THESE ARE YOUR MOMENTS TO REMEMBER FOREVER
KATIE
RICARD PHOTOGRAPHY
WELCOME
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Now that you ’ ve signed the contract and made your first payment, the next step is to start thinking about your engagement photos! An engagement session is included with each of my wedding collections because it is so valuable to me (and I hope to you as well!) to get to spend some time with you as a couple and show you how I work before the big day This is a low pressure way to get some practice in front of the camera and have some more casual photos together to use for save the dates, your wedding website or just around the house!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Here’s an overview of what to expect between now and the big day!
After your engagement session, you’ll get your gallery back via email in about 2 weeks
Give me a follow on Instagram @katiericard to see what I’m up to, find your sneak peeks and maybe get some inspiration from other couples!
1-2 months out from the big day, I will reach out with a questionnaire to gather all of your wedding day details and get a final meeting on the calendar a few weeks before the wedding
THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
Engagement sessions are an awesome opportunity to capture your relationship in a relaxed and intimate setting To make the most of your session, considering a few key factors can help you choose the best time to schedule your session
The first thing to think about is how you want to utilize these photos. Do you want to use them for save the dates? Your wedding website? Maybe a guest book or decor on the wedding day? Or you might just want them for the practice and to hang around the house.
To use for save the dates, you’ll want to schedule your session 6-12 months before the wedding For local weddings you can send these out between 68 months out, but if you have a lot of guests traveling long distances, closer to a year is best.
Outside of that, the timing is much more flexible! Think about if there is a certain season that feels meaningful to your relationship If weekdays aren’t a possibility for your schedules, then you’ll want to consider late fall-early spring when I have more weekend availability outside of wedding season. Otherwise, portrait sessions are scheduled for weekdays a few hours before sunset
SESSION TIPS
To ensure that your engagement session goes smoothly and that you get the most out of your experience, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Coordinate your outfits Coordinating your attire can enhance the harmony in your photos. Choose colors and styles that complement each other and the setting of your shoot Avoid overly busy patterns, logos, or neon colors that can distract from your faces and the emotional connection you ’ re sharing. Instead, opt for timeless pieces that reflect your personal styles and the mood you want to capture
Communicate your vision if you have one! Before your session, share your ideas, expectations and any specific shots you have in mind with me If there are particular aspects of your relationship or personalities you want to highlight, let me know
Choose a meaningful location. Set a location that holds significance to you as a couple or one that matches the vibe you ’ re aiming for in your photos
Be yourself. The most compelling couples photos capture your genuine interactions and emotions. Be yourselves and interact with each other a you normally would whether that’s laughing, hugging, or simply holding hands I will guide you through the process, but the more natural and relaxed you are, the more authentic your photos will be
“Working with Katie felt like working with a friend we’d known forever, and that was captured via how comfortable we felt in front of her lens.”
Zach & Clay
URBAN LOCATIONS:
The Capitol Building
State Street + Surrounding Capitol
Square area
UW Campus
Willy Street area
Goodman Community Center
NATURE LOCATIONS:
Olin Park
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
McCarthy Park
UW Arboretum (permit required)
Olbrich Gardens (permit required)
Tenney Park
Cross Plains Interpretive Site
PERSONAL LOCATIONS:
Your house/apartment! Where you met
Your favorite bar/coffee shop
LOCATIONS TO CONSIDER
*These are all Madison-based location ideas, but I am also happy to travel, just let me know what you have in mind!*
OUTFIT TIPS
Selecting outfits for your engagement session is an exciting part of the preparation process, it allows you to express your personalities and the essence of your relationship through your style choices The right outfits can enhance the mood and aesthetic of your photos, creating a cohesive look that complements both the setting of your shoot and your unique style. Here are some guidelines to help you select the perfect attire for your session.
