There’s no such a thing as a perfect timeline. Every wedding is different and, most of all, every couple has different needs. However, after photographing more than 300 weddings, there are some tips and tricks that may help you drafting your timeline.

Groom getting ready – 1 hour

We usually start with the groom getting ready as he will be the one that needs to be on ceremony location first (usually, the groom needs to speak with the celebrant and greet the guests).

During this time we capture the details (tie/bowtie/cufflinks/watch/wedding bands/invitations…); then we photograph candid moments of the groom and groomsmen getting ready, followed by celebratory drinks with beer/whiskey/champagne and more formal photos of the boys and parents, if they are there.

Please note that if you are a same sex couple the partner that we will capture first is the one that needs to be at the ceremony location first.

Bride getting ready – 1 hour

As soon as we arrive on location we will capture all the details (invitations, flowers, rings, shoes, jewelry, gown…). These are followed by candid pictures of bridesmaids/mum helping you getting ready and more formal images as for the groom.

Special notes:

• Please ensure hair is done and makeup almost finished, if not finished.
• If you want us to capture you and your bridesmaids in your robes, we usually do that right at the start so that the bridesmaids can get changed while we capture the details (no minutes will be wasted!!)
  
• If you wish to have images of your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses, please hang them in the room with more natural light and ensure the room is nice and tidy. You can also place all the items you want to have photographed in the same room.

Driving between bride and ceremony location – always make sure you enter both locations on Google maps and you overestimate by 1/3 in case of traffic or other unforeseeable circumstances.

We will need to be on ceremony site at least 20 minutes before the ceremony starts so that we can set up the gear, capture the ceremony details and candid shots of the groom/partner waiting anxiously for you and greeting the guests.

A ceremony usually lasts for 30 minutes, unless you are having a religious service, which usually lasts for about one hour.

Family formals and congratulations – 30 minutes

Usually, these are done right after the ceremony (so that everybody is on the premises). In order for things to run smoothly and as quick as possible please write down 2 lists of all the family/friends combinations you would like and give these 2 lists to 2 chosen and very organised (aka bossy) guests (one for each side of the family so they know names and faces). They will be in charge of corralling people and keep them close to the location where we will be shooting.

Bridal and couple images – 45 minutes/1 hour (unless you are planning to go to a location that is different from the ceremony/reception, then add traveling)

We usually start with the bridal party for 15 minutes and then we focus on the couple.

Reception until the end of coverage time

Speak with the MC/reception/event coordinator and ensure that all the moments you want to have photographed during the reception are planned before we leave. We recommend planning the cutting of the cake/speeches/first dance earlier on during the night so that you can then relax with your guests and you look fresher in the images.

Special note: sunset may happen during the reception. If this is the case for your wedding, we strongly suggest going outside for some sunset images of just the 2 of you.. 10 minutes is more than enough for us to capture the magic!