I'm so honored that you've trusted me with capturing your wedding day! I'm looking forward to celebrating with you and getting to know you better over the next several months.
In the mean time, this guide is designed to help you create a wedding day that lends itself to the best photos possible! This will walk you through everything from timelines to details to family photos.
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and feel free reach out at any point during the planning process!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
WELCOME
Below you'll find some handy tips for nailing down the perfect style.
Engagement sessions are a great way for us to connect and get to know each other before your big day arrives! You'll learn all about our posing structure and you'l be a pro by the end of your session! This will make your wedding day pictures a piece of cake!
& why we love them!
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
no way, jose
- Being "matchy-matchy"
- White Socks That Stick Out
- Big Logos and Writing on Shirts
- Small, Intricate, Busy Patterns
- Something that just isn't YOU
- Something uncomfortable that needs constantly adjusted
- Professional Hair and Makeup
- Complementary color schemes
- Comfortable + easy to move in
- Flowly skirts or tops that show movement
- Something you feel AMAZING wearing - we want you to feel confident and look your best!
yes! yes! yes!
Engagement photo styling tips
Engagement sessions typically last 1.5 - 2 hours. I recommend you bring an extra outfit, as you may wish to have two different "looks". Below you'll find some general guidelines to narrow down your perfect outfit.
what to wear
FLORAL DESIGN
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
WEDDING PLANNER
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
VIDEOGRAPHY
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
WEDDING DRESS
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
RENTALS
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
CALLIGRAPHY
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
Vendor & Sons
Bridal Vendors
Happily Ever After Vendor
Perfect Vendor
CLOSE
DETAILS
BONUS: EXTRA FLOWERS
I love getting to capture all the special details you've curated for your wedding day.
Details are one of the first things I'll photograph when I arrive on your wedding day so it's great if you have all these items in once place that morning. The list below is a great starting point if you're not sure what to include!
ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING bands (& if you have a pretty ring box!)
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's handkerchief. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in your detail shots.
groom detail checklist
SENTIMENTAL KEEPSAKES
2 FULL SETS WITH ENVELOPES + STAMPS & ANY OTHER PAPER STATIONARY YOU MAY HAVE (LIKE PROGRAM CARDS, ETC)
SHOES
VEIL
BOUQUET
HAIR PIECES
JEWELRY
VOW BOOK
His shoes
Socks
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
ANYTHING ELSE SPECIAL OR SENTIMENTAL.
I'd LOVE TO HAVE A FEW CUTS OF THE FLORALS YOU'LL BE USING THROUGHOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY. IF YOUR FLORIST WILL SUPPLY A SMALL BUCKET OF EXTRA PIECES I CAN INCORPORATE THOSE IN YOUR DETAIL SHOTS.
bride detail checklist
Dress & Hanger
Rings & Ring Box
(IF THEY'RE SPECIAL)
wedding day
INVITATION SUITE
PRINT THIS CHECKLIST!
THE RINGS
Soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
I love capturing the detail of your rings up close. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home:
01. A FIRST LOOK GIVES YOU QUIET MOMENT ALONE
Wedding days go by in a blur. As soon as the day begins there is so much to do and so many people to see. Doing a first look will give the two of you a moment alone (with a camera shooting from afar) to soak it all in and think through what the day means to you.
02. MORE TIME FOR PICTURES & YOUR RECEPTION
When you have a first look, we can take pictures of the two of you, the bridal party, and some family pictures before the ceremony even begins. This makes the day less rushed and allows us to take more pictures too!
Once you're married, we won't need as much time set aside for photos and you can get to your cocktail hour and reception sooner!
03. POSSIBLY AVOID bad WEATHER
If there's bad weather on the forecast, a first look gives you the option to get pictures done earlier in the day and possibly avoid being stuck in the rain!
First look
WONDERING IF A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
04. get out all your tears without the audience
A first look give both of you a moment to cry without the audience of all your wedding guests. You can get all your tears out knowing you'll have time to freshen up before pictures too.
It's a special moment when you see your other half for the first time on your wedding day. It'a a moment worth remembering whether you do or a first look or wait for an epic reveal as you walk down the aisle.
If you're wondering whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day, here are some ideas to consider.
"I love her. and that's the beginning and the end of everything."
- F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
VIEW TIMELINE
VIEW TIMELINE
EXAMPLE TIMELINE
EXAMPLE TIMELINE
BUILDING THE PERFECT
with a
first look
no first look
traditional
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional (not seeing each other until the bride walks down the aisle), we'll work with you to create the perfect wedding day schedule. Take a look at the examples below to get a general idea of when to plan for photos on your wedding day.
with a
first look timeline example
CLOSE TIMELINE
FIRST LOOK
30 minutes – Detail Photos
We begin by capturing your dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, invitation suite, and any personal heirlooms. These little details set the tone and help tell the full story of your day.
60 minutes – Getting Ready Moments
We'll photograph the final touches of hair and makeup, and the candid, emotional moments shared with your bridal party. These are some of the most joyful and touching parts of the day.
