WEDDING GUIDE
Table of Contents
I. Hello & Welcome II. Next Steps III. Engagement Session IV. Wedding Day Timeline V. Getting Ready VI. Details VII. Wedding Party VIII. Family Formals IX. Couples Portraits X. Ceremony XI. Reception XII. Inspiration XII. Tips & Tricks XIII. Prints & Albums
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SECTION I.
WEDDING GUIDE
LET'S DIVE IN
HELLO FRIEND.
Welcome! I'm over the moon that you chose me to document your day! My clients feel more like friends & family, so welcome to the crew! Thank you for placing your trust in me. I want to make sure you have the best day EVER, so I've created this guide with you in mind so you have something to reference as you plan. Keep in mind that this is not a rulebook, and your day is exactly that - YOURS. These are just some tips & tricks I've accumulated from all of the weddings I've shot over the years. Always remember that I'm an open book and I'm here for you. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, or just want to say hey text, email, or call me anytime. .
WEDDING GUIDE
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Next Steps Wedding planning can be a little overwhelming. I want to help make it easier, so here is what you can expect from me.
I.
II.
III.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION We get to spend time hanging out and capturing this season of your life together. I'll help with location ideas, what to wear, and guiding you through the whole session. You just have to show up and be yourselves!
PLANNING I'm here every step of the way, whether you need advice on bridesmaid dress colors, or just want to chat, don't hesitate to reach out! It makes my day to hear from you!
QUESTIONNAIRE You'll receive an online questionnaire from me 3-4 months from your day to gather other vendor contacts, family formal combinations, timeline information, and a few other final details! We'll also walk through the questionnaire and timeline together over FaceTime.
IV.
V.
VI.
WEDDING DAY THE DAY IS HERE! We celebrate, we cry, we dance, we have the best day EVER! You'll receive sneak peeks within 24 hours to hold you over while I work on editing your gallery!
PHOTO DELIVERY Time to re-live your wedding day! You'll receive a link to your full online gallery within 6-8 weeks of your wedding day.
PRINTS & ALBUMS This may be the most important part. Don't forget to print your photos. This investment and this special day deserve to live outside our phones in a tangible way.
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SECTION II.
WEDDING GUIDE
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
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capturing your love in every season.
Location. Location. Location.
Is there a place that's meaningful to you & your relationship? If there's not a specific place, think about the dates you love to go on together. Do you tend to go to the mountains? Picnic? Grab coffee at your favorite spot ? A park near your place?
Your photos will feel so much more like you if we explore a location that feels like you. Of course, you can always choose a location that you've never explored together — but have been wanting to! This makes it like a fun adventure. I have plenty of recommendations and love to show couples some of my favorite spots.
My Biggest Tips Dress Comfortably My style is real, intentional, and fun. This doesn't come from me just giving you strict poses. It comes from me prompting you two in ways that create a fun space together. So you may run, jump, sit, dance, etc.
Colors Matter This one is huge. The colors you wear make a huge difference in how the photos turn out. Neutral colors are always the safest and most flattering. Don't worry though, I love to help! Let me know when you are shopping around and I'm happy to assist. Feel free to send me outfit photos
Make a Mood Board I love a good mood board!! It helps me to get an idea of what you're looking for and your vibe. Look around on Pinterest and Instagram. Save what you like. From here we can create the vibe and aesthetic you are going for.
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SECTION III.
WEDDING GUIDE
DAY OF TIMELINE
Keep in mind... Being rushed on your wedding day is the last thing you want! My photography style is documentary based, and I love to capture real moments as they unfold, but if everyone's rushed, those real moments aren't going to happen as easily. To enjoy a relaxed day, you should be ready to go at least 3.5 hours before the ceremony. However, there are lots of factors that affect this! Whether or not you do a first look, the size of the wedding party and families, and travel time between locations will need to be factored in. I will work directly with you to make your timeline so it is perfect for your day. Be on the look out for a questionnaire from me 3-4 months before your wedding that will help me craft your photo timeline.
Let's talk about first looks. A first look allows you to spend more time with your partner on the morning of your wedding day, instead of waiting until the ceremony to see them. You can take this time to read letters to each other, or simply just breathe, embrace, and take a quiet moment to yourselves. From a photography perspective, a first look allows us to take photos before the ceremony, leaving you to enjoy most of your cocktail hour instead of having to cram ALL of your photos (wedding party, family, & you two) into a single hour. A common fear I hear from couples is that if they do a first look, their partner won't be emotional when they walk down the aisle later on — and I've found this to be the total opposite! Nothing can take away from seeing your person walk down the aisle to a beautiful song, with all of your friends & family surrounding you. I've seen many brides/grooms still tear up walking down the aisle even after doing a first look. However! I never want you to feel pressured into making a decision for your wedding day that doesn't feel right to you. I've photographed weddings with and without first looks, and at the end of the day, all that really matters is that you're happy with whatever you decide! Some other options instead of a first look include a first touch, praying together, exchanging gifts, and reading letters from each other in private!
