Wedding Day Planning, Tips & Advice
We want to help make your most special day run as smoothly as possible!
Wedding Day Planning
Wedding Couple - Getting Ready
The Details
Please have this ready for us, having everything in a bag or box works really well. Detail shots are going to be some of the first shots we take.
Hangers
These photos and video last a lifetime so we want to make sure they look the part. Very popular are wooden, metal and acrylic hangers for your dress and suite
For the Ladies
Some items you're going to want to have on hand for detail shots would be all of the rings, any jewelry you will be wearing, your perfume bottle, invitations, bouquets, and type of fabric (lace, ribbon)
For the Gentleman
Some items you're going to want to have on hand for detail shots would be your suit, shoes, socks, watch, cologne and tie
Other Details
Some other items include any letters, gifts & special pieces
Wait for Us!
Please do not seal up any letter or read/gift/open any of those special items until we have had a chance to shoot them and setup to capture you with those items
Wedding Couple - Getting Ready
Location
Having an amazing place to get ready will really help set the mood of your pictures.
Having somewhere with lots of natural light is ideal & amazing! Some lights add a weird yellow tint, so natural light is always our friend.
Also try and keep the space as clean as possible. We know there is a lot going on but these are the backdrops to your photos!
The Details
Please have this ready for us! Having everything in a bag or box works best. Detail shots are going to be some of the first shots we take.
Hangers
These photos and video last a lifetime so we want to make sure they look the part. Very popular are wooden, metal and acrylic hangers for your dress and suite
For the Ladies
Some items you're going to want to have on hand for detail shots would be all of the rings, any jewelry you will be wearing, your perfume bottle, invitations, bouquets, and type of fabric (lace, ribbon)
For the Gentleman
Some items you're going to want to have on hand for detail shots would be your suit, shoes, socks, watch, cologne and tie
Other Details
Some other items include any letters, gifts & special pieces
Wait for Us!
Please do not seal up any letter or read/gift/open any of those special items until we have had a chance to shoot them and setup to capture you with those items.
First Look
What is it?
A first look is when you see each other before the ceremony. We personally feel its more of a private moment but we, of course leave, it up to you!
What do I get out of it?
-You'll get more photos because it allows for more time to capture you two.
-You can get more shots in different places as this allows for more time.
-It gives Videography some extra time to get those amazing shots of you two!
-COCKTAIL HOUR: With a first look you have a much better chance of being able to join your own cocktail hour!
-Did we mention its also super private & really romantic?
Location
Not to worry! We will make sure we pick the most perfect place at your venue!
When?
The first look typically takes about an hour so we suggest having the first look 1 & 1/2 hours prior to your ceremony time. We use this time for your first look, bridal party and just the wedding couple pictures/video.
Ceremony
Timing
Try and plan for your ceremony start time to be at least 2 hours before sunset. This will allow for the flow of the cocktail hour and reception to allow us to get you both out during golden hour.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
Microphones and microphone stands can very quickly take center stage in your wedding photos & video. If possible, trade out the hand-held with the stand for a wireless lapel microphone. These can be put on in a discreet way or even attached to the binder of the officiant.
The Big Kiss
When you kiss, make it count! Hold it for just a minute so we can make sure to get all the shots.
The Exit
You've just been announced as husband and wife and all of the emotions and feelings are running through you! Take a moment and don't RUN out. Make sure you walk a normal pace so that your photography/videography team can capture it in the best way. Once you're at the end of the aisle, stop for a romantic kiss!
Phones & Cameras
Please make sure someone has asked your guests not to have their phones out (not just on silent!) and no cameras during the ceremony. You hired the right team to make sure these images are captured, plus we want your guests to be in the moment enjoying the ceremony! An officiant or DJ is normally able to remind your guests prior to the start of the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour
Things for your guests
During this time your guests will be eating, drinking and chatting it up. Some other things that are helpful is having the guest book available in this space so your guests can make sure they sign it. Activities and other games are also fun. Check with your venue to see if they keep anything on hand! Finally, this is a great time for friends and family to start getting some awesome pics at the photo-booth if you have one!
Portraits
Who?
These are the family & wedding party photos
Formal
Pre-Ceremony
If it can work with your timeline, it would be ideal to get the wedding party photos prior to the ceremony
Timing
This process normally takes about 40(ish) minutes for these photos. You want to make sure to allow for enough time to get all of the photos and video of you, family & friends
List of Shots
On our final paperwork we will ask you to list out any specific shots and list the names of the people in those so we can help organize and keep things moving
The Order
After your ceremony we will start with the big group photos, that way as we work smaller, extended family is able to head to cocktail hour and we don't have as many people to keep gathered
Couples
Pre-Ceremony
If you're doing a first look, we can get a lot of pictures and video of you two alone together
After the Ceremony
After our formal portraits we will take you two around to get the couples' portrait and video shots. This is where some of those amazing slow shots come from of the couples walking!
