planning prior to the wedding day
Pre-Ceremony Prep
Weddings through the Seasons
Winter weddings are gorgeous! However, they do take some additional planning simply because of the sunset time and needing a backup plan for winter storms. The sun sets earlier, so all your portraits will need to be done before then if you’re having them created outside! This isn’t a problem if you’re having a late afternoon wedding. However, if you’re planning on having a late evening wedding and want outdoor portraits, you may have a bit of downtime before the ceremony, and will need more coverage time.
winter
December - March
Spring weddings are wonderful because they are the perfect temperature! However, I recommend being aware and preparing just in case allergies start to flare up during portrait time. Spring weddings normally mean the potential for some blooms! If we happen to find any type of blooming tree or plant, it will be worth it to give us a few minutes for portraits with it! You’ll LOVE the result!
spring
April - May
Summer weddings are amazing! I love that there is so much daylight! In some months, the light will last until 8:30pm! So, if you’re having a summer wedding, you’ll need to plan on having a few minutes to slip out of the reception for your sunset portraits! You will NOT regret this! This is absolutely the best light of the day and you’re going to want to have portraits during this time period. Usually these portraits happen during dinner or open dancing so that no one even notices that you’re gone for a few minutes!
summer
June - August
Fall weddings are my favorite! I love the temperature and the colors! Most of my fall brides worry about color, and I just want to encourage you that all I need is one tree with some color in order to make it look like fall! A little bit of color can go a long way!! Fall wedding dates are by far the most popular, and for good reason!
fall
September - November
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
I know this isn't the most exciting aspect of the wedding day, but this is the one thing that can make or break your photography!
6 months before your wedding, you'll receive a questionnaire to provide all the information I need to make your timeline.
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, here are my ideal sample timelines to guide your planning until we build your official timeline:
Remember that all wedding days are different, and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations.
ps - wondering if a first look is right for you? Check out this blog post!
timeline
3 Hr Micro-wedding timeline ⟶
12:30: Detail photos, getting ready finishing touches
1:45: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
2:15: Dad's First Look (if wanted)
2:30: Photos of Bride, Bridesmaids & Flowergirls
3:00: Photos of Groom, Groomsmen & Ringbearers
3:30: Photograph ceremony & reception details
4:30: Ceremony
5:00: Ceremony ends & officiant announces family to stick around for photos
the traditional timeline:
5:00-6:30: Cocktail Hour
5:00–5:30: Family formals
5:30–5:45: Entire wedding party
5:45–6:15: Newlywed photos
6:30: Reception begins
6:35: First dance
6:40: Toast(s)
6:45: Dinner served
7:30: Cake cutting
7:35: Parent Dances
7:45: Open dance floor
8:00: Sunset Photos (exact time based on season)
8:15: Sparkler Photos or Faux Exit (if wanted)
8:30: Photographer End Time
11:00: Reception Ends
5:00-6:00: Cocktail Hour
5:00–5:20: Family formals
5:20–5:30: Entire wedding party
5:30–5:50: Newlywed photos
6:00: Reception begins
6:05: First dance
6:10: Toast(s)
6:15: Dinner served
7:00: Cake cutting
7:05: Parent Dances
7:15: Open dance floor
Option 1 - longer cocktail
Option 2 - normal cocktail
12:30: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1:30: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
2:00: Dad's First Look (if wanted)
2:15: First Look & Portraits with Bride and Groom
2:45–3:30: Wedding party portraits
3:30: Photographers shoot ceremony/reception details
4:30: Ceremony
5:00: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
5–5:30: Family formals
5–6:00: Cocktail Hour
5:30 –5:45: Newlywed photos (if wanted)
6:00: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
6:05: First dance
6:10: Toast(s)
6:15:Dinner served
7:00: Cake cutting
7:05: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
7:15: Open dance floor
7:30: Sunset Photos (time based on season)
8:15: Sparkler Photos or Faux Exit (if wanted)
8:30: Photographer End Time
11:00: Reception Ends
the first look timeline:
Build your own timeline:
30 min - Detail photos
30 min - Bride getting dressed
15 min - Dad’s first look
15 min - Bride & Groom’s First Look
30 min - Portraits with Bride & Groom
15 min - Wedding party portraits
45 min - Guests arrival & 30 min ceremony
15 min - Family formals
Cocktail hour (any amount)
Reception (any amount)
3 Hour Micro-wedding Timeline
3:00: Detail photos & finishing touches
3:30: First Look with Bride & Groom
3:45: Portraits with Bride and Groom
4:15: Prep for Ceremony / Guests arrive
4:30-5:00: Ceremony
5–5:15: Family formals
5–5:45: Cocktail Hour (join after family photos at 5:15)
5:45: Reception (Photograph first dance, toast, cake cutting)
6:00: Photographer End Time
3:15: Detail photos & finishing touches
3:45: Bride getting dressed
4:15: Prep for ceremony / Guests arrive
4:30-5:00: Ceremony
5–6:00: Cocktail Hour (will be doing photos during this time)
5–5:15: Family formals
5:15–5:30: Wedding party portraits
5:30–6:00: Portraits of Bride & Groom
6:00: Any Reception events you'd like photographed (first dance, cake, toasts)
6:15: Photographer End Time
Example 1
Example 2
A 10 minute cushion every now and then is a GREAT idea! It’s amazing how fast time slips away the day of!