How much time do we need?
01
Getting Ready
02
Details
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I like to arrive at the prep location just as the bride is finishing hair/makeup—that way, we can get a few photographs of the final touches. I'll also photograph some flat-lays of your details (stationery, flowers, heirlooms, etc) and any first looks (with parents, bridesmaids, etc). Either myself or my second shooter will photograph your partner's prep. Typically getting ready time will take about 1.5-2 hours.
Like I mentioned previously, I will photograph your stationary items when I arrive. I usually start with this. I will also photograph your dress and anything else I see upon arrival. In addition to these details, we also want to be sure to capture the details of your ceremony and reception spaces. This is usually done just before the ceremony so I like to allow about 30-40 minutes beforehand to document these details.
Ceremony Ceremony length totally depends! A short and sweet ceremony might last 15 minutes; something more in depth may be more like 30-45.
Continued...
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Family & Wedding Party
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Couple Portraits
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The amount of time these take depends on size and family/group combinations — typically about 30 minutes for wedding party & 20 minutes for family. If you do a first look, we can do the majority of wedding party and family photos prior to the ceremony! This helps avoid cutting into cocktail hour and time set aside for couples portraits.
I'll take as much time as I can get with you two! But, I typically recommend setting aside about 30 minutes on your wedding day for couples portraits. I always like to steal you away at sunset for a few extra portraits if the light is right!
Reception Depending on the length of your reception and the hours of coverage you have booked, you may want to consider doing a fake exit before the actual end of the reception so you can make the most of your coverage time! The reception is the most chill part of the day, so I will just be there to celebrate with you guys.
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SAMPLE TIMELINE
12:30pm — Photography coverage begins, detail photos 1:00pm — Getting ready photos (HMU done) 1:30pm — Bride puts dress on 2:00pm — Bridesmaids pictures 2:30pm — Groomsmen pictures 3:00pm — First look + couples portraits 3:45pm — Full bridal party photos 4:15pm — Hide while guests arrive 5:30pm — Ceremony 6:15pm —Family photos + cocktail hour 7:00pm — Introduction to reception 7:05pm — First dance 7:15pm — Dinner begins 7:30pm — Sunset photo, if able 7:45pm — Toasts 8:00pm — Cake cutting 8:10pm — Dance floor opens 10:30pm — Grand exit & photo coverage ends
BASED ON 10 HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE
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SECTION IV.
WEDDING GUIDE
GETTING READY
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Location Some of my favorite moments on a wedding day happen before the ceremony! Getting ready spaces are filled with the anticipation + excitement of the day to come. However, cramming 8 bridesmaids, hair & makeup artists, a photographer, videographer, and family members into a single room filled with ALL your stuff can feel chaotic, as well as make your photos feel cluttered. Wherever you are getting ready, consider where your stuff will be and where you can designate clean space. That way, we have a clean room for photos and a quiet space for you to hang out in if you need a moment to yourself.
& Light However you want to spend your morning before you get married, make sure it's in a clean, bright space. Lots of window light makes your photos a whole lot dreamier - so if your venue doesn't have a great bridal suite, look for an Airbnb with open space, lots of windows, and neutral walls. I encourage you to think about your getting ready space now, instead of leaving it until the last minute because where you choose to spend this part of your day will have a big impact on the way your morning feels!
SECTION V.
WEDDING GUIDE
ALL IN THE DETAILS
Let's talk details Capturing the little details of your wedding day is how I like to start the day! Typically, this includes flat lays of your invitations, heirlooms, shoes, rings - really anything that is important to you two and telling the story of your day! This time also helps me center myself and gives me a chance to get the creative juices flowing. I ask that you have these items ready to go, so I can just grab them and get started when I arrive.
Things to include: EXTRA FLOWERS FROM FLORIST SHOES VOWS OR LETTERS RINGS JEWELRY ANY SENTIMENTAL ITEMS INVITATION SUITE PERFUME ANYTHING ELSE IMPORTANT TO YOU!
SECTION VI.
WEDDING GUIDE
WEDDING PARTY
Let's have some fun. Wedding party photos don't have to be boring! In fact, these can be such a fun part of the day. I always start by grabbing a few big group shots with your parties on their respective sides, and then all mixed up! Then I'll photograph each side individually, plus individual shots of you with each member of your bridal party. Then we get creative with whatever time is left! If you have a specific photo request or want certain groups of people photographed together (such as college friends, friends from home, etc) please make sure to let me know on your questionnaire ahead of time!
