timeline planning

Listen, this isn’t my first rodeo. I have attended HUNDREDS of weddings and I know that each and every one of them are different and no single timeline is the same.  BUT… I have found over the years, is that there are certain components to every wedding that are the same.  Below, I have provided you with some timeline planning tips AND suggested time frame to set aside. I can create you AH-MAZING images, but I need a realistic time to make that happen.

What you can expect: as the day approaches, I will ask you to fill out a questionnaire to provide more specific details of your day. Using that information, I will put together a timeline draft that you and I will go over together during a phone call/in person meeting. We’ll talk about what is important to you, we’ll hammer out details and put actual times beside all of the key parts of the day giving us a customized timeline for your big day.

details

getting READY

PLAY time

BRIDE + groom

wedding party

FIRST LOOK with dad

details

Suggested Time: 30 minutes
When: Morning
Where: Bridal Suite and/or Home
Tips:

  1. Have all of your items in one location so that if you are in the middle of hair/makeup, I can get started right way without digging thru any bags. Please do the same with the guys details as well so that the second shooter can get started right way.
  2. If you have a sentimental item you will be incorporating into your wedding day please alert me ahead of time. For example, if you are having something sewn into your dress, carrying something on your bouquet or wearing a special ring I want to know so that I can be sure to include those meaningful items.

getting ready

Suggested Time: (at least) 45 minutes
When: Morning or Early Afternoon
Where: Bridal Suite and/or Home
Tips:

  1. Let’s talk clutter If you have a lots of bridesmaids, ask them to put all of their items into another room so that the space you will be putting your dress on is clean and clutter free.
  2. Natural light is always more flattering and makes for some gorgeous images when the room you will be getting ready in has a window. Don’t me surprised if when I arrive, I open the blinks and pull back any closed curtains to let in all the light.
  3. Location Location Location: getting ready in the basement of a church with stacked up chairs and jesus posters will have a very different vibe than getting ready in a childhood home or a hotel room. Think about the location of where you will be getting ready and what atmosphere you want to be surrounded with.
  4. You may want to consider having anyone helping you get into your dressed already dressed by this point.

play time

Suggested Time: 15 minutes
When: Prior to the ceremony
Where: Bridal Suite, Home, Venue Space
Tips:

    1. These are the images I take right after you put on your dress and your hair/makeup are fresh. We find some pretty light and focus on just the bride for 15 minutes photographing all the beautiful details of her in the dress.
    2. Make sure the flowers are delivered before this time of the day.

first look

Suggested Time: 15 minutes
When: prior to the ceremony, daylight hours
Where: private location near venue, preferably shaded
Tips:

    1. We request that the wedding party and family not be present so that we can have a private moment with the bride and groom.
    2. This is the perfect time for the bride and groom to exchange gifts.