The timeline seems to be one of the most intimidating parts of your wedding day! I know it is not one of the most exciting aspects of the wedding day but the timeline is the one thing that can make or break your photography! Below is an example timeline working off of a 6:00 pm ceremony. This timeline is also based on a wedding day that includes a first look. All weddings are obviously different and your timeline may differ but I hope this helps give you a start!
BRIDAL DETAILS – 2:30 – 3:15
All of my brides love having shots of all their details from their wedding day. It is such an important part of the story and shouldn’t be left out. I love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, etc. This part of the day not only allows me to document all the details you spend your time on but also allows me to warm up for the rest of the day. I usually allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day. While I shoot your details I will also grab some shots of the bride & her girls getting ready together. My second shooter will begin to photograph the groom & groomsmen about 30-45 minutes before the first look since it takes them a lot less time to get ready.
BRIDAL PREP – 3:15 – 3:45
After the details have been photographed, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress! For many brides, this is the biggest moment of the day. Everything all comes together and reality hits once the dress is on. I usually ask the mother of the bride or anyone the bride would like in the room during this moment to be dressed before the bride gets ready to get in her dress. This ensures that everyone in the room at this time will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits!
FIRST LOOK – 4:00
This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for my couple’s First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! I always make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible. Many of my couples love the alone time they get with doing a first look. Having the first look done before the ceremony allows for the bridal party to be shot before the ceremony ever begins in turn this gets you to your reception much faster!
PORTRAITS – 4:15 – 4:45
After the bride and groom take their time with the First Look, I will begin taking a few romantic portraits of the two of them while the initial excitement is still present! I will find the locations for these shots as well! Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot so I can’t decide on the portrait locations until the day of. As we shoot portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to us for Bridal Party portraits.
BRIDAL PARTY PORTRAITS – 4:50 – 5:20
During bridal party shots I will shoot the bridesmaids and groomsmen individually and the whole bridal party together. I allow for extra time throughout the day just in case we have some unexpected things that hold us up! One way to make sure we stay on schedule for bridal party portraits is to have someone put the boutonnieres on the guys BEFORE they arrive for portraits. I will usually make sure the whole bridal party and the brides with the bridesmaids are finished up first so that the bride can go into hiding before early guests begin to arrive.
BRIDE IN HIDING – 5:30 – 6:00
RECEPTION DETAILS – 5:30 – 5:50
If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to shoot the reception decor untouched. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, I recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible so that I can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins and guests start laying down purses and coats on their seats!
CEREMONY – 6:00 – 6:30
Now it is time to get married! Ceremonies usually last about 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 minutes, we will make adjustments to the timeline, no worries!
FAMILY PORTRAITS – 6:40 – 7:10
Family formals normally take place immediately following the ceremony. It is best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony because ALL family members will be present at that time. We will need around 30 minutes for family formals and I will send a questionnaire before the wedding where you can list out the shots that you want. I recommend shotting portraits outdoors if possible so that they resemble more natural family portraits, especially if the ceremony location is dark!
A FEW JUST MARRIED PORTRAITS – 7:15 – 7:30
7:00 is the BEST time of day for portraits in the late spring, summer, & early fall! This is when the sun is glowy and golden. I love having a few extra minutes with the bride and groom to take a few “just married” portraits right after family formals! If the timeline is done correctly it allows the “just married” portraits to fall right at sunset!
RECEPTION BEGINS – 7:30
The bridal party will line up & be introduced into the reception followed by the bride and groom and then the party begins! After this point in the day, the timeline is not as strict since I work off the natural light and the sun has now set. First dances, toasts, bouquet & garter tosses, etc will all happen now!
EXIT – 10:30
I recommend 8 hours of coverage so that I can be present for the main events of the reception and about an hour of dancing! If you’re interested in having your exit photographed, there are several options for this! You can either add additional coverage or plan a faux exit with just your bridal party and/or family! I have had great success with this, we shoot & you return right back to the party that never stopped!
APPROXIMATE TIMES:
Details & Prep: 1.5 hours
First Look & Portraits: 30-45 minutes
Bridal Party: 30 minutes
Family Formals: 30 minutes