Timeline Tips

The key to a smooth wedding day is building in extra time. A well-paced timeline allows everything to feel relaxed, natural, and stress-free, even when the unexpected happens.

Make sure to plan for things that may take longer than expected, so that way, everyone feels relaxed and not rushed/stressed.

Below is a sample 8 hour timeline I’ve created to help guide you. There is one with a first-look, and the other is without a first-look.

Your final timeline should be confirmed 1 month before your wedding. This will be included in your pre-wedding questionnaire I send!

I am more than happy to assist you in creating your timeline!

**Each timeline will vary

getting ready

D E T A I L S

From the moment I arrive, please have the following things ready for me. These are going to be for the detail shots:

Items to have prepared and ready for me to photograph (all may not apply):



NOTE: Please have these items together in one place (For example: a shoebox or tote bag). Your items in one box and your groom's in another. If you are getting ready at separate locations, then please keep ALL rings with the bridal items, including the groom’s ring.

I love to incorporate floral in my detail shots. If at all possible, I will grab the bride's bouquet and incorporate it, if the bouquet can be arranged to be there along with the other bridal details, that would be awesome! I would also highly recommend arranging with your florist to have some loose florals ready to include in your detail shots!

HIS : shoes, ring, ring box, bowtie or tie, tie clip, pocket square, watch, cuff links, vow book, etc.

HERS: Invitation suite, loose florals, shoes, ring(s), ring box, bracelets, earrings, necklace, hair pieces, vow book, perfume etc.



IN ADDITION

Feel free to include any sentimental or textured items (lace, fabric, heirlooms) to add depth to your detail photos.

Please have your dress on a cute hanger. If you didn’t buy one specifically for it, that’s okay! Any nice wooden hanger will do just fine!

the getting ready space

The getting-ready space can become quite messy over time, trust me! Consider asking a bridesmaid to help clean up before I arrive for pictures. This will help tremendously with photos!

Make sure to be intentional about your getting-ready location if possible. For example, if you decide to get ready in a stuffy hotel bathroom with bad lighting and no windows, you might feel stressed and claustrophobic.

Instead… consider getting ready in an open, clean room with soft natural light coming through the windows, a place that will make you feel more at peace!

the ceremony

The best time to start your ceremony is 2 hours before sunset! You can search what time the sunset is on your wedding day on google. The reason, why you want to start your ceremony 2 hours before sunset is because this gives us time to capture all formal photos. Which include the family photos, bridesmaids photos, groomsmen photos, and bride and groom photos!

Family Photos “Formals”

Family formals come immediately after the ceremony, so making sure family members stay put after the ceremony ends is so important.

Letting the wedding officiant know to make this announcement is a great idea.

Since I usually only have a limited time to photograph the “family photo portion” of the day:

I will ask for a detailed family photo list before the wedding in your pre-wedding questionnaire!

List the groupings of family photos you would like taken after the ceremony.



EX: BRIDE & GROOM WITH GROOM'S PARENTS (ACTUAL NAMES).

Having a list will save so much time & make the process so simple! The reason I ask for names of family members is that it saves from any family dynamic awkwardness! So instead of saying "bride with dad & step-mom," I can just say, "Sarah with Tom & Sally." It’s much more professional & family members are more likely to respond to hearing their actual name called.

F U L L - W E D D I N G P A R T Y P H O T O S

Once we finish up with family photos, we will bring in the whole wedding party (Bridesmaids and Groomsmen) for group photos! If you’re having a first look, full wedding party photos might happen before the ceremony to leave more time for couple portraits.

C O U P L E P O R T R A I T S

I’ll sneak the two of you away for fun sunset photos!

the reception

T H E G R A N D E N T R A N C E

This is when I’ll be shooting candid photos of you walking in the reception! I’ll also be shooting reception details.

Please ask your planner or DJ to turn off colored or strobe lighting during key moments (entrance, first dance, parent dances, cake cutting). Clean, warm lighting ensures your photos look timeless and true-to-color.

D I N N E R

Since no one wants photos of open mouths full of food, my second shooter and I will be eating at the same time as you. Also, make sure to coordinate this with your caterer, they sometimes will put us in a back room, which is not ideal, since I won’t be able to see any important events happening, if i’m in a random room haha!

P A R T Y

I will be taking all the fun dancing photos of your wedding party, family + friends!

S P A R K L E R E X I T

Make sure to see if your venue allows this if you’re doing a sparkler exit! I’ll probably make you run up and down twice to get a variety of sparkler exit shots!

Your only job on your wedding day is to be present and enjoy every moment—I’ll take care of the rest.