There are a variety of ways to plot the timeline of your wedding day. Different cultural traditions require more time than others, different weddings (formal, elopement, etc), also differ. Some of the below times may seem like a lot, but we have done this over and over and understand that the wedding day will move quickly, most weddings run at least a little behind, and this is often how long it takes to properly capture all the wedding day elements that you want!

PERSONAL WEDDING DETAILS

TIME: 30 MINS

LOCATION: BRIDE & GROOM PREP SUITES

WHEN: BEGINNING

INSIGHT: Personal wedding details for your wedding day are often key elements that are very personal and you have taken the most time to choose. From the wedding dress and shoes to small tokens that may have sentimental value. Depending on the space of the prep suites, we sometimes need to take items to somewhere close by to get room needed and best lighting.

PRO TIP: Having all your accessories and mementos in a designated box will prevent you from misplacing them and easier for us to grab and go shoot.

BRIDE & GROOM PREPARATION

TIME: 1 HR

LOCATION: BRIDE & GROOM PREP SUITES

WHEN: BEGINNING

INSIGHT: Prep time is a great time to get candid shots of the bride and her bridesmaids/close family and the same for the groom. There are usually a lot of laughs and fun moments during this time. Things like make up and hair being done, tux and suit being ironed and put on. We like to incorporate family members and close friends into helping with things like putting on the dress, shoes, fixing a bow-tie and more.

PRO TIP: Having two shooters is very helpful here as we split up into teams so that we can simultaneously cover both bride and groom getting ready (especially when it’s at separate locations).

INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS

TIME: 15 MINS

LOCATION: BRIDE & GROOM PREP SUITES/NEARBY

WHEN: EARLY ON

INSIGHT: Right after prep time is when you are at your freshest (both literally and figuratively!). We like to carve out a small pocket where we can get you alone for a quick little shoot of you all done up and looking great. Some candids and formal portraits will let you remember how awesome you looked on your wedding day.

PRO TIP: We don’t have to go far or take long for these, but it helps if you are alone. That way you can take a deep breath, catch your thoughts and get some beautiful relaxed shots.

FIRST LOOK & EARLY COUPLES SESSION

TIME: 45 MINS – 1 HR

LOCATION: VENUE/NEARBY

WHEN: EARLY/MID

INSIGHT: First look usually falls into the ‘optional’ category. Depending on your overall timeline you may or may not want to include it. If it is included, it is usually followed by a very short mini couples session where we can catch the mood of the first look and carry it over into some great couples portraits right then and there. Optionally, we can also make that our prime couples session and have a quick sneak out session later in the evening (golden hour), if you choose.

PRO TIP: A first look gives you a private and intimate time to see what all the fuss is about! Finally seeing your other all dolled up. It also provides for one of the few moments that just the two of you will have together throughout the wedding day.

WEDDING PARTY

TIME: 45 MINS – 1 HR

LOCATION: VENUE/NEARBY

WHEN: EARLY/MID

INSIGHT: We try to get some groomsmen and bridal party shots right after prep is done. But mostly it is best to get them when the full group is together. That way we can mix and match (Bride and her girls, Groom and his guys, Full group, etc). A combination of formal portraits as well as some creative, fun and candid moments.

PRO TIP: Size of bridal parties always varies. Even if it’s very small, we can happily use the allotted time to take these shots with whoever you’ve chosen to be there during that time (parents, siblings, etc).

CEREMONY AND VENUE DETAILS

TIME: 40 MINS

LOCATION: VENUE

WHEN: MID

INSIGHT: You have put a lot of time(!) and effort(!) into choosing your venue and your ceremony site. Also, every last little detail has been put just right. We want to make sure this isn’t passed over in any way. We send our second shooter to the site prior to the guests arrival. This is the only opportunity to capture everything before it starts getting put to use. This is also a good chance to capture your guests as they arrive and start mingling.

PRO TIP: Having two shooters is very helpful here as we split up into teams so that we can simultaneously cover both bride and groom and venue. (we are usually doing bridal party shots at this time).

FORMAL PORTRAITS (FAMILY & FRIENDS)

TIME: 45 MINS

LOCATION: VENUE

WHEN: POST CEREMONY

INSIGHT: This is done right after the ceremony. After you walk down the aisle and out to your green room/waiting area with your bridal party, the guests will be sent to their cocktail hour. Once the ceremony site/altar area is clear we will come back and take formal shots with your bridal party, family and close friends.

PRO TIP: Have two people who know everyone or close friend be the ‘wrangler’. Someone who has a shot list (that you’ve given to them in advance), who can get all those needed to be in the pictures – preferably someone with a loud voice for getting everyone in order. We don’t want to lose track of Uncle Joe or Auntie Jean when it’s time to get their picture taken.

COUPLES SESSION

TIME: 45 MINS

LOCATION: VENUE/NEARBY

WHEN: POST CEREMONY

INSIGHT: The couples shoot comes (ideally) post ceremony (45 mins before sunset). This is a key portion of the wedding day when we will get all our best storytelling creative shots of just the two of you. At this time your guests are mingling at cocktail hour and your bridal party have been sent to join them as well. It’s just the two of you. Officially married, with the majority of the pressures of the day fading as you look forward to the reception party!

PRO TIP: This time is as much about giving the two of you time to soak in the fact that you’re officially married as it is about getting some beautiful shots of you together.