wedding photography guide

Take a moment to appreciate your incredible bond that's led you to this milestone... you're getting married!!

I'm beyond honored to document your day and offer one important piece of advice: plan a wedding that makes you feel amazing and true to yourself.  

In this guide, I’ll cover photography-related considerations and insights that help your day feel smooth and relaxed from a visual and experience standpoint




Welcome

This is a photography-focused guide designed to help you think through your day from a photo and experience perspective. It’s meant to complement the work of your planner or coordinator — not replace it — and to help us work seamlessly together to create the best possible experience and imagery for your wedding.

I understand how precious your photos are to you. They're your cherished memories that will last a lifetime. To make sure we capture the photos that mean the most to both of you, I suggest taking a moment together to discuss your priorities. It's possible that some photos hold more significance for one of you than the other. Even if you're not particularly concerned about specific photos, it's worth considering their importance to your partner.

Just as open communication is important between you, the same goes for communicating with me. Please rest assured if you ever need a break from the camera, simply let me know and I'll respect your wishes. This day is all about you and making it exactly how you want it.

talk it out

Here's a helpful list to make it easier for you to decide which photo opportunities are most important to both of you. By using this list, you'll feel more confident when communicating your preferences with me, and I can make sure to capture the moments that matter most.

Getting dressed (i.e., putting on your wedding outfits after I arrive)

Photos of accessories and details - including jewellery, perfume, cufflinks, ties, watches or anything sentimental

Posed single portraits in the morning - these can be stunning and feel different from the rest of the day. I highly recommend it, but if you are uncomfortable with this, that’s totally fine.

Posed family photos

Posed wedding party photos (in both robes/PJs and wedding attire)

Exchanging gifts

Getting Ready Photos

I'll be focusing on capturing the perfect shot without interrupting your moment. You might not even realise I'm there!

Ceremony

+ Who would you like group photos with?

+ Is there anyone you don’t want in certain group photos?

Family Photos / Group Photos

While I'm capturing the perfect shot, I'll make sure not to interrupt your special moments. Call me anytime for photos with loved ones.

Reception & Dancefloor

+ How long would you like your portrait session to go for?

+ Do you have certain photo locations in mind?

Couple Portraits

getting ready

Section One

Your getting ready time can be both fun and stress-free with a few tips to help make everything run smoothly. Here are some ideas to make your getting ready time extra special:

Getting ready for your big day can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Remember that you have the freedom to choose who you want to share this special time with. Whether it's a big group or a few close loved ones, the key is to create an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not consider spending the morning with your partner? Imagine sharing intimate moments, calming each other's nerves, and creating lasting memories together. These moments can be captured in photographs and cherished for years to come. Embrace the excitement and make the most of this special time before you say "I do".

who To Get Ready With?

Choosing who to spend the morning of your wedding day with is a meaningful decision

Here are tips to ensure your wedding photos are perfect amidst the excitement and chaos of getting ready.

NOMINATE A TIDY TEAM
Nominating family or friends to help keep things organised during your preparation. They can do simple tasks like picking up empty glasses and bottles or discarded hangers to keep the space tidy.

PRIORITISE NATURAL LIGHT AND SPACE
To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. If you're unsure which room to use for photos and as the designated mess-free zone, I'm happy to help you choose. Your tidy team can quickly declutter the room before I start taking pictures.

BEAUTY IN THE CHAOS
Despite having friends around to keep things tidy in the morning, some of the mess may still be visible in the photos as I'll be taking shots from various angles around the house. However, as a documentary photographer, I believe there's a unique beauty in every moment, including the chaos.

Keeping your space tidy will create a stress-free environment for getting ready and taking photos

It will get messy

makeup / grooming

If you're having your makeup done, try to position yourself in front of a large window to catch the beautiful natural light. This will cast lots of flattering natural light on your face while your makeup is being applied as well as help me to take the best photos possible.

And if you're not having your makeup done, I still want to capture all the special moments of your getting ready process. Whether you're straightening your tie or putting on your necklace in front of a mirror, just let me know when you're getting ready to add those final touches and I'll be there to capture it all with my camera.

