I am here to help guide you through this process.

I don't want your wedding to feel like a big photoshoot.

Your wedding day is about your love and the joining of your two families. I am here capture your day as it unfolds naturally with key portraits scattered throughout.
With proper planning together we can make your day feel seamless, fun and stress free.

I have created this guide as a way to tell my couples all the helpful tips I have picked up over the years.

You only get this day once. You’re allowed to say no to traditions, expectations, or drama. Choose what makes you happiest and design a day that feels just like you two.

Details

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Pack a box with these items

1. Invitations, save the date & stationary
2. Rings & Ring boxes
3. Jewelry
4. Perfume/ Cologne
5. Vow books
6. Bouquet
7. Veil
8. Shoes
9. Garter
10. Anything that has sentimental value

Bride Getting Ready

Helpful tips

1. Don't go last for hair and makeup.
2. Take all bouquets out of the water half an hour before use to avoid drip marks on the dresses.
3. Get a nice hanger for your dress/outfits.
4. Steam all your dresses/outfits the night before, don’t leave it until the morning. The day will be busy enough.
5. Open sentimental gifts before your MUA leaves.
6. Write your vows in the booklet before the wedding day.
7. Wear something you feel comfortable being photographed in, that doesn’t have to go over your head.

How to prep for the zipping the dress on photos

1. Have your person (Mom, Grandma, friend) be dressed first.
2. Tidy the background removing any clutter in sight.
3. Prep yourself. Have your dress mostly up and covering yourself.
4. Stand at an angle. We want to capture the hands zipping and both your expressions.
5. Go slow.
6. Smile and laugh together. Have your person say something sweet to you.
7. Try to relax. Take a few breaths.
8. Add a sentimental touch. Embrace or add a sentimental piece of jewelry to the moment.
9. Trust your photographer.

The Groom
Clear any clutter in the room before photography arrives.
Have something to toast!
Have your father, grandfather or best man help you with your coat, cuff links or tie.
Buy two shirts.
If it’s hot, you can change after the ceremony or formal portraits. It will also act as a backup in case you spill anything on the first one.
Empty your pockets.
Not just the groom, but all the groomsmen too. Avoid putting phones or wallets in your trousers as this will be visible in your photos. Instead put them inside your jacket or leave them in a safe place.

Putting on a boutonniere.

How to step by step:

1. Find the right spot. It goes in the left lapel, above the heart.
2. Position the flower. Hold it so the flower faces forward and slightly up. The stem sits neatly behind the flowers.
3. Securing the pin. Insert the pin from the back of the lapel, pushing it through the stem. Then angle the pin back into the lapel fabric.
4. Check stability. Gently wiggle it, if it flops add a second pin going the opposite direction.
5. Final touch. Make sure it is straight and not drooping.

If you need help, most photographers and planners know how to correctly do this.

Some florists also offer magnetic boutonniere attachments. These are great if the Groom or groomsmen are not wearing jackets.

Pros to a First Look


  • It is an intimate moment between just the two of you.
  • You can do private vows.
  • It takes the pressure off. If you feel like you might be overly emotional & don’t want that to happen in front of your guests.
  • All your formal photos can be taken before the ceremony.
  • More time for friends & family - you’ll be able to join cocktail hour.
  • You’ll be able to spend more time together.

Pros to Waiting


  • You can have “that moment” walking down the aisle.
  • Keeping with tradition.
  • You want to include your guests in “that moment”.
  • You are ok with missing cocktail hour to take your formal photos.
  • You have more time to get ready and spend with your bridal party.


If a first look is out of the question, but you like the idea of speaking with your partner before the ceremony. Consider a first touch or private vows.

These both are a great way to still have some extra time together and a private moment that is just between the two of you.

Church Ceremony

Plan for extra time

Not typically included in the total mass time is the beginning processional. Depending on how big your wedding party/ family is and how much of a space you put between each person it can add additional time. Time it out ahead on time and add that into your ceremony time.

If your mass is going to be 1 hour long and you have a large processional and a long aisle you might consider adding an extra 20 minutes to the ceremony time on the timeline.

A lot of couples with church ceremonies do a receiving line right after. This is when the couple and family stand at the exit of the church and greet all the guests. If you plan to do this please add an additional 30 minutes into your timeline.

Ceremony

Have a backup plan that you love. The weather can be unpredictable so have an indoor option that still brings you joy.

When walking down the aisle don't forget to look up and smile.

When having 2 parents escorting the Bride or Groom down the aisle, make sure the aisle is wide enough. Give thought to how you will transition once you reach the end of the aisle.

Don't forget to pass the bouquet to your maid of honor and hold hands with your partner.

HOLD THE FIRST KISS FOR 3 SECONDS!


Share this with your

Officant

 Don’t forget to tell all the guests to sit down at the start of the ceremony. First time officants tend to forget this step.

Have a printed script instead of a phone or tablet. If looks a lot better in your photos and/or video.


Transportation

Always add buffer time when you have multiple locations. It might take your bridal party or family 10 to 15 minutes just to get to the cars. Be sure to have a little wiggle room in your timeline.

Consider renting transportation for your family and bridal party if you have a ceremony in a separate location from the reception. This ensures everyone stays together and is present for all the events.

Family Portraits
Make a family photo list in advance.
Keep it simple with parents, siblings (spouses/kids), and Grandparents.
I recommend family photos to be taken right after the ceremony. This ensures everyone is fresh and present.
Let your family know beforehand that they are in the family formals.
Send a group text to your family that will be in your formal family portraits.
This way they know to hang around after the ceremony and don't run off to cocktail hour.

Stick close to your partner throughout the day. The more you’re near each other, the more memories I can capture of you two actually enjoying your day!


Couples who touch naturally photograph better. Hands on back, foreheads together, fingers linked.



Bustling the Dress


Practice bustling ahead of time.

Take a video of the seamstress showing how it is done.


We will bustle the dress before the entrances to ensure it is not tripped over or stepped on. It is very difficult to slow dance with any type of train. It will spin around the couple and get twisted. This also prevents it from getting damaged. 


We will remove your veil at this point too.

Cocktail Hour

When the ceremony and reception are at one location plan for at least an hour for your cocktail hour.
If you decided against a First Look typically your timeline while your guests join cocktail hour would look like:
Formal Family Photos (10-20 minutes)
Bridal Party (10-15 minutes)
Newlywed Photos (20 minutes)

If you would like to ensure you can join the end of cocktail hour, make it 1.5 hours.

Entrances


Best order to start your reception off right.


  • Intros
  • First Dance
  • Parent Dances
  • Toasts
  • Dinner


  • Intros
  • First Dance
  • Toasts
  • Dinner
  • Parent Dances


You can get all the formalities out the way, relax and enjoy the party. A lot of Dj’s recommend both options as well. Speak with yours to find out what their preference may be. 


Have a plan for where you want your bridal party and family to go after entrances. 

They can stand on the dance floor or go right to their seats.



Formal Dances


Ask your DJ to not use colored, speckled or strobe lighting during your dances. 



Make sure you look at each other. Smile. Kiss. Hug.


Practice your first dance a few times. Couples that have a planned out dance with dips and spins exude confidence during their dance and it shows in the photos and video.



Toasts


Toast before dinner = better energy.

Everyone is still seated and focused on you. 


Speak with your venue coordinator or planner ahead of time to ensure all your guests have something to drink.


Making an announcement during cocktail hour to get a drink, having toasting champagne on the tables or provided ahead of time or glasses of water on the table. 

Guests can get annoyed or restless when they don't have a drink to cheers. 


Tips for speaches:

  1. Keep it short and sweet. 2-3 minutes is perfect. 
  2. Make it about the couple.
  3. Aim for warmth. 
  4. Don’t forget to raise those glasses!


Have the person stand next to the couple so everyone is in the photos together. 

As the couple, look at the person speaking or each other, be present in the moment. 


Cheers, hug and kiss




Don't forget to ...


EAT. Especially if you are drinking.

And hydrate. You’ll want to remember these moments. We don’t want to risk passing out, being a bit too tipsy, or feeling sick on such a big day.





Post Wedding


I will send you a highlight gallery within 3 days following the wedding. It will be a minimum of 30 images.


Your full gallery will take about 45-60 days to complete. I will email it to you and mail you a package including a usb flash drive with all your images.



Your final payment is due when I arrive on the wedding day. Feel free to message me to coordinate payment options.



Please reach out with any questions or concerns.


I am always available to help you. I am happy to help create your timeline as well.



Feel free to send me a text! 315-436-6061