The 8 Hour Timeline

Creating a wedding day timeline is crucial for a photographer to ensure all the important moments are captured. Here's a sample timeline, but keep in mind that it can be adjusted based on specific details and preferences:

Morning (Getting Ready, Same Location):

Wedding party members' hair and makeup: 3-4 hours before the ceremony

Groom and groomsmen preparations (If applicable): 2-3 hours before the ceremony

Detail shots of dress(es)/suit(s), accessories, and detail items*: Throughout the morning

Early Afternoon (Pre-Ceremony):

Partner 1 portraits: 1-2 hours before the ceremony

Partner 2 portraits (Same location/2nd Shooter): 1-2 hours before the ceremony

Final touch-ups and last-minute preparations: 30 minutes before the ceremony

First Look (If desired):

Partner first look or Parent first look: 30 Min-1 Hr before the ceremony

I highly recommend a partner first look! Especially if you are having a larger bridal party and/or a lot of guests. It's a quiet, intimate moment to be shared between the two of you to truly soak it all in before the festivities begin. Also makes for some really beautiful photos.

Ceremony:

Guests arrival and candid shots: 30 minutes before the ceremony

Ceremony: 30 minutes to an hour

Family and group photos immediately following the ceremony

Post-Ceremony:

Newlywed portraits: 30 minutes to an hour after the ceremony (Golden Hour*)

Candid shots during cocktail hour (if applicable): 30 minutes

Reception:

Grand entrance: Start of the reception

Toasts and speeches: During dinner

Cake cutting: After dinner

First dance, parent dances: After cake cutting

Candid shots during the reception: Remaining time of coverage

Dancing and celebrations: Remaining time of coverage

The 6 Hour Timeline

Pre-Ceremony (2 hours):

Getting ready: 1 hour of finishing touches of wedding party members' hair and makeup

Couple (If in same location) and their attendants preparations

Detail shots: 30 minutes - 1 hour (Attire, accessories, and detail items*)

First Look: 15 - 30 minutes

Ceremony (1 hour):

Guests arrival and candid shots: 30 minutes before the ceremony

Ceremony: 30 minutes to an hour

Family and group photos immediately following the ceremony

Post-Ceremony (1 hour):

Portraits of the couple and wedding party: 30 minutes to an hour (Golden Hour)

Reception (2 hours):

Grand entrance: Start of the reception

Toasts and speeches: During dinner

Cake cutting: During/After dinner

First dance, special dances: After cake cutting

Candid shots during the reception: Throughout the remaining time.

This condensed timeline allows for key moments to be captured within a 6-hour timeframe. Make sure to communicate with me and the event coordinator (if applicable) to prioritize the most important elements to ensure a seamless flow on the wedding day. Adjustments can be made based on specific preferences and requirements.

The 4 Hour Timeline

Pre-Ceremony (1 hour):

Getting ready: 30 minutes Wedding party members' hair and makeup

Couple (If in same location) and their attendants preparations

Detail shots: 15 minutes Attire, accessories, and detail items*

First Look: 15 minutes

Ceremony (1 hour):

Guests arrival and candid shots: 15 - 30 minutes before the ceremony

Ceremony: 30 minutes to an hour

Family and group photos immediately following the ceremony

Post-Ceremony (1 hour):

Portraits of the couple and wedding party: 1 hour (Golden Hour*)

Reception/Departure (1 hour):

Grand entrance: Start of the reception

Toasts and speeches: During a brief dinner

Cake cutting and first dance: After dinner

Candid shots during the reception: Remaining time of coverage