Wedding Day Timeline Guide
This guide was created to help you with a starting point of deciding what coverage best fits your day.
PREPARATION // 1 -2 HOURS
Depending on your schedule, this can be for as
long or as little as you'd like. The best time for
us to arrive is right as your makeup is being
touched up and almost finished, so you will
have your makeup done nicely for photos.
We want extra time to photograph your dress,
attire, and any other details before you are dressed.
FIRST LOOK // 20 MINUTES (optional)
Once you are dressed, be sure to let us know if there are any gifts or letters being exchanged before seeing each other,
and if you want that moment to be photographed. This is where a second photographer is helpful,
so we can capture you separately at the same time.
So, what is a first look?
A first look is a special moment when you will be able to see each other before the ceremony.
It is a romantic way to see each other's expressions as you see each other for the first time
on your wedding day. This isn’t a replacement to walking down the aisle because that amazing
moment still happens! In essence, you are adding to the day by having a private, intimate moment
instead of replacing it. If you choose to have a first look, this will generally bring
the following benefits:
- More & better photos
- More time during cocktail hour portraits
- Alone time together on your big day
- Get to your reception sooner
We understand if you want to keep that exciting feeling of not seeing each other until your big moment of walking
down the aisle! Another amazing option is to have a "first touch"
- holding hands around a corner and having a private
moment together to talk without seeing each other quite yet!
You may also choose to do a first look with your parent(s), or with your wedding party!
CEREMONY // 30 MINUTES - 1 HOUR
If you choose not to have a first look, you will want to plan for the ceremony to
END within an hour to an hour and a half before sunset. This will ensure plenty
of time for family, wedding party, and your portraits before the sun sets.
Planning for this time frame will ensure great lighting for these photos.
COCKTAIL HOUR// PORTRAIT HOUR
Plan for:
20 minutes for family formals
15-20 minutes for wedding party
20-25 minutes for your newlywed portraits
This amounts to the full cocktail hour before your reception announcement.
**It is best to wait to greet your guests until after photos are over;
I know you may be eager to see family and friends right away, but the faster
we move into having photos done, the more of your day you will have to spend with them at your reception!
Tip: This is where a second photographer would be able to document your guests enjoying cocktail hour & your
reception details during portraits, or help with wedding party photos so you have more time to do newlywed
portraits.
Alternative:
Rehearsal dinner coverage for family portraits
I know what you're thinking: Not on your wedding day, and not in your wedding attire. It's something to consider!
You and your closest family and friends will still be together, and dressed beautifully- a perfect time to meet and work
with your photographer before your big day, and not taking up time at cocktail hour following your ceremony. You
may be able to either attend your cocktail hour and spend more time with guests, or choose to spend more time with
just the two of you,
with newlywed portraits. Or, both!
Always choose what resonates with you.
RECEPTION // 3-5 HOURS
Time to party! Your portraits will be finished and your
reception photographs will mostly be candid captures
(besides a little help with cake cutting!) unless you have
any other photo requests; We're happy to take more
group photos of course! We will be capturing toasts, first
dances, everyone's smiling faces, happy tears and dance
moves until the end of the night!
SEND OFF // RECEPTION & PHOTOGRAPHY END TIME
We'll need a heads up on what type of send off you will have (if you choose to have one) so we can prepare for proper
lighting. Sparklers photograph beautifully! (Some venues will not allow sparklers, and keep in mind sparklers and
drinking are not always the best mix ;)
If going with a confetti or item to toss, we highly recommend environmentally friendly options such as
leaf confetti, flower petals, or another natural material;
Materials containing litter, balloons and other plastics are very harmful, wasteful, and hard for your vendor team to
clean up.
Every wedding is unique and I'm more than happy to brainstorm ideas, go over your final timeline with you and/or
your planner to see if we need to make any adjustments. Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide!
I can't wait to capture the beginning of your love story.
Warmly,
Sarah
