We highly recommend using the custom timeline we have created for you for the best experience on your wedding day and ultimately, the best photos.

SAMPLE WEDDING TIMELINE

*SUNSET 7:30PM*

Details

2:00pm

Prep

3:00pm

At this time we'll start photographing you getting ready. This could include makeup finishing touches, dress zip/buttoning, putting on shoes, jewelry, etc. This could also be finishing writing vows, a parent putting on the boutonniere, wedding party helping with the tie or just drinking beers together! Those who aren't getting hair/makeup done typically take a lot less time getting ready, so we typically stage those photos at the venue.

First Look

4:00pm

We will find the perfect location for your first look and set you up in position when it’s time! The first look allows you and your partner to feel and experience your true emotions away from your guests and to take in the moment. After the first look we will begin taking a few romantic portraits of you while the initial excitement is still present! Remember, lighting determines where we can shoot so we can’t decide on the portrait locations until the day of the wedding. As we shoot these portraits, the wedding party and family can start making their way to us for formal photos.

Formal Photos

4:30pm

Those in your formal photos will need to be here by this time. We'll take the formal list you provided us prior to the wedding and use this to quickly and efficiently set up your family & wedding party photos. It typically only takes us 30 minutes to complete, however we recommend allotting an hour to ensure even if there is a delay, we can get through everything before guests arrive. It's also a good time cushion incase there was a delay earlier in the day. Even if we finish everything with time to spare, it's time we can use for more couple portraits or for you two to spend more time together on your wedding day!

Guests Arrive

5:30PM

After the portraits are complete, you will typically go into hiding so guests don’t get a sneak peak. We also recommend building this buffer as it provides time to relax, rest your feet and prepare for the ceremony.

We love to be able to shoot the ceremony details before guests sit down. We will also use this time to set up for the ceremony and get our lighting and settings down before it begins.

6:00pm

Ceremony

Your ceremony timing is the most important thing to set right!! Please look up when sunset will be on your wedding day and have your ceremony about 2 hours prior to that.

If you have a first look you’ll be able to have your ceremony closer to sunset since we will have already done a lot of your portraits and all of your formals, so all we will have left is some golden hour newly wed portraits.  However if you have’t done a first look we will need at least an hour after the ceremony before the sun sets to get your bridal party photos, family photos, AND newly wed portraits.

Newly Weds

6:30pm

The hour before sunset, known as golden hour, is the best time of day for portraits. This is when the sun is casting a glowy, golden hue over anything it touches. We love having time after the ceremony to take some intimate portraits before you hit the reception!

This timeline is based off a 7:30pm sunset time and the couple has had a first look. This means we’ve done all their formals prior to the ceremony and have an hour to get some epic newly wed portraits of them with yummy light. This is so ideal if portraits are a priority for you!

7:30pm

Reception

Each reception is different but most include a first dance, dinner, toasts, cake cutting and of course, partying! By this part of the day the timeline is more flexible. We recommend a maximum of four hours of reception coverage (even if your party extends past this), because you probably don’t need hundreds of photos of the same people dancing! Your coverage will be much better spent earlier in the day.

We can also assist with a staged send-off which is much more common than you may have thought! We just sneak the bridal party out for 5 minutes to complete the send off and then you can return to enjoy the rest of your party!

Night Portraits

9:30PM(ISH)

This is totally optional and the timing on it is super flexible. Some venues have really awesome places to take night photos, especially those with lots of string lights. We usually do a night-time scout around the venue and will come ask you if you'd like to take night photos. Again, totally up to how you're feeling in the moment- no pressure at all!

If this is something you really want, please let us know in advance so we can make sure to keep this in mind on the day.