Pre-ceremony Photos Timeline
PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS
Timing for pre-ceremony photos depends all around what you want to include and how many people are in each grouping. Below I will breakdown what is best to have pre-ceremony and why, as well as about how much time it will take for each part.
01 / THE FIRST LOOK
The First Look will take about 15 minutes. This includes getting your partner set up, your approach, some anticipation photos before you see each other, the turn/reveal, and then time after to take in all the awe and beauty of each other — as well as the emotions that come from this! You do not want to rush thru your feelings, as those emotions are so important to capture as part of your day.
Things that will make this longer; exchanging private vows, doing an activity such as playing the guitar, singing a song, etc. Some like to do a separate First Look with their parent as well. So, let me know your plans and I can give you a better idea of the time needed.
02 / couples portraits
Right after the First Look, we tend to dive into Couples Portraits. Timing for this can depend on the venue and how far we are walking around the grounds. But, minimum timeframe is 30 minutes. This gives you enough time to relax into the moment and start to take in all the love of you and your partner. I try to hit a few different areas of the venue; ones important to you and also ones for good lighting. I will grab some individuals, with details of what you are wearing, then snag some formal images for family, then tons of playful and candid images for you to cherish.
03 / THE FAMILY AFFAIR
The Family images typically takes around 30 minutes. This includes images for immediate family + grandparents, as well as time to wrangle people who have wandered off, even though you told them 10x that they need to be there for photos — it’s like herding cats lol!
If there are larger group shots including say all the cousins, extended relatives, etc — those are typically taken right after the ceremony during cocktail hour as everyone needed has arrived by then and it’s a quicker few shots to grab in group form. Extended shots tend to take around 25 minutes… more people = more herding cats. 😉
04 / THE WEDDING PARTY
The Wedding Party images will take about 30 minutes. This includes images of the whole group, each party side together, and each member on their own, as well as individuals with you or your partner. In each set of these we do a formal shot and then a more relaxed, playful set of images.
These are the people you selected to stand with you and are a big part in your day — it’s so important to also have this time with them to celebrate this official moment of being together.
:tip:
A month before the wedding, I send out a questionnaire and we dive into Family Portraits. By breaking down the list of family for images needed and groupings, I can help space it to best fit your timeline. This also makes it easier on you and your partner, and families, so you are not standing in one space for an exceeding amount of time trying to smile, lol. Sanity is key here!
