Haley & Katie’s Wedding Photo Guide
Inspiration On What To Expect
It’s All About The Details
First things first, let’s photograph some details! To ensure time efficiency, please set aside the following items so that I can begin photographing them immediately upon my arrival. Additionally, my assistant and I will also be capturing details of the hotel and bridal suite.
Hers - wedding gown, veil, wedding shoes, wedding rings, jewelry, perfume bottle, bouquet, something old/something new, vow book, wedding invitations, bridesmaids gifts, etc.
Wedding flat lays are photographed the day after your wedding. Styling flat lays requires time, precision, and creativity, which sometimes isn't available on the wedding day. Should you decide you want these photos included in your session, I will collect your wedding invitations on the day of the wedding. I will also reach out to your florist and ask for leftover florals. This will ensure color cohesion throughout your wedding images.
Getting Ready
While the two of you are hiding in your respective areas, my assistant and I will be capturing a mixture of candid moments and staged photos.
Hers - With your hair and makeup complete, I can take a few touch-up photos alongside your makeup artist. Afterwards, we can take some robe photos (if desired). I will step out while the bride puts on her wedding dress. Once it is on, I will come back in to take photos of the dress being buttoned/zipped up with the help of the bride’s mom or maid of honor.
Dos & Don'ts - Avoid any clutter or luggage in your designated rooms. No one wants to see suitcases or clutter behind you as you're putting on your wedding attire. Have a designated corner or separate room for personal belongings, and try to keep one area of the room clean for photos, preferably by the master bed and a large window light source
First Look & Formal Portraits
Opting for a first look? Here’s how it’ll go down:
My assistant and I will guide both brides-to-be to a carefully chosen spot, ensuring they don’t see each other as we position them. Typically, they will stand back to back, creating a moment of anticipation. Once they are situated, we’ll capture a few photos of them with their backs turned before giving a 3-2-1 countdown. At the cue, they will turn around to see each other for the first time, sharing a beautiful, intimate moment together.
Upon this reveal, be in the moment with each other. Kiss, hug, cry, laugh—everything and anything! My assistant and I will be quiet flies on the wall, photographing every little moment.
Once the nerves and emotions have calmed down, I will step in and begin formal portraits of the two of you.
In most cases, there is enough allotted time after the first look to tackle as many family/bridal party photos as possible. This allows for the two of you to get the most out of your cocktail hour.
Pre Ceremony Details
Before guests arrive, my assistant and I will capture detail photos of the altar, welcome table, signage, florals, etc.
Ceremony
Pretty self-explanatory. My assistant and I will be photographing the ceremony from a variety of angles. Stay close by after the ceremony for photos with family and guests.
Dos & Don’ts - Remember the “The Floor is Lava” game from growing up? Well, in this case, direct sunlight is lava. While you’re standing at the altar, if you or your partner feel sun spilling onto your face, try to reposition yourselves into a shadier spot. Diffused light (shade) is your friend!
You’ve just been announced as wives, kissed, and started the recessional—stop halfway down the aisle and go for another kiss!
Family & Bridal Party Photos
Unless requested otherwise, I tackle family photos first, followed by the bridal party. For these formal family portraits, I focus more on the immediate families, including their grandparents.
I will begin the photos with the grandparents so they can be seated and rest afterward. As you may remember from the family shot list you were requested to fill out, I photograph a mixture of group shots and individual shots.
Heads Up - When I take individual portraits of you with your bridal party members, I like to take a formal portrait and a silly one! Give your bridal party a heads up so they can brainstorm ideas for poses.
Cocktail Hour
While I am tackling family photos, my assistant will be documenting the cocktail hour. You can expect candid portraits of guests mingling as well as formal portraits.
Sunset Photos
Here are the real WOW photos from the day. Let’s run wild and have some fun! Don’t hold back your love and admiration for each other. The more fun you have, the better the photos will be!
Reception & Send Off
For the remainder of the evening, my assistant and I will be documenting the reception candidly. We will photograph from a variety of angles, capturing the first dance, parent dances, toasts, cake cutting, and more. During open dancing, feel free to grab either my assistant or me for casual photos with you and your guests.
“And their love story became a beautiful adventure, unfolding with joy and laughter each day.”
This concludes the wedding day coverage!
Friendly Reminder - The day after the wedding, I will send you your ceremony kiss photo, ceremony exit photo, and a handful romantic photos of the two of you. A full preview gallery (containing 100+ images highlighting the entire wedding day) will be delivered to you through an online gallery 1-2 weeks after the wedding.
Your final wedding gallery will be delivered to you through an online gallery 6-8 weeks after the wedding. Should your wedding package include a physical album, we will schedule a Zoom call and begin the album ordering process.