Wedding Guide
Timelines
Timelines help your wedding day flow smoothly, giving your guests, vendors, and everyone involved a clear idea of when and where each moment will happen.
This guide is designed to keep your wedding photos organized, relaxed, and efficient, allowing you to fully enjoy your day while we capture every meaningful moment.
With a little planning, we can create a smooth experience and ensure that the most important memories of your day are beautifully documented.
STEP 01
Getting Ready
Estimated time: 45–90 minutes
During this time we capture beautiful details and natural moments while everyone is preparing.
Important photos:
Dress
Shoes
Perfume
Jewelry
Hair and makeup
Friends helping the bride
Parents helping with the dress
For the groom:
Tie or bow tie
Cufflinks
Jacket
Moments with groomsmen
These images help tell the story of the beginning of the day.
STEP 02
First Look or First Touch (Optional)
Estimated time: 10–15 minutes
This the moment when the couple sees each other before the ceremony.
This often creates beautiful emotional photos and gives the couple a quiet moment together.
Photos captured:
The groom’s reaction
Hug or emotional moment
A few quick portraits of the couple
STEP 03
Couple Portraits
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
These are some of the most beautiful photos of the day.
Examples:
Walking together
Looking at each other
Close portraits
Hugs
Kisses
Wide scenic photos
STEP 04
Ceremony
Estimated time: 15–40 minutes
Important moments captured:
Groom entrance
Bridal party entrance
Bride entrance
Groom's reaction
Vows
Ring exchange
The kiss
Walking back down the aisle
STEP 05
Family Photos
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
Family portraits are usually taken right after the ceremony.
Because we will already have a prepared list, this part can move quickly and smoothly.
STEP 06
Bridal Party Photos
Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
Photos with:
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Full bridal party
Also usually capture:
Bridesmaids only
Groomsmen only
Fun group photos
STEP 07
Cocktail Hour
During cocktail hour:
Guests interacting
Candid moments
Drinks and celebration
Decor and venue details
STEP 08
Reception Moments
Important moments to capture:
Grand entrance
First dance
Speeches or toasts
Cake cutting
Dancing and celebration
Photographer Tips
Right after the ceremony, we’ll take a few family portraits. To make this process easier and avoid delays, it helps a lot to have a short list of the family group combinations you’d like.
You can use the example list below as a guide and adjust anything based on your family.
Also, if possible, it’s very helpful to choose one family member or friend who knows everyone well and can help call people for each photo.
Example Family Photo List:
Bride & Groom with both families
Bride & Groom with Bride’s immediate family
Bride & Groom with Groom’s immediate family
Bride & Groom with Bride’s parents
Bride & Groom with Groom’s parents
Bride & Groom with siblings
Bride with parents
Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with grandparents
Bride & Groom with bridal party
Feel free to add or remove anything depending on what matters most to you.
When the officiant announces the kiss, take a moment and hold the kiss for a few seconds so it can be captured beautifully.
It can also be helpful to practice which direction you will lean for the kiss. Try to avoid turning the wrong way and accidentally facing away from the camera.
For the kiss, lean slightly toward the camera so both faces remain visible in the photos.
Groom, place the hand that is closest to the photographer on the bride’s upper back, and gently place the other hand on her waist. This will allow you to guide the movement naturally and turn her slightly toward the camera. Hold her confidently so she feels supported and comfortable.
Bride, place one hand behind his neck for support (the hand closest to the officiant), and gently place the other on his arm, neck, or face. Follow the movement and lean in comfortably so both of you remain visible to the camera during the kiss.
The bride usually holds the bouquet while walking down the aisle. Once she reaches the altar, the maid of honor can hold the bouquet so the bride’s hands are free for the vows and the ring exchange. After the kiss, the bouquet can be returned before the couple walks back down the aisle together.
After the ceremony, take a slow walk down the aisle, enjoy the moment together, and celebrate with your guests.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy your day.
Grand Exit
Sparkler exit
Bubbles
Flower petals
Confetti
Ribbon wands
White balloons