Coordinate, don’t match. Aim for a coordinated look that reflects a harmonious blend of your individual styles rather than matching exactly You can do this by selecting a consistent color palette or complementary colors. Avoid overly busy patterns, large logos, or text on clothing as these can distract from your faces
Think about the final look of your photos; neutral and pastel colors tend to create a timeless feel, while bold colors can add energy and vibrancy Plan your outfits in advance and try them on together to ensure everything looks cohesive and you both feel good in your choices
STYLE INSPIRATION
location, which is most often 2!
I’ve had plenty of couples keep it simple with 1 outfit, so do what feels true to you If you go with more than 1, I recommend something casual and then something fancier.
HOW MANY LOCATIONS SHOULD WE PICK?
I recommend not picking more than 2 locations Often times, 1 location with a variety of areas is more than enough!
FAQ
session, but on average, you can expect 1-2 hours Generally on the shorter side for 1 location, and can get lengthier if you have a second location.
WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOS BACK?
Your gallery will be emailed to you in 2 weeks.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Absolutely! If including pets though, I always recommend having a friend/family member come along to take them home or for a walk while we do some of just the two of you so you aren’t worrying about wrangling the whole time Or we can start off at/or close to home.
THE WEDDING DAY
WHAT TO EXPECT
My commitment is to make this experience as seamless and joyful as possible As your wedding day approaches, I will send over a questionnaire (1-2 months out) and we will have a final meeting to go over the details (generally a few weeks out from the big day) At the final meeting we will:
Confirm the timeline, ensuring there is enough time allocated for each part of the day
Finalize the list of family photos
Discuss any last-minute changes or special requests.
The most important thing to remember is to relax and trust me I am a professional dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. My experience and attention to detail mean I’m adept at handling the day's dynamics, leaving you free to focus on the joy and celebration.
With me, you can expect not just a photographer but a trusted partner in making your wedding day unforgettable I look forward to creating stunning images that reflect your love story and the essence of who you are as a couple. As you move forward with your wedding preparations, know that I am honored to be a part of your journey and am as excited as you are to see it all come together beautifully.
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“Katie Ricard is the hype girl you need from the moment you get engaged until the last photo is taken at your wedding.”
Nadia & Eric
SAMPLE TIMELINES
*These are assuming everything is at one venue with no travel*
WITH FIRST LOOK PHOTOS
1:00 Getting ready photos
2:30 Couples first look photos
2:45 Wedding Party Photos
3:30 Couples Portraits
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Family photos
5:30 Cocktail Hour
6:30 Reception begins
6:45 Newlyweds Introduction
6:50 Cake cutting + Welcome
7:00 Dinner served
7:30 Toasts
8:00 First Dance
8:15 Special dances
8:30 Sunset Photos
9:00 Photographer Departs
WITHOUT FIRST LOOK PHOTOS
1:00 Getting ready photos
2:30 Separate Wedding Party Photos
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Family photos
5:00 Wedding Party Photos
5:20 Couples Portraits
4:30 Cocktail Hour
6:00 Reception begins
6:05 Newlyweds Introduction
6:10 Cake cutting + Welcome
6:20 Dinner served
6:50 Toasts
7:30 First Dance
7:40 Special dances
8:30 Sunset Photos
9:00 Photographer Departs
GETTING READY DETAILS CHECKLIST
None of this is mandatory - just a general list if you would like detail photos I will take these during the first part of getting ready when I arrive, so have everything together in a tidy corner or room of your getting ready space
BRIDES GROOMS
DRESS + NICE HANGER
INVITATION
SHOES RINGS
JEWELRY
BOUQUET
VOWS
SUIT
TIE
BOUTONNIERE SHOES
CUFFLINKS WATCH VOWS
SHOULD I DO A FIRST LOOK?
