Focusing on
what matters most
Not sure how much time you might need for your wedding photography coverage? Already booked and want to start creating the foundation for your wedding day timeline? You are in luck. I've listed out things I've learned that make every wedding day timeline successful, and some helpful tips to ensure that you can truly relax and enjoy your the start of your new adventure.
Getting Ready
I like to schedule 1.5 hours for getting ready photos. This could look like:
- 30 minutes for details (dress, florals, shoes, rings, veil, stationery, fragrance bottle, tie, cuff links, pocket square, vow books, etc)
- 30 minutes for finishing hair + makeup touches
- 30 minutes to get into your outfit and do any first looks with your wedding party or family members.
It is super helpful if both partners are getting ready in the same location. If not, no worries! My second photographer will either start off with the off-site group and then head over to your venue.
TIP: Have all of your detail items, including your partner's, in one place. A shoebox or bag is perfect, and makes receiving the items you want photographed seamless.
TIP 2: Remove all of the extras so that I can photograph your outfit.
- For dresses this includes: removing tissues paper, cardboard, and pins from your gown, and any ribbons that your alternations specialist may have tied on your bustle.
- For suits: please remove any tags and keep all items such as a vest, tie, pocket square, et al. together. Fancy socks? Make sure you include those, too.
Couples, Wedding Party + Family Photos
I like to schedule 1.5-2.5 hours for pre-ceremony photos.
- 30-45 minutes for your first look and couples photos
- 30-45 minutes for any wedding party photos
- 30-45 minutes for family
- 30-45 minutes to rest and reset.
I am a strong believer in adding this to your timeline, as it allows everyone to hide from guests, get some water, and do any makeup or hair touch ups as needed.
Not planning on a first look? No worries! I typically get all of the photos of each side prior to the ceremony, and then a few full wedding party photos right after you're married.
Ceremony + Reception
Plan on additional time to travel to your ceremony site if we your wedding is taking place at two different locations. I like to add 10-15 minutes to what Google might recommend, and potentially extra time if you’re looking at a Friday evening wedding during rush hour in the Cities. Decide if you are doing a receiving line after your ceremony and remember to add in time for this. Check with your officiant/pastor/priest to see how long they estimate your ceremony to be.
Reception: Remember to plan time for a room flip if you are having your ceremony and reception in the same space. Your venue contact, florist, or wedding coordinator will know how much time to plan for this change to happen.
Golden Hour / Sunset Photos
I try to schedule golden hour photos approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset. This will give us time to get to the photo spot, get the images, and then get you back to your reception. Having your wedding in the city? I recommend scheduling this time about an hour prior to sunset.
If you are concerned about missing your reception and leaving your guests - I understand! I highly recommend golden hour photos for a few reasons. The most impactful is that planning this time to step away gives you and your new spouse time together, just the two of you (and me. And your videographer, if you're having one.). I often hear clients say that they really appreciate having a moment to pause from the celebration and just breathe and be with their person. It can be easy to feel separated from your spouse on your wedding and my goal is to ensure that there are pockets of time just for the two of you built into your day.