Hair and Makeup:

This one is completely unpredictable to me. But it’s the number one thing often runs long and gets things behind schedule. I suggest the bride is not the last to get her hair or make-up done, especially if there are lots of bridemaids/family getting hair and makeup.

Having the bride done a little sooner, while the hair and makeup team is still around, may allow for touch ups if hair falls out of place, or to fix makeup from an emotional moment when your dad sees you for the first time. Who knows what. And it can also allow for some early bridal portraits.

Early in the day, during hair and make-up I’m usually getting photos of details like the dress, invitations if you have them handy, the rings, and just people hanging out. It’s a great time for me to be able to just chat with everyone around and get them feeling comfy in front of the camera. But it’s not something you need multiple hours of coverage on.

Family Photos:

Family photos tends to the thing that everyone seems to dread for some reason. The key is to be quick and efficient. Typically I only need about 20 minutes to get all the family photos out of the way.

The best time to do this is almost always right after the ceremony. It’s when everyone expects it, and more importantly everyone is there. I do not recommend shooting family formal photos before the ceremony (unless you’re 110% sure everyone will be there and ready). If your not doing a first look, you will not be saving any time doing family photos early because you both need to be in the photos. You are family now! Now if your mom grabs me and wants a photo with you, of course! But we want to be efficient and have consistent photos of groups right after the ceremony. This means I set up lights (if needed) and have everyone in the same spot. No setting up twice for the same type shot.

If you want to make a list of the most important family shots, give them to a loud aunt, or crazy cousin that knows everyone. They need to be the wranglers. Also don’t think there are standard group photos that have to be taken. There isn’t. These are your photos. Let me know what you want and I will be happy to get it. To me, the big ones that every couple should have are simply: bride, groom, parents, grandparents. You may want plenty of other shots and that’s fine. Just think about which ones you will actually want to print.

Bridal party shots before the ceremony can be a good idea and I often do try to get these before the ceremony. Plan for 15 minutes for these.

Down time:

Wedding days go by fast. They are overwhelming in a good way. I suggest having at least 45 minutes to an hour of nothing happening before the ceremony. Be dressed, be ready, but don’t plan for photos or anything else. If you plan for this time and you get it, you’ll have a nice break to soak it in, calm the nerves and walk down the aisle. And if something is moving behind schedule this built in downtime is a god send.

Couples Portraits and First Looks:

This will be one of the best parts of your day. It’s the only time of the day, when it’s just you and your significant other…..and me. It’s often a much need break away from family and friends. I suggest planning for 30 to 45 minutes for portraits.

First looks are great for a bunch of reasons.

• They allow you to get 90% of those nerves out.

• You get a special moment, alone, instead of everyone staring at you. You can even touch and hug each other!

• It can allow for flexibility in the schedule.

• He still gets to see you walk down the aisle.

With that said, I don’t pressure couples to do a first look, as there is still something special about waiting until you walk down the aisle before they see you. With that said, one of the most important photos brides want is the grooms reaction. And honestly, it may not be what you expect. Some grooms don’t show a big reaction, or have ugly crying faces. Temper your expectations just a little here.