session details, tips, and answers
Wedding day
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this experience.
Scroll through this page and find tips – from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
1Up'n Limousine
Executive Transportation
Party Pros
Livin' It Up
transportation
Epic Entertainment
DJ4U
Fun DMC Band
Street Light DJ
dj/bands
Three Twigs Bakery
Incredibly Delicious
Small Cakes Bakery
Specialty Cakes
cakes/desserts
Cured Catering
5 Flavors Catering
Poe's Catering
Hamilton's Catering
catering/bar
Willow + Birch Salon
LB Beauty
Make-Up by Stephanie
Lee The Make-Up Ferry
Hair/Makeup
hair/makeup
Lydia Stuemke Films
Stark Studios
RansomWedding Films
Millenium Productions
videographers
The Floral Plan
True Colors Floral
Petals & Company
Flowers by Kristine
Fifth Street Flowers
florals
The Paper Boutique
Grace + Moon Design
Alline Design
paper/invites
The Floral Plan
Cassandra Dattoli
Julia Robert Design
PLAN Events
Rose Colored Notions
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend
vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Planning a wedding day timeline is highly encouraged and it is something I will help with! It keeps your vendors in-line and adds a layer of time-security to your day.
As we approach your wedding day, I will send you a questionnaire via email to discuss your wedding day details to ensure that I understand your priorities and can help you build your timeline
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.
9: Hair and makeup begins
12: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1:30: Bride gets dressed
2:00: Groom gets dressed
2:30: Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
3: Photos of Groom and Groomsmen
3:30: Photographers take ceremony and reception details
4:00: Ceremony
4:30: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
4:40: Family formals
5:10: "Just Married" Portraits
6:00: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
6:15: Reception begins!
7:30: Golden hour portraits (time depends on time of sunset)
10: Send-off
the traditional timeline:
9: Hair and makeup begins
12: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1:30: Bride gets dressed
2:00: Groom gets dressed
2:30: First look
2:45: Couple portraits
3:15: Bridal party portraits
4: Photographers take ceremony and reception details
4:30: Ceremony
5: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
5:10: Family formals
5:45: "Just Married" Portraits
6:00: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
6:15: Reception begins!
7:30: Golden hour portraits (time depends on time of sunset)
10: Send-off
the first look timeline:
Budget Time To Do Nothing But Enjoy Your Day
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time First then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
B&G with Bride’s Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
B&G with Bride’s Parents
B&G with Bride’s Siblings
Bride with her Parents
Bride with Mom, Bride with Dad
B&G with Bride’s Grandparents
B&G with both sets of Parents
B&G with Groom’s Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
B&G with Groom’s Parents
B&G with Groom’s Siblings
Groom with his Parents
Groom with Mom, Groom with Dad
B&G with Groom’s Grandparents
B&G with all family members if time allows
sample family photo list:
Family formals are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
I encourage you to bring a few printed copies to reference and assigning a family member, friend, or bridesmaid to make sure each person is present for portraits.
family Formals
05.
any sentimental items
Bouquet + Boutonniere
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
checklist
06.
I always try to preview a few images of your wedding within the few days following your big day, but your full gallery will be completed and sent to you within 8-10 weeks of your wedding date!
06. How long will it take to receive our photos?
I do! Once your images have been delivered via your online gallery, you can begin ordering professional prints. Your prints will be printed in a professional lab and then shipped directly to you. To learn more about albums, head to my albums page!
05. Do you offer prints or albums?
Yes! In your wedding questionnaire, I’ll ask if there are any must-have or out-of-the-ordinary photos you’d like captured on your big day. Otherwise, you can trust that I’ll document all the essential wedding moments, ensuring a full and beautiful gallery!
04. Can we provide you with a shot list?
I keep a close eye on the weather leading up to your wedding day, and if inclement weather is expected, I’ll come up with a game plan to ensure we still capture beautiful photos. Whether that means finding a covered location, using clear umbrellas for a romantic touch, or adjusting the timeline, I’ll make sure your day is documented to the fullest — rain or shine!
03. How do you handle inclement weather on the wedding day?
Yes! All of my wedding experiences include a second shooter to capture moments when I can’t be in two places at once — like getting ready separately or both reactions during the first look. They also provide different perspectives throughout the day, ensuring your gallery is full, detailed, and filled with every special memory!
02. Will there be a second shooter?
I arrive when you're finishing up with your hair and makeup so I can get photos of those final touches and start on your detail photos! When we build your timeline, you'll know exactly what time I'll be arriving.
01. what time will you arrive on the wedding day?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@katespencerphotos.com.
FAQs
08.