Wedding Guide
Welcome! I am honoured you have chosen me to capture your special day!
I have curated a wedding guide to provide you with some guidance while planning.
Whats Next?
If your wedding package includes an engagement session then it's time to plan! I will be sending you my engagement guide to help you decide on locations and outfits. However we must first pick a date!
If you wish to use these images for your save the dates then I recommend booking your session at the lastest 10 months before your wedding day. However if you just want the images for a signing book or some wedding decor you can book within 4-5 months before you wedding date.
Keep in mind 3-week turn around time for your edited images and most likely the same amount of time for prints to arrive.
Chat with me to see my availably for your session! Weekend dates are limited. Weekdays are preferred.
Keep in mind fall sessions the sun sets earlier in day.
Time To Plan the wedding
Timelines are important
On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be wondering 'what's next?' or 'do we have time for _____?', which is when a timeline comes in handy. Don't worry, you don't have to figure it out alone...I can help you every step of the way. Timelines are how I can make sure we have time to get all of the photos you want, and I'll take some time to construct a photo timeline for your day that matches with all of the things you want me to capture (& more!).
TIMING
So the question is... how much time do you need? Oftentimes, my clients have no clue how much time to give for each event (which is totally understandable if you've never planned a wedding before!) Let's chat about how much time I'll need to get you the best photos possible.
When planning your wedding day it is important to make sure you plan enough time for each part of the day. Below is the amount of time you should expect for certain events.
Bride & Bridesmaids getting ready - 1hr - 1.5hrs
Groom & Groomsmen getting ready 40mins-1hr
First look - 10 minutes
Ceremony - 30min - 1hr
Wedding party - 30-40mins
Bride & Groom Portraits - 30min-45hr
Family photos - 15-20mins
Sunset photos - 10mins
Bride & Bridesmaid Getting Ready Photos
Important things to remember and to get the most out of your Getting Ready Photos:
Plan enough time for your getting ready photos I suggest 1hr-1.5hrs. If you’d like photos of the final hair and makeup touches, your photographer should arrive right as the finishing touches are happening, or about 20 minutes before hair and makeup are complete. This allows time to capture those last details, along with photos of your dress and accessories. If you prefer not to have hair and makeup photographed, your photographer can arrive once everything is finished.
When scheduling hair/makeup do make sure you give extra amount of time. As this tends to go behind most times.
If you wish to do detail photos here are some important items to have.
Wedding dress
One or Both Rings
Flowers
Brides shoes
Wedding Invitations
Ring Box (I do have one just in case)
Sentimental jewelry
Any other accessories or decor you’d like photographed (example: ribbon, pearls, perfume)
If you wish to do photos in robes or a first look with parents and/or with bridesmaids make sure to allow extra time for this.
I do suggest parents of the bride to either be dressed or get dressed right as I arrive if you wish to have them in getting ready photos/first look.
Allow yourself sometime to relax and take it all it. The events of the day can go by fast so it is important to allow yourself time to take it all in.
Groom & Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos
Important things to remember and to get the most out of your Getting Ready Photos
Plan enough time for your getting ready photos. I suggest at least 40mins - 1hr.
*** I always suggest that the Groom, Groomsmen and father have their dress pants and shirts on for when the photographer arrives. That way we don’t waste time and we can go right into putting on ties, boutonniere and any other accessories when the photographer is there. ***
The photographer will capture candid shots of everyone helping each other with ties and accessories. As well as solo shots of the groom.
*** Have the groom & Groomsmen practice putting on ties and bow ties well before the wedding day. That way we do not spend extra time putting them on. ***
If time and location allows then the photographer may do all the Groom/Groomsmen formal photos once everyone is ready.
If any family photos are to occur during this time please allow extra time for this.
If the groom wishes to have detail photos here are some important items to have:
Tie
Shoes
Watch
Ring
Boutonniere
Cuff links
Suit Jacket
Consider Lighting
Lighting is KEY, especially when I'm capturing indoor events. For your getting ready photos, be sure to think about how the lighting will affect your images. A dark hotel room is going to be harder to photograph in, so consider having big windows near your getting ready space. Consider an open space with white or light walls this can make all the difference in your photos. Darker spaces will have more of a moody effect when editing and photographing.
