Wedding day’s can be very stressful and nerve wrecking. The best thing a bride could do for her wedding day is follow a wedding timeline. This will keep everyone on track including the photographer if there is a limited amount of time for photography coverage.  While starting and ending your wedding on time is critical.  It is important to outline the flow of the day so you know exactly where everyone should be and when. If you’re sharing a first look, I will need to start shooting bridal details at least 2.5 hours before the ceremony. 3 hours is recommended if there is no extensive travel to the ceremony venue. If you are one of my brides I would love to help you create a timeline that will allow for plenty of beautiful portraits and a stress-free day!

Sample Timeline for a 8 hour wedding

? – 2pm Getting ready

( I arrive to the wedding 1 hour before the bride puts on her dress to shoot the details like the dress, jewelry, shoes, flowers, rings and anything else.)

2pm Photographer arrives

3pm  Put dress on (Will take some bridal portraits at this time)

3:30pm leave for first look location (This is if you’re getting ready close by)

4 pm – First Look (We might have to start sooner or later but it all depends where the photo locations will be)

315 pm- 5 pm Couple portraits, Bridal Party portraits and travel time included

4:15 pm– Detail shots with the bride and groom (Be at the venue)

5:00pm Time to relax before the ceremony! (Be hiding from guests)

(There are a few reasons why I have this in the timeline 1. It allows you and your soon to be hubby sometime to just hang out together before hand with your friends bridal party. 2. Guests normally start arriving to the venue at this time. 3. This is the time I will take photos of all your little details in your ceremony area or  Reception if it’s at the same location. I like to grab detail shots when there are no people to make your photos look as great as possible)

5:30 – 6:00 pm ceremony (usually these last 30 minutes I would talk to whoever is officiating your ceremony to get a better idea)

630 – 7 Family Photos ( Normally it takes me 30 minutes to do family photos I find after the ceremony is the best for that because everyone is already there and you won’t be waiting for someone to arrive)

7pm reception starts

7:05pm Wedding party is introduced

7:15 Food is served

7:45 Cake is cut

8:15 First Dance,Mother -Son, Father- Daughter

8:30 Open dance floor

9:00 Flower, garter toss