THE WEDDING GUIDE

How Amazing! You're Getting Married!

I am so excited to be part of your special day and can’t wait to celebrate with you! Feel free to explore this guide, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

A valuable tip I’ve learned from many weddings is to stay flexible and go with the flow. Your wedding day will fly by, so make sure to plan plenty of time to enjoy it with your loved ones! I believe in going beyond just photographing your wedding day; I’ve created this guide to help you plan an stress-free day, offering timing recommendations and tips for a smooth, memorable experience.

Your Wedding day is about you two and what matters to you!

Welcome

Engagement photoShoot

wedding day timeline

The getting ready

The First Look

The ceremony

The confetti

The wedding Party

Couple Portraits

Group Photos

Sunset

Cocktail Hour & Reception

SHOULD WE DO AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

YEs, you should!

Engagement Photoshoots are perfect for those that want to practice in front of the camera before the big day, while creating beautiful images to showcase their love story for a lifetime!

Not only will it create beautiful images, it'll also boost your confidence on your wedding day, allowing us to capture those stunning shots more efficiently. These sessions are far from just posing and smiling - they're about having fun and enjoying the moment, especially as the sunsets.

During the photoshoot, I'll guide you through posing tips so that on the wedding day, you'll already know what to do. And even better, we get to know each other even more before we hang out on your special day, making it feel even more like you just have another friend with you on your wedding day, instead of a stranger.

You'll also have amazing photos of this special time in your life, not in full wedding attire! Many couples choose to use these photos for their wedding invitations, wedding website, guest book or a frame for signing!

Didn't get a package with an engagement shoot included? That's ok, you can still book one!

VIEW PRICING

THE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE

Everything on your wedding day is about what you and your guests want! Great photos take time, so planning and allowing for them will lead to the best results.

Photos later in the day often have the best light, and cloudy days provide flexibility for locations. If it’s sunny, we’ll need open shade for portraits. We’ll decide on locations together, considering the weather and lighting on the day.

Allow lots of buffer time as things can take longer than expected on a Wedding day! (Think family asking questions, bathroom trips, make up touch ups etc!).

Make sure everyone has the timeline on their phones, so there’s no confusion, and everyone can help things run smoothly. Relax and enjoy each moment, knowing you've planned well—delegate tasks like checking the time or remembering the bouquets (they’re often forgotten!) and touching up lipstick.

Be sure to add buffer time for travel between venues, especially if you’re going off-site to different places. Keep in mind road conditions, as vintage cars are slow, and there may be roadworks or potholes.

SAMPLE WEDDING TIMELINE

The best day is one where you truly enjoy yourselves and your guests. The timeline is entirely up to you, this is just to give you an idea of how long things might take!

10:30am - Venue & Details Photographed
11:00am - Groom Getting Ready
12:00pm - Bride Getting Ready
1:00pm - First Look
2:00pm - Bridal Party
3:30pm - Ceremony
4:00pm - Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - Group Photos
6:30pm - Enter Reception & First Speeches
7:00pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Sunset
8:00pm - First Dance

CAPTURING THE GETTING READY

A tidy room with ample natural light is crucial for capturing stunning getting-ready photos. As I gradually begin taking photos, I'll blend seamlessly into the scene, allowing you to continue enjoying precious moments with loved ones.

I'll find the perfect spots with ideal lighting for each item. Typically, I'll capture moments like the final touches on your dress, portraits with your bouquet and group, and candid scenes as you prepare. Ensure the accommodation remains tidy throughout the day, with beds made and clutter cleared so photos can be taken at any time.

Plan to allow at least 30 minutes after final touch-ups for dressing—adjustments can take longer than expected! To ensure we have ample time for photos of robes, getting dressed, bridal portraits, or family shots, finalise hair and makeup at least 2 hours before the first look, it just depends what you want covered!

THE GETTING READY CHECKLIST

It's super helpful if you can gather up all these items and ensure they're ready and waiting for us to photograph when we arrive.

