details, details

Drawing up your wedding day timeline need not be stressful! It helps if you keep these three simple factors in mind:

1. Keep it simple. Don’t over-plan your day. Just as over-planning a vacation can lead to undue stress and a constant need to rush that robs you of your experience, having a wedding timeline that is too tightly packed can often work to hijack your happiness on the otherwise joyous event.

2. Do it for YOU. Your wedding day really should be about you and your partner. Lay it out in a way that feels most authentic to what feels great to you. Sure, we’ll take time to get some formal family group pictures and yes, that special someone can insist on zipping up the dress. Aside from that, try to not worry too much about trying to appease other people. They’ll have plenty other events to obsess over :)

3. Air on side of caution. Having extra time is key. Most weddings run a little late. Whether during the getting ready phase or the DJ experiencing technical difficulties setting up speakers for the ceremony to the officiant running late.. there are so many variables and opportunities for delays. Estimating more time than you think might be needed is great, even if that means you have some more time to just relax away from everything before your ceremony. A time to sit, be present.

Timeline guideline for photography

(how long we need for each section)

I tend to work faster than a lot of photographers. Eight years of full time event photography has thought me a lot of valuable lessons! Here is a list of estimated time slots I need for specific parts of the event:

Getting Ready - I usually show up around one hour before you are both ready and fully dressed. I find this gives me ample time to bounce between both partners (if getting ready in one location) and shoot some fun candids + details. Note, I am tactful during this stage, keeping a good sense of when and when not to be in a room. For the brides, I step out of the room when you are actually getting into your dress (and are naked) then I get called back in when all is covered up and dress just has to be zipped/tied and last touches done.

First Look (this is if you two opt to see each other before ceremony) - Usually need about 15 minutes for this. I tend to chose a location that will be more intimate, quiet and private for the couple. I shoot from a distance to give you space to be yourselves, then I follow up with a couple more directed/classic photos. Short and sweet!

Bridal Party Pictures - about 20 minutes, can work with as little as 10 minutes if a smaller (2-6 people) bridal party.

Family Pictures - about 20 minutes. This helps if you keep the family pictures to 10 groupings or less. You’ll have a chance to provide me with a list of groups on the questionnaire you’ll receive about two weeks out from the wedding.

Couple Portraits - I find the magic happens best working with at least 20 minutes and no longer than 40 (minutes), unless it involves more than one location. I have no problem at all walking or driving to more than one location for pictures but you should take account of traffic, parking and access when considering more than one location. I tend to work quickly with couples. I’ve curated this light hearted short and sweet method to best bring fourth genuine moments and tons of personality.

Sunset Photos - 10 minutes. While sunset photos are not a must, it is something that I strongly encourage. A lot of wedding ceremonies and portraits happen during the brighter and hotter part of the day, especially in the summer. Having a quick 10 minute round of pictures starting right at or after the sunset time will allow for some nice warm, muted tones and softer shadows. These can easily be done walking distance of your reception. These are much more about the light quality and less about the location.