Wedding Photography Planning: Timing Your Wedding

Not seeing each other until the ceremony may mean missing out on a private moment with the most important person in your life on your wedding day. Having a first look can help calm the nerves before the ceremony. Having a first look can help calm the nerves before the ceremony. Ultimately, Doing a first look can front-load the photography schedule and allow for more time later. During the ceremony, you exchange vows and are then swept up by the joy and love of family and friends. Seeing each other before the ceremony allows for a private moment where you can react to each other openly, without the pressure of an audience. We absolutely LOVE capturing the emotional first look before the ceremony, followed by a stroll around the property for portraits. Opting for a first look allows couples to enjoy their entire cocktail hour with guests instead of spending it on portraits.

Here’s an example of some of the emotions that can be captured when you take this route

Arizona Wedding Photography tips for the newly engaged bride!

Tip #3: Portraits can be as quick and painless as possible.

Seeing each other before the ceremony allows all formal portraits to be completed beforehand, freeing you to celebrate and enjoy the cocktail hour and reception with your guests. By integrating a well-planned wedding photography timeline, you can ensure that every moment is captured efficiently. Most photographers recommend at least 30 minutes for the wedding party portraits. Additionally, It’s recommended that family photos take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the number of groups. Most couples do their family photos during cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony. The ideal location for family photos is a predetermined area close to the ceremony site. Family members should meet at a predetermined location to streamline family photo sessions. All of these things, your wedding photographer should be in charge of and plan out for you.

Consider these two options.

Portrait schedule if you see each other before your ceremony:

2.5 hours before ceremony: Bride & Groom see each other for the first time & take portraits alone together

1.5 hours before ceremony: Portraits with bridal party

1 hour before ceremony: Portraits with families

1/2 hour before ceremony: Completely done with portraits as your guests begin to arrive–giving you time to go inside & freshen up.

Portrait schedule if you don’t see each other before your ceremony:

1.5 hours before ceremony: Portraits of Bride with bridesmaids

1 hour before ceremony: Portraits of Groom with groomsmen

1/2 hour before ceremony: Temporarily done with portraits as your guests begin to arrive–giving you time to go inside & freshen up.

(with receiving line after ceremony)

30 min. after ceremony: Portraits with families

1 hour after ceremony: Portraits with bridal party

1.5 hours after ceremony: Portraits of Bride & Groom alone

2 hours after ceremony: Completely done with portraits

(if Bride & Groom walk down aisle and just keep walking to a secluded area)

Immediately after ceremony: Portraits of Bride & Groom alone

30 min. after ceremony: Portraits with families

1 hour after ceremony: Portraits of bridal party

1.5 hours after ceremony: Completely done with portraits

As you can see, portraits can be taken care of before the ceremony in 2 hours. If you don’t see each other before the ceremony, portrait time will take up 2.5 hours of your day. In addition to the quantity of time being extended, the stress is also heightened when portraits are held off until after the ceremony. Gathering people before the ceremony is easily done through good communication before the wedding day. A strategic wedding photography timeline helps in coordinating all these elements seamlessly. There are no additional guests present to work around. After the ceremony, everyone just wants to love on you and congratulate you and get to the bar. So many times during portraits after the ceremony, no one can find uncle Bob. More time is used gathering people and we usually have a difficult time getting everyone’s attention to accomplish the task at hand. It can become more stressful on everyone. However, the photographer you choose should be efficient and comfortable in even the most stressful situations even if the timeline that is created is not their “preferred”. A well-thought-out wedding photography timeline can alleviate much of this stress. We believe it is always 110% what the Bride and Groom want and we strive to provide that beyond what is expected. Implementing a wedding photography timeline ensures that all desired shots are captured, allowing the couple to enjoy their special day fully.

Scottsdale Wedding Photographers to help you through the wedding planning process!

So many brides and grooms want a sunset wedding. But natural light is vital for quality portraits. If you take care of all of the portraits before the ceremony, you have the flexibility to plan your wedding near sunset. No natural light is needed after the ceremony. If you wait to see each other, no problem, just plan your wedding earlier in the day so that there is at least 2 hours of daylight post-ceremony for your portraits, including your wedding party photos.

These are the ways in which the timing of your wedding greatly affects your photography. But photography aside, I really believe that these factors also affect your stress level and general enjoyment of the day. When we talk with brides and grooms about the options, we are really keeping their best interests in mind. We simply like to inform and educate otherwise many Brides aren’t aware of the Pros and Cons or the importance of the wedding timing. Managing the timing of events to accommodate wedding guests’ involvement is crucial, such as gathering them for exits, toasts, and dance moments. Allocating specific time for wedding party photos ensures a variety of group and individual shots are captured. Planning a timeline for wedding photos is essential to ensure all desired shots are captured. Ideal locations for important photo opportunities at or near the wedding venue should be considered to maximize the quality of your wedding photos.

Tip #5  Plan in cushion time

Here is our last tip as it relates to the timing of your day and your stress level. Plan in extra time between different events of your day as there are always unexpected things that come up. Getting dressed on your wedding day will take you longer than it does on any other day of your life. Girls tend to underestimate how long it will take and sometimes guys are the most guilty of this. Planning in more time than you think you will need will help everything run smoothly! Better to have extra time than not enough!

Understand and Build Trust in the Initial Meeting

Establishing trust with clients begins upon initial contact, from the first phone call or initial consultation. As a wedding photographer, it’s essential to build a rapport with the couple to understand their vision, expectations, and preferences. This initial meeting sets the tone for the entire wedding photography experience.

During the initial meeting, discuss the couple’s style, preferences, and expectations. Review their moodboard, if they have one, to get a sense of their aesthetic. This is also an opportunity to showcase your portfolio, share your experience, and explain your approach to wedding photography.

Building trust is crucial in creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during the photo shoot. When clients feel at ease, they’re more likely to be themselves, resulting in more natural and authentic photos. As a wedding photographer, it’s essential to be approachable, listen actively, and communicate effectively to ensure that the couple feels heard and understood.

Preparation and Getting Ready

Preparation is key to a successful wedding photography experience. As a wedding photographer, it’s essential to arrive early to capture the getting-ready moments, which can be some of the most intimate and emotional moments of the day.

Allow at least 1-2 hours for getting-ready photos, depending on the size of the wedding party and the complexity of the preparations. This time frame allows for capturing the details, such as the dress, shoes, jewelry, and hair and makeup preparations.

When photographing the getting-ready moments, be respectful of the couple’s space and privacy. Capture the moments that tell the story of their preparation, such as the bride putting on her dress, the groom adjusting his tie, or the bridesmaids helping each other with their hair.

Consider the Light

Lighting is one of the most critical factors in wedding photography. Natural light, artificial light, and the time of day can significantly impact the look and feel of the photos.

When planning the wedding photography timeline, consider the light and how it will affect the photos. Golden hour, which occurs during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, is often considered the most flattering light for outdoor photos.

If possible, schedule the outdoor photos during golden hour to capture the warm, soft light. If this isn’t possible, consider using artificial light sources, such as flash or string lights, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When photographing indoors, consider the available light and how it will impact the photos. If the light is harsh or unflattering, consider using diffusers or reflectors to soften the light and create a more pleasing atmosphere.

By considering the light and planning accordingly, you can create stunning photos that capture the beauty and essence of the wedding day.