There's No Such Thing as a Perfect Timeline

Every wedding is unique—and so are you! While no two timelines are ever the same, after photographing over 300 weddings, we've picked up a few helpful tips to guide you in planning a timeline that’s relaxed, realistic, and truly you.

GROOM GETTING READY – Approx. 1 hour

We usually start the day with the groom (or the partner who needs to arrive at the ceremony first), since they’ll be greeting guests and speaking with the celebrant.

During this time, we’ll capture:

Detail shots (tie, cufflinks, watch, wedding bands, shoes, etc.)
Candid moments of the groom and groomsmen getting ready
A few celebratory drinks (cheers!)
Formal photos with groomsmen and parents (if present)

💡 For same-sex couples: we’ll begin with whichever partner needs to arrive at the ceremony location first.

BRIDE GETTING READY – Approx. 1 hour

Once we arrive, we’ll start with details—your gown, jewellery, invitations, flowers, rings, shoes, perfume—then move on to those beautiful, candid moments of you getting ready with your bridesmaids and family.

To make the most of this hour:

Have hair finished and makeup nearly done by the time we arrive
If you’d like photos in your robes, we’ll capture those first, so bridesmaids can get changed while we shoot the details
Place all important items in one naturally lit, tidy room (bonus: hang dresses there too!)

TRAVEL TIME TO CEREMONY

Use Google Maps to check your travel time and add 1/3 extra, just in case. Traffic, roadworks, and weather can be unpredictable.

We need to arrive at the ceremony venue at least 20 minutes early to set up gear, photograph the ceremony space, and capture guests arriving—plus a few candid shots of your partner waiting nervously (and excitedly!) for you.

CEREMONY – 30 minutes to 1 hour

Most ceremonies last around 30 minutes, unless you're having a religious service, which may run closer to 60 minutes.

FAMILY FORMALS & CONGRATULATIONS – Approx. 30 minutes

We typically do these right after the ceremony, while everyone is nearby.

To help this part flow quickly and pain-free:

Write down 2 lists of your family groupings
Give one list to a trusted, organized (aka bossy) guest from each side of the family
These helpers will gather the right people so we can focus on capturing, not hunting down Auntie Mary (who’s usually already at the bar with Uncle Bob 😉)

For more details on organizing family formals, check out our separate guide!

BRIDAL PARTY & COUPLE PHOTOS – 45 mins to 1 hour

We usually start with the bridal party (approx. 15 mins) before focusing on just the two of you.

💡 If we’re heading to a different location for photos, be sure to allow for travel time in your schedule.

RECEPTION COVERAGE

We recommend speaking with your MC or coordinator in advance to ensure that all the important moments you want captured—like cake cutting, speeches, and your first dance—are scheduled before our coverage ends.

Tip: Try to schedule these key moments earlier in the evening. That way, you’ll look fresh in your photos and can relax and enjoy the rest of the party without watching the clock.

SUNSET PHOTOS – 10 minutes of magic

Sunset often happens during your reception—and we highly recommend stepping out for a few minutes when it does.

This is one of our absolute favourite parts of the day. Not only is the lighting stunning—soft, warm, and golden—but by this point, you’re totally relaxed and fully yourselves in front of the camera. It’s the perfect time to sneak away for a little breather and soak in the day together.

These moments are:

Quiet and intimate—just the two of you (and us!)
A chance to pause and reflect
An opportunity to reconnect before the dance floor heats up

In just 10 minutes, we’ll create some of the most magical, timeless images of the day. We always work closely with the venue and your planner to time this perfectly so it flows seamlessly with your reception schedule.

Final Thoughts

Timelines don’t need to be rigid—they just need to work for you. Plan with intention, add some buffer time, and trust that we’ve got your back every step of the way. With a little planning (and a lot of heart), your day will unfold beautifully.

Let us know if you'd like help drafting your custom timeline—we’re happy to collaborate and guide you through it!