Tips for Creating a Timeline
It’s great if hair and makeup can end 20 - 30 minutes AFTER we arrive. That way we capture the final moments of that process.
Keep all of your wedding details in one place for when we arrive. We’ll spend the first 20 minutes photographing the rings, dress, shoes, invitations, etc.
If there is no first look then we’ll need a full hour for photos after the ceremony to do family photos, full wedding party photos and couples portraits.
If there is a first look then you still want to schedule 30 - 45 minutes after ceremony for extended family photos and couples photos when the lighting is prettier.
Check what time the sun is setting on your wedding day and make sure there is plenty at least an hour or more of lighting for after ceremony photos.
Compile a list of all of the family photos you’d like, complete with names
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, make sure to add. in some extra time for travel
Account for the unexpected - allow 15 to 30 minutes of wiggle room at any given time. It’s more common for the weddings to run a little late than to be on time.
Sample 8-hour timeline with first look
2:00pm - Bridal detail photos (shoes, perfume, jewelry, rings, bouquet & boutonniere, wedding gown & veil, invitations)
2:30pm - Bridesmaids & groomsmen getting ready photos
2:45pm - Everyone gets dress with pictures of the bride and that process
3:00pm - First looks with Dad(?) and Groom
3:15pm - Couples portraits - a few here but more through out the day and after the ceremony when the lighting is better
3:30pm - Wedding Party portraits - All together and then bridesmaids + groomsmen separately + individually
4:00pm - Immediate family portraits (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc) - these can wait until after the ceremony too
4:15pm - Everyone hidden away before ceremony so guests don’t arrive while we’re outside taking photos
5:00pm - Ceremony
5:30pm - Ceremony ends - family portraits (immediate and/or extended)
5:50pm - Bride & groom’s portraits with prettier lighting
6:15pm - Grand entrances
6:30pm - Dinner & toasts
7:15pm - First dance, father/daughter & mother/son dances, cake cutting
7:45pm - Open dance floor photos
10:00pm - Photography coverage time ends - usually at the end of the reception if there is a special exit we’ll stay to capture
Sample 8-hour timeline with NO first look
2:00pm - Bridal detail photos (shoes, perfume, jewelry, rings, bouquet & boutonniere, wedding gown & veil, invitations)
2:30pm - Bridesmaids & groomsmen getting ready photos
2:45pm - Everyone gets dress with pictures of the bride and that process
3:00pm - Bride + Bridesmaids portraits - guys still hidden away
3:45pm - Groom + Groomsmen portraits - girls hidden away by this point
4:15pm - Everyone hidden away before ceremony so guests don’t arrive while we’re outside taking photos
5:00pm - Ceremony
5:30pm - Ceremony ends - You must have full hour after ceremony for photos
5:30pm - family portraits (immediate and extended)
5:50pm - Full wedding party portraits
6:10pm - Couples photos
6:30pm - Grand entrances
6:45pm - Dinner & toasts
7:30pm - First dance, father/daughter & mother/son dances, cake cutting
8:00pm - Open dance floor photos
10:00pm - Photography coverage time ends - usually at the end of the reception if there is a special exit we’ll stay to capture