Bride checklist

Perfume

Dress & cute hanger

Veil

Bouquet

Rings & Ring Box

Shoes

Jewelry (Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, etc.)

Hair pieces

Vow Book

Invitation Set

Keepsakes (something borrowed, something blue, etc.)

Extras like ribbons & flowers for petals

groom checklist

Cologne

Shoes

Socks

Cufflinks

Tie / Bow tie

Pocket square

Vow book

Rings

Boutonniere

Drinks

Rings & Ring Box

THE FIRST LOOK

First looks are a special moment where you see each other before the ceremony. They offer a magical opportunity to share a private moment together, creating memories that are truly unique and intimate.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture your couple and bridal party photos right after, while your hair and makeup are fresh, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests after the ceremony. This often results in a more relaxed and fun photoshoot, as there’s no pressure from waiting guests.

It's a super special time for the two of you to have a moment together without everyone else watching. I don't think it takes anything away from the ceremony; it's an entirely different intimate experience. I would recommend the first look to be just the photographer and the couple, without the bridal party too close by, as that can be distracting.

After the first look and bridal party portraits, it's great to allow time for the groomsmen to get to the ceremony 30 minutes before it starts to greet guests and handle any last-minute details. The bridesmaids can take a break to have a snack, drink, and bathroom visit before the ceremony, enjoying some time together before the big afternoon!

If you don't wish to have a first look that is fine too! Consider an earlier ceremony time!

THE CEREMONY

I’ll be moving around to capture all the key moments of your ceremony! It’s helpful if I can see your ceremony outline the week before the wedding. I love to capture the vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and guests’ reactions.

It's so helpful if you can ask the Celebrante to move out of the way during the first kiss, and if you wait for them to move to the aide before your kiss! That way I can get just the two of you! I usually stand in the middle of the aisle for this but if you had a different idea just let me know!

Please let me know how much or how little you would like me to move around during the ceremony, the more I move the more different angles and images options you will receive.

Keep in mind that guests are often late, so allow an extra 10 minutes before walking down the aisle. I also need time to move from the previous location to the ceremony site, park, set up cameras, and capture the venue, so please factor this in as well.

Some ceremony locations may have restrictions on photography, so please inform me of any specific regulations.

After the ceremony, everyone will be so excited for you both! It’s great not to rush this special part of the day, allowing time for guests to congratulate you. I love capturing candid photos of these heartfelt moments as they unfold! Allow around 30 minutes for this time!

UNPLUGGED CEREMONY

Unplugged ceremonies are a great idea to ensure your guests stay focused and present in your special moments. Let your celebrant know to announce this if you don’t have a sign. I won’t be able to remove phones from photos, so keep this in mind! It is so distracting having guests on their phones, they can also block other guests views too. Ensure your celebrant lets your guests know your wishes!

THE CONFETTI EXIT

I LOVE CONFETTI SHOTS!

Stop halfway down the aisle for a kiss and a dip! There’s no rush—enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment for a fun picture!
Get your celebrant on board to explain what guests need to do.
The more confetti, the better!
Have someone hand out confetti to guests while you’re signing the register.
Choose confetti colors that contrast with your venue to make it pop—consider the environment, too!
Ask guests to put away their phones to avoid blocking your faces.
Consider drying petals before the wedding to prepare for tossing.

THE FAMILY & GROUP PHOTOS

Create a list of your must-have photos and give a copy to your MC and an assistant to help round up guests. This process can take a lot of time if not managed efficiently!

Prioritize what’s most important: More photos take more time, so focus on what matters most to you.

Nominate two people who know your guests and family well, who are confident and can even use a microphone if needed. Have another person looking after phones and sunglasses and checking for flies done up!!

Start with group photos if you’re having one. Get this before everyone disperses for drinks and bathrooms and finding gifts!

Begin with larger family groups first (it’s easier to remove people than add them!).

