ALLOTTING TIME FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Although all weddings are different, there are ideal time frames you should consider when planning your day. Some of these times may seem long on paper but keep in mind that 1) the day will fly by, 2) most weddings run slightly behind schedule, and 3) I'll do my best to make these photos fun, so it won’t seem like a long time.



RINGS, DRESS, SHOES, AND OTHER DETAILS

Ideal Time Allotment – 30-45 minutes

Advice – Having at least 30 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets, and the other details of the day. There are times when a hotel room or bridal suite is too crowded or simply unappealing; in that case, we will have to take the dress all the way down to the lobby or even outside. This can take some time, but for the sake of the results, it’s well worth the additional work. If you have chosen a 2nd shooter, we will split up and get these done quicker. If it's just me, please allow extra time.


List of Bridal Details to Photograph:

  • Wedding Dress & Hanger
  • Veil & Hair Accessories
  • Shoes
  • Both Wedding Bands & Engagement Ring
  • Ring Box
  • Two Sets of Invitations
  • Earrings
  • Bracelet
  • Garter
  • Bouquet
  • Vow Book
  • Perfume


List of Groom Details to Photograph:

  • Suit
  • Cufflinks
  • Shoes
  • Cologne
  • Watch
  • Tie, Necktie or Bow Tie
  • Belt
  • Boutineer
  • Vow Book
  • Suspenders
  • Socks (if special)
  • Pocket Square



PREPARATION

Ideal Time Allotment – 60 minutes

During this time, we are getting close ups of the makeup and hair being applied as well as the candid moments as the bridesmaids and groomsmen get ready for the day. Keep in mind that these are some of the most emotional and fun times of the day, so you don’t want to cut it short. If you have decided on a second shooter, we can get the women and the men done at the same time since we can "be in 2 places at once" but if you have not, keep that in mind for allotting time. If you only have one photographer, the time will need to be doubled.


Stepping into the Dress: This is the most important part of the preparation and this will be the last thing we photograph during this time, so please plan accordingly for time allowance.



Pro Tip: Plan to get your hair done first. If your hair stylist is using heating tools, we don’t want you sweating your makeup off!

Pro Tip: Whether it’s robes, PJs, or button plaid oversized shirts, let’s not forget to take some time for cute pictures with your girlfriends. This would be the perfect time to pop some champagne or confetti!


INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes

Advice – Right after prep is the best time for individual portraits of the bride and groom (separately). Besides makeup and hair being completely fresh, the day hasn’t gotten hectic yet so we can take our time and get those perfect portraits. Also, keep in mind that the window lighting in most hotel rooms creates a unique look that can’t be duplicated in any environment throughout the rest of the day.


FIRST LOOK AND COUPLES SESSION

Ideal Time Allotment – 30-45 minutes

During this time, the bride and groom enjoy seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day. While the actual first look might only be 5-10 minutes, the rest of the time is spent on a few basic portraits of the bride and groom together. Ideally we are saving part of the couples session for later (see the “sunset couples session” section below). However, if there is no other time in the day, it is best to allocate another 30 minutes here so that we make sure we have enough photos of just you two.


WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

Ideal Time Allotment – 30-60 minutes

Wedding Party Photos should be between 30 minutes and 1 hour. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses. Finally, we know how much your wedding party means to you, so we are sure to get pictures with you and each one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen individually. If you have chosen a second shooter, we can shorten the time as the women and men can be done separately at the same time. These photos can be done after the first look or during cocktail hour.


IMMEDIATE FAMILY

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes

It might be important to you to have additional images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic formal (mentioned in the section below).

Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.

We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family, and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them. These photos can be done after the first look or during cocktail hour.


CEREMONY DETAIL AND VENUE

Ideal Time Allotment – 15-30 minutes

If you have chosen a second shooter, this is an easy one to do during another photo section. If not, please allow me 15-20 minutes to take pictures of the ceremony site, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area. Before you have the guests seated, it’s important that we are there to capture the complete set up of your ceremony site so we can capture the scene at its best.


CEREMONY

Ideal Time Allotment – 30-60 minutes depending on your ceremony type.


EXTENDED FAMILY

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes

Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.

I recommend being very organized, with a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.


COUPLES SUNSET SESSION

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 - 45 minutes

Ideal Time of the Day – (45 minutes prior to Sunset)

Sunset couples session should take place ideally 45 minutes before sunset. The is the best time in terms of lighting.


RECEPTION DETAIL AND VENUE

Ideal Time Allotment – 15-30 minutes

Advice – Please allow 15-30 minutes for the second shooter (if chosen) to take pictures of the reception room, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.

Similar to the ceremony details, this is the only opportunity we have to capture the beauty of the reception room prior to guest arrival.


GRAND ENTRANCE AND FIRST DANCE

Ideal Time Allotment – 15-20 minutes


SPEECHES AND TOASTS

Ideal Time Allotment – 15-20 minutes


SPECIAL DANCES

Ideal Time Allotment – 10 minutes


CAKE CUTTING

Ideal Time Allotment – 10 minutes


BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSS

Ideal Time Allotment – 10 minutes


RECEPTION SNEAK OUT

Ideal Time Allotment – 15-20 minutes

Ideal Location – Areas with interesting lights, fountains, city scapes and mirrors

Advice – During the reception, you have the option of sneaking out for a couple of night shots. We only need 20-30 minutes, as we understand the importance of being a good host. The ideal time for this is right after you grab a bite to eat or during the open floor dancing after you’ve danced a few songs and would like a break.


ADDITIONAL WEDDING DAY OPTIONS
  • Table Shots – Table shots are when you go around visiting tables. There are two options for photography during this time. (1) You can take formal pictures with each of these tables or (2) we can simply focus on photojournalism, capturing the smiles and hugs as you mingle with each table. If you’re planning on doing formal table shots, please keep in mind that these will take about 3-5 minutes per table. For example 20 tables would require 60-100 minutes of time.
  • Party scene, candids on the dance floor


YOUR DAY IS ALL ABOUT YOU

Don’t forget to make time for what’s important to you!! I wanted to provide these photo options as guidance for constructing your own timeline – but be sure to prioritize the moments that are meaningful to you + your fiancé. If you want to set aside 10 minutes to be alone with each other, then DO IT. At the end of the day, your wedding is your wedding and don’t waste your date trying to please others.