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WEDDING GUIDE
PLANNING YOUR
timeline guidance, vendor recommendations, short film options & more.
Hi, Friend!
- courtney
Thank you again for choosing to work with me. I am so excited to be included on this journey with you! Extending all my love and gratitude.
First, let me start by extending my congratulations on your engagement! I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you and your partner over the next several months. I understand that photography is one of the larger investments you are making for your wedding day, and I am beyond honored that you have chosen to work with me!
There are a lot of moving parts that come with planning any wedding. Regardless of the size of your celebration or if you are working with a wedding planner, my goal is to be a resource to you and help minimize any challenges you might face.
This guide will walk you through everything from example timelines to engagement session information and inclement weather plans. My hope is that this will help inspire you through the beginning stages of planning your wedding and offer some helpful tips that are commonly overlooked. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
A complimentary engagement session is included in each of our packages because we believe that it enhances your overall wedding experience. Not only does it allow for us to meet in person, but it also gives you and your partner the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera.
An engagement session also gives you the chance to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting. For this session, we have the time to highlight specific elements that make you and your partner unique and tell your story. This can be done through the way you dress, the location you choose or including pets or something special to you. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your engagement shoot!
Below you will find outfit tips, locationideas,timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
+ Two Hour Shoot
+ Minimum 60 Edited Images
+ Professional Hair & Makeup
+ Private Online Viewing Gallery
+ Album Design - 15 Page Spread
+ 8” X 8” Album
$1,800
collection one
+ Two Hour Shoot
+ Minimum 45 Edited Images
+ Professional Hair & Makeup
+ Private Online Viewing Gallery
collection two
$1,00
*A separate guide will be shared if you have booked a boudoir session with me.*
imagery prioritizing sensuality
over sexuality
Boudoir
extended offerings
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
bridal portrait session | $800
A Bridal portrait session is for the brides who want to spend an extended amount of time capturing all the details of their bridal look. For example if you have multiple gowns or looks that you would like formally photographed, a bridal portrait session provides you with the time to capture every detail without being rushed.
On typical wedding days, the bridal portraits last about 15 minutes, while a full bridal portrait session will give you ample time to photograph everything you desire.
This session can also be used as a complete test run to see how your bridal look with full hair and makeup will photograph, and let you feel how well everything will hold up outside, bracing the elements. Allowing you to go into your wedding day 100% confident.
If you are considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I do recommend a full trial run of hair and makeup, as well as your bridal nails and bouquet. The session typically lasts 1-2 hours, so it’s nice for you to have something to hold and help you feel the most natural. Other important details include your jewelry, veil and shoes.
When it comes to scheduling your bridal portrait session here is something to consider.
Option 1: Schedule your bridal portraits about six weeks before your wedding, so that you have time for your dress to be altered and your photos will have similar light and surroundings to your wedding portraits as possible. This will give you time to make any changes to your look(s) if you aren't completely happy with how they photograph.
Option 2: Consider a fun location for a day after shoot where you are not worried about keeping your dress pristine for the wedding day. This could be something more adventurous than just posing at a venue. A prime example of this would be our shoot at the California Sand Dunes.
If you choose to do a bridal session we will help make your vision come to life. We’re here to be on your team!
A practice run for the big day that you can SEE
Bridal Portraits
extended offerings
Montage Palmetto Bluff (SC)
Glen Manor House (RI)
Kestrel Park (CA)
Sunstone Winery (CA)
Hammer Sky Vineyards (CA)
Venues
Curved & Co
Sweet Zion Paperie
Inquisited
Vidhi Dattani Designs
Kara Anne Paper
Enfield Post - Vintage Stamps
Letter Lane Design Studio
Invitations
RENTALS
Ivory & White Bridal Boutique (AL)
Monique Lhuillier Flagship (NY)
The Bold and Bridal
Oscar De la Renta (LA)
Bridal and Formal (OH)
En Blanc (LA)
WEDDING DRESS & Stylists
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
ViDEOGRAPHY
Jackson Durham Events
Nava Floral (NY)
Intertwine (IN, IL)
Andrew Thomas Design (CA)
Nicole Chapman Design (CA)
Blooms by Morgan (CA)
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
Throughout my experience as a bride and as a wedding photographer, I have learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I have personally worked with all of the vendors below and had great experiences with them. This is not a paid list – I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work, as well as their professionalism.