Detail Photos

These photos are of all the accessories that you will be wearing to complete your outfit, such as cufflinks, necklaces, perfume, shoes, etc. It can also include your invitation suite & any other stationary you have for the day

If you would like these photos, please make sure you gather all the pieces and hand them to me when I arrive.

This can include but is not limited to:

+ Shoes

+ Bags

+Cufflinks

+Stationary

+ jewelry

+ Watches

+ Rings

+ Perfume

+ Ties

To ensure I make it to your ceremony location before you and your guests, I will leave from the getting ready location about 30 minutes before you do. This way, I can familiarise myself with the surroundings, photograph the ceremony setup and have a little chat with your celebrant, before anyone else arrives.

I'll Head To Your Ceremony Location Earlier

I understand the appeal of a nice, sun-kissed glow. However, it's important to keep in mind that fake tans can sometimes look more orange than natural in photographs. If you're unsure about using fake tan, it may be best to skip it altogether.

If you do opt for a fake tan, I will still make sure you look good in all your wedding photos. I’ve got you

faux glow vibes

If during your makeup trial, you feel like the makeup is a bit too heavy-handed, don't hesitate to speak up! It's important for you to feel confident and beautiful on your big day without worrying about looking "cakey" in your photos. Even if the makeup artist assures you that it will look great in pictures, trust us, it won't look any different. So, feel free to ask your makeup artist to try a lighter look or find a new artist who better understands your vision. Remember, it's your day, and you deserve to feel amazing!

Heavy Makeup

what to wear

If you've booked me to capture your getting ready moments, let your family and friends know ahead of time that I'll be taking photos during this time. That way, everyone can feel comfortable and ready for the camera.

To add a fun and cohesive touch to your photos, you and your wedding party could consider wearing matching slips, robes or pajamas. For those who prefer to wear their own clothes, suggest wearing something casual or anything they feel confident and happy in.

Time Spent With You Getting Ready

When it comes to the getting ready portion of your day, I typically like to spend around 30 to 40 minutes with each partner. This allows me to capture all the important details, such as your outfit, hair, makeup, and any grooming that you may need. Of course, if one of you is getting ready faster or slower than the other, we can adjust our time accordingly.

When Should I Be ready-ish?

To ensure that we have plenty of time to capture all the precious moments of your getting-ready process, it would be great if your hair and makeup are finished around 30 - 40 minutes after I arrive. Please make sure that your wedding party's hair and makeup are already done before my arrival, and save yours for last.

Although you might prefer me not to take photos of you while putting on your outfit, I recommend waiting for me to arrive before getting dressed. This way, we can discuss and plan what you're comfortable with me photographing and tailor it to your preferences.

the first look

If you are open to stepping away from tradition, a first look at your wedding can offer many benefits. This is where you and your partner share a private moment in your wedding attire while I capture every priceless reaction. Taking place between the getting ready and ceremony part of the day, it allows you to share an intimate moment without an audience, savour more precious time together on your special day, and ease any pre-ceremony nerves.

From a photography perspective, a first look allows me to capture raw genuine emotions, from the tears, smiles, and sheer excitement. It can also expand your photography timeline, ensuring a diverse collection of portraits, group shots, and romantic couple moments. Lastly, if your ceremony is later in the day, a first look enables us to make the most of the warm natural light for your portraits.

ceremony

Section Two

This is such a precious moment. Allow yourself to soak it all in and enjoy every second of it. I will I'll be there to capture every moment of you and your partner's reactions so really take your time.

If you’ll be holding a bouquet, it's best to hold it at your belly button with relaxed arms. If you are wearing a long dress, you may need to keep one hand free in case you need to slightly lift it while walking.

Walking Down the Aisle

Unplugged Ceremony/Wedding

Consider a phone-free ceremony, kindly ask guests to keep phones away to fully immerse themselves in the moment. It reduces distractions and helps capture candid shots without obstructions. Your celebrant can easily make the announcement before the ceremony begins to remind guests to turn off their devices and enjoy the ceremony with undivided attention.

ceremony lighting

For optimal ceremony lighting, consider positioning yourselves in either direct light or all shade. It's best to avoid one of you being in the shade while the other is in the sun, as it can be difficult to capture good photos in this situation. If your ceremony is during the day and it's hot, staying in the shade can also help keep you comfortable.

