Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and capturing those memories through photography should be a top priority. But creating the wedding photos of your dreams requires more than just hiring a photographer – it takes careful thought and planning. Here are some essential tips to help you plan a photography-friendly wedding and ensure your photos are nothing short of spectacular.

Opt for an Engagement Session

The engagement session serves as a “practice” for the wedding day, helping you work through any nerves about being photographed and become comfortable with posing. Use this time to take a break from planning, have some fun with your partner, and walk away with beautiful portraits to display at your wedding reception.

For more tips on planning the perfect engagement session, download my engagement styling guide and get ready to capture your love story in the best possible light!

Consider a First Look

Many couples opt for a First Look – a private moment to see each other before the ceremony. This can be a wonderful way to ease pre-ceremony nerves and create some intimate, romantic portraits. The First Look sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and allows you to have some quiet time together before the festivities begin.

Here’s a beautiful reflection from a bride about her First Look experience:

“I’m not sure why, but I was so anxious to go and see Todd. It seemed so strange because we see each other every day, but something about seeing him in his tux moments before we were to be married really just made me stop and appreciate how much the day meant for both of us. I walked around the corner, tapped Todd on the shoulder, and instantly felt more at ease when I saw him. The First Look was such a nice moment with just the two of us before the rest of the day unfolded.” – Addie P.

Plan Your Timeline

A well-planned timeline ensures we capture all the essential moments without feeling rushed. Here’s a sample timeline for a 6 pm ceremony that includes a First Look:

1:00 pm: Bridal details & prep

2:00 pm: Bride gets dressed

2:30 pm: First Look

2:45 pm: Bride & groom portraits

3:15 pm: Wedding party photos

3:45 pm: Venue & decor photos

4:30 pm: Ceremony

5:00 pm: Family portraits

6:00 pm: Reception begins

7:15 pm: Sunset portraits

10:00 pm: The exit

Gather Your Wedding Day Details

Having all your details and mementos in one place when I arrive helps us start off smoothly. Choose a getting-ready location with plenty of natural light – it makes a world of difference in your photos. Here’s a checklist to help you organize:

• The dress: Bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses, hung on special hangers if you have them.
• Your accessories: Shoes, rings, jewelry, veil, bouquet, perfume, family heirlooms, and anything else you want photographed.
• His accessories: Shoes, cuff links, tie, belt, watch, cologne, boutonniere, and other items.
• Invitation suite: Consider asking your florist for loose florals and greenery to incorporate into these shots.

Final Thoughts:

By following these tips and planning ahead, you’ll ensure ya photography-friendly wedding day. If you have any questions or need help with your preparations, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help make your wedding photography experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

For a more detailed breakdown, download my wedding timeline template.