WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE
With all weddings we have done, the one thing we have learned is no two weddings are exactly the same. However, there are some time frames which are common to most weddings we have done, and may help you as you plan your special day with us as your photographers.
OUR DETAIL SHOTS
One of the first things Shel does when she arrives at a wedding is to take images of the rings, the wedding dress, the shoes, the bouquet, and the other detail items. it definitely helps if the bride has all of these items available for us to photograph when we arrive.
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
BRIDAL PARTY PREPARATION
We prefer 45 minutes for the preparation of the Bride, Groom, and Bridal Party. Shel will be taking some great shots of the hair and makeup as well as the candid moments as the bride and bridesmaids get ready for the special day. Bill will be with the groom and groomsmen and while they don't take as long to get ready normally he will use the time to start with the groom portraits and groomsmen portraits.
Time Allotment: 45 minutes
INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS
Usually right after the preparation is the best time for individual separate portraits of the bride and groom. Since the hair and makeup is fresh it makes the best time for some perfect portraits!
Time Allotment: 20-30 minutes
FIRST LOOK AND FIRST COUPLES PORTRAIT SESSION
While we know not all couples do a "first-look" prior to the ceremony, we do recommend it, because it allows us to minimize the time between the ceremony and the reception. If you do a "first-look" it will give us an opportunity to do a intimate portrait session prior to the ceremony. If you would rather not do a "first look" we can do a no-peek first look which will allow us to capture some unique images before the ceremony.
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
Wedding Party Photos should be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses. We start off with the basic, classic photos focused on great expressions and lighting.
Then we move into a set of fun and creative shots. Finally, we know how much your wedding party means to you, so we are sure to get pictures with you and each one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen individually.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Immediate Family Photos should take another 45 minutes to 1 hour. 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 DETAIL AND VENUE
* Ideal Time Allotment – 20-30 minutes
* Ideal Location – Ceremony Site
* Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Advice – Please allow 20 minutes for the second shooter to take pictures of the ceremony site, completely set up with no guests or vendors in the area.
Before you have the guests seated, it’s important that we are there to capture the complete set up of your ceremony site so we can capture the scene at its best.
FORMALS (Extended Family, Immediate Family, and Friends)
*Ideal Time Allotment – 45-60 minutes
*Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon (Post Ceremony)
*Ideal Location – Ceremony Site
Advice – Formals should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your family and the number of guests.
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 a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.
COUPLES SESSION
* Ideal Time Allotment – 1 hour
* Ideal Time of the Day – Late Afternoon (Sunset)
* Ideal Location – Venue Garden, Beach, Hotel Lobby, Park
* Advice – Couple session should be around 1 hour and should take place ideally 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. The 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 vines in the winery, it’s essential to follow this advice in your timeline.
Reception Detail and Venue
* Ideal Time Allotment – 20-30 minutes
* Ideal Time of the Day – Early Evening
* Ideal Location – Ceremony Site
* Advice – Please allow 30 minutes for the second shooter 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.
Couples Session – Reception Sneak Out
* Ideal Time of the Day – Dusk to Night Time
* Ideal Location – Areas with interesting lights, fountains, city scapes and mirrors
* Advice – During the reception, please plan on sneaking out for a couple of night shots. We only need 20-30 minutes, as we understand the importance of being a good host. However, this time is important of 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. Another suggestion would be to get these shots at the very end of the night once all the guests have departed.
Other Things to Keep In Mind
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 20 tables would require 60-100 minutes of time.