The key to a smooth-running wedding day is planning ahead. Just a few simple guidelines can help you structure your day; ensuring it’s relaxed and enjoyable, so you can spend more time sipping sparkling with your favourite people and be truly present on the day.
Before finalising the ceremony and reception start times on your invites, it’s best to confirm your rough plans with me, the venue and the caterers. Their expertise will help simplify the planning process.
On the day, I'll be using the timeline as a guide to keep us ticking along on time and stress-free. This allows me to focus on creating timeless and authentic ‘this-is-us’ imagery, that mirrors the best of your relationship and the celebration that you've created together.
On the day, I'll be using the timeline as a guide to keep us ticking along on time and stress-free. This allows me to focus on creating timeless and authentic ‘this-is-us’ imagery, that mirrors the best of your relationship and the celebration that you've created together.
The secret to fuss-free planning is simplicity. Intricacies like seating plans and invite design can be revisited closer to the date. Now is the time to identify the key parts of your day and create a rough framework for you and your vendors to work around.
Think about the locations; the morning where you’ll be getting ready, your chosen spot for the ceremony, and the venue for the reception. Are these all held at the same location? If not, make sure you factor in travel time between venues. You might like to offer transportation for your guests to help streamline the arrival process and ensure everyone is on time.
As the rest of the day starts to take shape, it’s worthwhile adding some buffer time either side of the formalities, because… life happens. More time = less stress and more freedom to enjoy yourselves.
Let the celebrations begin! You might like to start with your favourite breakfast, mimosa in hand, and some tunes to ease into your day as the excitement builds. This will be a day-long affair and it’s important to get your day started early to allow for plenty of time for hair and make-up, getting dressed, taking photos, and most importantly, having fun.
The time you allocate for getting ready is dependent on whether you have a bridal party and can also be guided by the recommendation of your hairstylist and makeup artist if you choose to have them. Keep the timing flexible and ample so the process is leisurely and relaxed while the champagne starts to flow.
Equally, if getting ready photos aren’t your thing, we can forgo the classic shots for something more unique to you. Whether you want to start your day at the beach having a surf, going for a bushwalk or maybe over brunch alfresco, I’ll be ready to follow along for the ride.
As everyone gets ready for the day ahead, I’ll be there to photograph the beginning of the story; the small but significant moments are ones you’ll love looking back on for years to come.
The timing of your portrait session is an important consideration in setting the timeline for your day. Generally, people will either do a ‘first look’ and photos prior to the ceremony or stick with tradition and see each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle.
There are some advantages of doing a ‘first look’ and photo session before the ceremony; seeing each other for the first time is a special and intimate experience, which can feel even more personal if it’s just you two. Additionally, doing the portrait session earlier in the day allows for extra time mingling with guests between the ceremony and the reception, as I wouldn’t need to take you away for photos later on.
It’s worth noting, if you choose to do the photo session (and wedding party photos if you have bridesmaids and groomsmen) before the ceremony, this can extend the day a little longer – about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours – you’ll also have to factor in time to freshen up before the ceremony, in case the elements aren’t on our side. If it’s a summer day, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but something to consider in the cooler months.
Ultimately, the decision is entirely down to personal preference. Whichever you choose, I’ll be there to scout the perfect location, considering the optimal light and composition for your photos during that time of the day.
The start time of the ceremony and whether you’ll do photos before or after the ceremony will dictate the best time for me to start the photography at the beginning of the day.
Once it’s official, everyone will be hugging and congratulating you so get the champagne flowing! After the ceremony, we will make some time for family and group photos while guests enjoy cocktail hour. You may like to have canapes shared around or a grazing table set up during this time.
Some couples like me to photograph the tables, styling, and details at the ceremony and reception before everyone arrives. Though some people aren’t too worried about these photos, it’s a good idea to think about whether it is important to you and if there is a chance to fit this into the timeline at some point throughout the day.
Consider whether you’re having a sit-down meal or a buffet, how many people will be doing a toast, what time the sun goes down, and whether the venue has noise restrictions after a certain time of night – these will all impact the length of the day and how long you’ll be hiring your wedding vendors for.
As a general rule of thumb, most couples choose either a 7-hour package or a 10-hour package, with either a ‘first look’ and photo session before the ceremony or photos between the ceremony and reception.
