Your Wedding Story

notes about your timeline

First, Consider

How you want to maximize your coverage time. Some couples like a very relaxed, spaced out day, while others prefer a fast paced, highly structured event. Setting the pace of your day is an important aspect in planning. Decide first, if you are wanting a minute by minute timeline or a more relaxed approach to your day.

Chapter One: Getting Ready

Getting ready images are often overlooked as unimportant or unnecessary - but as a storyteller I beg to disagree. The emotion, excitement and quiet getting ready moments are always worth remembering. These images are the opening chapter of your wedding story and can include:

• Stunning Dress Hang Images
• Flat Lays (both bride and groom or just bride)
• Hair and Makeup - Finishing Touches
• Relaxed Bridal Party Images (did someone say matching PJS?)
• Mom/Maid of Honor Helping You Get Into Your Dress
• Mom/Best Man Pinning Your Boutonniere
• First Look With Mom/Dad
• First Look With Bridesmaids/Groomsmen
• Bridal Portraits (stunning images of you in your dress before you walk down the aisle into forever)
• Private Letter Reading From Your Spouse

Chapter Two: The Ceremony

Leave 10-15 minutes in your timeline for your photographer to get into position, your guests to be seated and for you to have a quiet moment before the music begins.

Chapter Three: Family Portraits

Come prepared with a list of must have family portraits, and inform those family members the time and approximate location they will be taking place after the ceremony. Asking your maid of honor or a trusted family member (who knows the names of all family members involved in portraits) to assist with family portraits will make this portion of the day run smoothly and efficiently.

Chapter Four: Bridal Party Portraits

Tip: Incorporating props into bridal party portraits can be a great option if your bridal party members are shy, awkward or not really "into" photos. Things like paper parasols, bridal party glasses, champagne flutes, flasks/cigars etc. give your party something to hold onto, something to distract them and something to bring out natural joy and emotion if you are worried about getting candid's that feel like real moments. Props can also elevate the overall look of your images and provide a well rounded, festive wedding gallery.

Chapter Five: Couples Portraits

These are the photos that will be hanging on your wall for decades to come! In my experience, these are often the most important images of the day to my couples and I encourage you to leave as much time as possible to ensure as many beautiful bridal shots of you and you spouse as we can get! I recommend leaving at least 1-1.5 hours in your timeline where you and your new spouse can be alone together and fully enjoy the bliss of the day - it moves fast and only happens once, so carving out this time is extremely special! We will capture formal, romantic, prompted and totally candid moments during this time together.

I suggest breaking up this time between afternoon and golden hour, so you have as many options as possible when selecting those key images that will be printed and framed.

Chapter Six + Seven : The Reception Entrance and Details

We will work together to space these events in a way that allows you to fully enjoy the evening while keeping everything moving along nicely. Key events you may want photographed at your reception are:

• Bridal Party Entrance
• Venue, Decor, Details
• Speeches
• Dinner and Ambiance
• First Dance(s)
• Cake Cutting
• Games or Surprises
• Bouquet/Garter Toss

Chapter Eight + Nine: The Party

The dancing, the hugs, the toasts, the laughter, the late night snack and the flash photos - this is bound to be your favourite part of the night! Tip: Share your favourite songs / ideal playlist with your DJ before hand so you are happy with the energy and vibe - this gives you higher odds that your guests will stick around and break it down with ya.

Chapter Ten: The Big Exit

The big exit! Whether staged or set for your actual exit time, these captures are joyous, fun and romantic - a visual representation to perfectly end your wedding album and celebration with. Consider pom poms, rice or confetti instead of sparklers if your venue has a no sparkler policy. Leave 15-20 minutes in your timeline to herd and organize guests for this amazing send off!

Optional Chapters: First Looks & Surprises

• Couples who are interested in an intimate moment before the start of their ceremony who would like to add a "first look" should consider adding additional hours so this moment is captured thoughtfully, without rushing it. Throughout my venue research, I will provide a few suggestions on the best location to do a private first look/first touch or private vows, and how we can seamlessly incorporate this into your timeline.

• Thoughtful wedding day surprises are meaningful moments that can include a letter to your spouse, which can be read and photographed privately before your ceremony, a prayer that can be shared while holding hands with eyes closed, "icing" your bridal party or a traditional "cake smash" at your cake cutting ceremony, to name a few. Whatever surprises you have in mind, make sure to communicate them to your photographer (me!).

Sample Wedding Timeline

The sample timeline provided, is based on the flow of a "standard" wedding day, with 11 hour wedding day coverage. While every wedding is unique, this timeline can provide valuable insight on spacing key aspects of your day and what sort of images you can expect from each section of events.