Nick & Kristina’s Wedding Photo Guide
Inspiration On What To Expect
Pre Ceremony Details
First things first, let’s photograph some details! To ensure time efficiency, please set aside the following items so that I can begin photographing them immediately upon my arrival.
His - suit jacket, cufflinks, watch, shoes, boutonniere, rings, vow book, cologne, cigars, groomsmen gifts.
Hers - wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, vow book, perfume, something-old/something-new, bridesmaid gifts.
Wedding flat lays are photographed the day after your wedding. Styling flat lays requires time, precision, and creativity, which sometimes isn't available on the wedding day. Should you decide you want these photos included in your session, I will collect your wedding invitations on the day of the wedding. I will also reach out to your florist and ask for leftover florals. This will ensure color cohesion throughout your wedding images.
Getting Ready
While the two of you are hiding in your respective areas, my assistant and I will be capturing a mixture of candid moments and staged photos.
His - Have your suit pants and button-up shirt on. My assistant or I will capture photos of the suit jacket being put on, cufflinks, tie/bow-tie, shoes, boutonniere, and so on.
Hers - With your hair and makeup complete, I can take a few touch-up photos alongside your makeup artist. Afterwards, we can take some robe photos (if desired). I will step out while the bride puts on her wedding dress. Once it is on, I will come back in to take photos of the dress being buttoned/zipped up with the help of the bride’s mom or maid of honor.
Dos & Don'ts - Avoid any clutter or luggage in your designated rooms. No one wants to see suitcases or makeup bags behind you as you're putting on your wedding dress. Have a designated corner or separate room for personal belongings, and try to keep one area of the room clean for photos, preferably by the master bed and a large window light source
First Look & Formal Portraits
Opting for a first look? Here’s how it’ll go down:
Once the location is chosen, my assistant and I will take solo portraits of the groom waiting there. Afterward, the day-of coordinator or I will go fetch the bride. The groom will have his back to the bride as she walks up behind him. My assistant and I will snap a few different angles before the bride taps the groom on the shoulder. The groom will turn toward the cameras and see his beautiful bride for the first time.
Upon this reveal, be in the moment with each other. Kiss, hug, cry, laugh—everything and anything! My assistant and I will be quiet flies on the wall, photographing every little moment.
Once the nerves and emotions have calmed down, I will step in and begin formal portraits of the two of you.
In most cases, there is enough allotted time after the first look to tackle as many family/bridal party photos as possible. This allows for the two of you to get the most out of your cocktail hour.
Pre Ceremony Details
Before guests arrive, my assistant and I will capture detail photos of the altar, welcome table, signage, florals, etc.
Ceremony
Pretty self-explanatory. My assistant and I will be photographing the ceremony from a variety of angles. Stay close by after the ceremony for any remaining family/bridal party photos while guests make their way to the cocktail hour.
Dos & Don’ts - Remember the “The Floor is Lava” game from growing up? Well, in this case, direct sunlight is lava. While you’re standing at the altar, if you or your partner feel sun spilling onto your face, try to reposition yourselves into a shadier spot. Diffused light is your friend!
You’ve just been announced as husband and wife, kissed, and started the recessional—stop halfway down the aisle and go for another kiss!
Family & Bridal Party Photos
Unless requested otherwise, I tackle family photos first, followed by the bridal party. For these formal family portraits, I focus more on the immediate families of the bride and groom, including their grandparents.
I will begin the photos with the grandparents so they can be seated and rest afterward. As you may remember from the family shot list you were requested to fill out, I photograph a mixture of group shots and individual shots.
Heads Up - When I take individual portraits of you with your bridal party members, I like to take a formal portrait and a silly one! Give your bridal party a heads up so they can brainstorm ideas for poses.
Cocktail Hour
While I am tackling family photos, my assistant will be documenting the cocktail hour. You can expect candid portraits of guests mingling as well as formal portraits.
Sunset Photos
Here are the real WOW photos from the day. Let’s run wild and have some fun! Don’t hold back your love and admiration for each other. The more fun you have, the better the photos will be!
Reception & Send Off
For the remainder of the evening, my assistant and I will be documenting the reception candidly. We will photograph from a variety of angles, capturing the first dance, parent dances, toasts, bouquet/garter toss, cake cutting, and more. During open dancing, feel free to grab either my assistant or me for casual photos with you and your guests.
“And their love story became a beautiful adventure, unfolding with joy and laughter each day.”
This concludes the wedding day coverage!
Friendly Reminder - The day after the wedding, I will send you your ceremony kiss photo, ceremony exit photo, and a handful romantic photos of the two of you. A full preview gallery (containing 100+ images highlighting the entire wedding day) will be delivered to you through an online gallery 1-2 weeks after the wedding.
Your final wedding gallery will be delivered to you through an online gallery 6-8 weeks after the wedding. Should your wedding package include a physical album, we will schedule a Zoom call and begin the album ordering process.