IDEAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE
With the diversity of the cultural aspects of our weddings, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact wedding photography timeline template. However, there are ideal time frames you should consider when planning your day. Some of these times may seem long in writing but keep in mind that 1) the day will fly by, 2) most weddings run slightly behind schedule, and 3) we’ll make these photo sessions fun, so it won’t seem like a long time.
RINGS, DRESS, SHOES, AND OTHER DETAILS
Having at least 30-45 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the dress, rings, shoes, bouquets, and the other details of the day.
There are times when a hotel room is too crowded or simply unappealing; we have to take the dress all the way down to the lobby or even outside. This can take some time, but sometimes, it’s well worth the additional work.
PREPARATION
Having an hour of preparation is ideal for our style. During this time, we are getting close ups of the makeup and hair being applied as well as the candid moments and the bridesmaids and groomsmen get ready for the day. Keep in mind that these are some of the most emotional and fun times of the day, so you don’t want to cut it short.
Nat will be with the bride while Bryan will be with the groom for about 30 minutes. While it doesn’t take guys an hour to get dressed, there are still tons of great moments during this time between the groom and his family and friends.
Right after prep is the best time for individual portraits of the bride and groom (separately). Besides makeup and hair being completely fresh, the day hasn’t gotten hectic yet so we can take our time and get those perfect portraits.
FIRST LOOK AND PRE CEREMONY DAYTIME COUPLES SESSION
First looks are a personal decision and should be highly considered if your ceremony start time is particularly close to sunset.
The first look should be around 15-30 minutes. During this time, the bride and groom enjoy seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day. While the actual first look itself might only be 5-10 minutes, the rest of the time is spent on creative portraits of the bride and groom.
Ideally we are saving the bulk of the couples session for later. However, if your ceremony finishes at sunset or if there is no other time in the day, it is best to allocate another 30-45 minutes here so that we make sure we have enough photos of just you two.
PRE CEREMONY WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
Wedding Party Photos should be around 15-20 minutes. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses. We start off with the traditional, classic photos focused on great expressions and lighting.
Then we move into a set of fun and creative shots if you allow us the time.
PRE CEREMONY IMMEDIATE FAMILY PHOTOS
Immediate Family Photos should take another 15-20 minutes. It’s important to have additional images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic formal (mentioned in the section below).
Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.
We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family, and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them.
CEREMONY DETAILS
Please allow about 5 to 10 minutes for us to take pictures of the ceremony site, completely set up with no other vendors/coordinators in the immediate area.
FORMALS (EXTENDED FAMILY, IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND FRIENDS)
Post Ceremony formals normally take around 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your family and the number of guests taking pictures, also the ceremony location may have a set limited time for us to finish.
Plan on 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.
Some couples have decided that they want a picture with all guests while others have decided that they only want pictures with select VIPs to save time. We recommend something in between.
We also recommend being very organized, with our list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.
COUPLES SESSION
The Couples session should be around 2-30 minutes and should take place ideally before sunset. This is the best time in terms of lighting.
It also allows us to capture the awesome scenic shots with colorful skies. If your wedding is in downtown or in an area with tall buildings, it’s not as important for us to have this specific time frame (although it still helps).
However, if you booked your venue because of the spectacular view of the ocean or the gorgeous sunsets, it’s essential to follow this advice in your timeline.
RECEPTION DETAILS
Please allow 10-15 minutes for us to take pictures of the reception room, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.
Similar to the ceremony details, this is the only opportunity we have to capture the beauty of the reception room prior to guest arrival.
RECEPTION FIRST LOOK
This is typically about 5-10 minutes when the reception space is revealed to the couple for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to capture a genuine reaction, as well as a moment alone with the dance floor to practice your first dance, which also makes for a great photo!
COUPLES SESSION – NIGHT TIME SHOTS - RECEPTION SNEAK OUT
During the reception, please plan on sneaking out for a couple of night time shots. We only need around 10-15 minutes usually less, as we understand the importance of being a good host. However, this time is important if you appreciate the night photography that we deliver. The ideal time for this is right after you grab a bite to eat or during the open floor dancing after you’ve danced a few songs and would like a break. This is also good time to potentially stage a Sparkler Exit with just the bridal party or the immediate family.
TABLE SHOTS
Table shots are when you go around visiting tables. There are two options for photography during this time. (1) You can take formal pictures with each of these tables or (2) we can simply focus on photojournalism, capturing the smiles and hugs as you mingle with each table. If you’re planning on doing formal table shots, please keep in mind that these will take about 3-5 minutes per table. For example 10 tables would require 30-50 minutes of your time.
GRAND EXIT
After the last dance, we may have your DJ/MC usher everyone to the dance floor as we love to finish the night off with a big wide shot of all your guests that stayed until the end. Then we will head outside for you to make your grand exit to your getaway car. Then, it’s honeymoon time… and we will just leave that timeline up to you.