For indoor or nighttime ceremonies, most venues and churches have adequate lighting, but if you have concerns about the lighting, we can meet at the location before your wedding day to assess the lighting and determine if extra lighting is necessary.

Section Three

family portraits
and GROUP shots

family photos

Your wedding day is an incredible opportunity to capture precious moments with your loved ones. To make sure we get all the shots you want, I kindly request that you provide me with a list of the specific photo groups you have in mind ahead of time. Depending on the size of your family, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour.

To help everything run smoothly, I may ask one of your trusted friends or family members to assist me in gathering the different groups.

+ Bride & Groom + Bride's Parents (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Bride's Siblings (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Bride's Immediate Family (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Bride's Extended Family (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Brides Grandparents (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Groom's Parents (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Groom's Siblings (Names) 

+ Bride & Groom + Groom's Immediate Family (Names)

+ Bride & Groom + Groom's Extended Family (Names) 

+ Bride & Groom + Groom's Grandparents (Names)

Example 0f family photo list:

Bride's Family

Groom's Family

How Long Do Family Photos Take?

This usually depends on how big your family is, how many groups you’ll be separating your family into, and how easy it is to coordinate everyone during the session.

Generally, for a family of:

+ 20 (6-8 groups): it will take around 10-20min

+ 30 (9-12 groups): it will take around 20 - 30min

+ 40 (13-16 groups): it will take around 30 - 40 min

+ 50+ (17-25 groups): it will take around 40min - 1hr

If there are any sensitive or challenging family dynamics that I should be mindful of, please feel free to share with me. My goal is to create a comfortable and stress-free environment for everyone on your special day.

couple Photos &
wedding PARTY Photos

Section Four

Wedding Party Photos

During the photo session with your wedding party and the two of you, I prefer to take all the wedding party photos first before taking you both for some intimate shots. This way, you can have a moment to catch your breath and enjoy each other's company for the rest of the shoot.

How Long Do Couple Photos Take?

When it comes to capturing stunning photos of just the two of you, I want to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease. I understand your wedding day can be busy, so I'll do my best to work around your schedule and preferences.

To ensure we have enough time to create those beautiful, dreamy shots, I suggest allowing for at least 20-30 minutes of shooting time (not including travel time between locations). 

What Time of the Day Should We Take COUPLE PORTRAITS?

For the most beautiful tones, the ideal time for couple photos is during sunset and blue hour when the sun isn't too bright. However, if this isn't possible, don't worry! I have years of experience shooting in all types of lighting, so I will ensure to capture stunning photos no matter what. As long as there is some light available, I can work with it to create beautiful images for you to cherish.

The most important thing to remember is to just be yourself! I understand that posing for photos can be daunting, but trust me, I will be there every step of the way, guiding you and making you feel at ease.

And if you're not a fan of posing, no problem! I love capturing candid moments too, and I will provide subtle prompts to help you feel natural and comfortable during your shoot.

dinner & RECEPTION

Section Five

Photographing the Reception Styling

Photographing the intricate details of your reception styling can add to the beautiful story of your special day. To ensure the photos look their best and there are no unwanted distractions, I would love to capture them before your guests arrive. Please let me know what time your guests will be arriving so I can plan accordingly.

reception lighting

If you're unsure about the lighting at your reception venue, don't worry - I'm here to help. I have plenty of experience working with different lighting situations.

That being said, I try to avoid using flash photography during speeches, as it can be intrusive. If you can provide enough lighting for the reception and speeches, it will help me be less intrusive during this time, while also ensuring I get great photos. If you have any questions or concerns about the lighting, please don't hesitate to reach out - I'm happy to help in any way I can.

speeches

To make sure we capture the heartfelt moments of your speeches and guests' reactions, having adequate lighting in the speech area is important. If you're unsure about how much lighting is required, I'm can offer suggestions.

cutting the cake

To make your cake cutting moment more special, I suggest planning ahead with the venue to have a knife and champagne set up on the table. This way, you won't have to worry about a thing and can just focus on enjoying the moment.

what else?