SECTION VII.
WEDDING GUIDE
FAMILY FORMALS
COUPLE WITH ALL PARENTS
Make a list.
COUPLE WITH BOTH IMMEDIATE FAMILIES BRIDE WITH MOM BRIDE WITH DAD
Family photos can be a little bit stressful to navigate if you have a big group — so making a list is the best way to keep us organized, and to make sure we don't miss a photo that's important to you. I recommend keeping this list to about 1518 different combinations. Each photo takes about 1-2 minutes, so the more combinations — the more time we need to take these. Remember that I can always grab family photos more informally during the reception!
BRIDE WITH SIBLINGS BRIDE WITH GRANDPARENTS COUPLE WITH PARENTS COUPLE WITH PARENTS & SIBLINGS COUPLE WITH SIBLINGS COUPLE WITH PARENTS, SIBLINGS, GRANDPARENTS COUPLE WITH IMMEDIATE + EXTENDED FAMILY GROOM WITH MOM GROOM WITH DAD GROOM WITH SIBLINGS
Feel free to work off of the following sample list:
GROOM WITH GRANDPARENTS
SECTION VIII.
WEDDING GUIDE
COUPLE PORTRAITS
Let' s sneak away & create some magic
Your wedding day portraits are similar to your engagements — just with way fancier clothes! I typically like to scope out locations beforehand, but I'm always open if there's a certain spot at your venue that you've been envisioning photos at, let me know on your questionnaire! I never want our portrait time to take away from you fully experiencing your wedding day, so I try to move quickly to ensure that we're getting great photos but you're not missing too much of the party! All you have to do is be present with one another, enjoy this time together, and I'll take care of the rest.
Even if you do a first look, I'll often steal you two away for 15 or so minutes before sunset for some golden hour magic. The lighting is dreamiest about an hour before sunset, and if it's a clear day - it's 100% worth taking advantage of. This usually happens during dinner or the reception, and your guests won't even notice we're gone!
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SECTION IX.
WEDDING GUIDE
CEREMONY
Things to Consider...
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Location If outdoors, is there shade or will you be in direct sun? Ideally, shade is preferred. Standing up there in the middle of July, blazing sun, sweating from both nerves AND heat isn't fun! If shade is not available, try to have the sun behind the ceremony space so it is not directly in your face. Space is also important to think about. Is there enough space in the aisle for you & your wedding party to walk down? Can your photo/video team move freely around the perimeter of the ceremony space to get different angles, and capture guest reactions?
Lighting Lighting is everything. Whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors, think about the available lighting. If indoor, is there any natural light from windows or skylights? Natural light is best, but if there isn't any available — you can add lots of string lights, hanging lights, lanterns, or candles to improve the lighting and your photos. If your ceremony is outdoors, what time of day will it be? Try to visit your venue around the time of day you'd like to get married so you can see what the lighting situation is like. Later in the day is typically better lighting than midday bright sun. Let's chat if you need help with this!
Things to Consider...
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Make it your own
04
Think about your guests
Don't be afraid to think outside the box when planning your ceremony. You can stick to classic traditions, add your own flare or you can do both. There are no rules! During ceremonies, I've seen couples have a family prayer, perform songs, take communion, worship, invite a friend to share stories, honor family members, and the list goes on. And don't forget about vows. You can write your own personalized vows, or stick to the traditional ones. Whatever feels true to you!
How will they be seated? Will most people be able to see? Where would you like family to sit? Etc. Don't stress about this but just consider your guest experience when planning the ceremony. And don't be afraid to think outside the box here too. For example, your guests don't have to sit in rows. The chairs could be arranged in a circle formation with you two in the center. Just an example!
1. Ask your officiant to move out of the way when you kiss! That way, they aren't awkwardly behind you in your photos of the moment. 2. This may not bother you, but if it does...be sure you and your wedding party pay attention at rehearsal so everyone is centered and symmetrical at the alter.
Some extra tips for you 3. Something I have noticed during weddings is that the parents of the bride can not see the face of the bride (and vice versa for the groom) during the ceremony since they sat on the same side of the aisle. Consider swapping where your parents sit if this is important to you. 4. Consider a ceremony exit! This could be flower petals, lavender, bubbles, etc. Ceremony exits are often some of the sweetest photos.
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SECTION X.