Create a Cushion
I’ll instruct you to get into your dress close to a window and it would be fabulous to have your bridesmaids and mom dressed & ready when you’re getting into your gown!
Getting in the Dress
I encourage brides to have at least their makeup done before I start because who wants a ton of shots without their makeup on?! Nobody. Plan to have your hair finished at the time I start.
TIP: You don't need to go last like a lot of hair and makeup artists will tell you. If they run late and you go last, your whole day starts late!
Hair & Makeup
If you opt out of a first look, I will do groom & groomsmen portraits before the ceremony. They should be dressed & ready at the time we specify for this.
Groomsmen Prep
Be sure to think about the travel time and TRAFFIC to and from your getting ready location and your venue!
Travel Time
You will need your Bouquet & Bouts for your First Look! Have them delivered to the room where the bride is getting ready by the time I'm scheduled to arrive.
Bouquets & 'Bouts
for a relaxed wedding day
Timing Tips
Officiants
Janis Nowlan Band
The Big House Band
Ryan Miller Entertainment
DJ Sirr Chris
Perfect Harmony Entertainment
Soundwave DJs
Andrew Mayers
Klock Entertainment
dj/bands
cakes/desserts
catering/bar
rentals
Beauty by Brennan
Tousled Beauty – Jena Vatter
Vero Leigh
Nelles Makeup Artistry
Bella Donnas Hair Studio
hair/makeup
J Bray Media
Fraimeworks Productions
Fonash Studios
Moving Memories Video
Sojourn Media
Justin Barlup
Films by J
Matt Stambaugh
Isaiah K Films
videographers
Ever After Floral
Bixler Blooms
Foster’s Floral Design
Pearls & Petals
Everyone Deserves Flowers
Blooms by Vickrey
Forever in Bloom Designs
The JDK Group
Woodland Floral Design Co.
Floral Impressions
All Things Beautiful
florals
paper/invites
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend. I'll be adding to & updating these often.
vendors
This portion of the Wedding Experience Guide really sets the stage for the entire wedding day. The next few sections will share tips and tricks that will ensure a seamless morning of preparation and beautiful portraits!
Let the day begin!
It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time to hand them over to someone else. Delegation is a key part of a stress-free wedding day. I know it’s hard to hand over the decorating duties and all of the last minute things that need to be done, but it really is important to relax the morning of your wedding. The rest of the day is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emotions! Take advantage of this down time!
There are a few things to consider about the “getting ready” portion of the day. Do you want to share a “first look” with your dad or any other person who plays a huge role in your life? Will you and your groom be exchanging gifts during this time? If so, who would you like to deliver them? Are there certain women in your life who would appreciate seeing you get into your gown? Some brides want very few people around for this moment. Other brides love having aunts and grandmas present! It’s totally up to you! A few other things to consider… as you get ready to put your dress on, refrain from putting any jewelry on. I love shooting all of those final steps once you’re in your gown! Speaking of the gown, if your gown is on a plastic hanger, try to make a note to bring a wooden hanger along for picture sake. If you forget, no big deal! I can usually find a wooden hanger at venues.
getting ready
By having just a simple window in the bridal prep area, I am able to create beautiful portraits with soft light. I love natural light, so the more windows, the better!
the window effect
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories + Perfume
rings (all 3)
veil / hair pieces
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
what to bring
Every Little Detail
The whole day begins with the DETAILS! This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day, because it allows me to prepare and get my creative side warmed up for the rest of the day! I photograph a bride’s details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the entire wedding day. So, in some ways, the details set the stage for the look of the whole wedding and I love having ample time to stylize, and shoot everything from the dress, to the jewelry, to grandma’s handkerchief! I ask brides to gather any details they have before I arrive so that I can walk in, say hello, give you a big hug and then begin with all the goodies! (Please assure your mom that I will take GREAT care of the dress, I promise!)
