Wedding Day Timeline

building the perfect

Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.

If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.

You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.

Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!

If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)

If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.

If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.

View Example Timelines

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WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK

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WEDDING TIMELINE WITHouT A FIRST LOOK

12 p.m.

Jennifer arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Lewis or Tiffany arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.

12pm - Getting Ready

Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.

1:15 p.m.

Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.

1:15pm - Guys Depart

1:30 p.m.

Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.

1:30pm - Ladies Depart

1:45 p.m.

The first look takes place.

1:45 First Look

Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.

2:00 p.m.

Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.

2:00pm - Portraits

3:00 p.m.

The ceremony takes place.

3:00PM Ceremony

3:30 p.m.

Family portraits.

3:30pm Family Portraits

Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.

4:00 P.M.

Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits

4:00pm Portraits

Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.

4:30 p.M.

Cocktail Hour

4:30pm Cocktail Hour

Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.

5:00 P.M.

Introductions & First Dance

5pm Introductions

5:30 P.M.

Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.

5:30pm Dinner

6:00 P.M.

Sunset Portraits

6pm Sunset Portraits

We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!

6:30 P.M.

Dancing begins

6:30pm Dancing

7:15 P.M.

Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.

7:15pm Traditions

8:00 P.M.

Photographers Depart

8:00pm Photographers Depart

1 p.m.

Jennifer arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Lewis or Tiffany arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.

1pm - Getting Ready

Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.