Please note that my vendor list includes people and companies across the US. If you are looking for someone local to your wedding venue, please let me know and I would be more than happy to assist you in your search!
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
If you are looking for any other vendors in particular, please feel free to reach out. I have a long list of people I would love to work with and venues I would love to shoot at as well.
If you’re anticipating inclement weather on your wedding day, it might be best to schedule a first look because it gives you flexibility for photos. If it’s pouring down rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had your couple’s portraits finished in advance.
And for the emotional couples, if you know the tears are going to come the first time you see your other half, a first look will give you extra time to freshen up before the ceremony.
Regardless, if you choose to do a first look or wait until the ceremony begins, the first time you see your partner on your wedding day will be special!
3. AVOID POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER AND/OR HAVE TIME TO FRESHEN-UP AFTER Getting Emotional
When there is no first look, the large majority of the photos have to be taken after the ceremony. Family portraits generally come directly after the ceremony ends, because it's the easiest time to round everyone up. Next, we will do the full bridal party, and then the couple’s portraits. All of these setups take time and will generally run well into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party photos, and most of the time, family portraits as well. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
Something to consider: If hair and makeup is running behind, having the photos scheduled to be finished before the ceremony, gives us the flexibility to use cocktail hour if absolutely necessary without the stress of running into the reception.
*In the case of my wedding, we chose to go on a boat ride, just the two of us, immediately following the ceremony and scheduled time to enjoy our dinner before meeting all of our guests at the reception. For this to happen, we had a first look and finished all of our group photos before the ceremony began, which meant that our bridal party and family members got to enjoy all of cocktail hour as well.
However you choose to structure the day, keep in mind that it is YOUR day!
2. IT GIVES MORE TIME FOR PHOTOS WITHOUT SACRIFICING COCKTAIL HOUr.
Once you finish getting ready, the rest of the wedding day takes off in a hurry. A first look gives couples the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone and appreciate each other’s company, while thinking about the day before the ceremony begins.
Whether or not you choose to have a first look, we always recommend finding a few minutes alone before and after the ceremony with your partner to soak in everything that is happening around you. Emotions are running high and there is a lot to take in on the wedding day, with family and friends eager to congratulate you during the reception. Having this moment focused solely on the two of you is a great reminder of what the entire day is all about.
1. A first look can slow down the speed of the day.
The moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is genuinely magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to do a first look prior to the ceremony or wait until the bride walks down the aisle.
First looks have become more popular in recent years and most couples decide to include it in their wedding day timeline for many reasons.
Here are three reasons why I personally chose to do a first look and why we recommend it, professionally:
Why we recommend the couple seeing each other in a private moment before walking down the aisle
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you choose to do a first look, we can also spend just 15-20 minutes directly after to grab some quick couples portraits before transitioning into full bridal party and family portraits. Completing all portraits pre-ceremony will take an average of 2 hours. Then, after the ceremony, we will grab a few additional couple's portraits during sunset.
If you choose the traditional aisle reveal, we will still be able to capture all of your desired photos, but please keep in mind your ceremony start time, ceremony length and the time the sun sets to ensure that there will still be plenty of natural light.
Lighting is crucial to creating the type of images we all value, and making sure we have enough time to shoot all of the portraits while the sun is still up is something to consider from the very beginning.
When building out your timeline it is important for everyone on your vendor team to know what your priorities are, so we can build a timeline that reflects what you envision, while also making sure we are being as efficient as possible.
When it comes to creating your wedding timeline, I would love to work with you and/or your wedding planner to make sure you have the best timeline and plan for capturing desired portraits and images.
Whether you choose to do a first look or wait to see your partner until the ceremony, you will need two different sets of group photo lists. Images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony. Both lists will have exact names written out so we can easily keep track of all the people and group photo combinations you would like to have.
