Wedding day Timeline.
It is completely up to the bride and groom to arrange and plan the wedding day timeline how they see fit. It is strongly encouraged that the bride and groom and or planner/coordinator, work with the photographer when planning the timeline. Involving the photographer will give you the opportunity to obtain very valuable advice on the planning on the days events. The photographer is able to provide important considerations regarding best times, lighting scenarios, locations, etc for the best pictures possible. Don’t be shy, give me a call, I’d love to help!
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Getting Ready 2-4 hours
Things to consider:
What if my artists/stylists are running late, or running behind schedule?
How many people are getting hair and make up done?
Wardrobe malfunction?
Any other type of the possible 101 delays?
Plan for delays, schedule cushion time!
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First Looks 30-45mins
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Travel time between locations 15-45mins
Things to consider:
Transportation running late
Traffic
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Ceremony 30-60 mins
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Cocktail Hour 60 mins
Consider:
This is usually the time we use the take formal photographs.
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Family/bridal party formals 45-60mins
Consider:
I liken family/bridal party formals to herding kittens. When you think you have them all together, one always manages to get away.. to the bathroom, to grab a drink, etc.
Plan for delays!
I also ask that you designate one person who is familiar with most of the family and bridal party whom can assist the photographer with the groupings! Usually for example a sibling, or maid of honor.
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Bride and groom formals 30-45 mins
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Reception details 20 mins
Consider:
Detail Shots – Please allow 20 minutes for the photographer to take pictures of the reception room, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.
Table Shots – Table shots are when you go around visiting tables. There are two options for photography during this time. (1) You can take formal pictures with each of these tables or (2) we can simply focus on photojournalism, capturing the smiles and hugs as you mingle with each table. If you’re planning on doing formal table shots, please keep in mind that these will take about 3-5 minutes per table. For example 20 tables would require 60-100 minutes of time. Note on your questionnaire if this is something you would like.
Considerations when planning logistics.
Time of day. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, consider the time of day! The best time to start your outdoor ceremony is typically about 2 hours or so before the sun sets. (unless you are planning a first look, you’ll have more time to play with). You can search google to find out the exact time the sun will be setting on the day of your wedding.
The least desirable time for out door pictures is typically when the sun is high in the sky (12noon-3pm). I am able to work around this when there are areas of open shade. However when the sun is very harsh it creates very hard shadow and people always get hot and sweaty. Not so flattering.
Family and bride and groom formal portraits. Typically the formal photographs, family formals and bride and groom formals, are taken after the ceremony. Will there be plenty of natural light for these pictures? It is advised that all formal out door pictures wrap up no later than 45 mins before the actual time of sunset.
More Planning Info
Shot list.
**Please note that this shot list is simply a guideline. While every attempt is made to capture all the critical moments, no particular photo can be guaranteed. The Photographer can not guarantee any particular image(s).
Getting Ready
*The photographer will usually start by photographing these things. Please gather these things in advance and have them all put aside and ready to go prior to photographer arriva
The majority of this time will be spent capturing Candid moments
For example:
Bride getting her hair styled and make up applied
Candid moments of bridesmaids having fun and getting ready
Bride and girls jumping on the bed
Mother getting bride zipped into dress
Mother/brides maid helping brides with finishing touches
Bridesmaids reacting to bride in gown
Father seeing bride dressed in her gown
Ceremony
*Its is our goal to be as unobtrusive as possible during this time, simply documenting this special time as the moments unfold.
Wide shots of space/church/room set up
Detail shots of decor
Bridal Party walking down aisle
Grooms expression of seeing bride walking down the aisle
Close ups of guests throughout the ceremony
Exchanging of rings
The kiss
Bride and Groom walking back down the aisle
Recetion
*Its is our goal to be as unobtrusive as possible during this time, simply documenting this special time as the moments unfold.
Wide shots of space
Detail shots of decor
The cake
Bridal party entrance
Bride and groom entrance
guests making toasts
Bride and Groom first dance
Parent dances
Musicians, dj, entertainers
Bouquet toss
Guests dancing
Family Formals Shot list
**Please note that this shot list is simply a guideline. While every attempt is made to capture all the critical moments, no particular photo can be guaranteed. The Photographer can not guarantee any particular image(s).
Remember, formals should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your family and the number of guests.
Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.
Some couples have decided that they want a picture with all guests while others have decided that they only want pictures with select VIPs to save time. We recommend something in between.
We also recommend being very organized, with a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.
Bride with Parents
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride with Siblings
Bride with Grand Parents
Groom with Parents
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
Groom with Siblings
Groom with Grand Parents
Bride and Groom with Brides Family + Extended
Bride and Groom with Brides Parents and Siblings
Bride and Groom with Brides Parents
Bride and Groom with Grooms Family + Extended
Bride and Groom with Grooms Parents and Siblings
Bride and Groom with Grooms Parents
Bride and Groom with both sets of Parents+both sets of Siblings
Bride and Groom with both sets of Parents
Bridal Party – Bride and Groom with Boys and Girls + Flower girl, ring barrier, etc.
Bridal Party – Bride and Groom with Boys and Girls (Adults only)
Bridal Party – Groom with Boys
Bridal Party – Groom with Best Man
Bridal Party – Bride with Girls
Bridal Party – Bride with Maid of Honor
**make a note of extended members you would like to include
I can try an facilitate more groupings, for example, individuals portraits with each member of bridal party, but you mast allot the time for this! I can not, and will not rush through extra groupings with not enough time to do a good job. Its not fair to you or me. If you want these groupings, please allot the time!
This list is usually feasible with 1 hour, given we remain organized as a collective.
Keep in mind, there will be plenty of time to take less formal photographs during the reception with as many people as you would like.
