session details, tips, and answers
wedding day
So much goes into planning a wedding! From picking out the perfect dress, to finding a great caterer, to remembering to buy lighters to light all the candles and sparklers (just buy a torch lol). And while all these things are so important, these photos are what you'll have afterwards to remember it all by and to one day show your kids and grandkids.
I know things can get stressful along the way but my goal as your photographer is to pull a few things off your shoulders so you can truly ENJOY your wedding day.
Clients in the past have said that I felt more like a family member or a good friend on the day of their wedding and that's exactly what I want to be for you! Here are a few tips on how you can elevate your photos and get the most out of this experience with me!
the experience
01.
Metropolitan Disc Jockey
Good Times Entertainment
Nashville Party Authority
Emerald Empire Band
The Divines Band
dj/bands
Daughters Baking
Angie Bakes
Batter Up
cakes/desserts
Bubbas Silver Spoon Catering
Happy Catering Company
Mason Dixon
catering/bar
Trademark Photobooth ($100 off)
Mullins
All Needz
Metropolitan Disc Jockey
Alpha Lit Huntsville
Spark Vintage - Nashville
Prop House - Birmingham
Shin Digs and Such
rentals
Beth Jett
Caitlyn Hadaway
Danielle Ivy Chip
Halee Brooke McKenzie
MLA Artistry
Hali Gurley
hair/makeup
Chandler Smith Films
Joel & Alea with JaFilmCo
Multiply Media
Resolute Wedding Films
New Heights Films
Woodnote Media
videographers
Erica at Noellas Flower Truck
Beth Woody
Echoes of Eden - Nashville
Whitney Norris - South AL
Cymbidium Studios - Cullman
In Bloom
Bella Petali
florals
Ledgewood Fine Stationary
Fanciful Ink
Salt & Paperie
paper/invites
Ashleigh Morgan Weddings
Brianna Pyle
Weddings by Taylor Folks
333 Designs
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend. I only recommend vendors I know and trust!
MY FAVE vendors
02.
Birch on Main - Huntsville
Olia Zavozina - Nashville
dress
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
While your planner will create a separate timeline for vendors, I create a custom timeline specifically for photos during the day. I know how long it will take for each section of the day and I add a little extra time to make up for frequent interruptions (you know, the aunt that just showed up and saw you in your dress, hugs, kisses, more hugs) and to help it feel as relaxing as possible!
Two months before your wedding day, I'll send over a questionnaire that helps me plan the details of your timeline. You'll receive the final timeline no later than a month before your wedding!
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning:
timeline
03.
(based on 10 hours coverage)
1:00 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
2:30 Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit/boutonniere
3:00 Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
3:30 Photos of Groom + Groomsmen
4:00 Rest! Photographers take ceremony and reception details
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Family Photos (cocktail hour begins)
6:00 Full Bridal Party
6:15 Bride + Groom Photos
6:45 Reception Begins
11:00 Send-off - Photographers Leave
*consider sunset time when setting ceremony time*
the traditional timeline:
12:00 Getting Ready + Detail Photos
1:00 Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit/boutonniere
1:30 First Look + Bride/Groom Individuals
1:45 Photos of Bride + Groom
2:30 Full Bridal Party (based on size of group)
3:30 Family Photos
4:00 Rest! Photographers take ceremony and reception details
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Just Married Photos of Bride + Groom
5:45 Reception Begins
10:00 Send-off - Photographers Leave
the first look timeline:
consider THE leave TIME based on photography coverage
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
HAVE ALL DETAILS TOGETHER BEFORE I ARRIVE
HAVE YOU AND YOUR MOM'S HAIR + MAKEUP DONE FIRST
decide if you'd like to do a first look or not
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
Bride's Side
Bride + Groom + Maternal Grandparents
Bride + Maternal Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Paternal Grandparents
Bride + Paternal Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Mother + Dad + All Siblings
Bride + Mother + Dad + All Siblings
Bride + Mother
Bride + Father
Bride + Mother + Father
Bride + Groom + Mother + Father
Bride + Groom + Siblings
Bride + Siblings
Bride + Groom + All of Bride’s Family (large group photo)
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important on wedding days but without a plan, this section of the day can get chaotic easily. Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
I usually don't know everyone's names or relation, so please replace these template names with their actual name. It's much easier to think through these combinations beforehand than to try and do it on the spot.
Please get me your family list no later than 2 weeks before the wedding day! The planner, my second shooter, or a bridesmaid will call these out to keep this time quick and efficient.
family photos
05.
Groom's Side
Bride + Groom + Maternal Grandparents
Groom + Maternal Grandparents
Groom + Paternal Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Paternal Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Mother + Dad + All Siblings
Groom + Mother + Dad + All Siblings
Groom + Mother
Groom + Father
Groom + Mother + Father
Groom + Siblings
Bride + Groom + Mother + Father
Bride + Groom + Siblings
Bride + Groom + All of Groom’s Family (large group photo)
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings (ALL 3)
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
*please have these all together and set aside for me when I arrive*
checklist
06.
30 % of the total balance is due in order to book and the remaining balance is due a month before your wedding date. Don't worry though, I'll map it all out for you in a proposal!
06. WHAT DO PAYMENTS LOOK LIKE FOR BOOKING?
I prefer a first look mainly because you get all the photos done before the ceremony, guests won't have to wait on you (and you won't have to wait to eat!), and you just get that sweet time alone beforehand. However going the traditional route is always sweet too so you can't go wrong with either!
05. PROS AND CONS OF A FIRST LOOK?
Of course! Extra coverage can always be added on.
04. CAN I ADD ON EXTRA COVERAGE LATER ON?
I'll send over a questionnaire 2 months out and once that is submitted I'll start working on your timeline! It's usually done a month before your date.
03. WHEN DO YOU MAKE OUR PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE?
My second shooter is usually my husband! However if he isn't available, I bring along another trained photographer.
02. WHO IS YOUR SECOND SHOOTER IF I ADDED ONE?
Smaller events could go the 8 hour route but for most weddings, I've learned 10 hours is a comfortable time! It usually just adds extra time to the reception (or the getting ready time if you'd rather have that).
01. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 8 + 10 HOURS COVERAGE ON THE TIMELINE?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via your Honeybook workspace.
FAQs
07.