Include first and last names on your list for each photo. Print a few copies to hand out. Let me know any family politics so I can avoid issues (divorced, deaths so I don't make anyone uncomfortable by mistake)

Allocate about 30 minutes for 10 photos, assuming everyone is present.

Keep important photo groups early in the session, and if you get tired of smiling, you can adjust your list as needed.

Schedule any large group photos soon after the ceremony and congratulations to ensure they aren’t missed

Inform your photo helpers ahead of time so they’re prepared on the day.

Be patient: It can be quite a mission once people have drinks in hand. Let your helpers gather the right people so you can relax and enjoy your day!

SAMPLE FAMILY PHOTO LIST

BIG GROUP PHOTO
B & G WITH BRIDES GRANDPARENTS
B & G WITH BRIDES IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
B & G WITH BRIDES IMMEDIATE FAMILY
BRIDES PARENTS (WITH AND WITHOUT GROOM)
BRIDES SIBLINGS (WITH AND WITHOUT PARTNERS)

B & G WITH GROOMS GRANDPARENTS
B & G WITH GROOMS IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
B & G WITH GROOMS IMMEDIATE FAMILY
GROOMS PARENTS (WITH AND WITHOUT BRIDE)
GROOMS SIBLINGS (WITH AND WITHOUT PARTNERS)

BRIDE WITH FRIENDS
GROOM WITH FRIENDS

B&G WITH CELEBRANT, VENDORS, MC, GOD PARENTS

THE WEDDING PARTY

These are your favourite people—let's have some fun!

First, we'll capture the traditional bridal party photos, and then we can let loose a bit. We'll get the girls together, the boys together, and the entire group for some serious and some fun shots.

If we allow enough time, we can also take individual portraits or photos of the bride with each bridesmaid and groom with the groomsmen.

It’s always a blast to pop some champagne, throw some confetti, and enjoy a picnic together! I have a selection of sun umbrellas and plastic rain umbrellas, too.

For a bridal party of six or fewer, allow 45 minutes. For more than six, allow 60 minutes. Choose one location to avoid wasting time traveling.

A great idea is to take the bridal party portraits after the first look and before the ceremony. This way, you’ll have more time with guests and your makeup will be fresh.

Make sure to add in time for toilet breaks, gathering food, fixing makeup, and have clean cars ready with the keys in them ahead of time! Remember to bring drinks and snacks, and don't forget the bouquets!

When the guests are heading into the reception, finding their seats, and getting settled, it’s a great idea to sneak in some spontaneous bridal party photos. These photos can capture the joy and excitement of the day in a natural and beautiful way, especially with the stunning light.

At this time, it’s fun to be super playful. Jumping, dancing, laughing, and other playful poses often result in the best candid photos. We can use fun props like sunglasses, hats, or signs to add a playful element to the photos.

Since we only have about 15 minutes, we will be efficient with poses. These spontaneous photo sessions can add a lot of charm to your wedding album!

COUPLE PORTRAITS

These are the special photos of the two of you, some of the most important moments you'll cherish and perhaps print large for your home.

The more time you allow for these portraits, the more images and variety you'll receive. Please plan for about 45 minutes to an hour for this session. If you don't want to be away from your guests for too long, a first look is a great idea! The added bonus is that your hair and makeup will still be fresh.

I highly recommend a 20-minute sunset shoot at the reception to add to your couple portrait images.

Don't forget to allow for transportation and toilet breaks as well!

For photos in the middle of the day, we will need open shade to ensure the best lighting.

SUNSET PHOTOS!

It's super easy and quick to whisk away from your reception for a 15-20 minute sunset session while your guests are eating, or just before your first dance! During this time, we will create some romantic images, different from your other couple portraits, with dreamy light.

Plus, you get to spend some quiet time in the fresh air as newlyweds, enjoying a private moment together. It's a great opportunity to take a break and chat with your new spouse.

The ideal time for this session is about 45 minutes before sunset, or earlier if there are trees or hills that might make the sun set earlier. The timing can vary depending on the season, location and weather!