A lot of photographers will tell you ABSOLUTELY YES always do a first look! But I think this is a personal decision If you feel strongly about not seeing each other before the ceremony, I respect that, and we will make sure to get your photos completed afterwards. However, if you are on the fence, then doing a first look can allow for a lot more flexibility in a wedding day timeline. I promise the magic of seeing each other as you walk down the aisle will still be there even if you do a first look They are totally different experiences
First Look Pros:
You get to spend more time together on your wedding day
You won’t have to do all of your photos during cocktail hour (which means you will be able to attend cocktail hour and have more time to visit with guests)
Some might feel more comfortable letting emotions out during a private moment vs. when you have an audience watching you see each other for the first time
First Look Cons:
Breaking tradition
You’ll need to start the day earlier in order to account for those pre-ceremony photos
To some, it might seem less authentic
BAKERY
Bloom Bake Shop
Craig’s Cakes
Madison Sourdough
DJ
Polished Entertainment
Sound by Design
Celebrations
CATERING
Upstairs Downstairs
Heritage Catering
Blue Plate Catering
DRESS SHOPS
Vera’s House of Bridals
Brandi’s Bridal
Monirose Bespoke
FLORISTS
Sunborn Gardens
Briar Loft
Generations
RENTALS
Event Essentials
Velvet Rentals
VIDEOGRAPHER
Vaughter Films
Mann Frau
SRT Films
HAIR & MAKEUP
Lovely Elegance
Be Inspired Salon
Jasmine Vargas Makeup
WEDDING PLANNER
Wood Violet Events
Copper Feather Events
Elevate Events
RECOMMENDED
VENDOR LIST
F A Q
DO YOU NEED A SHOT LIST?
Only for family photos! If there are specific details or things outside the norm, I definitely want to know about those, but I prefer to work without a list most of the day to allow for creativity.
WHEN IS MY FINAL PAYMENT DUE?
Technically, it is due on the wedding date, however I recommend taking care of it ahead of time so you aren’t worrying about it day of You’ll get an email reminder 10 days out, so you can make the payment easily online.
DO YOU NEED A MEAL?
Yes, please! I have this in the contract as well, but I will definitely need to eat during dinner Ideally, I will eat when you are eating, so it’s best to put me at a vendor table, or a guest table that will be served early to ensure I can eat before speeches.
WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOS?
6-8 weeks after the wedding you will receive your gallery link via email.
YOU’RE MARRIED!
NOW WHAT?
nths (years?!) of planning paid off and time to bask in the party/newlywed en if you aren’t going on a oon right away, take some time r to reflect on the wonderful day you all the love you were surrounded by X!
SNEAK PEEK
I will get you a sneak peek of at least a few favorites within a few days of your wedding so that you have something to share on social media if you’d like (or keep them to yourself and change your phone background)
FULL GALLERY COMPLETED
6-8 weeks after the big day, I’ll send along your completed wedding gallery link via email! At that point, be sure to backup your photos and remember to share with your close family and friends! You can print through me (including thank you and holiday cards) within your gallery, or you have the print release to print them anywhere you’d like.
“We were overwhelmed by how many amazing photos we got, and friends and family can't stop commenting about how great the photography was. The portraits and detail shots were amazing, but the candid shots were our favorites.”
Avi & Jeff
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FILES
BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS!
Your gallery will be online for a minimum of 9 months (and more likely much longer), but please download your high res files and back them up in 2 places once you receive your gallery to ensure the files are protected
Print your photos! You can print through your gallery to get the best quality prints through me, or print them with your favorite printer! If you are looking for other options, I recommend Mpix, Artifact Uprising, and Mixtiles
Share your gallery! Send your gallery link to your closest friends and family and let them know (if you’d like) to share with other family and friends so you don’t have to.
FAQ
WHERE SHOULD I LEAVE A REVIEW?
Google reviews are the most helpful, but I will be beyond grateful for a review anywhere! Other options: Facebook
CAN I STILL ORDER AN ALBUM?
Absolutely! You can always order a professional album through me any time - it’s a great anniversary gift! Shoot me an email and I’ll send over next steps.
CAN YOU TAKE MY PHOTOS AGAIN?
I would be sooo honored to continue to capture your big life moments! It is the best compliment to get an inquiry from a past couple about anniversary sessions or newborn and family photos <3
