Planning the celebration of a lifetime is overwhelming enough - the last thing you need is more to-dos on your plate! While your planner is managing the big stuff, this one-page guide is filled with photo-specific tips for making your photos shine.
Here, you'll find everything from vendor recommendations and sample timelines to tips for planning your family photo list - plus a resource library to answer more specific questions. Keep reading to dive on in!
planning consideration, details, tips, and answers
weDding prep
Sam Hill Entertainment
String Poets
Jade Strings
East Coast Entertainment
dj/bands
Maliha Creations
Kadi Bakes
cakes/desserts
The Muse Coffee Co
Exchange Events
Toastworthy
catering/bar
Something Vintage
Pretty Little Rental Co
Social Supply Design
Rent Equip VA
Paisley & Jade
rentals
Caitlyn Meyer Pro
Hair by Remona
Make up by Shirin
Sarah Slade Beauty
hair/makeup
Iron & Ivy Films
White Flair Productions
Tyler Scheff Media
Dakotah Van Doran
videographers
Pomona Floral
Cedar and Lime Co
Steelcut Flower Co
Cultivate Event Co
florals
Emily Baird Design
Ivory and Stone Co
The Dandelion Patch
paper/invites
East Made Co
The Evergreen Collective
The Hive Events
Lane Stewart Events
planners
recommended Vendors
01
timeliNe tips
While your planner and I will work together to perfect your wedding weekend timeline, I recommend checking out the sample timelines below to get a feel for how things might flow.
As your big day gets closer, I’ll reach out to ask a few questions to get the inside scoop on the key moments and important people. Then, I’ll work hand-in-hand with your planner to craft a custom photo timeline that perfectly matches your vision and ensures I capture every important detail!
Click below to see a sample timeline with nine hours of coverage and two photographers.
02
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Details
Your wedding details aren’t just accessories—they’re the opening scene to the story of your day. These personal touches will help set the mood and make your photos feel like yours.
Simple tip for amazing detail shots? Keep your "getting ready" area as clean as possible. Tuck away bags and loose items so we can focus on what truly matters for those pre-ceremony
03
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
rings, jewelry + accessories
perfume and/or cologne
veil or hair pieces
ceremony + reception shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dresses + dress hanger
If I’m already capturing your welcome party or rehearsal dinner, it’s a great idea to gather your details early so I can photograph them in advance. If you'd prefer for me to do them on your wedding day to be able to include florals, I’ll tuck myself into a well-lit corner of the getting ready space and photograph each detail in a way that aligns with your wedding’s style.
Not sure what to gather? Here are some ideas to get you started:
detAils cHecklist
04
groUp poRtraits
05
Whether it's your nuclear family, your chosen family, or friends who feel like family - compiling a list of must-have group portraits helps ensure that no important person is left behind.
To keep things running smoothly, it’s helpful to have a family member or wedding party member take charge of gathering everyone for portraits. I recommend asking relevant group members to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to maintain a smooth flow of events.
sample group photo list:
- Couple + Officiant
- Couple + Your Grandparents
- Couple + Spouse's Grandparents
- Couple + Your Parents
- Couple + Your Immediate Family
- Couple + Both Immediate Families
- Couple + All Siblings
- Couple + Spouse's Immediate Family
- Couple + Spouse's Parents
insiDer iNsight
06
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
make sure all garments are steamed in advance
Remove price tags and labels from shoes, jewelry, clothing etc.