session details, tips, and answers
Wedding Day
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this Experience.
When it comes to the timeline and picture list, a lot of people get overwhelmed but I am here fo you. Here are some tips and samples you can use, if you are using a wedding coordinator, please share these times approximations/timelines with them so we are all on the same page. It is important that you follow my recommendations so the day goes by smoothly.
The Experience
01.
Lamers
Bustamove
transportation
MKE Sounds
Kryptonite Entertainment
Midwest Sound
Instant Request
dj/bands
Sams Club
Costco
A-Rhee
Perwinkle Bakery
cakes/desserts
Renards
Chef Fusion
Rockmans
Prime Minister
catering/bar
Ashley Skeiee Events
Ruby Design
Evolutions in Design
rentals
Savy belle Make-up
Wanderlush Beauty
Lauryn Pro Makeup Artist
Make up by Mindie
hair/makeup
Chaviano Creative
Chasing Sunset Films
Weddings by JL
Yellow Films
videographers
Blossom Flower House
Florology
Apple Blossom
Floklore Flowers
florals
Basic Invite
Vista Print
Minted
Copper Willow
Minted
paper/invites
Laura Lange Wedding Planning and Coordinating
Ashley Skeiee Events
Trillium event Co
Cherry Blossom Events
Sumner Smith Events
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend
Vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Planning a wedding day timeline is highly encouraged. It keeps your vendors in-line and adds a layer of time-security to your day.
Things to consider:
Are you planning a first look with your groom?
Are you plannining a first look with mom/dad/family member?
Are you planning a first look with your girls after you are dressed?
Are you planning a gift for your groom? How will that be delivered?
Who will be helping you get into your dress?
Are you planning any gifts for parents/mom/anyone special?
Will you do a receiving line? (can take up to an hour)
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning:
Timeline
03.
8am Hair and makeup begins
12pm - Photographers start- Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1pm Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
130pm Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
230pm Photos of Groom + Groomsmen
330pm Photographers take ceremony and reception details
4pm Ceremony
430pm Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
445pm Family formals
530pm Entire wedding party
6pm Newlywed photos
630pm Bride and Groom introduced to reception
635pm Dinner
7:00 Toast(s)
7:20 Sunset Pictures
730pm First dances followed by Cake cutting
8pm Open dance floor- Photographers leave
the traditional timeline: Ceremony 4pm
8am Hair and makeup begins
12pm - Photographers start- Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1pm Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
130pm First Look
145pm Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
215pm Photos of Groom + Groomsmen
3pm Entire Wedding Party
330pm Photographers take ceremony and reception details
4pm Ceremony
430pm Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
445pm Family formals
BRIDE AND GROOOM RELAX/MINGLE
630pm Bride and Groom introduced to reception
635pm Dinner
7:00 Toast(s)
7:20 Sunset Pictures
730pm First dances followed by Cake cutting
8pm Open dance floor- Photographers leave
the first look timeline: Ceremony 4pm
The choice is yours, I have never had a couple tell me they regret doing it. The first look is a very special moment, just for the two of you to see each other before the ceremony.
It helps easy the wedding day nerves and it gives you the chance to get a ton more pictures
Depending on the season of your wedding, a first look might be more convenient than anything but I can walk you through the options!
Some couples prefer to see each other at the altar and that is totally fine. If you need more info about timelines and time restrictions, please contact me!
The first look
Couples portraits are literally my favorite!! It is a time for you two to be alone with your favorite third wheel (me!) and away from everyone for a few minutes.
Bride and groom portraits are a combination of the playful engagement session with a little more traditional pictures. Think of thank you cards, the pictures your parents will print and the ones you will show your kids, grandkids, etc.
These portraits will be taken after the first look and at around sunset time for that glowing golden light. Keep in mind that sunsets vary depending on the month of the year your wedding is on.
Bride and Groom Portraits
Your bridal party is made of your favorite people and bridal portraits are SO FUN! It does not matter if they have not taken professional images before of if they are shy...leave it up my team to make this time super fun!
One thing to consider, make sure your bridesmaids have their flowers with them and that the groomsmen are wearing their coats and have their boutonnieres pinned, as well.
After we are done with bridal party portraits, they will be done for the day!
Bridal Party Portraits
Ceremony:
Try to relax and enjoy the moment, my team and I will be all over capturing the most important moments. We love to capture those amazing moments that you will cherish, reaction of the groom, parents, grandparents, etc. PLEASE make sure to tell your parents to keep their phones away, we cannot get a great reaction picture if they are more focused on getting a video, etc. The professionals will take care of it!
Reception:
As stated in your contract, my team and I will require dinner as this is the only time we get to sit down, since we do not want to miss anything that might be happening, the best is to reserve us a table close to where you will be seated, that way we do not stand in front of any guests or family members or disrupt them when get up and down.
During the reception we will take care of capturing the most important moments of the night.
Ceremony, Receptions and Others
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time 1st then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
Timeline Tips
04.
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride and Groom with Bride's Parents
Above group + Bride’s Siblings with Spouses and Kids
Above group + Bride’s Grandparents Set 1
Above group + Bride’s Grandparents Set 2
Bride + Groom + sets of Parents
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
Bride and Groom with Groom’s Parents
Above group + Groom’s Siblings with Spouses and Kids
Above group + Groom’s Grandparents Set 1
Above group + Groom’s Grandparents Set 1
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
I encourage you to bring a few printed copies to reference and assigning a family member, friend, or bridesmaid to make sure each person is present for portraits.
Family portraits can be the most stressful part of the day, gathering everyone can be a lot. The key here is to plan and coordinate it well. The most important thing is to have a checklist with specific names so we shout them and get everyone going. I suggest making a list with names for bride and groom's side and organize it from there.
There are two perfect times for family portraits and i will leave this up to you: BEFORE or AFTER the ceremony. Those would probably be the only times everyone would be gathered in the same area. Whatever you decide would need to be communicated to them. Ideally you will tell them to show up 15 minutes before the time we want to start, i would also suggest to invite inmediate family only.
Family Photos
05.
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
Checklist
06.