For pre-ceremony photos I like to block out one hour for the bride and one hour with the groom to get individual portraits, as well as bridal party portraits and separate family portraits. For combined bridal party portraits and combined family portraits, I would block out 25 minutes.
When building out your formal family portrait list account for two to three minutes per photo. That way, if your list starts to get lengthy you can adjust.
For couple’s portraits I suggest planning out at least 30-45 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a first look or waiting to see your partner until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible.
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
View Example Timelines
view the timeline
WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
view the timeline
WEDDING TIMELINE WITHouT A FIRST LOOK
Note: These timelines are examples and are structured in a way that assumes the couple will be getting ready at or very close the ceremony location. A more detailed and customized timeline will be created to fit your celebration’s exact needs.
10 A.m.
Photographer arrives at the Bride's getting ready location.
10:00Am - Photographer Arrives
Note: I will start shooting details first, so at the time of arrival I would love to have all of the details, paper goods and loose florals ready to shoot. After I finish the details, I will catch the end of the Bride’s hair and makeup session. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s always HAMU, so it wouldn’t hurt to build in a little extra time there.
12:00 p.m.
Photos of Bride and bridesmaids getting ready. Bride gets into her dress.
12:00pm - Girls Getting Ready
Mother of the Bride & Sister(s) of the Bride dressed before the Bride gets into her dress.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Photos of the Bride with bridesmaids, and the bride's immediate family.
1:30-2:30pm - First Portraits
Once Bride's photos are completed, photographer will go to the Groom's getting ready suite with groomsmen.
Photos of the Groom with groomsmen, and the groom's immediate family.
3:00 p.m.
First Look takes place.
3:00PM First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony or reception location. It is up to you! Although, I am happy to make recommendations depending on the venue layout.
We will take a few couple's portraits immediately following the first look.
3:20-3:40 p.m.
Entire wedding party photos take place following the first look.
3:20pm - Bridal PArty Portraits
Formal portraits of groom and groomsmen taken following the full bridal party portraits.
4:00 p.m.
Remainder of the family portraits take place.
4:00PM family Portraits
After this, all group photos will be finished and the Bride and Groom will be tucked away before the ceremony.
Note: I would suggest telling your family members we will be starting early than the actual start time so they arrive on time or early. I will help you create a list of family portraits before the big day. These portraits usually do not extend past immediate family members and grandparents. Extended family portraits can take place after the ceremony if you wish.
4:30 p.m.
Prelude & Ushering of Guests
4:30pm Ushering
5:00 P.M.
Ceremony begins.
5:00pm Ceremony
Note: Please remember the time of year you are getting married when planning your ceremony time. If you wish to have additional portraits taken after the ceremony, the earlier the ceremony start time the better, to ensure there is enough sunlight for extended portraits.
5:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour Begins &
Additional Couple's Portraits
5:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you the flexibility of the cocktail hour. We will grab some extra couple’s portraits after the ceremony, but how the rest of the time is spent is up to you and I will grab some photos of your guests while y’all enjoy a moment alone.
6:15 P.M.
Guests invited into the reception.
6:15pm Reception opens
6:15 P.M.
Sunset Portraits if Applicable.
6:15pm Sunset Portraits
Note: Depending on the time of year, the post ceremony portraits could act as the sunset portraits. If the sun has not set yet, I will grab y’all about 45 minutes before the sun sets. That is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Couple comes into the reception & straight to cake cutting.
6:30pm Cake Cutting
7:00 P.M.
Couple Introduced & First Dance
7:00pm First Dance
The band plays non-stop for three hours.
9:50 P.M.
Bouquet toss.
9:50pm Bouquet toss
10:00 P.M.
Bride & Groom Exit Reception
10:00pm couple & photographer exit
Photographer leaves venue immediately following the exit.
Noon
12pm - photographer arrives
Photographer arrives at the Bride's getting ready location.
