Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so don’t feel the need to cram too much into it that you can hardly breathe. This day is about celebrating your love story, and that means creating a wedding timeline that reflects what matters most to you.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment
The last thing you want is to rush through your big day. A wedding is more than just a series of events; it’s a collection of meaningful moments. Don’t feel pressured to include traditions or trends that don’t resonate with you. Not a fan of a first look? Skip it! Prefer pie over cake? Go for it! The key to a perfect timeline is making sure it fits your style and priorities as a couple. What moments are most important to the two of you? Those are the memories we’ll spend the most time capturing.
A Basic Wedding Day Timeline
While every wedding is unique, here’s a general breakdown to help guide your day. But remember, everything is flexible! Your day should feel like yours, and we can adjust the timeline to make sure you’re never feeling rushed.
GETTING READY
This part of the day can be full of emotions, laughter, and anticipation. From hair and makeup to the final touches on your attire, these moments set the tone. We’ll capture candid shots of you both with your closest people before the big reveal.
DETAIL SHOTS
Before everything gets underway, we’ll capture the small things: the rings, your dress, shoes, invitation suite, and any special items that reflect your story.
FIRST LOOK(S) Optional
If you choose to have a first look, this is a private moment between the two of you, often filled with tears, excitement, and relief. It’s an intimate time to connect before the ceremony, but it’s entirely optional!
CEREMONY
The heart of your day—your ceremony. Whether it’s long or short, religious or secular, this is the moment you say, “I do.” Every glance, tear, and smile is captured as you exchange vows.
COCKTAIL HOUR // FAMILY PHOTOS
While guests enjoy cocktails, we’ll focus on family portraits. This is also a good time to take photos with extended family so they can head to the reception afterward.
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
After the ceremony, we’ll take fun, candid, and posed shots with your bridal party. This is where we’ll capture the energy and excitement with the people you’ve chosen to stand by your side.
COUPLES’ PHOTOS
This is your time to shine as a newly married couple. We’ll capture your love in beautiful, romantic shots, often with golden hour lighting.
GRAND ENTRANCE // DANCE(S)
As the reception kicks off, you’ll make your grand entrance, followed by your first dance, parent dances, or any other dances you’ve planned.
DINNER + TOASTS
Dinner is a great time for candid shots of guests enjoying themselves, followed by toasts from your nearest and dearest.
CAKE CUTTING
If you’re having cake or another sweet treat, this is the perfect time for a photo-worthy cutting moment.
SUNSET PHOTOS
One of the most magical times for photos is during sunset. We always make time to sneak you away for a few quiet moments and capture stunning images as the sun goes down.
BOUQUET // GARTER TOSS Optional
If you’re including these traditions, we’ll capture the toss—and the excitement!—for the bouquet and garter. However, these traditions are becoming less common, and many couples are opting for alternative games or activities instead. Whether it’s a fun twist on the classic toss or a completely new idea, there are plenty of creative options to make this part of your reception uniquely yours.
PARTY TIME!
Now it’s time to let loose! Whether you’re dancing the night away or having fun with games and activities, this is where the celebration truly kicks off.
SEND OFF
The send-off is the grand finale, whether it’s with sparklers, bubbles, or something else entirely. It’s the perfect way to end your night in style. If you don’t have anything else planned or prefer not to capture the later party photos, you can always move the send-off up for a “fake” send-off. This way, guests who aren’t staying for the dancing—like elderly family members—can leave without feeling like they missed out, and no one is out too late.
Your Day, Your Way
At the end of the day, your wedding should be a reflection of your love and the things that matter most to you. When planning your timeline, remember that it’s okay to skip or adjust things to fit your vision. I’m here to help make sure your day is stress-free and captures everything important to you. Feel free to reach out, and we’ll work together to create a timeline that makes your dream wedding come to life.
