WEDDING GUIDE
timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
I'm so excited to be working with you, I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day, and I am so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed dozens of weddings over the past 10 years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to details and inclement weather!
Thank you again for choosing to work with me, please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process! - Lily
Engagement Session
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, but they also allow you to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations, and more!
Vendors
Who will make your day incredible
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Cakes
Stationary
Is a first look right for you?
That moment the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. This is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ before the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together before the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself a person who values tradition, there are a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider:
1. A FIRST LOOK CUTS THROUGH THE CHAOS OF THE DAY.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind, and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
2. IT MAKES MORE TIME FOR PICTURES WITHOUT SACRIFICING COCKTAIL HOUR.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is the full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
3. AVOID POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER AND/OR HAVE TIME TO FRESHEN UP AFTER CRYING
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3 is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
Building the perfect wedding day timeline
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
> Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
> If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
> You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 30-45 minutes of combined family portraits, and at least 15-30 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
> If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
> If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
> If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party, and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
Real Wedding Timeline
with a First Look
Details
Lily arrives at getting ready location to take detail photos of dress, invitations, and more. She will also create the flatlay of wedding details as well.
Groom getting ready
Groomsmen
Groom Portraits
Bride getting into dress
Bride + Groom first look
Bride + Groom Portraits
Bridal Party
Bridal Portraits
Wedding Party
Family Portraits
Ceremony
Extended Family Portraits
Party Bus
Reception
Real Wedding Timeline
without a First Look
Details
Lily arrives at getting ready location to take detail photos of dress, invitations, and more. She will also create the flatlay of wedding details as well.
Bridal Party in Robes
Putting on dress
Bridal Party
Bridal Portraits
Guys getting ready
This can include additional details, candids, and groom getting into suit jacket
Groomsmen
Groom Portraits
Family Portraits
We will try to capture as many family groupings as possible before the ceremony without revealing the bride and groom to each other.
Ceremony
Family portraits continued
Wedding Party
Grand Entrance
Dinner
Bride + Groom Portraits
Due to the time of the ceremony and the couple not wanting to extend cocktail hour, this couple opted for sunset portraits only. We had a severe storm rolling in mid-pictures - but after working with them and building confidence in posing during the engagement session, they received a beautiful gallery full of images!
Dancing
Rain Tips
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not! Rainy days can still be beautiful! If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images. Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
If you don't own a pair of cute rain boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, we need about 1-2 hours to capture and style details.
I have all my brides put the rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations, and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. I will make sure the space is clutter free, well lit, and your details are styled beautifully!
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
- Dress
- Dress Hanger (we will supply wooden hangers for the dresses if you don't have a custom one)
- Rings (both engagement and wedding bands, we recommend not saughtering your rings before the wedding so we can get some cool shots will all the rings! You will also be able to wear your engagement ring all day before the ceremony)
- Shoes
- Veil
- Bouquet
- Perfume
- Jewelry, hair pieces
- Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes, this way we can get both sides of invite in one image if needed)
- Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards, menues, etc
- Vow book
- Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include. We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
- Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS CHECKLIST
- His shoes
- Socks (if they're special)
- Cuff links
- Pocket square
- Cologne
- Boutonnière
- Vows book
- Ring
- Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
The Rings
I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Family Formals
YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY, DRESSED UP AND TOGETHER
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we check in one month before your wedding, we'll work with you on a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION CHECKLIST
- Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
- Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
- Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
- Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
- Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
- Bride + Mom
- Bride + Dad
- Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
- Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
- Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
- Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
- Groom + Mom
- Groom + Dad
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Additional Tips
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. We will have towels handy.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
6. We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like, and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!