It’s worth noting that the 7-hour package works best when the ceremony and reception – and even the location where you’ll be getting ready – are at the same venue. Other factors to consider include the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you have in your wedding party and the time the sun will be setting. For late summer evenings, make sure you leave enough time to get portraits at golden hour.
Listed below are some key photography moments, with a rough guide showing how much time I’ll generally need to work with you. Using these timings and factoring in the schedule of events, together we can formulate a relaxed timeline for your day.
Getting Ready – The Groom & Co: 45 mins – 1 hour
I’ll arrive in the morning to take candid photos of the groom and his friends in casual clothes before they get into their suits. This helps set the story of the day; capturing the excitement as they exchange advice and stories over a drink or two.
Getting Ready – The Bridal Party: 1 – 1.5 hours
As the bride and her party apply the finishing touches to their hair and makeup, I’ll be there to catch the laughter, the tears and the anticipation. This is also a great time to photograph any special details you’ve put thought into, such as bouquets, rings, invitations etc.
Pre-Ceremony: 15 mins
As the guests begin to arrive, you may wish for me to photograph them greeting each other and seeing the ceremony venue for the first time.
The Ceremony: 30 mins
During the ceremony, I’m there to document it all as it unfolds – you and your partner exchanging vows, the smiles on your guests faces in the crowd, the tears and the laughter. I won’t be directing anything here – other than ensuring you’re standing symmetrically in front of the backdrop.
Once the ceremony has finished and you walk down the aisle as a newlywed couple, you can grab each other by the hand and get pumped! You may like to hand the guests some flower petals or eco-confetti to throw, for vibrant photos filled with energy.
Post Ceremony Celebration: 15 mins
Quite possibly one of the most special moments of the day, I’ll be there to photograph all the hugs and smiles as your friends and family line up to embrace you both. Get the champagne flowing and enjoy this moment with your guests!
Group Photo: 10 mins
The group photo is optional, as it can be a challenge to wrangle all the guests into one frame. If you’ve got a larger number of guests coming, perhaps skip this one. But if your heart is set on the group shot, I will do my best to coordinate; getting everyone there to say cheese and look good while doing it.
Family Photos: 15 – 30 mins
Family photo time ensures you’ve got plenty of lasting memories with the ones you love the most – nobody wants to wake up the morning after filled with regret because they didn’t get a photo with Grandma.
If you’ve got a larger family to coordinate, it’s crucial to appoint someone who knows most of the family and guests to oversee the photos, making sure everyone is where they need to be.
Ensure your MC (and another person, preferably with a loud voice) has a list of everyone who should be in each photo. These will be some of your most cherished photos as the years pass.
Wedding Party & Couple Photos: 30 mins – 1.5 hours
The timing for these photos is dependent on the size of the wedding party, and the location, but it’s best to add some buffer time here so if there are any delays throughout the rest of the day, everything else remains on track. If the photos are finished early, it just means you can get back to the party earlier!
Wedding party photos will likely start with you and your team hanging out and celebrating – popping some bubbles and having fun. These photos work best when they’re full of laughter and movement. I’ll be providing direction to ensure everyone is looking their best. If you have any unique ideas for this session let me know, I’m always open to ideas.
Once the wedding party photos are finished, it’s time for some photos of just the two of you. These photos are taken to reflect the best of you both. These can be quiet and intimate, or if you’re all about fun and laughs with each other, let that shine.
I’ll be there to loosen you up and encourage you to be yourselves – you can focus on enjoying your time with each other while I give subtle direction to make the most of the lighting or backdrop.
Evening Photo Session: 15 – 20 mins
Nobody can resist a good photoshoot in the evening, it’s the most universally flattering time of day. Keep your fingers crossed for some of that beautiful golden-hour glow. I’ll whisk you away when the time is right to capture the perfect light – if you’ve got a specific idea for a location, be sure to let me know beforehand to allow for travel time. The more creative ideas we can work on together, the better.
The Reception: open-ended
Once the ceremony is over and the scheduled photoshoots are done, I’ll be there to document the evenings’ events. This is a great time for more candid shots of the guests as they let their hair down and raise the roof for the newlyweds.