Even if there is no sunset - still a great idea to pop out for this special time. It's a great chance take a moment after this to be alone before the party time of the night!

COCKTAIL HOUR AND RECEPTION

Design this part of the day however you like! Play games with your guests and be present in the moment. Allow time to mingle in your timeline, making sure you can enjoy the company of everyone who came to celebrate with you.

Consider having speeches either before or after the meal; talk to your caterer to get their ideas on what might work best. For the best first dance photos, have as many lights on as possible—think all the pretty lights! Have your guests form a circle around you so you can pull them in to join you, then get the DJ pumping for an unforgettable celebration! First dance - give me a chance to get some 360 special photos before the bridal party gets in! It's a special moment to remember in years to come!

SOME FINAL TIPS

This is your day and your choice!
Try to forget the camera, get close and remember to have fun & laugh! Im often getting angles, looking for light & love capturing you when your not thinking about the camera so keep moving enjoying yourselves, linking hands and eye contact
Good photos take time. The more time you allow, the more variety and optimal images you will receive.
If it's cloudy, photos can be taken anywhere. If it's very sunny, open shade is required for portraits. Location adjustments will be decided on the day together, considering the weather and light.
No matter what the weather is - it is your wedding day and it will be amazing!
Don't forget to plan to eat & drink water! I good breakfast will help you!
Consider a spare shirt for the groom if it is a hot summer wedding. Boys need to drink water - so often the groom gets a head ache from only drinking beer in the sun etc.
I have 10 cute plastic umbrellas in my car for wet weather.
Let me know when you're having your rehearsal to see if I can make it!

Ensure the hair and make up artists know exactly how much time they need and prepare the time line to match - the timeline is very important and this is where things can start slipping!
Hair style - keep in mind the location and weather!
Tell me about anything important that I might miss or not be aware about (children leaving early, pets coming and going etc)
Allow more time to chill and enjoy the slow in-between moments. Try not to feel rushed. Consider the entire afternoon as a journey where I can be capturing the moment (this gives the sweetest candid shots) For example, happy walking photos, holding hands, and enjoying each other are beautiful and relaxed!
With Phones and other devices, as I won't be editing them out, and they can get in the way. They look terrible in pockets!
Ask the celebrant to get guests to refrain from posting photos on social media as you wait for your sneak peaks.
Happiness exudes radiance, making for amazing photos that reflect a fun day.
If you don't wan't me to leave the wedding to find dinner, its a great idea to mention to the catering to feed the photographer when the bridal party is eating, that way I'm not going to miss photo opportunities and we will both be ready for sunset photos while your guests are eating!
I can always stay later than you booked me for, and I can invoice you for the extra time after the wedding ($300/h).
You can always decide after the wedding to create a wedding album or framed prints!
Go with the flow. Things will happen, but relax and enjoy!

A week before the wedding, email me your final timeline, group photo list, key favourite images, and ceremony outline to help me serve you better.
Add travel buffer time between your venues! Consider road works and potholes. Vintage cars are VERY slow!
Have all the details ready for photos the night before (see lists above, rings, invites, perfume, jewellery, flowers, etc.).
Have the timeline as a wallpaper on key peoples phones for the day so no one asks what's happening; everyone can help things flow.
On the day, relax and enjoy every moment. You've done all the planning, so ask others to check the time and manage logistics.
Stragglers can hold things up. Some people may not realize the importance of being organized and following the timeline. Assign someone assertive to keep everyone on track—this should not be the bride or groom!
Delegate responsibilities (e.g., who is responsible for remembering bouquets, touching up lipstick, etc.).
Ensure there are enough clean and tidy cars ready with keys inside and unlocked.
Have enough gumboots and larger umbrellas in the vehicles if it's raining.
Keep the accommodation tidy at all times, with beds made and clutter-free, so photos can be taken at any time.
Consider having someone in charge of music and a speaker with appropriate music to enhance the bridal party experience while getting ready. Music sets the vibe!