Note: I will start shooting details first, so at the time of arrival I would love to have all of the details, paper goods and loose florals ready to shoot. After I finish the details, I will catch the end of the Bride’s hair and makeup session. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s always HAMU, so it wouldn’t hurt to build in a little extra time there.
2:10 P.M.
2:10pm - girls getting ready
Photos of Bride and bridesmaids getting ready. Bride gets into her dress.
Mother of the Bride & Sister(s) of the Bride dressed before the Bride gets into her dress.
2:50 P.M.
Bride, bridesmaids and Bride's immediate family portraits outside of the Bride's getting ready suite.
2:50pm - Bride Pre-Ceremony photos
3:30 p.m.
3:30PM Groom Pre-Ceremony Photos
Groom and groomsmen getting ready photos.
Followed by Groom, groomsmen and groom's immediate family portraits.
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm Hidden Moment
Bride and Groom tucked away before the ceremony.
Hidden moment if desired by the couple.
Some couples who choose to do the traditional aisle reveal like to spend a private moment with together without seeing each other. This is a great moment to read letters to each other, exchange gifts, etc.
After the ceremony we will be hustling through portraits, so please consider spending this time together to soak in all the emotions of the day.
4:30 P.M.
4:30pm Prelude
Prelude & Ushering of Guests
5:00 P.M.
5:00pm ceremony
Ceremony Begins.
Note: Please remember the time of year you are getting married when planning your ceremony time and how long you think the ceremony will last. Because you have chosen to forego the first look, we will need to take the remainder of the group portraits and the couple’s portraits. The earlier the ceremony start time, the better chance we have in ensuring there is enough sunlight for the extended portraits.
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm cocktail hour
Cocktail Hour Begins.
Family & Bridal Party Portraits, followed by
Couple's Portraits with Sunset Portraits
Note: We will do family portraits right after the ceremony to ensure that all family members are around and easy to grab. I ask that you please let your family members know that we will be taking photos immediately after the ceremony to make sure that nobody goes missing. I will help you create a list of family portraits before the big day. Please account for each family portrait to take up to three minutes even if all family members are present and ready. This is why I highly suggest taking immediate family portraits before the ceremony so we have time for plenty of couple’s portraits before the reception starts.
6:15 P.M.
6:15pm reception opens
Guests invited into the reception.
Couple will follow shortly after the guests and go straight into the cake cutting.
7:00pm First dance
7:00 P.M.
Couple Introduced & First Dance
The band plays non-stop for three hours.
9:50pm Bouquet Toss
9:50 P.M.
Bouquet toss.
10:00 P.M.
10:00pm Couple & Photographer Exit
Bride & Groom Exit Reception
Photographer leaves venue immediately following the exit.
Note: When thinking about your getting ready space, locations that photograph best are filled with natural light and kept free of clutter. The getting ready photos will stay on schedule if there is not a lot of clean up and shuffling involved.
Every element you choose to be a part of your celebration is important to your wedding story. There are no rules or limits to how many or what details you should include. These can extend from the earrings you borrowed from your grandmother, or an heirloom collected by your uncle.
Beautifully styled flat lays elevate your wedding details and are fun to photograph, but more importantly they include items that either have a deep and personal meaning to you, or they were hand chosen to reflect the style and feeling of your day. Curating these details can seem like less of a priority, but they reflect the amount of effort you have invested into your celebration and we are happy to help in any way that we can!
Most weddings require extensive set up time, which gives the vendor team access to the venue at least one day prior to the wedding. Part of our process includes walking the entire timeline at the venue, the day before the wedding to make sure we have the most accurate feel for lighting and a list of all potential locations.
This is a great time for me to help collect all of the details to have at the venue for the wedding day and style what I can ahead of time so that we can be extremely efficient and spend even more time with you. Details are usually shot during the getting ready portion of the day and will take at least one full hour. Pulling everything ahead of time means you can enjoy a stress-free morning in the hair and makeup chair surrounded by friends and family.
We will help coordinate a full list of details and what we might be able to shoot before the wedding day and after. This list can include your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations and any other keepsakes you would like to feature.
Also, please have your dress steamed and ready to be photographed when we arrive. Don’t worry about styling it, we will hang it in a beautiful spot.
