Let the celebration begin!
Here we go!
Your wedding day is just around the corner.
Everyday your wedding is getting closer. It might seem like a long ways off still, but let me just tell you... we will be there sooner then you know it. And as we get closer to your big day, it’s important to think through the details of the wedding and get a good plan down on paper.
So where do we begin? One of the most helpful (and stress-relieving) things that you can do in preparation for your wedding is to create a timeline for your wedding day. And the good news is: we are here to help you with that!
But first, before we sit down and chat through your wedding day, we’ve put together a few things together in this document for you to consider...
Creating your Timeline
Things to consider before creating your wedding day schedule.
Photography Coverage
Consider a Newlywed Session
Include Others in the Planning
Enjoy Your Wedding
One of our FAVORITE parts of the wedding day is what we call the “Newlywed Session”. Often the reception occurs during the best lighting of the day- whether that is golden hour or a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset. So what we like to do is steal the bride and groom away for a few minutes when nobody’s looking. At this point
in the day, all of the ceremonial stuff is done and you’re relaxed and having a good time. I can’t tell you how many clients have told
us that this was their favorite part of the day. A few quiet moments together, reflecting on the day, and capturing some seriously gorgeous images all at the same time. You won’t regret carving out a few moments for us here.
As you consider the various elements of your wedding, it is important to best optimize your photography coverage. Often, we begin our photography services during the bride’s final touches
of hair and makeup, and we like
to end our coverage after about 45-60 minutes of open dancing. As we determine the ideal coverage time for photography, it is also important that we know whether or not you are planning on having a send off at the end of your reception.
Yes, as wedding photographers, we have been to a lot of weddings and know what typically works well and what doesn’t. However, there might be specific elements and details to your wedding that we
are not aware of. So it is important to make sure there is a clear flow of communication between yourself, your photographer, your wedding planner (if applicable), and the venue coordinator.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, we need to remember that this day is one of the most important days of your life. And I’m sure you’ve already heard this a million times, but let me just remind you, IT WILL FLY BY. So it’s important to organize the day in a way that allows you to enjoy it as much
as possible. We want you to be present on your wedding day.
The Ceremony Start Time
Family Photos
Consider Commute Times
The ceremony is like the foundation of the wedding day. Once we have a set ceremony time, we can start planning everything else. Depending on what time
of year your wedding is, it is also important to consider when the sun sets. For example, if you are getting married in December and plan to take photos after your ceremony, you will likely run out of daylight if your ceremony starts in the late afternoon.
Typically, we find that the
best time for family photos
is immediately following the wedding ceremony. As we get closer to your wedding day, we will ask you to create a shot-by-shot family photo list. As you create this list, it is important to communicate with your family when and where they will be needed for photos.
It’s important to consider where you and your fiancé will each be getting ready on your wedding day. Will you be commuting
from preparation locations to ceremony? From ceremony to reception? It’s important to factor in adequate commute time to the overall timeline.
Will you be Having a First Look?
Ok let’s park it for a minute. More on the next page to see if a first look is right for you.
A First Look
Is a first look right for you?
» THE PHOTOS ARE BEAUTIFUL. There’s no doubt that first look photos are beautiful, emotional, and even powerful. They capture such a special moment between the bride and groom that is uniquely intimate and personal in a way that is unlike the rest of the wedding.
» IT CALMS THE NERVES. Trust us on this one. Weddings can be stressful. But it’s an amazing thing to witness how much bride and grooms feel a sense of calm and peace just by being together on their wedding day. And besides, this is a day centered around you two. Shouldn’t you enjoy it together??
» YOU WILL HAVE MORE TIME FOR PHOTOS. By doing a first look, we are able to do photos before the ceremony, which gives you have the luxury of shaping that time however you’d like it. You can rent a party bus and travel to a few different locations for photos. You can take a few minutes to relax and freshen up before the ceremony. Time is on your side so there’s no need to rush and stress.
» YOU CAN BE PRESENT AT YOUR WEDDING. A first look allows the bride and groom and bridal party to take photos before the ceremony, which then frees them up to attend the cocktail hour and enjoy their family and friends. There’s nothing like looking around the room at your wedding reception and seeing all of your favorite people in one place at one time celebrating you. And quite frankly, your wedding is probably the only time you will ever experience anything quite like it. So being present in those moments is so vitally important.
» YOU CAN BE PRESENT AT YOUR WEDDING. A first look allows the bride and groom and bridal party to take photos before the ceremony, which then frees them up to attend the cocktail hour and enjoy their family and friends. There’s nothing like looking around the room at your wedding reception and seeing all of your favorite people in one place at one time celebrating you. And quite frankly, your wedding is probably the only time you will ever experience anything quite like it. So being present in those moments is so vitally important.
» NO, YOUR WALK DOWN THE AISLE WILL NOT BE RUINED. Let me guess. When you were a little girl, you pictured your wedding day and the moment your groom saw you for the first time as you walked down the aisle. Often people fear that doing a first look will ruin that moment. But after doing hundreds of first looks, I can tell you that’s just not the case. If he’s going to tear up, he’s going to tear up. There’s no substitute for that moment- first look or not.
Let’s do this!