WEDDING GUIDE
LET' S PARTY
What to keep in mind — Lighting The lighting for receptions can often be overlooked, but play a big role in how your evening looks and feels! There are tons of options, from hanging lights to lanterns to candles. These can really impact the mood & vibe of the environment as well as photos because they change the white balance of photos (basically the temperature - warm vs cool tones!) Candlelight and hanging lights usually allow for warmer, softer photos, which are personally what I prefer. Sometimes venues offer colorful uplighting but I recommend keeping those set to white only, because blues/purples/reds can really affect skin tones and make people look a bit off in photos!
Speeches Okay, my best tip for speeches: limiting the time per speech — there's nothing worse than a speaker going on a 10 minute tangent while everyone just wants to get up and start dancing! 3-5 minutes per speech is typically a good sweet spot. I also recommend that your speakers are standing near you, vs in the center of the room so I can get your reactions to their speeches while I'm capturing them giving the speech!
What to keep in mind — Reception Location & Props Your reception location is just as important as your ceremony location. After all, it is where most of the wedding takes place. As you may know by now, lighting is important. Consider ways to add ambient lighting to really set the mood and add depth to your photos. Things like candles, string lights, lanterns, etc add an intimate feeling to your wedding plus are a great light addition. Also, please avoid any DJ or band lights. Meaning, skip on the color lights music groups sometimes bring. The mixture of rainbow colors on your skin tend to be hard to adjust.
Send Off When it comes to your send off there are two things to consider. First is lighting (duh). Will there be any lights around so your guests and media team can see you? Second, get creative! Some fun ideas to consider are vintage cars, sparklers, bubbles, fireworks, flower petals, etc. And finally, consider a faux exit so you can get back to partying and so you get the most out of your photo coverage.
SECTION XI.
WEDDING GUIDE
INSPIRATION
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DETAILS THAT MAKE YOUR DAY FEEL LIKE YOU.
It's all in the details.
So where to begin? Start with a
Other places to look for
mood board. This will pull together
inspiration are publications.
your aesthetic and help bring your
Some great ones to start:
vision to life. Pinterest is a great place to start. And don't forget to
June Bug Weddings
share this with me! I love seeing
Green Wedding Shoes
your vision so I can help bring it to
Brides
life.
Vogue Weddings Wedding Chicks Spend some time looking around. See what you like and don't like. And remember, there are no rules. It is YOUR wedding day.
SECTION XII.
WEDDING GUIDE
MY TIPS TO YOU
TIPS FROM ME TO YOU
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HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
It's one of the best vendors to have. Peace of mind is priceless. I'm not saying you need a full service planner by any means - even a partial or month-of planner would be great!
Encourage your guests to put away their tablets during your ceremony and be present. I've taken so many photos, only to notice phones or cameras in the way, effectively ruining a beautiful moment.
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RAIN OR SHINE
HAIR & MAKEUP
Don't panic about the forecast. Weather can change so quickly and we can't change it — so let's embrace it! Go over rain plans with your venue, leave the clear umbrellas to me, and embrace the day.
This is the ONE part of the wedding day that consistently runs off schedule. Tell your makeup/hair stylists that you need to be ready 30 minutes earlier than you actually do. Then we'll be on time!
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ALONE TIME
FAUX EXITS
Set aside alone time on your day! With everyone you love in one room, and a lot of friends and family you may not have seen in awhile, it's really easy for the day to fly by. Most couples either plan alone time after portraits and before the reception, and some even do a private dinner!
Didn't book an all day package but don't want your day to be rushed? My biggest tip for this is to allow more time for photos at the beginning of the day by staging your send off with family and/or wedding party. If your reception ends at 10:30p let's stage this photo at 9p instead.
SECTION XIII.
WEDDING GUIDE
PRINTS & ALBUMS
Your photos deserve to live outside your phone.
When your photos are ready, you'll receive a link to your personalized online gallery that you can easily share with family & friends From your gallery, you'll be able to access your online print store full of prints products and albums so you can display your photos throughout your home. I firmly believe that photos aren't meant to live on a screen, and should be printed, enjoyed, and passed on for generations. Fine art prints and heirloom albums are amazing ways to preserve your memories — and I'm happy to help you decide the best way to display your images.
WEDDING GUIDE
Whether you order through me or elsewhere, I recommend ordering prints or an album soon after you receive your gallery, before the excitement wears off and life gets crazy.
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Cheers! Wedding planning can be a lot of work, but it's all worth it when you're surrounded by the people you love most. It's simply the best, and I can't wait to document all the moments for you! Please use me as a resource throughout your planning process if you need anything at all! I'm here for whatever you need. I can't wait to be beside you not only on your wedding day, but all the days leading up to it as well. We're in this together!
love,
presley
PGRACEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM 470-362-0752