So I know this is a lot, but I promise it's good!
Below is an awesome collection of thoughts and trends that are widely used in the industry, as well as ideas of my own to help you in your wedding planning/finalizing phase. I figured you haven't planned very many weddings so I want to throw out some ideas to help you out a bit!
Timing is everything on your wedding day, and it is often not what you expect it to be and that's ok, as long as we can plan for the unexpected. One of the best way's to build an "insurance policy" to be sure that any timing hiccups won't disturb your photographs is to try and schedule your timeline around your portrait session. There are two main ways to schedule your day: Golden Hour and First Look
For a Golden Hour schedule, the couple does not see each other before the ceremony. The first time you see each other will be at the ceremony just before you join together as one. All of your loved ones will be there to witness this truly emotional and epic moment.
The reason I call it a Golden Hour timeline is because the majority of your portraits together will likely take place later in the day when the sun is lower in the sky providing the most beautiful, golden light for your photographs.
The Golden Hour schedule is pretty common but has some issues that will need to be addressed. Prior to the ceremony, only photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen will be taken. After the ceremony, LOTS of photos need to take place before the reception starts: family formals, entire bridal party, then the couple Portrait Session. In most situations this is happening during cocktail hour and the couple will then head directly to the reception.
Pros:
Cons:
I'll start with what exactly is a first look -
A first look is when you spend some time before the ceremony (yes, before!) in a private moment where I get to capture the intimacy of you two seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day.
Typically, I'll scout out a spot that is remote, romantic and away from guests. From there, I and my second shooter will guide you two towards the secrete rendezvous just for you. Not only does this make for some amazing memories and photographs, but you get to share in a private moment just between the two of you.
During your first look you get to take as much time as you need together, I & my second shooter will simply capture your emotions candidly. Whenever you are ready, you can call us over and we will spend some time (typically 15 minutes) capturing some portraits of the two of you.
The First Look timeline allows for two Portraits Sessions throughout your day. We will do a quick session after your First Look and then again later in the day, after your ceremony, we will do a second portrait session during Golden Hour.
Pros:
Cons:
Getting ready is a major part of your wedding day, it's the moment before the moment! So many beautiful memories and images can be captured during this time: your someone special helping you into your dress, your groom enjoying some time with his friends, and all the thoughtful details you chose for your wedding day. I highly recommend having photography coverage start when you are getting ready. We can capture meaningful moments and all the details that make your day, yours.
Things to consider: