Weddings are a lot of things but ultimately it's the day you vow to spend forever with your best friend! They should be fun, too!
Here's a peek into how I do things. You'll find fun tips and solid advice from a girl who's been a bride herself and hundreds of wedding under her belt.
Definitely reach out if you have questions along the way!
LET ME BE YOUR GUIDE!
YOUR COMPLETE CLIENT GUIDE
PRE-WEDDING
POST WEDDING
First off I want us to be real life friends! Your relationship with your photographer is important and if you feel uncomfortable from the get go, the whole experience won't be a lot of fun. Let's start getting to know each other! Feel free to word vomit your love for each other all over me! :)
If you've decided I'm your girl, let's get you booked! To lock in your wedding date, a 30% retainer is due. The remaining balance is due a month before your wedding date.
I'll send over an initial questionnaire to collect a few more details and to get started with planning! We'll get an engagement session on the calendar and go from there!
Two months out I'll send over a final questionnaire and start on your photography timeline!
One month out your remaining balance will be due. I'd also love to see your family list! (more on that later)
From the moment I leave the reception, I get started on the editing process! I typically send over a few sneak peeks within 48 hours following the wedding.
4-6 weeks is the maximum amount of time you'll have to wait to see your final gallery! However I genuinely want to get them to you as soon as I possibly can!
REVIEWS! Word of mouth helps my small business thrive and to hear your feedback is hugely appreciated. If I already love working with you, I'd love to hang out with your friends too!
WHAT TO EXPECT
DECIDING ON COVERAGE + PLANNING YOUR PHOTO TIMELINE
FIRST DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO DO A FIRST LOOK BEFORE THE CEREMONY
12:30 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
2:00 Bride Gets in Dress
2:30 Bride/Groom Individuals
3:00 Bride + Bridesmaids + Bride's Immediate Family
3:30 Groom + Groomsmen + Groom's Immediate Family
4:00 Rest time before the ceremony
(final detail photos of ceremony + reception)
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Family Photos
6:00 Wedding Party Photos
6:15 Bride + Groom Photos
6:45 Reception Begins
8:30 Mariah Leaves Reception
MORE PLANNING TIPS
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
CONSIDER HOW LONG YOUR CEREMONY WILL BE AND IF THERE IS ANY TRAVEL TIME INVOLVED
ARE YOU HAVING A LONG RECEPTION?
12:30 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
1:30 Bride gets in Dress
2:00 Bride/Groom Individuals
2:15 First Look
2:30 Bride + Groom Photos
3:00 Wedding Party Photos
3:30 Family Photos
4:00 Rest time before the ceremony
(final detail photos of ceremony + reception)
5:00 Ceremony
6:30 Reception Begins
8:30 Mariah Leaves Reception
12:00 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
2:15 Bride Gets in Dress
2:45 Bride/Groom Individuals
3:00 Bride + Bridesmaids + Bride's Immediate Family
3:30 Groom + Groomsmen + Groom's Immediate Family
4:00 Rest time before the ceremony
(final detail photos of ceremony + reception)
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Family Photos
6:00 Wedding Party Photos
6:15 Bride + Groom Photos
6:45 Reception Begins
10:00 Mariah Leaves Reception
12:00 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
1:30 Bride gets in Dress
2:00 Bride/Groom Individuals
2:15 First Look
2:30 Bride + Groom Photos
3:00 Wedding Party Photos
3:30 Family Photos
4:00 Rest time before the ceremony
(final detail photos of ceremony + reception)
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Reception Begins
10:00 Mariah Leaves Reception
A first look is just a time to spend a few moments alone with your fiance before the ceremony. Couples often opt for this because they're able to have an intimate moment alone (you'll be around people all day!) and to have all the photos done before the ceremony.
Most ceremonies last around 20-30 minutes. If you are having a Catholic ceremony, opt for the 10 hour package. Travel time should also be considered if you're moving from place to place throughout the day.
Another reason to opt for the 10 hour package is if you're wanting a longer reception. Most receptions last for about 2 hours. If you're wanting a long reception and you want me there to cover all of it, I would recommend the 10 hour package or doing a fake leave for guests.
EXAMPLE TIMELINES - YOUR CUSTOM TIMELINE WILL BE READY A MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
8 HOURS - NO FIRST LOOK - 5 PM CEREMONY
8 HOURS - FIRST LOOK - 5 PM CEREMONY
10 HOURS - NO FIRST LOOK - 5 PM CEREMONY
10 HOURS - FIRST LOOK - 5 PM CEREMONY
CONSIDER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME WHEN PLANNING THE TIME OF YOUR CEREMONY
if your ceremony is at sunset and you would rather not do a first look, then all photos will have to be taken inside with flash. I recommend planning your ceremony 1.5 hours before sunset.
download the family list template here
I'm willing to bet your family is super important to you, so it's really important we capture every special person while we're at your wedding! Having a family list (a list of every photo combination you want at the time of family photos) keeps us on time and makes sure we get everyone covered.
Chances are I won't know your aunt and uncles by name so this helps me out a ton on your wedding day! I've even attached a template to help!
CREATING A FAMILY LIST
