I've created a basic timeline breakdown of a wedding day and what to expect for #bridetobe Hopefully this helps to get your mind wrapped around what your wedding day might be like, from a photography perspective.
Getting Ready
To be honest, this is my favorite time of the day. I love capturing images of the bride and groom getting ready. I was a portrait photographer before I started at weddings. So before the day truly gets going I want to get beautiful shots of everything it takes to get the you and the groom ready for your special day.
Usually, 8-10 hour photography coverage gives me enough time to include getting-ready shots in the day.
Details / Rings: Detail shots are taking artistic photos of the small things that make the day work. So usually when I first show up at the house or hotel, I'll start out by taking shots of details to get everyone used to me bumming around with giant lenses ready to shoot. TREVAUHN THE SCARY PHOTOGRAPHER
I've had brides prepare these things ahead of time so I don't have to go around looking for them. They'll get a small plastic crate or a large ziploc and label it "important stuff." That way, it will be easy to find. Along with those small important items are the dress and shoes.
altar12 pm
Here's a list of things I like to capture as detail shots.
​Dress / Suit | Invitations / Engagement Photos |
Shoes | Any special items from parents or g-ma |
Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings) | Cologne / Perfumes |
Engagement and Wedding Band / Grooms wedding ring | Special watches plus any other family heirlooms |
In the event you have a shorter wedding, I'll usually take details shots of you wearing the various items.
Makeup: I usually capture images of you as you're finishing up your makeup. It is not my intention to ever capture and deliver something that might have you feeling self-conscious. :)
The Team: Here are two shots I like to get. Shot 1. A shot with you and her bridesmaids in robes or just right before they get dressed. Shot 2. Another thing I usually capture are images of each individual #bridesmaid/#groomsman. Once their makeup is finished and they're dressed, I make sure to capture that fresh look before the celebration ensues.
#BridalPortrait: Once you're finished with your #makeup, it's time for your close-up. This can be as simple or as extra as you want it to be. For best results, dawn a #robe or #lingerie. I usually start planning the shots as soon as I enter the room, so as to use our time efficiently.
#SuitUp: We're almost done with getting ready, but it's time to actually get dressed. Shot 1: I like to capture mom or a significant individual (maid of honor or bestie) helping you zip up the dress. Shot 2: I like to capture you in your beautiful dress from various angles.
To #FirstLook or Not to First Look?
First looks are done pretty much the same no matter who the first look is with. Dad, BM, or Huzzy stands at a single location and the bride stands behind them. The intended turns and is instantly blown to bits by the beauty and splendor of you.
First looks are good for making sure you have enough time to capture the images you want before the guests arrive. Sometimes the venue doesn't allow for a full cocktail hour, so a first look would make sure we got the shot.
We can accomplish capturing family group shots, wedding party group shots, and the couples' portraits after the first looks.
If you prefer a more traditional first look, then you can save it for the alter. In that case, we would move the photo session to after the ceremony.
First Look with Dad: If you're a daddy's girl, consider the first look with dad. This can be done at the house or hotel just after getting dressed. It can take 2-3 mins.
With Bridemaids: This usually requires more space, in addition to getting the dress on without your bridesmaids around. Still, it's a ton of fun and there are often tears involved. Another 2-3 mins.
With Huzzy: to add impact to the first look with huzzy, take a break from each other for a few days before the wedding. His heart will break at the sight of you. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. The actual action can take 5 minutes, but the location and getting to the location are time factors to consider.
Ceremony
This part is fairly straightforward. This is usually planned between you and the officiant. At this point, I enter #photojournalist ninja mode, hide in the shadows and capture everything that happens.
Family / Group / Couples Pictures
If you didn't have a first look before the ceremony, I'd attempt to capture all the group shots here along with the couple's portraits. Ideally, I'd love to have an hour but I realize this might not be the case, especially if things are running late.
Most venues bring out snacks and food from the cocktail hour so you don't pass out.
Reception
Now let the celebration of your union begin. Walk-in, introductions, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance. Then there's usually dinner.
*timeout*
Sunset / Night Pictures (Optional but worth the effort)
While everyone is having dinner, let's sneak out for about 10 - 15 minutes. Let's capture some pictures at sunset or even in the dead of night. These can be some truly beautiful romantic images.
*time-in*
Cake cutting, garter or bouquet toss (though not so popular these days), and finally, "I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody."
Exit
To top it all off you can finish the night with a sparkler exit. But remember sparklers can burn a little and some hair sprays are flammable. So be careful. I've heard stories.
Final Remarks
I usually consult with my brides a few weeks before the wedding day to talk about their timeline. This chain of events works fine for more traditional weddings. #Elopements or #destinationweddings might be a bit more free-flowing than what I have here but many of these things still apply.
Scheduling: The way I would schedule this chain of events is by using the ceremony as the centerpiece or anchor point. If you have a minister and guests showing up for the ceremony at 3 pm, then you can factor in your getting ready time, location, and travel times. I usually advise about 2 hours of coverage during the getting-ready period. It is also important to allow some leeway into your timing in case hair and makeup runs late or something.
So if you're getting ready at a location 30 minutes away from the ceremony location, your #photographer should start at 12 pm. 2 Hours of getting ready coverage, 30 minutes of leeway, and 30 minutes of travel.
If you're going to have a first look, then you can add another hour and a half to the timeline before the ceremony. Any pictures that are missed at the first look can be allocated after the ceremony. The point is, "it's your day and you can do what you want to, do what you want to, do what you want to."
If you're interested in booking me as your photographer. First and foremost, I'd be honored. You can contact me in the form below.
Thanks and God Bless.
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