wedding day
sample timelines
Crafting a wedding timeline is vital for a smooth and memorable celebration. It minimizes uncertainties, fosters effective communication with vendors, and ensures efficient time management. With a well-organized schedule, each moment can be cherished without feeling rushed, allowing for special and intimate experiences to shine. Ultimately, a thoughtfully planned timeline sets the stage for a harmonious and stress-free wedding day, creating lasting memories for the couple and their guests.
WITH FIRST LOOK
Photographers Arrive at 1:30pm
1:30-3:00 - Getting Ready Photos
3:00-4:30 - First look, couple, wedding party, and family portraits
4:30-5:00 - Prepare for Ceremony
5:00-5:30 - Ceremony
5:30-6:30 - Cocktail Hour (extended family portraits, if applicable)
6:30-11:00 - Reception
6:40 - Introductions
6:45 - First Dance
7:00 - Speeches
7:15 - Entrée served
8:15 - Cake Cutting
8:20 - Parent Dances
8:30 - Dance Floor Opens
Photographers Depart at 9:30pm
WITHOUT FIRST LOOK
Photographers Arrive at 1:00pm
1:00-2:30 - Getting Ready Photos
2:30-3:30 - Wedding Party and separate family photos
3:30-4:00- Prepare for Ceremony
4:30-5:30 - Ceremony
5:30-6:30 - Cocktail Hour, full wedding party, combined family and couple photos
6:30-11:00 - Reception
6:40 - Introductions
6:45 - First Dance
7:00 - Speeches
7:15 - Entrée served
8:15 - Cake Cutting
8:20 - Parent Dances
8:30 - Dance Floor Opens
Photographers Depart at 9:00pm
GETTING READY | 1 - 1 1/2 hours
THE DRESS + THE DETAILS
To keep things simple we recommend having all your detail elements ready for your photographer before we even arrive including the dress and veil (already steamed), shoes, wedding bands, engagement ring, jewelry, hairpieces, perfume, and, of course, the meticulously crafted invitations.
This helps us smoothly capture each and every one of your cherished memories in an artful and captivating manner.
HAIR + MAKEUP
Our team usually begins capturing moments toward the end of the makeup application process, but it's essential to account for potential delays to avoid disruptions to the timeline.
Leaving some buffer room for makeup and hair preparations will help ensure everyone's looks are perfected on time.
GETTING READY PORTRAITS
Getting into the wedding dress marks a poignant and intimate moment, capturing the excitement and anticipation before the ceremony. Staged portraits offer a chance to create timeless images, while a first look with friends and family fosters heartwarming connections, capturing genuine emotions and setting the tone for a joyous celebration.
first look + creative portraits | 1 1/2 - 3 hours
FIRST LOOK | 15 MINUTES
For couples facing limited time between their ceremony and reception, we highly recommend opting for first looks. This intimate moment grants you privacy and eases wedding day stress by completing crucial photos beforehand, enabling you to be present for your cocktail hour.
Nonetheless, if there is ample time between the ceremony and reception, such as different locations or an extended cocktail hour, the first look becomes more of an optional choice.
COUPLE PORTRAITS | 30 - 45 MINUTES
Typically scheduled right after the first look (if chosen), couple portraits are one of the highlights of the day for us. Our approach centers around capturing natural movement, candid moments filled with laughter, while also embracing the opportunity to guide and pose you for striking editorial-style images. These images will be ones you, and perhaps your children and even grand-children, will look back on for years to come.
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS | 15 - 30 MINUTES
When taking wedding party photos, we always encourage natural interactions among the group to capture authentic moments of joy. We always are giving direction when needed - making sure there are no rogue phone in pockets, ties are straight, hands positioned naturally—to create group shots that look effortless and cohesive.
Pre-ceremony | 30 minutes
We highly recommend setting aside a good 30 minutes to sit down and take a breather before your walk down the aisle. As the rest of the day and night will pass in a flash, this moment allows you to spend some alone time together and take in the moment and emotions. Meanwhile, we will utilize this time to photograph the ceremony space and prepare for the reception coverage.
ceremony | 3o minutes - 1 hour
Ceremony times may vary, but rest assured, we'll handle the details while you immerse yourselves in the moment. As the wedding party walks down the aisle, one of us will be discreetly positioned at the aisle to capture those precious moments. After the bride's entrance, we will exit from the aisle to ensure there are no distractions during the ceremony.
cocktail hour | up to 1 hour
FAMILY PORTRAITS | 20 - 45 MINUTES
We recommend including only the most essential family members in these photos, beginning with the eldest members first to minimize their standing time. By keeping the groupings to a minimum, you can maximize your time during the cocktail hour, allowing you to spend more quality moments with your guests.
P1’s Family:
P1&P2 + Parents
P1&P2 + Family
P1&P2 + Siblings
P1&P2 + Grandparents P1 + Individual family members (mom, dad, siblings)
Combined Families:
P1&P2 + both sets of Parents
P1&P2 + both Families
P2’s Family:
P1&P2 + Parents
P1&P2 + Family
P1&P2 + Siblings P1&P2 + Grandparents
P2 + Individual family members (mom, dad, siblings)
RECEPTION DETAILS | 20 MINUTES
While one of us captures the family portraits, the other will be busy documenting candid moments during the cocktail hour and meticulously photographing all the reception hall details before the guests arrive. This approach allows us to capture the beauty of untouched table settings and name cards, ensuring we preserve all of the beautiful details created by your talented vendor team.
Some of the wedding reception details we like to photograph include the wedding cake and dessert displays, the reception venue ambiance, including lighting, drapery, and unique decor elements, the sweetheart table or head table setup, personalized wedding favors or gifts for guests, place cards and seating arrangements, creative and stylish escort card displays, stunning floral arrangements and installations, unique and eye-catching wedding signage, and the dance floor setups with lighting and decorations.
RECEPTION | 2+ HOURS
INTRODUCTIONS, FIRST DANCE, ETC.
Each reception timeline is unique and is usually coordinated with your venue, caterer, and DJ/Band. We appreciate being informed about the details and having the organizer give us a heads-up before any major event occurs. During the reception, our focus is on candid coverage, allowing the night to unfold naturally while we document the moments as they happen.
SUNSET PORTRAITS
We never want to miss a good sunset—the lighting around golden hour is the most flattering and gives a romantic feel to the images. If timing and weather align, we might step out briefly to capture some breathtaking shots. This also provides you both with another wonderful chance to share intimate moments together.
DANCING
Capturing dancing photos at weddings is an absolute blast for us; we love to see all of those joyful and energetic moments on the dance floor. With an 8 hour coverage, we typically will have 30-45 minutes to get great action shots. Some clients will also opt to extend coverage if dancing photos are a top priority.