Have A Clean Space
The morning of a wedding can be hectic, + the getting ready space often suffers because of that. Before I arrive, try your best to clean up your space of food, miscellaneous water bottles, duffel bags, or anything you don't want in the background on your photos. Delegating a area of the room or a separate room to put all the bags and things you don't want in photos will not only make your photos look better but saves you time and not have to clean before photos.
First Looks
The first moment your partner sees you is so special + I want to capture all of that emotion for you in that special moment! You can take this time to do private vows if you wish.
Your & Your Partner
You can do a first look with your partner, which is always a nice + private way to spend some time with each other on your wedding day. I'll get your partner set in place, and I'll help guide to make sure the location + lighting is picture perfect. Once you're set in place, I'll give you your space to see each other + I'll be there to capture it.
Bridesmaids
This is a fun option to do in the space you get ready in! We can set up a fun reveal to capture the reactions of your bridesmaids.
Parents / Grandparents
Another first look you can do is with a parental figure in your life. Like the other first looks, I can get everyone set in place for the big reveal.
Newly Wed Portraits
My favourite time of the wedding day - just you + your boo (and with me your favourite third wheel). If you need to bring a maid of honor or best man, that's absolutely ok too!
The time you choose to do portraits is totally up to you. If you're doing a first look, we can do the portraits immediately after. If you're waiting for a grand reveal down the aisle, we can do bridal portraits following the ceremony.
During bridal portraits, you won't need to stress about posing because I'll tell you everything you need to do!
If you have any specific locations in mind for your portraits, let me know & we can make it happen. If not, I can work on finding the perfect spots for your photos.
Wedding Party Photos
These photos are seriously so much fun! Most of the time, we'll do bridal party photos nearby your newly wed portrait location for convenience. It's completely up to you!
If you're planning on doing a first look, it's best to do the bridal party photos immediately following your newly wed portraits. If you're not doing a first look, we can do these photos after family portraits.
Like always, you won't need to worry about posing during these photos because I'll tell everyone what to do! I'll make sure we get all of the basics: entire party, individual parties, and individuals of you two with each person in your party. It's important that your bridal party knows when & where they need to be, so we can knock out those photos! Be sure everyone knows your plan so they can be there on time.
Ceremony
The best moment of the day... the time you officially get married! These are the moments you'll remember for the rest of your life, and I'll be snapping away to give you those moments to cherish later down the road.
First Kiss
For your first kiss, you may want to ask your officiant to step to the side before pronouncing you as a couple. This way, they won't be in the background of your first kiss.
Phones Away
To avoid phones in your wedding photos, you can ask your guests to put away their phones before the ceremony begins. Also helps if the officiant announces this before the ceremony
Receiving Line
Something to consider is whether or not you want a receiving line. There's pro's + con's to both, but be sure to let me know if you'll be doing this or not as this will effect the timeline.
Family Photos
Typically, these photos take place immediately following the ceremony, and I'll have my family photo list ready during this time. It's always helpful to have a person that knows the family there to help me call out names & get the family members ready for photos (a sibling, maid of honour, whoever). You can also chose to do family photos before the ceremony, just be sure that everyone is aware when & where they need to be.
If possible, have your officiant announce that family photos are taking place once you make your exit from the ceremony. This can be as simple as them saying 'following the ceremony, the couple asks that all immediate family members please stay behind for family photos.' For all family members you want photos with, make sure to tell them that they need to be present during the family photo time & not to wander off!
Family Photo Example List
- Couple with all parents
- Couple with Partner one's parents
- Couple with Partner one's Grandparents
- Partner one photo with each parent individually
- Couple with Partner Ones Immediate family
- Partner one with sibling's
- Couple with partner ones siblings
- Couple with partner ones siblings and siblings' spouses
- Couple with Partner two's parents
- Couple with Partner two's Grandparents
- Partner two photo with each parent individually
- Couple with Partner twos Immediate family
- Partner wot with siblings
- Couple with partner two siblings
- Couple with partner two's siblings and siblings' spouses
NOTES:
- Grandparents, children and anyone with disabilities should be first for photos
- You can add step-parents or change combinations based on family dynamics
- You can add a big group of extended family photos (this may take time to track everyone down)
- The more groups and combinations you add the more time family photos will take
- Please note people you want solo photos with
- Inform family before the wedding day where to be for family photos
- Have officiant remind family to stay after ceremony for photos
- Have a point person for each side of the family. This point person can help call out names and organize people as they will know who everyone is
Reception
dinner
After the bridal party gets their food, I ask that I be served food at this time as well (so I don't miss snapping photos of anything!)
