One thing that will always help your day run smoothly is a timeline! A timeline will help you, your wedding party, and all of your vendors know where to be and when to be there. I love working with your wedding planner to make sure your day goes exactly how you want it – and how you want it captured.

Here are a few suggestions for how long different parts of your day might take.

1. Bridal details – 60-90 minutes. While you get ready, I will take care of all your carefully curated details! I’ll photograph your dress, rings, shoes, invitation suite, florals…whatever you have for me!
   
2. Getting in your dress – 30-45 minutes. Getting in your dress could be as easy as stepping into it or as complicated as having your mom and 3 bridesmaids buttoning your whole back. Plan in extra time here, and with whatever time is leftover I will be sure to take portraits of you in your gown!
   
3. Bridal Party – 20-30 minutes. I have got the bridal party down to a science! (I once took bomb portraits of a groom and his 13 groomsmen in 15 minutes – one of my proudest accomplishments!) I make sure to get the bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen, individual shots with the bride/groom, and the entire party together. While I know every shot I need to get, timing here all depends on the size of your wedding party. The bigger the party, the more time we’ll need.
   
4. First Look – 30 minutes. If you choose to do a first look, I love to give you some extra time for portraits before the ceremony. I’ll take as much time as I can get!
   
5. Family Portraits – 30 minutes. Family portraits are a vital part of your day. Even though I keep family portraits quick and efficient, I love them so much. Family means everything to me, so I know how important it is to capture these portraits. Depending on time of year, we can talk about scheduling these so as not to cut into sunset time.
   
6. Bride and Groom Sunset Portraits – 20 minutes. This is my favorite time of day – you are officially married, you’ve enjoyed a bit of reception time, and you’ve seen all your people. You and your new spouse are so happy! And just when the light turns to the perfect glow, I will sneak you out for just a few minutes to capture those emotions that you never want to forget. If you choose to not do a first look, these portraits will be your most treasured photos of the two of you from your wedding day!

If these tips were helpful, will you let me know in the comments? I’d love to hear from you!