Wedding Day Details
Dress
Dress Hanger - bridesmaid hangers if you want a dress group shot
Rings (engagement and all wedding bands - groom's included)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Earrings
Hair pieces
Other Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards,
Save the Dates, or vows written out.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Ring(s)
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Books
Any other sentimental keepsakes or heirlooms you would like to include (ex: grandmother's hand mirror)
This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cut florals that will be used throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots, that would be amazing.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
Note: When I clean my rings at home it usually air-dries with water spots that are visible from the top. To keep that from happening, I place it on a wash cloth and use my hairdryer.If you use a high heat setting, be careful, your ring will be hot to the touch, so wait a few minutes before putting it back on.
Your rings will be featured in detail photos. If possible, please try to have your engagement ring professionally cleaned by your jeweler. If this is not an option, here is a way you can clean it yourself. To clean your ring at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes, then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush. If it still looks dirty, rinse and repeat.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and I’m happy to take any requested portraits as long as time allows! If you find your formal family portrait list to get too lengthy, please keep in mind that we can get a few more casual groupings during the reception. (ex: all grandchildren from the Bride’s paternal side)
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
FAMILY Portrait Session Checklist
How the family portrait session(s) are structured will be determined by your specific timeline, it is usually easier to start with you and your partner in the center of the largest group and slowly remove people as we go. And the same goes when it’s just the bride’s family and just the groom’s family.
The entire process will also go much smoother when all of the family hangs out in the same general area and we have a list with specific names to call out when it is their turn to be in the photo. When creating your list of family portraits, please account for two to three minutes for every photo.
Soon you will receive my pre-wedding questionnaire, it will ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you’ll find my general guideline list below.
your entire family, dressed up & together
Family Formals
If you’ve been to a wedding recently, you probably have seen a sign or a note in the program from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain “unplugged” during the ceremony.
And while it may seem like an obnoxious or silly request to ask your guests to put down their phones, it is a small ask to ensure the best possible photos and peace of mind when you are walking down the aisle.
We know that you will love your ceremony photos even more if they are not filled with obtrusive iPhones and iPads crowding the air or the aisles. To make sure your guests actually follow this request, ask your officiant to announce before walking down the aisle to keep their phones down and be fully present with the two of you.
Consider Unplugging
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there is no reason why they can’t be just as beautiful as a sunny wedding day. But, no matter what, your day will be great because you have put your trust in talented people who are dedicated to make your wedding day the best it can possibly be.
Also, the little things that happen on your day is what makes your story completely unique to you. Taking on all aspects of the day with a positive attitude will help make your wedding experience the best it can possibly be.
Another idea, if your ceremony or reception is outside, consider ordering a pair of cute rain boots. They will come in handy even if you’re just wearing them while walking in between locations.
If you aren’t working with a wedding planner, check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they are aware and prepared for the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity, and if your celebration is outdoors. DJs and bands may need to take extra precautions to protect their gear, and a quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rain actually signals good luck for your marriage and can still be beautiful! However, if any part of your celebration is outside, consider putting a rain plan in place from the get go. Leading up to the wedding, we will discuss ideal portrait locations, and on our walk through at the venue the day before, we will scout for the best rain locations that feature natural light.
We also recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon or seeing if your local Target has them in stock for pickup, if the forecast the week leading up to your wedding is calling for rain. It’s our belief to be over prepared, rather than surprised and stressed the day of.
Rain Tips
8. Also, to keep from passing out during the ceremony, make sure you and your bridal party know not to lock their knees when standing at the altar. That goes for you and your partner as well!
9. If it’s going to be a really hot wedding day, a cooler of cold water and frozen washcloths can help keep the wedding party cool – especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
10. Please have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and your first look. Often, all of the bouquets will be delivered in water and will need to be dried off before use, so having hand towels available at the getting ready area will be really helpful to avoid any wet spots on dresses.
11. If you’re planning on having a first look with your bridal party or parents, they usually feel most comfortable when they are fully dressed in their wedding attire before you show them your dress.
