Picture perfect

IF YOU WANT GREAT WEDDING PHOTOS, SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO GET ALL THE SHOTS.

How much time is needed for photography, anyway?

While there are big portions of the day that don’t require a specific photography timeline (most photographers switch to a documentary approach for the reception, for example), there are definitely key moments throughout your day where having the appropriate amount of time set aside for your photographer can make for chill vibes and amazing images for you to look back on. Here’s the breakdown.

GETTING READY

1.5–2 hours This gives time to take photos of your dress/ suit and any other sentimental or just super rad details you’ve incorporated (think heirlooms, vows, fragrances, accessories, anything that you’ll be carrying on your person). It gives photogs (and you) the opportunity for moments to naturally unfold, whether it’s hanging out on the couch and poppin’ champers with your fave people, or even if it’s those quiet moments alone, breathing, taking it all in. Having that time and space in the morning is key if you love a documentary style to photography and appreciate having the realness captured. This time also allows photographers the time to capture the moments when you put your gear on for the day in a calm and natural fashion. You should feel calm, comfortable and special while this is happening, not pressured to get the perfect shot. You will also want to have the opportunity to squeeze in any reveals and be present if you’re sharing this experience with loved ones (Thanks for helping with the bow tie, Dad!). This is typically one of the last steps before you head out the door and oftentimes things might run behind, with everyone frantically rushing to get their stuff on – and those moments and up being rushed when documented. Make sure to plan ahead so your photographer has the time to find the best light and composition, and have those real moments emerge and documented. FIRST LOOK 10–15 minutes Moments like a first look deserve space to breathe. You won’t want anything on your timeline to feel like a checklist of things to get out of the way – it’s about being present. So while the physical reveal might only take a split second, your photographer still needs time to get you to your respective spots, to hit play on “your song” and set the mood for ultimate eye leakage, to document the moment happening and time to step back so that you two have the space to embrace the moment, check each other out and sneak in all the hugs and kisses (while the camera clicks furiously from a distance)!

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

45 minutes – 1 hour If your photographer knows what’s what, they won’t want you to have boring, generic, copy/ paste photos of you and your ride or dies. Make it a party! Have space to get creative when you’re with your crew so that you have a more dynamic gallery and a fun experience hanging out with your besties. Setting aside 45 minutes to 1 hour really allows for that balance, and gives photographers the time to get all those traditional group shots as well. Another thing to keep in mind: wrangling large groups of people together for photos and getting everyone on the same page can eat up some time, too.

BONUS TIP: COUPLE SESSION

1 – 1.5 hours You finally get to connect with and be alone with your partner! Woohoo! When couples hear that this session should be over an hour long, they’ll often comment that it seems like a long time! But when the day comes, and it’s a wrap on their couple session, they realize how quickly the time flew by (seriously, where does the time go?!). Here’s why 1-1.5 hours is a great amount of time to set aside for your couples sesh: As professionals, photographers don’t want to send you off with just a handful of photos that resemble prom. It’s important for your photographer to have the time to cultivate and create natural moments as well as time to get you comfy with some posing that makes you look super cool & showcases your beautiful energy. A lot of the magic happens in the in-between moments, and that’s where prompts and a relaxed vibe comes into play. It can take couples (and even photographers) 10 to 15 minutes to warm up to the camera or get into a creative groove!

FAMILY PHOTOS

15–30 minutes In most cases, to be efficient, photographers will call family members in and out of shots. Make sure your family members know ahead of time that they will be required for photos so they don’t go running off to cocktail hour. These photos can feel a lot more formal, but don’t refrain from being yourselves when you’re with your fam jam. Ultimately, these are your photos, so if it feels right, go in for that extra hug with mom, or get close and relax for those large group shots. Always do you!

Set aside 30 minutes before your ceremony. This gives your photographer the opportunity to take care of detail shots (flowers, décor, etc.), document guests arriving and plan out where they’ll be standing when you finally strut down that aisle and exchange those vows!

BONUS TIP: Depending on what the day looks like, your photographer might split your couple session between golden hour and right after your first look. Discuss this beforehand, so you’re prepared and camera-ready.

WHAT A WEDDING PLANNER WILL AND WILL NOT DO FOR YOU

With the state of the world, weddings have changed a lot in last couple of years and so have the ways in which couples are approaching wedding planning. After an almost two-year hiatus, it seems everyone wants to get married, and they want to get married NOW! As couples learned, working with a wedding planner is essential to navigate the wedding world and to protect your investment on your big day. Because couples have realized the necessity of a wedding planner, there has been a noticeable shift in expectations of what wedding planners can and cannot do for you.

WHAT WEDDING PLANNERS CAN AND WILL DO FOR YOU:

A wedding planner can save you time, stress, and money A wedding planner’s main role is to help you navigate the world of weddings. They will be sure you stick to your budget and avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary expenses.

Planners can tailor your wedding professionals to the best people for your wedding Your wedding should be a reflection of the two of you and a wedding planner has experience with many different wedding professionals, so they can suggest the vendors that will be best suited to you and your needs.

A wedding planner can educate you in wedding etiquette There is so much to know about proper etiquette – from wedding stationery to hosting a large event. A properly trained, certified wedding planner can help you every step of the way.

WEDDING PLANNERS GUIDE YOU IN ORGANIZING THE MOST AMAZING GUEST EXPERIENCE:

• Wedding planners live and breathe weddings and are fully immersed in the events world. They are able to help you create the best guest experience and suggest things you may have never even heard of.

• Planners will make recommendations based on what’s best suited to you and your wants, needs and budget.

• Planners schedule appointments and meetings with your wedding vendors and venue to fit everyone’s schedules. In order for a professional to manage your wedding day, they need to work with you in the weeks leading up to the wedding. They will create the wedding schedules and be informed about absolutely everything about the wedding to properly manage it for you. • Planners ensure the little things aren’t overlooked. We will strongly advise that you get wedding insurance for the wedding day. Implementing special moments into the timeline and to-do lists on your wedding day so nothing gets missed by you, your family or the photographer.

• A wedding planner’s job is to present options and educate you so that you can make informed decisions. Planners adhere to our ethics and best business practices.

• While wedding planners will help with negotiations and working with other vendors, they can also help you to understand why certain things cost what they do, and educate you on the labour and creation side of what you are paying for.

• We have very specific roles and duties for your wedding but most importantly we will be your voice of reason, sounding board and cheerleader. We will have your best interests at heart every step of the way.

WHAT WEDDING PLANNERS WON’T DO FOR YOU:

Wedding planners are not your personal assistant and they do not know your personal or family relationships, so there are certain things they cannot or will not do. They won’t: • Create your guest list and arrange your seating plan • Decide on your wedding budget • Sign contracts and pay vendors or make decisions for you • They will not step in on just the day of the wedding • Be your bartender, bus person, driver, pick-up/delivery person, MC, cake- cutter, napkin-folder, or cleanup crew • Process or obtain your legal documents • Nickle and dime other wedding professionals • Be a therapist, bouncer, or security guard • Tolerate physical or verbal abuse