WEDDING GUIDE

We’ve taken the time to put together a list of tips, suggestions, and content that can be super helpful when planning your wedding day, with the hope that it can make your wedding experience absolutely fantastic and give the best opportunity for stunning photos. We’ve been honoured to attend many weddings and have seen so many different ways to do different things, we’d love to take all these tips that we’ve gathered and put them to good use; we hope that these can be useful for you!

TIMELINE TIPS

1) Build a Schedule with Breathing Room

Wedding days always come with surprises — a late boutonniere, a missing shoe, a chatty uncle. Give yourself space to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. A relaxed timeline leads to better photos and a better experience for everyone.

2) Plan for Wiggle Room

Add small buffers between major events. These little pockets of time help keep the day flowing smoothly.

3) Do Family Photos Right After the Ceremony

Everyone is already gathered, emotions are high, and it keeps things efficient. This also prevents wandering relatives from disappearing to cocktail hour.

4) Be Present

The best photos happen when you’re fully in the moment. Laugh, cry, hug, dance — we’ll take care of the rest.

5) Let us Know

If there is something unique about your wedding or really important to you, let us know! This will ensure we keep an eye out for it. 

6) Delegate the Schedule

Choose a responsible bridal party member or wedding planner to help keep things moving. You shouldn’t be checking the time on your wedding day.

7) There’s No “Right Way”

Your wedding should reflect you. Use this guide as inspiration, not rules.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

Bride Prep

• Bridesmaids hair & makeup

• Bride hair & makeup

• Photographer arrives 1–1.5 hours before makeup is finished

• Detail photos (dress, shoes, jewelry, rings, florals, invitations)

• Final touches + getting ready photos

• First look with parents or bridal party

• If time permits, you can do bride photos with each bridesmaid

Groom Prep

• Groomsmen hanging out

• Detail photos (suit, shoes, tie, boutonniere, accessories)

• Groom getting ready

• Group photos

• If time permits, you can do groom photos with each groomsmen 

Ceremony

• First look (optional)

• Ceremony

• Family photos (3–5 minutes per grouping)

• Bridal party photos

• Couple’s portraits

Reception

• Arrival

• Dinner

• Speeches

• Cake cutting (or donuts… or skip it entirely!)

• First dance

• Parent dances

• Open dance floor

• Sunset or sparkler photos (optional)

• Party time

GETTING READY TIPS

1) Keep the Space Tidy

Designate a “clean zone” near a window for photos. We’ll help tidy when we arrive, but a head start makes a big difference.

2) Have all the Details in One Spot

Bring a pretty hanger for your dress! It can be as simple as a nice wooden one, or the one that comes with your name in cursive with the dress!

3) Brides Wear Something Flexible

If your dress is strapless, avoid bra straps in the morning to prevent marks on your shoulders. A loose fitting shirt or robe while you’re getting makeup and hair done with allow you to remove it easily without worrying about your makeup or hair.

LIGHTING TIPS

2) Ceremony Lighting

• Late afternoon: soft, flattering, ideal

• Midday: try to stand in even shade or backlight the ceremony

• Overcast: perfect, even lighting

• Rain: embrace it — we bring clear umbrellas and know covered outdoor spots

• Try to remind your bridal party to space out evenly on both sides during the ceremony, this allows for a more symmetrical look!!

3) Reception Lighting

Candles, string lights, and warm ambient lighting make a huge difference. They add atmosphere, reduce the need for flash, and create dreamy bokeh in photos.

Pro Tip: Ask your DJ to hold off on colourful party lights until after your first dances.

4) Unplugged Ceremonies

We support whatever feels right for you. An unplugged ceremony keeps aisles clear and guests present, but we can work around phones if you prefer a more relaxed approach. Either way, you can share your gallery with your guests — and we always send a sneak peek within a few days.

1) Make a Shot List

A clear list + a helper who knows names = smooth, efficient family photos.

2) Start with Grandparents and Children

They’re the most likely to need a break or wander off, so get them done first!

3) Choose a Spot with Even Light

Look for shade, clean backgrounds, and comfortable space for groups.

4) Recommended Groupings

5) Family Dynamics

If there are any family dynamics, please let us know so we can assist and work around these preferences. 

BRIDAL PARTY FORMALS

We’ll capture a mix of classic, fun, and candid shots. Some of our go‑to prompts:

• Bouquets at hip level

• Hands left‑over‑right for ring visibility

• “Nuts to butts” (yes, it works every time)

• Alternating guy/girl staggered lines

• Bride & Groom forward, party behind

• Group hype moments

• “On three, look at who’s getting the drunkest tonight”

Let us know what style fits best with your vision and we will accommodate as best as possible. 

SUNSET OR EVENING PHOTOS

If the sky is glowing, we’ll sneak you out for a few minutes — these are often couples’ favourite images of the day. If the sunset doesn’t cooperate, sparklers are a fun alternative. Choose long‑stem, low‑heat sparklers for safety and longevity.