Golden Hour
We would love about 30-minutes around golden hour to take you two and get some amazing shots
Night Portraits
We would love about 15-30-minutes at dark, we can use some awesome lighting to create really neat and stunning photos!
Be Prepared to Miss It....
Unless you are doing a first look, this is the time that we get all of your formal portraits. We agree that it would be amazing and ideal to be a part of your cocktail hour, however, these photos are very important. You don't want them to be rushed. We will work as fast as we can to get you to the cocktail hour if possible but these are very important pictures!
Reception
You get to Relax & Enjoy
Be you! Enjoy and go through the reception timeline and activities. Get some food and something to drink! This is where we work to get all those amazing candid shots
Dinner
We never take photos or video of people eating because who would want that LOL. It is best if we eat when you eat, that way we don't miss anything!
Exit
Whether its sparklers, bubbles, smoke bombs or glow sticks, make it special & memorable!
Advice + Tips
Wedding Coordinator
Having a full month of or even day-of coordinator is a must. This person is WELL worth the investment and works for you to make sure everything runs smoothly!
Your Wedding Team & Communication
Prior to your wedding it is a great idea to create a group email with all of your wedding vendors. This allows them all to already know who and what everyone is doing on the day of. This also allows for final timelines to be shared so EVERYONE is on the same page
First Look
How did we get back to this?! Hahaha but really, if you do a first look, there are SO many advantages... just saying.... ok last time we will bring it up, we promise!
One chance at your Wedding Photos & Video
Trust the process and the people you have hired. You only get this one day to capture these beautiful moments. Let it happen! The day will FLY by...photos and video are what you're left with after the day ends and you'll want those memories to be amazing and flawless
Let's talk about your dress...
Your dress is going to get dirty. You have to accept it and embrace it. Don't waste unnecessary stress on your dress. When you let it happen, you can get even more epic shots! Like lying down for a drone shot or going hiking somewhere picture perfect
Bring all the stuff!
We can't capture what we don't have. Make sure you make a list and pack all of those incredible details so we can make sure everything is captured
Travel Time
Make sure you allow time in your timeline for travel! Traffic can, and will, happen
Sample Timelines
Six Hours
4:00pm - Photographer Arrives
4:15pm - Put Dress On / Final Preparations
5:00pm - Ceremony
5:30pm - Cocktail Hour + Portraits
6:30pm - Introductions + First Dance
6:45pm - Welcome Toast or Blessing
6:50pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Speeches
7:40pm - Parent Dances
7:50pm - Dance Floor Opens
8:30pm - Anniversary Dance
8:40pm - Cake Cutting
8:50pm - Bouquet or Shoe Game
9:00pm - Dance Floor Reopens
10:00pm - Photographer Leaves
Eight Hours
2:00pm - Photographer Arrives
2:10pm - Detail Shots
2:30pm - Put Dress On / Final Preparations
3:00pm - Wedding Party Portraits
3:45pm - Head back inside
4:00pm - Guests start to arrive
4:30pm - Ceremony
5:00pm - Cocktail Hour + Portraits
5:50pm - Wedding couple joins cocktail hour
6:00pm - Introductions + First Dance
6:15pm - Welcome Toast or Blessing
6:20pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Speeches
7:10pm - Parent Dances
7:20pm - Dance Floor Opens
8:00pm - Anniversary Dance
8:10pm - Cake Cutting
8:20pm - Bouquet + Garter
8:30pm - Shoe Game
8:40pm - Dance Floor Reopens
10:00pm - Photographer Leaves
Ten Hours
12:00pm - Photographer Arrives
12:10pm - Detail Shots
1:00pm - Put Dress on / Final Preparations
1:30pm - First Look
2:00pm - Wedding Party Portraits
2:30pm - Head back inside
3:00pm - Guests start to arrive
3:30pm - Ceremony
4:00pm - Cocktail Hour + Family Portraits
4:30pm - Wedding couple joins cocktail hour
5:15pm - Introductions + First Dance
5:30pm - Welcome Toast & Blessing
5:40pm - Dinner
6:20pm - Speeches
6:30pm - Parent Dances
6:40pm - Dance Floor Opens
8:00pm - Anniversary Dance
8:10pm - Cake Cutting
8:20pm - Bouquet + Garter
8:30pm - Dance Floor Reopens
10:00pm - Photographer Leaves