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WEDDING TIMELINE
HOW TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE!
Planning your wedding day can be stressful and we’re here to help with how and where you can use time wisely, just leave it to us and let us show you how...
There are many formalities happening throughout your wedding day and that’s why it is important to have a well-executed timeline. Having photographed many weddings throughout the years, we strongly suggest some helpful tips that will help your day go smoother and to assure you that you don’t miss out on the biggest celebration you’ve been planning for months.
GETTING READY
We will arrive thirty minutes before the hair and makeup are finished. The second photographer will go to the groom's location to photograph him getting ready. Beforehand, we will ask the bride to gather her details; shoes, dress, jewelry including rings, invitation, bouquet, and any other belongings that has significance to your day. After having photographed details, please allow one hour and a half for us to cover candid/fun photos of the ladies, champagne toast/robe photos before everyone starts getting into their dresses. In the last twenty-five minutes, our primary focus is on the bride getting her into her wedding gown, putting on the veil, capturing those final touches. Consider doing a first look with Dad, it’s an added sentimental moment to your day having him seeing his daughter for the first time as a bride before heading to the next location. (picture of the bride getting ready) We suggest doing a first look!
WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK?
It's an intimate, joyous moment between the couple where they see each other for the first time before the wedding ceremony. One of the biggest benefits of doing a first look is allowing the proper time to complete all portraits and formal photos prior to the ceremony without missing out on your cocktail hour. Another great benefit is an opportunity to release those nervous jittery feelings and spend some quality time with each other before being surrounded by friends and family. Alternatively, if you’re traditional and would rather see each other walking down the aisle for the first time as the bride and groom, we would love to hear your thoughts of your timeline expectations so we can plan accordingly. In this situation, immediately after the ceremony, we start photographing family portraits, followed by the bridal party finishing up with the couples portraits, one hour and forty-five minutes should be sufficient for these photographs. Otherwise, this may cause you to miss out on your cocktail hour and not allow you to get all the key photos of the day you’ve been dreaming of.
Allow us 60 minutes for a couple of portraits After sharing a moment together and seeing each other for the first time as bride and groom, we begin with a couple of portraits. This is where the fun begins! Capturing a variety of styles and poses using natural light as well as creating our own. Prior to your wedding day, we will discuss more your visions along with your desired locations for your wedding portraits.
BRIDAL PARTY
We normally start with the full bridal party taking a variety of fun, editorial, classic and natural poses. We then break the groups down and photograph them separately, the bride and her bridesmaids, the groom with his groomsmen and any other combinations requested by the bride and groom. Be mindful that it takes 3-5 mins to set up, organize and photograph each group.
FAMILY PORTRAITS - Time saving Tips.
Family photographs are typically photographed right after ceremony although some exceptions may work depending on your timeline. Be mindful that it will take 3-5 minutes to set up each group and photograph depending on how large and well organized the group is. We suggest making a list of different group combinations you want photographed ahead of time. Have a “designated go getter”, a close friend or family member to help gather family members.
THE CEREMONY
We’ve experienced photographing many ceremony’s of unique cultures. There are several ceremony rituals that we are familiar with. It is important to communicate with us your rituals occurring throughout the ceremony. Although a receiving line is not necessarily required, be aware it takes about 20 minutes to welcome approximately every 100 people.
RECEPTION DECOR
One of my favorite things to photograph is the details, especially if they are handmade by a family member or the bride herself! Details in the reception are almost always photographed during the cocktail hour. This is the only time we have to photograph the beautiful decor in the room before guest’s start to be seated. Cocktail hour is also the time we spend setting up and testing our off camera lighting making sure its perfect before your big entrance.
SUNSET/NIGHTTIME PORTRAITS
We look forward to the mesmerizing colors of sundown when the sun is lowest in the sky and the light is softer. It’s a great opportunity to capture some additional portraits just outside the venue. This is usually done during the reception ideally after you’ve had something to eat; in some cases it's done before the reception, depending on the time of year. Whether it’s the magical view of the city’s beautifully lit night skyline, the outdoor uplighting that the venue has to offer, or capturing an astonishing silhouette, it's a perfect time to take advantage of the sunset.
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