Scheduled Events
Things to consider for your reception schedule are: entrances, speeches, toasts, dinner, first dances, cate cutting, bouquet toss, dancing, + an exit.
If you don't require I stay until party time consider doing your first dance right after grand entrances so I don't miss this.
If you're having a shit down meal you can do a 1-2 speeches after each course is served. I do suggest waiting a few minutes after the last people get their food so we don't hear people eating during speeches.
Outfit change
If you would like to change your dress or formal attire and get photos in your second look before I leave I recommend changing 30mins before I am scheduled to leave.
SunSet
Want more photos? You should consider sunset portraits for your big day. Sunset portraits typically take only a few minutes out of the reception, but make some of the best photos of the day. If that's something you want to do, I can pull you 1hr-30mins minutes before sunset and we can grab some extra photos of you + your partner!
Provide Me with the Following Information Before The Wedding Day
Detailed Wedding Day Timeline
This timeline should provide me with all the important information of the day. This should include times each event is happening, any gifts or surprises such as choreographed dances.
Family Photo list
The Family photo list should be a detailed list of each group you’d like photographed. This way myself or another can organize everyone in a timely manor. If possible assign one person from each side of the family to gather everyone as they will know who the family are. **Please also let family know where to be or to stick around after the ceremony so we don’t have to send people to track them down** Your officiant can also announce this during the ceremony to remind family
Addresses / Time of arrival
Please provide me with all the address of the day. Time I should arrive and if you have a second photographer when they should arrive.
Emergency Contact Info
Please provide me a list of emergency contact numbers of people in the wedding party, parents, and wedding coordinator if you have one
Tips & Tricks
TAKE 15 MINUTES TO YOURSELF
Your wedding day is going to fly by + you'll want to take a minute to reflect and spend time alone with the person you're marrying. You can build 10-15 minutes into your timeline to give you some one-on-one time to soak it all in by yourselves.
HAVE A POINT PERSON
It can be stressful carrying all of the answers on your wedding day... Try having a point person for your wedding day that can answer all of the questions & make the last minute decisions. This'll help make your day stress free!
ANYTHING ELSE
If there's anything else at ALL that you want photos of, please let me know about those specific shots. On top of the normal shots of a wedding day, I want to be sure I shoot all of the things you want captured! Communicate those things to me, and I'll be sure to make them happen.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Unplugged Ceremony
Having an unplugged ceremony is a great way to have guests present during your day and not have distracting phones or cameras in your wedding photos. Consider having your officiant announce this before the ceremony begins as sometimes guests don’t read the signs you put up or ignore them. If you wish you can also give them a few seconds to pull out there phones to take photos and then ask kindly to put them away.
No Laser Lights During Reception
If you are able ask your DJ in advance to not bring laser lights instead some other fun lights for the reception. Laser lights can ruin our very expensive camera’s in seconds. For this reason I will not photograph if a DJ is using laser lights. Asking them ahead of time ensures that you will have fun lights during your reception but not harmful lights.
Have An Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit is so important on a wedding day. This kit can consist of medicine, sewing tools, first aid, Nail polish, fake nails, tampons, water bottles, razors, makeup remover, stain remover, super glue, white chalk, bobby pins, safety pin, phone charger, sunscreen, snacks, etc.
Point Person
If you don’t have a wedding coordinator assign someone or multiple people be the point person who wedding vendors and staff go to when situations need dealing with. This way they can discreetly ask the questions and find solutions without worrying you or constantly asking you.
Recommended Vendors
CAN'T WAIT!
I am beyond excited for your wedding day, and I am SO honoured to be able to capture your day.
If you need anything or have any additional questions, feel free to get in touch with me!
Text / Phone
519-404-4942
shannonfordphoto@gmail.com