Individual Portraits of the Bride & Groom
Right after getting ready is the perfect time for solo portraits—your look is fresh, and the atmosphere is calm. We’ll take our time creating timeless, editorial-style images of each of you.
45–60 minutes – First Look & Couple Portraits
This is when you see each other for the first time—an emotional, private moment that we’ll photograph gently and candidly. Afterward, we’ll capture a variety of romantic portraits together while the day is still calm.
45 minutes – Immediate Family Photos
This time is set aside for heartfelt portraits with parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the standard formals.
30 minutes – Ceremony Site Details
While portraits are happening, the second shooter will capture the ceremony setup—beautifully styled and untouched by guests.
Ceremony
We'll document the entire ceremony from multiple angles—every glance, tear, and vow.
45–60 minutes – Formal Family & Group Photos
After the ceremony, we’ll take time for formal group photos with extended family and friends. This window allows us to stay organized while keeping things fun and relaxed.
30 minutes – Reception Details
Before guests enter the space, we’ll photograph the reception setup—capturing every beautiful detail, from tablescapes to florals.
Reception Reveal
You’ll get a quiet moment to see your reception space before guests arrive. It’s perfect for capturing your genuine reactions and even sneaking in a practice run of your first dance on the empty floor (which makes for stunning photos!).
without a first look
traditional timeline example
CLOSE TIMELINE
Traditional
30 minutes – Detail Photos
We start by photographing your dress, rings, shoes, bouquet, invitation suite, and other personal touches. These thoughtful details help tell the story of your day.
60 minutes – Getting Ready Moments
During this time, we’ll capture final hair and makeup touches, plus the candid, emotional moments with your bridal party. It’s one of the most heartfelt and fun parts of the day.
Individual Portraits of the Bride & Groom
Right after getting ready is the ideal time for individual portraits—hair and makeup are fresh, and the energy is calm, allowing us to take our time and create timeless images.
45–60 minutes – Couple Portraits
After the ceremony, we’ll take this time for romantic, well-lit portraits of just the two of you. We’ll start with classic shots, then move into creative and candid poses that reflect your connection.
45 minutes – Immediate Family Photos
This block is dedicated to capturing special moments with parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the formal groupings.
45–60 minutes – Formal Family & Group Photos
Depending on your guest list and family size, this window ensures we can capture all the essential combinations in a relaxed, organized way.
30 minutes – Ceremony Site Details
While you’re getting ready, the second shooter will photograph the ceremony space fully set and untouched—capturing it just as you imagined.
Ceremony
Timing varies based on your ceremony type, but we’ll be there to capture every meaningful moment from multiple angles.
30 minutes – Reception Details
Before guests enter, we’ll document the reception space in its full beauty—from florals to place settings—exactly how it looked before the celebration begins.
Reception Reveal
Before guests are invited in, you’ll have a private moment to see your reception setup. It’s a great opportunity for a genuine reaction and a sweet, quiet moment to take it all in—maybe even practice your first dance on the empty dance floor!
"You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known - and even that is an understatement."
- F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
FAMILY PORTRAITS
A FEW HELPFUL TIPS + TRICKS
crowd management
It's great if you can assign a friend or family member to help make sure we have everyone we need for family photos. This person should know who everyone on the photo list is but not be in too many photos themselves.
KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN THE LOOP
It makes the whole process of family photos faster when everyone in them knows what to expect. Let your family members (or anyone else who will be in a photo) to stick around as soon as the ceremony ends so that we don't have to take extra time finding everyone who's walked away.
short + sweet
Family photos aren't anyone's favorite part of a wedding day and we try to take them as efficiently as possible. With that said, keep in mind that every grouping typically takes 2-3 minutes to pose. We want to make sure we get all the family photos that need to be taken without cutting into your cocktail hour or reception too much!
create a list
We'll ask you for a list of family picture groupings a few weeks before the day of your wedding. Please make sure you list everyone's first name so that we know who to call for when we're grouping people together for a photo.
(There's a template below that's super easy to customize!)
sample family photos list
BRIDE'S GRANDPARENTS
BRIDE'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
BRIDE'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
BRIDE'S SIBLINGS
BRIDE'S PARENTS
GROOM'S GRANDPARENTS
GROOM'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
GROOM'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
GROOM'S SIBLINGS
GROOM'S PARENTS
THE BRIDE + GROOM WITH...
PRINT & CUSTOMIZE THIS LIST!
RECEPTION + GRAND EXIT
RECEPTION
During your reception, I will be taking photos of the speeches and dancing as well as candid shots of your guests. I will always be availabe to grab a photo of you with a group of guests that may have not been in a planned group photo. I love being your personal paparazzi!
Grand exits
Grand exits are such a fun bookend to your day! They typically consist of a human tunnel along with sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks or something else to celebrate with!
It is helpful if you can designate a few people attending your reception to help organize people into two lines and distribute whatever they will holding.
If you're up for it, I like to have couples run through the tunnel twice to make sure we get that EPIC send off photo!
