Wedding Day Pictures and Tips for Planning
Updated: Mar 8
DETAILS
Details are the pictures taken of your wardrobe and accessories or any items that are important to you. Examples could include dresses, veil, suits, shoes, rings, purse, wallets, watches, cuff links, jewelry, flowers, family heirlooms cologne, hats, cuff links, or ties
Ideal Time: First thing
Ideal Location: Where the party is getting ready
Tip: Set aside the items that you would each like photographed in one spot. That way when I arrive I can be efficient with our time and make sure all your important items get photographed
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GETTING READY
During this time I will take candid pictures of the fun and excitement as you and your bridal party gets ready for the day!
Ideal Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
Ideal Location: A well lit room with natural light
Tip: Try to keep bags, food, personal items and other things out of the way so that your images don't have distracting background clutter in them!
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BRIDAL REVEAL
A fun way to let your ladies see you for the first time in your gown and glory!
Ideal Time of Day: Right after you are dressed
Ideal Location: Where you are getting ready
Tip: Remember to have a separate room to get dressed in!
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BRIDAL PORTRAITS
You are beautiful. There is no one else in the entire world like you
Ideal Time of Day: Right after you have finished getting ready
Ideal Location: A private area, or a quiet shaded spot on the grounds where you are getting ready
Tip: Use this time to have a peaceful moment
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FIRST LOOKS
Some couples like to wait to see each other when the bride walks down the isle, others like to plan a private first look before the ceremony. You can also do a first look with your dad...after all you belonged to him first...
Ideal Time of Day: After everyone is dressed and ready, just before group pictures.
Ideal Location: A private and quiet shaded area
Tip: If you have a first look, then all your other pictures can be taken before the ceremony.
If you are NOT having a first look, then pictures will have to wait until after the ceremony, usually before the reception. Have a plan for your guests like a cocktail hour while you take pictures.
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BRIDAL PARTY
Images of your special guys, gals, and sweet children
Ideal Time of Day: Later in the afternoon to avoid direct light.
Ideal Location: The grounds of the venue, or a location nearby with shade
Tip: Plan on pictures with kids first, and don't forget the flowers!
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THE COUPLE
During this time relax and simply enjoy being together
Ideal Time of Day: After the bridal party pictures or 1 hour before sunset when there is stunning light
Ideal Location: The grounds of the venue, or a location nearby
Tip: Limiting travel time to a location will allow for a more relaxed time together
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FAMILY
Family pictures will be treasured by all
Ideal Time of Day: Early evening, after the bridal party and couple pictures
Ideal location: At the location of the ceremony, or where the other portraits are being taken
Tip: If you have a large family ask a friend who knows the family members to help gather people and get them ready
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CEREMONY
Your ceremony is a wondrous way to speak quietly of who you are as a couple
Ideal Time of Day: For outdoor ceremonies, late afternoon, early evening. Indoor ceremonies during daylight.
Ideal Location: Outdoor locations should have solid shade, or have the sun placed behind the couple.
Tip: The rest of the day is usually planned around the ceremony
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VENUE DETAILS
Enjoy images of all your hard work planning and creating the reception space
Ideal Time of Day: Before the space is open to guests
Tip: Make sure your cake is in position before you allow guests into the venue, and the twinkle lights and candles are lit!
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RECEPTION
It's time to celebrate!
Ideal Time of Day: Usually an evening event
Ideal Location: A venue nearby the ceremony
A reception usually includes being announced for dinner, cake cutting, first dances, and guest dancing
Tip: It's your celebration, enjoy yourselves!
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So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.