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This is the day you have been planning for and dreaming of. Your favorite people in the world are gathering, the dance floor is waiting, the champagne is chilled. Every little detail has been tended to and now it's time to walk down the aisle and join forces with your one true love. You will remember these moments for the rest of your life; the family, the friends, the cake, the music, the tears and the laughter. You deserve to have this beautiful experience thoughtfully documented as you share the story of your
wedding with family and friends in the decades to come.
Figure out the portraits you want
While the primary focus during your weddingportrait session revolves around capturingbeautiful moments of you and your spouse, it'snatural to desire family and wedding party photosas well. Many photographers offer a "suggestedformals list" containing recommended groupingsfor portraits, which you can customize to suit yourpreferences. While your parents might insist onincluding distant relatives in formal portraits, it'simportant to remember that the more familyportraits you take, the more time you'll spend awayfrom your special day, and the less time you'll havefor creative photos. It is advisable to keep yourformal family portraits to a minimum. This goes foryour wedding party as well. This way, you canstrike a balance between capturing importantmoments, creating art and savoring every precioussecond of your wedding celebration.
Decide Location
Choosing the perfect photo locations, isimportant. Naturally, the most convenientoptions are your wedding ceremony venue andreception area, offering a seamless photographyexperience. However, don't overlook theambiounce that your hotel can provide as abackdrop. If there's a specific location that hasalways captured your dreams—a local beach, ascenic park, or a charming neighborhood in yourcity—or if you desire to capture moments atmultiple locations, it's important to considertravel time when crafting your weddingphotography timeline. Ensure you plan fortransportation arrangements that guarantee apunctual arrival of all your VIPs at theseenchanting sites. Let your wedding photosbecome timeless treasures, capturing your lovestory amidst breathtaking scenery.
First look
Deciding whether to have a"first look" is a personal choicethat varies from couple tocouple. Some photographerssuggest it as a beneficialoption since it enables you tocapture a significant portion ofyour wedding photos beforethe ceremony, granting youmore time to enjoy the cocktailhour alongside your guests.Conversely, if you opt to followtradition and wait until theceremony to see your partner,you should be sure that youhave enough time in the day.It's important to determine yourpreference regarding thismatter prior to establishingyour wedding photographytimeline.
Know how long wedding photos will take
Engage in a conversation with your wedding photographer regarding theestimated duration required for different types of wedding portraits. Weddingparty portraits typically take around 30 minutes, family portraits takeapproximately 30 minutes (assuming you're focusing on immediate familyonly), and couple portraits generally range from 45 minutes to an hour. If youopt for a "first look," all these portraits can be completed prior to the ceremony.However, if you choose not to have a "first look," you can still have separatefamily formals and wedding party photos before the ceremony, but coupleportraits may have to be taken during the cocktail hour. We recommendutilizing as much time toward couple portraits as possible. This will optimizethe overall amount of "wow" photos that you will get. Collaborating with yourphotographer will ensure the best outcome for your wedding portraits.
Wedding Photography Timeline Template #1 (for couples not having a “first look”):
10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Groom prep photos:
11:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bride Prep photos:
12:50 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. Travel to church
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Ceremony
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 pm Church photos
· Bride & Groom photos
· Family photos
3:00 – 3:30 Travel to photoshoot location
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Creative Location
· Bride & Groom portrait session
· Bridal party photo session
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Travel to the venue
(Will vary from wedding to wedding)
5:10 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. – Venue Photos
· Photos with immediate or extended family
members
· Bride and groom portrait shoot
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 - Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m. 11:30 – Wedding Reception
Couple's grand entrance
First dance
Toasts and speeches
Guest on the dance floor
Parent dances
Dinner (10 minute night photoshoot)
Bouquet/garter toss
Cake cutting
Wedding Photography Timeline Template # 2 (for couples not having a “first look
11:30- 12:30 a.m. – Groom Prep Photos
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Bride Prep Photos
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Travel to Location
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. – First Look and Couple Portraits
• Couple together
• Bride/groom solo
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Wedding Party Photos
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Family Portraits
4:30 - 5:30 - Travel to venue
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Ceremony
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 pm Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 pm Wedding Reception
• Couple's grand entrance
• First dance
• Toasts and speeches
• Guest on the dance floor
• Parent dances
• Dinner (10 minute night photoshoot)
• Bouquet/garter toss
• Cake cutting
• Last dance
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