Bring the Bouquet
Keep all three rings
The most common detail missing when I arrive are the rings! Moms, officiants and planners will tell you to hand over your wedding band to the best man before the day begins. However, it’s actually better to hand it over during the bridal party portraits so that I can shoot some great ring shots in the morning! You will also want to wear them for your portraits if you’re doing a first look! If you forget, no worries, I can always shoot the ring shot at the reception if there is extra time!
Extra elements
Gather the goods
If possible, collect all of your details before I arrive so that I can begin quickly and have more time for some “getting ready” shots of you and your girls!
Day-Of Reminders
Sometimes, depending on the theme and “look” of the wedding day, there may be some extra elements that you could include when you gather your details. For example, if you’re having a country themed wedding, you could include a piece of burlap or lace. If you’re having a rustic themed wedding that includes some wooden elements, maybe save a small piece of wood for me to use when I’m shooting your rings and jewelry. This REALLY makes for beautiful, consistent album spreads!
Don’t forget the Bouquet! Have the bouquets and bouts delivered at the same time I'm scheduled to arrive so I can use them for your detail photos and so you can have them during your first look and for portraits. If it’s hot, we’ll be sure to keep it in water as much as possible before the ceremony!
PRO TIP: Ask your florist to provide a few extra flowers and greenery to use in your detail photos to tie everything together!
There are so many expenses when it comes to wedding planning. Many brides have to prioritize what they want to invest in. I just want to give a little tip that can save money and make a huge impact on the way your images turn out. If you’re having trouble making a decision about your florals, here is what I suggest.
I recommend making your bridal bouquet a big priority! When I’m photographing a wedding, if the bride has a gorgeous bouquet, I can make the entire day look like there were beautiful florals everywhere! I can use the bridal bouquet to spruce up bridal details, reception details AND even bride and groom portraits as well! The bridal bouquet is a focal point for me when it comes to your photography, and so I highly recommend getting your DREAM bouquet and investing less on the bridesmaids bouquets since they will not be photographed nearly as much!
Since 90% of my couples opt for a First Look, you have options for the bridal veil!
I recommend that the bride only wear her veil when she comes down the aisle and this is for three different reasons.
1. This is something new for your groom to see when you’re walking down the aisle!
2. A lot of times, during a First Look, the groom is so excited to see his bride that he accidentally pulls the veil out when he throws his arms around her!
3. Saving the veil for your ceremony ensures that I will get some “Just Married” portrait time with the couple because EVERY bride wants to have a “Veil Blowing in the Wind” shot of their own! (Note – veils without beading float better than ones being weighed down).
This isn’t a rule that I ask all brides to follow, it’s simply a suggestion that I make after having photographed many weddings!
The Bridal Bouquet
Veil Options
Your first look is an amazing part of your wedding day! If you aren’t sure about this tradition, below is a link to a whole blog post that will explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration that not only adds to the experience but also reduces stress. Please know that I would never want any of my couples to feel pressured to go with this option. However, I do want to make sure that I share all of the benefits of a first look, because there is a reason 90% of my couples do this and LOVE it!
Your First Look
Is a first look right for me?
The Daddy/Daughter First Look
This is for all of the brides who have a sweet spot in their heart for their dad. For a lot of dads, this is when everything feels real and it hits him… “My baby girl is getting MARRIED!” These are precious moments to photograph and I encourage any daddy’s girl to add time for this moment. It doesn’t take long at all! The hardest part is making sure dad is ready on time! If dad doesn’t show up on time, the whole timeline can get thrown off, or we’ll have to skip the daddy/daughter first look.
NOTE: You can do first looks with anyone you want to on your wedding day! I've done brides first looks with their groomsmen, I've done Groom & mother first looks, etc. Consider who the most special people in your lives are and think about if you'd like a private moment with them.
If you have never seen your partner cry or get emotional, you can’t expect them to be overly emotional on your wedding day. Sometimes they'll just hug you and never cry… and that’s ok. Some people show very little emotion when their soon-to-be spouse is coming down the aisle and that’s ok too. Just enjoy this amazing day, and try not to put any expectations on them. If you take this advice to heart, I could potentially be saving you a lot of disappointment on your day. One thing I’ve noticed after shooting hundreds of weddings is that stress and nerves that come with a wedding day can sometimes make it hard for some people to truly express their emotions. It’s just a lot to take in all at once. This is a great reason to share a first look and also a great reason to give some grace to your partner! Allow yourself to feel beautiful and enjoy this time together, no matter what their reaction is like!
First Look Expectations
I'm here to help you with anything I can as you plan your wedding! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments or concerns along the way:
inspired@photographybyerinleigh.com
570.529.1603
I can't wait to celebrate you on your wedding day!
Hakuna Matata