building the perfect

WEDDING DAY TIMELINE

DECOR & DETAILS

1:30-2:15

We begin the day by scouting the location and taking environmental details. We also try to photograph the décor at this time, so that we can capture clean images (without staff and guests) in natural light, of the reception and ceremony details as well as stationery. If you would like these details photographed, it's great to have your creative vendors (like photo + video, event designers + planners, florists, catering) work together at this time to create these images. We usually need one table setup to capture the types of images that are popular with editors.

BRIDAL DETAILS

2:15-2:45

Many brides love having those beautiful shots of her bridal details. It's an integral part of the story, and we love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. These shots allow us to get warmed up for the rest of the big day. We usually like to allow at least 30 minutes for this part of the day. While we are shooting details, we are also capturing some shots of the bride and her friends getting ready!

GROOM PREP

2:45-3:15

If the groom is getting ready nearby, we will begin photographing the guys between bridal details and bridal prep since it always takes them less time to get dressed! We shoot with the guys for about 20 minutes and capture them putting on their ties and cufflinks, and maybe a pre-ceremony toast.

BRIDAL PREP

3:15-3:45

After the bridal details and groom have been photographed, it's time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big moment! We usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look lovely in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. & we will shoot some additional bridal portraits!

COUPLES PORTRAITS

4:00-4:45

This is one of our favorite parts of the wedding day! We will find the perfect location for the couple's first look before the getting ready portion of the day! We also love to hear your ideas for potential locations! We will make sure the area is private and as secluded as possible. After the bride and groom take their time with the First Look, we will begin taking a few romantic portraits of the two of them while the initial excitement is still present! We will and the locations for these shots as well! Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot, and so we typically can't decide on portrait locations until the day-of. As we shoot these portraits, the wedding party can start making their way to us for Wedding Party portraits!

WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS

4:50-5:30

Now it's time for Wedding Party shots! We buffer in extra time throughout the day just in case we have some unexpected things that hold us up! One way to make sure we stay on schedule for bridal party portraits is to have someone put the boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they arrive for portraits. During Wedding Party portraits, we will make sure to take some great shots of the guys and girls both separately AND together! After wedding party portraits are complete, the couple will go into hiding so that early guests don't sneak a peek, and the ushers will begin escorting guests.

REST & RELAX

5:30-6:00

This is an excellent time for hair and makeup touch-ups, for everyone to have a second to collect themselves, possibly sign a marriage license, etc. while guests begin to arrive.

CEREMONY

6:00-6:40

It's time to get married!! Most services are 30-45 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 mins, we'll make adjustments to the timeline! Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!

COCKTAIL HOUR

6:45-800

Enjoy time with eachother and with your guests. This is the perfect opportunity to greet guests you have not seen yet. It is usually a great time to get sunset portraits.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

6:45-7:15

Family formals usually take place immediately following the ceremony. It's best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony because ALL family members will be present at that time. We'll need about 30-40 minutes for family formals, and we will send a questionnaire before the wedding where you can list out the shots that you want. We recommend shooting portraits outdoors if possible so that they resemble more natural family portraits, especially if the ceremony location is dark! If you would like to do these before the ceremony and be present at the cocktail hour, we would merely push everything to back to start earlier.

RECEPTION BEGINS

8:00

This is when the guests begin to make their way into the reception, and we begin to move to the timeline of the reception events. If you have questions for ideal reception timelines for dancing, toasts, and other unique traditions, let's chat more!