Upon arrival for an
eight-ten hour wedding day, I usually start on the detail photos immediately. I have a list below and here of what is included in those shots. As soon as hair and makeup is complete, I start on getting ready shots and then while the bride (or brides) is getting dressed, I will grab some images of partner two getting ready (if they are at a different location I will either send a second shooter OR will get those shots once they arrive- logistics depending). I divide the day into sections- Prep, Ceremony, Post-Ceremony, and Reception.
First Look
I love first looks! Not only does your partner let their guard down and really let those real emotions shine, since there aren't 100+ people watching them, it also allows us to capture most or all portraits (given the timeline allows) before the ceremony. This allows more time for couple's portraits post ceremony and can be especially helpful during the winter months when the sun sets early. It also allows you to spend more time with your significant other on wedding day- the most important benefit! Most of my couples opt to do a first look. Without a first look, we have to complete immediate family portraits for both sides, full wedding party, plus couple's photos between the ceremony and reception- so please keep sunset time in mind when planning!
Sunset Photos
I also love to sneak the couple away during sunset for some soft light sunset photos. I promise not to take longer than 10-15 minutes capturing these, and I also promise they will be worth it!
On Time
Please know that I will work my hardest and try my best to keep things flowing on time on your wedding day (and I am quite good at this!), however, for example if I am in charge of making sure hair and makeup is on time plus keeping tabs on the groomsmen's status at a different location, it can take away from what you are paying me to do- capture all the moments. Having a planner or coordinator keep everyone on task is so so very helpful to your vendors during those hectic hours before the ceremony.
And most importantly, be mindful of sunset time. Only allowing a little bit of time for portraits before the sun goes down can be quite difficult and sometimes impossible.
Photo List
I capture all the things on wedding day and have a timeline and list that I work off of in order to not disrupt the flow of the day and not make things feel forced, but if you have any can't miss shots just let me know! I will be happy to add them to the list.
I do recommend everyone in the wedding party ready at least 3 hours prior to the ceremony in order to start pre-ceremony photos.
You can find a typical wedding day's shot list below
Detail Items List
Please have all wedding day details in a box on wedding day, this way I don't have to disrupt you or your bridesmaids as you are getting ready and I can immediately get to work as soon as I arrive! These details include:
- Shoes
- Perfume/cologne
- Invitation
- Rings
- Any jewelry
- Dress plus hanger
- Loose fresh flowers from your florist (these make a flat lay shot!)
I do have a collection of ring boxes in an array of colors, plus silk ribbons, an assortment of wax seals, and other flat lay items, but if you prefer that I use yours that is not a problem.
Family Photo List
As mentioned above, a first look allows not only wedding party photos but most immediate family photos to be captured before the ceremony. The wedding party group photos are pretty straight forward- we capture bridesmaids with bride(s), groomsmen with groom(s), full wedding party together with the couple. We also like to capture each bridesmaid individually with the bride(s) and groomsmen individually with the groom(s) (time permitting).
Below are some pretty basic group photos that are a great starting point (or actual template if this works for your family's dynamic!). Sometimes couples don't want to spend the time to capture all of these, in which case I will ask the couple to create their own list so that we are sure to capture what they wish for.
*Immediate family refers to parents, siblings, grandparents
Couple
- Couple with partner one's parents
- Couple with partner two's parents
- Couple with partner one's immediate family
- Couple with partner two's immediate family
- Couple with both of their immediate families
- Couple with siblings and siblings' spouses
Partner One
- Partner One with their parents (or stepparents)
- Partner One with each parent separately
- Partner One with their immediate family
- Partner One with their grandparents
- Partner One with their sibling(s)
Partner Two
- Partner Two with their parents (or stepparents)
- Partner Two with each parent separately
- Partner Two with their immediate family
- Partner Two with their grandparents
- Partner Two with their sibling(s)
Typical Wedding Day Shot List:
DETAILS
- Invitation suite (including invitation, envelopes, stamps, wax seal, etc), program, special signs, & gifts
- Wedding rings
- Wedding dress
- Outfit accessories like shoes, cuff links, or jewelry
- Bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres
GETTING READY
- Bride(s) getting hair and makeup done
- Zipping of the gown
- Wedding party having fun (mimosa shots, PJ pics, etc)
- Groom(s) mother or father helping him get ready (boutenniere pinning, tie adjusting, etc)
PRE-CEREMONY
- Couple alone for first look
- Bride(s) and bridesmaids
- Groom(s) and groomsmen
- Gifts, letter readings, etc
- Any first looks- couple, parents, bridesmaids, etc
CEREMONY
- Venue shots including ceremony site, flowers, interior, and exterior details
- Guests
- Bridal party entrance
- Bride(s) walking down the aisle
- Groom's reaction
- Father/mother giving the bride away
- Exchanging of vows
- Exchanging the rings
- The first kiss as a married couple
- Signing the marriage certificate (just please inform me of where this will take place!)
- The recessional and second kiss/dip (couple walking back up the aisle)
RECEPTION
- Details and room décor shots, including table settings, centerpieces, etc.
- Wedding cake shots
- Grand entrance
- Toasts and speeches (bride and groom, guest reactions)
- Cake cutting (my favorite!)
- The first dance
- Bride(s) dancing with father/groom(s) dancing with mother
- Couple mingling with guests
- Guests dancing
- Musicians, singers, DJ
- Grand exit
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