keep Pockets Empty: (A tip for the groom/partner) Move the phone and car keys to a bag. Bulky pocket rectangles are the ultimate photo-ruiners.
Trust the Location: If you have a specific location in mind for your first look, please let me know in advance. We’d love to scout it out when we are there . If you don’t have a preference, don’t worry—we’ll choose the perfect spot based on the best available light and scenery.
Slow Down: When you see each other, don’t rush. Hug, spin around, cry, and talk. Ignore us—We’ll give you space and time for this private moment.
Private vows: If you’ve decided to share private vows immediately following your first look, please let us know in advance. This allows our video team to have microphones ready so we can capture your vows with clear audio.
3. Wedding Party Photos, Couple Portraits, and Immediate Family Formals
If you’ve opted for a First Look, we will transition directly into your Couple Portraits, Wedding Party, and Immediate Family Formals before the ceremony begins. To make this a success, we ask that all wedding party members and immediate family arrive completely dressed and ready 15 minutes prior to the start time. I highly recommend sending me a specific list of your desired family groupings in advance so I can efficiently check them off. Additionally, please let me know if any elderly family members will be joining us so we can prioritize their photos first and get them comfortable and seated as quickly as possible.
4. The Ceremony
This is the “main event” where we have the least control over the environment. To ensure we get the best shots of your vows and that big “first kiss” moment, please keep these in mind:
- Focus on Each Other: It’s a natural instinct to stare at the officiant while they speak, but remember: you are marrying each other. Try to keep your eyes on your partner as much as possible. It creates much more intimate and connected images.
- The “Unplugged” Request: Ask guests to keep phones away by setting up a sign that says “Unplugged Ceremony” or having the officiant remind the guests to put the phones away during the ceremony. It’s much better to see everyone’s face than the back of cell phones.
- The First Kiss: Hold it for at least 3 seconds! It gives us a chance to get this important shot!
Note for Guest Officiants
If your officiant is a friend or family member (rather than a professional), they might not know the “exit” trick. Ask them beforehand to step out of the frame immediately after they say, “You may now kiss the bride/each other.” This ensures the background of your first kiss photo is clean and focused entirely on the two of you, rather than having someone’s face peeking out from between yours.
The Recessional: The Grand Exit
- The Mid-Aisle Dip: I highly recommend practicing a ‘dip and kiss’ for your grand exit! About halfway back up the aisle, stop for one more kiss. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the dip! It makes for one of the most iconic, high-energy shots of the day. Just a tip: remember to keep the bouquet lowered so it doesn’t hide your faces. I suggest practicing a few rounds at home—it’s a great way to get comfortable before the big moment!
- Eyes Up, Slow Down: Don’t race to the exit! Keep your heads up and soak in the cheers. If you look down at your feet, we miss those joyful expressions.
5. Cocktail Hour
The Cocktail Hour is your first chance to breathe as a married couple! We want this time to feel exactly how you envisioned it. If you’re feeling energized and want more portraits, we can use a portion of this time for additional photos of the two of you, or to capture those extended family groupings and ‘must-have’ shots we may have missed before the ceremony. On the other hand, if you feel we’ve already captured plenty of photos, feel free to spend the entire hour mingling and enjoying the party with your guests. We also highly recommend taking five minutes to sneak away and preview your reception room before the crowd enters (please let us know in advance so that we can take some quick shots of you while you are in the reception room). It’s a great chance to see your vision fully realized—and a perfect, private moment to do a quick rehearsal of your first dance.
6. The Reception
Vendor Meals: To ensure we don’t miss a moment of your reception, we kindly ask that you remind your caterer to serve vendor meals at the same time the guests are eating. This is typically the only true ‘downtime’ in the schedule and the perfect window for our team to refuel. If vendor meals are served too late, we run the risk of missing key formalities like toasts or your first dance while we are away from the floor. While vendor meals are never a requirement, they are greatly appreciated to keep our energy up for the rest of the day. If for any reason a meal cannot be provided, please let us know in advance so we can come prepared with our own food.
Guest & Group Photos: If you think of any photos you want—like a group shot with your college friends or cousins or a specific photo with a guest—don’t hesitate to ask. I am more than happy to snap those for you!
Formalities & Timing: Please be aware of our scheduled departure time. We want to ensure all important formalities (cake cutting, tosses, grand exits) are completed while we are still on-site. If you would like us to stay longer than originally planned, please let us know. Additional hourly rates apply for overtime coverage. We will always check in with you before we head out to ensure we’ve captured everything you hoped for.
Have fun and be present!
Once the party starts, our goal is to capture the raw energy and candid joy of your celebration. Just have fun – the best reception photos are the ones where people have completely forgotten there’s a photographer there!
Final Thoughts
As you finalize your plans, here are a few heart-to-heart reminders from behind the lens:
- Don’t Have to Follow the Trends: You don’t need to follow any wedding trends if they don’t speak to you. Trends come and go, but your photos should reflect you.
- Opt Out Traditions that Don’t Resonate: Don’t feel obligated to include traditions you don’t like. Whether it’s the bouquet/garter toss or a reception game, feel free to skip them or create new formalities that work for you. This is your wedding day, not someone else’s—don’t feel pressured to follow suggestions that don’t resonate with your vision.
- It’s a Wedding, Not a Photoshoot: Remember that your wedding day is a celebration, not a staged production. Try to forget the cameras are even there and stay fully present in each moment. Photos always look their best when you are genuinely connected to your partner and your guests.
- Embrace the Imperfect: Most wedding days don’t go exactly as planned. Schedules may fall behind, details might not look exactly as envisioned, or people may be late. When those “hiccups” happen, try to let the tiny things go and focus on the most important thing: you are getting married! This day passes by so quickly and you won’t get it back—soak in every second and enjoy the ride.
I am so beyond excited to be by your side through all of these moments. My goal is to be more than just a vendor; I’m here to be your calm in the chaos and the one who ensures your memories are preserved exactly as they felt. If any questions pop up as you continue planning, I’m only an email or a text away. I can’t wait to capture your wedding soon!
