Wedding Day Planning Guide
Let's plan your timeline & shot list!
Let's start planning
After many years of experience in the wedding industry, I have found that you can't go wrong when you plan ahead! As part of your wedding package, I will provide a detailed timeline, so your day is special, fun, memorable, and as relaxing as possible for you all, your family, and your friends. I have found that when there is plenty of time, portraits are usually really joyful and a wonderful experience for everyone involved. My job is to make sure you all are happy the day of and thrilled when I deliver your gallery! I am very flexible and will do everything in my power to make sure that happens. Below I have includes some tips and suggestions to make things go as smoothly as possible.
Timeline & Shot-list
In order to customize your timeline and shot list, I will need some additional information. Please fill out the the Wedding Day Timeline and Shot List Planning Form. Before you complete this form, please be sure to check out all of my "Important Tips & Considerations", below.
Preparing for the big day
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FAMILY, WEDDING PARTY, & OTHER VENDORS.
Once we finalize your timeline, please make sure you communicate your timeline to your family and wedding party. If you don't communicate what time they need to arrive portrait ready, they won't know LOL! Please communicate the timeline with you other vendors including hair & makeup, the florist, the videographer, and your DJ/ entertainment. If you need help, I am happy to reach out to your vendors and share the timeline, just let me know.
FINAL CONSULTATION.
I will be reaching out to you to schedule your final consultation. This meeting takes place the week of your wedding and lasts about 20 minutes. It can be held over the phone or in person. We will go over all the final details before your big day!
THE RINGS!
I will be photographing your gorgeous diamond and bands! This would be a perfect opportunity to have your rings cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and build up that may be visible through a macro lens! Also, I will be photographing your rings in your detail and flat lay shots, almost as soon as I arrive. Please make sure the BRIDE HAS ALL OF THE RINGS. Typically, the groom arrives a bit later, and I will need the rings before then. I will make sure the rings make there way safely back to the correct recipients before the ceremony.
Following your wedding day
SNEAK PEEK WITHIN 24 HOURS.
Within 24 hours of your wedding you will see a sneak peek on Instagram and Facebook (with your permission, of course).
GALLERY DELIVERY.
Your full gallery of proofs will be delivered within 4-6 weeks (sometimes sooner) of your wedding day. You will receive a link to your private online gallery via email and will have the opportunity to choose your favorites and select your images for printing. I will also provide a sharable link, so go ahead and share the joy!
IMPORTANT TIPS & CONSIDERATIONS
HAIR & MAKEUP.
Please communicate the timeline with your hair and makeup artists, as soon as we finalize it, so they are aware of exactly what time you, as well as your bridal party, need to be portrait ready! Please ask your artists to make sure that you are scheduled for hair and makeup some where in the middle of the bridal party. While you might not want to be the first one in the chair, you certainly do NOT want to be the last. The reasoning is, you and your groom are the stars of the show. If you are not ready, then the show cannot go on. I want to make sure you get the most value out of your portraiture experience, and this is one way to make sure that happens. Also, don't forget mom! If you want gorgeous portraits of her zipping you into your wedding gown, she likely will want to feel just as pretty as you do, rather than in a robe with curlers in her hair LOL!
WHAT IS A FIRST TOUCH?
A First Touch is when you all steal a few moments to yourselves before the ceremony, but you don't actually see one another. You will be in the same frame, and I will be able to see both of you, but you will not see one another. This is must be planned into the timeline, but if you are not doing a first look, I encourage you to take advantage of this super sweet pre-ceremony opportunity!
WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK?
A First Look is a planned moment during the wedding day, before the ceremony, when you all will see one other for the first time. The First Look allows you two to share this special moment in a more private setting. It is followed by portraits of just the two of you and then you all with your wedding party. Taking advantage of capturing these special portraits, pre-ceremony, reduces the amount of portraits that need to be taken after the ceremony. It breaks things up a bit, and typically produces a larger gallery with more variety.
THE BRIDE.
If we are able to meet up in person for your final consultation, I will provide you with a "Bridal Box" and checklist. If we are unable to connect in person, any box or bag will do, you basically need something large enough to hold all of your essential items that will be used in flat lays and detail shots. I reccomend the night before your wedding taking 5-10 minutes to review the the Bridal Checklist and make sure you have everything you need in your "Bridal Box".
THE GROOM.
Your items are just as important, so please review the Groom's Checklist and have these items set aside in the grooms room to be photographed!