Section Six

As much as I am dedicated to capturing every moment of your special day, I am only human and will need to take breaks to eat, drink, and catch my breath. I always bring some snacks with me, but when dinnertime comes, I will eat at the same time as you and your guests. 

Taking a break

In the event of rain, don't fret! Rainy shots can be incredibly romantic and unique. If you're unsure of the weather or if rain is forecasted, I highly recommend purchasing some nice, sturdy umbrellas just in case. This way, we can still capture some beautiful moments without getting drenched. Let's work together to make the most out of whatever weather comes our way.

Weather

If you do choose to hire a videographer, know that we’ll be working closely together on the day to ensure we capture all the moments as best as possible between us, so it’s a good idea to choose someone who shares a similar style with me. For example, if the videographer is getting you to light smoke cannons, spray each other with champagne and slam cake into each other's faces but you have booked me for my elegant, emotive, timeless style then it will be harder for the videographer and I to shoot together.

Want a videographer but not sure who? Let me know as I can recommend some trusted videographers who match my editing and work style.

If you decide to not book a videographer, make sure you ask one of your guests to at least film the speeches. Believe me, you won't regret it and will love watching the replay!

should i hire a videographer?

Personally, I highly recommend it! Having both photos and videos is a brilliant way to capture your wedding memories for generations to come

timeline example

Section Eight

1:00pm         Detail Photos & Getting Ready


2:00pm         Bride gets dressed         
                               any family first looks

2:30pm         Capture Bride with bridesmaids


3:00pm         Capture Groom & Groomsmen


3:30pm          Couple Hides

4:00pm          Ceremony begins

4:30pm           ceremony ends 

4:30pm            Family group photos
4:50pm            full bridal party photos
 
5:00pm            couple photos.

5:35                 Guests find their  seats. 

5:45pm             Grand entrance 

5:50pm              First Dance

6:00pm              Dinner

Sunset Photos Optional

7:00pm             Speeches

7:20pm             Tradition Dances

7:30pm             Cake Cutting

7:35pm              Dance Floor opens

9:00pm             All Done!

8-Hr Coverage 

no first look

Example

8-Hr Coverage 

with first look

Example

1:00pm            Detail Photos & Getting Ready


2:00pm            Bride gets dressed         
                         any family first looks

2:30pm             First look with groom
2:40pM             Couples Photos

3:00pm             Bridal party photos

3:30pm              Couple Hides

4:00pm              Ceremony begins

4:30pm               Ceremony ends 

4:30pm                Family group photos
4:50pm                couple photos - optional

5:00pm                couple join cocktail hour

5:35                      Guests find their seats. 

5:45pm                  Grand entrance 

5:50pm                  First Dance

6:00pm                  Dinner

Sunset Photos Optional

7:00pm                  Speeches

7:20pm                   Tradition Dances

7:30pm                  Cake Cutting

7:35pm                   Dance Floor opens

9:00pm                   All Done!

These sample timelines are shared purely as photography-focused examples and will always be adjusted in collaboration with your planner, venue, and other vendors.

do's & DON't

Section Nine

+ Remember to take a deep breath, today is a celebration of your love story, so soak up every moment of joy and excitement.

+ Write down a list of all the family group shots - send to me before the wedding.

+ Call me over whenever you want a photo of you or you with a group.

+ Gather all the accessories you want in your detail shots and have them ready in the morning.

+ Bring your wedding invites, and anything else that has meaning to you and I'll make sure to capture them for you.

+ To make sure everything runs smoothly, tidy up the getting ready location before I arrive - nominate someone to help you with this.

+ Make sure the reception area is well-lit to get the best shots possible.

do

don't

+ Get caught up in trying to please everyone else. Remember, this day is about you and your partner. It's okay to say no to certain requests or traditions that don't align with your vision.

+ Worry about the photos - I got you.

+ Stare at the camera - just be yourself and pretend I'm not even there, except for group and posed shots.

+ Forget to eat and drink water throughout the day. You want to have enough energy to enjoy the day and make it through the long haul.

+ Feel like you can't take breaks and recharge. It's a long day, and you'll need some downtime to rest and reflect.

+ Be afraid to delegate tasks to trusted family members or friends. You don't have to do everything yourself, and it's okay to ask for help.

+ Hesitate to reach out to me about anything.