*Pro Tip: If you want to get the most genuine reactions from your bridal party, don’t show them your gown ahead of time. Leave it a surprise for when you are fully made up!
12. If your reception is at a separate venue from your ceremony, add in some “fluff time” so we can run over to the reception venue and capture all of the details while it’s still “untouched” by guests. This also means we need to have the entire reception area set up and cleared for photos ahead of time.
13. When building out your timeline, it is standard for the bride and groom to go into hiding at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. However, building in an hour will give us more time in case portraits go over or guests begin to arrive early and you do not want to be seen.
14. During the cocktail hour and reception we will be floating around grabbing photos of everyone and the details, but we always keep an eye out on my couples. Anytime you’d like a photo with someone, grab my attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
15. If you would like a photographer’s opinion on anything related to your wedding, from curating details to helping plan your timeline and family photo lists, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to be on your team!
16. Enjoy this time together! Your wedding will be here before you know it.
1. Talk with your partner and decide what is the most important thing to the two of you on the wedding day. For example, one priority could be spending as much time together as possible. Weddings can get hectic and believe it or not, the bride and groom can get separated quickly and easily when catching up with friends and family. To combat this issue, consider structuring in time where the two of you are ~completely~ alone, and also try to be mindful of where you are in the room and check in if you haven’t seen your partner in more than 5 minutes. You only get one wedding day, you might want to spend it together!
2. Enjoy the moment. Again, you only get one wedding day. After you are announced as a married couple, take a few seconds to look around at your guests and all of the people who came together to celebrate the two of you before the recessional. And if you can, channel Jim & Pam from The Office and take lots of mental pictures.
3. Don’t sweat the little things. Everything that happens on your wedding day will make up your unique story. Your wedding story will look completely different than anyone else’s and that’s what makes your day special. The people around you on your wedding day are there to execute your vision and will do everything they can to ensure you have a great experience.
4. Think about your getting ready location. A place filled with beautiful light and lots of space will create beautiful photos and give you and your bridal party room to breathe when hair and makeup and mothers and photographers are trying to move around in the same space. A beautiful location also limits the shuffling time for photos, getting you to your partner, faster.
5. A hungry man is not a happy man. If your guy eats a lot, send him a burger or something hardy before the ceremony so he can make it all the way through couple’s portraits and to the reception with a big smile. If you do send him something to eat, also send extra napkins and available hands if necessary so he doesn’t spill anything on his outfit before the ceremony.
6. Speaking of men’s attire. Most men do not know how to tie a bow tie. If your groomsmen do not have this skill and are going to be wearing bow ties that don’t come pre-tied, they will be on YouTube all morning trying to learn before the ceremony, and they still might not look amazing. Talk with the groomsmen and see if one of them is able to learn before the wedding day. *I am in the process of learning how to tie a tie and bowtie, but I am hardly the most skilled.*
7. Regardless of what time of the year you’re getting married, a “not-so-heavy” snack or lunch is always a good idea for the bride and bridesmaids to avoid being hungry and passing out throughout the day.
HERE ARE A FEW EXTRA TIPS THAT I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT AND MENTION AND I HOPE YOU FIND THEM HELPFUL DURING YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY. I PROMISE IT'S WORTH THE READ!
Additional Tips
more details
Your photos are meant to be printed and enjoyed beyond your devices, and an album is one of the ways to share your photos with all of your loved ones.
These high quality and professionally designed albums come in a variety of materials & colors to be completely customized to reflect your day and style. This album will beautifully hold your wedding memories and be passed on for generations to come, making it your first family heirloom.
CREATING YOUR FIRST FAMILY HEIRLOOM & THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Albums
You made it! Thank you for taking the time to read through my entire wedding guide!
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, please know we’re here to be on your team! I can’t wait to start this process with you and get to know you and your partner even more. I hope this guide makes planning your wedding details a little less overwhelming.
If you haven’t scheduled your engagement session yet, now is always the perfect time. Feel free to email me at courtney@creativenientythree.com for any questions you may have.
THANK YOU!
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