Timelines


Wedding days are fairly scheduled events and usually follow some kind of timeline made prior to the event. Some of your vendors (including me) will need a rough timeline of events for the day.


Here's some example timings of how things MIGHT go with 8 hours of coverage

(at least from my experience....every day unfolds how it's meant to. It doesn't always go to plan, but it's going to be perfect no matter what).


  • 1.30pm Getting ready photos | Bride ................................1 hour
  • 2.30pm Guests arrive at ceremony candid photos.........30 mins
  • 3.00pm Ceremony begins ..................................................20-30 mins
  • 3.30pm Congratulations and hugs....................................10 mins
  • 3.35pm Group Photo............................................................10 mins
  • 3.40pm Family and friend portraits.................................30mins*
  • 4.10pm Wedding Party Photos..........................................45 mins
  • 4.45 pm Quick bite to eat, get hydrated ...........................5 mins
  • 4.50pm Bride and Groom photos .....................................45 mins - 1 hour.
  • 5.50pm Reception welcome ........................................... ...5 mins
  • 6.00pm Speeches #1............................................................20 mins
  • 6.30pm Dinner served (photographer eats)....................45 mins
  • 7.15pm Speeches #2..............................................................15 mins
  • 7.30pm Cake Cutting............................................................5 mins
  • 7.35pm First Dance...............................................................5 mins
  • 7.40 Father Daughter dance................................................5 mins
  • 7.45 Party time.......................................................................
  • 8.15pm Bouquet throw/garter toss ................................... 5 mins
  • 8.45 Kiss under fairy lights ................................................ 5 mins
  • 9.30pm Photography coverage ends........................................
  • 
A young bride sits surrounded by her husband, maid of honour and celebrant as the groom signs the marriage certificate.

A breakdown of your wedding events


GETTING READY.


THE BRIDE: I usually spend about an hour and your bridesmaids and whoever else you might have with you helping you get ready. I'll usually use some of this time to take photos of your wedding dress hanging somewhere, your shoes, any jewellery you and your gal pals are going to wear and of course, the rings (if you have them), I'll also document you getting your hair and make up done (if it isn't already done before I arrive, having some mimosas , and just the general flurry of excitement (and nerves) that come with this part of the day! We can also squeeze in a first look with your dad or husband-to-be (if you choose to do this) during this part of the day.


THE GROOM: So I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you I don't actually do many 'groom getting ready' photos. Why? Because they literally put on their suit, AND THEY ARE READY! How easy do guys have it? So most of the time I meet them at the ceremony and get some shots of the Groom and Groomsman together while they eagerly await the arrival of the bride



A little girl stands by her mothers side looking out into the distance
A young bride in her detailed wedding dress, looks down to her shoulder, showing off the low cut back of her gown

THE CEREMONY


Usually I will arrive at the ceremony about 30 minutes before it is due to start. I'll say hello to your celebrant and quickly chat about any logistics that haven't been previously discussed. I'll grab the groom and groomsman for some pre-ceremony shots together and then just casually walk around getting photos of the details, guests arriving, and the groom eagerly awaiting your arrival.


I'll usually position myself in the middle of the aisle to begin with so I can get the a variety of shots of the grooms reaction to seeing you, you seeing them and also some of your guests reactions. Don't worry about me, you focus on your day. I'll move around you as needed!


Shots I usually get in ceremony:

  • Groom + Groomsmen waiting for bride
  • Bridesmaids/flower girl walking down aisle
  • Bride walking down the aisle
  • Groom's reaction to bride
  • Vows
  • Ring exchange
  • Certificate signing
  • Congratulations + guest confetti toss


Tips:

  • When doing the ring exchange, try and tilt your left hand up a little towards your guests (and me). This means I can document the ring exchange without having to be front and centre and in your space!
  • Bride and Bridesmaids: angle your flowers out a little instead of up towards your face/sky so everyone can see your beautiful flowers and not just the stems/sides
  • When it's time to sign the marriage certificate, make sure whoever is holding your bouquet brings it over and places it on the table. ( I will do this if someone forgets) Add's a little something to the photos. Remember to pick it up for your walk back down the aisle and Mr and Mrs.
  • THE PETAL/CONFETTI TOSS. Throw the petals/confetti up in the air, not directly at the couple. For the best results, it's best to grab a handful of petals from the paper cone and toss it that way rather than thrusting the cone at the couple/into the air. This could result in large clumps of petals hitting the couple which, is a bit less romantic than having petals float down over you!


If you're looking for eco-friendly, biodegradable confetti toss options, have a read of BRIDES.COM Eco-Friendly Wedding-Exit Toss Ideas!


FAMILY AND FRIEND PHOTOS


These usually happen directly after the ceremony. Your celebrant may help round us round up your guests up for the group photo before they wander too far away!

After the group photo, we then cycle through the different combination of family and friends photos. I'll usually work out a 'shot list' of the people you want photos with a couple weeks before the big day. It's a good idea to have this list somewhere handy to give to a friend (one with a loud voice) to help organise who we need and when!

A large family picture

WEDDING PORTRAITS


This is the part where we take you and your wedding party to a different location that's near by. This is a fun and relaxed part of the day where we get some of the more creative photos.


This is an opportunity for everyone to breath and relax a little. We usually grab some food and a few drinks to take with us while your guests enjoy cocktail/canapé hour.


One of the concerns I sometimes hear is that the bride and groom want to get this part of the day done quickly so they don't keep their guests waiting too long. I hear you!. Definitely a valid concern. But remember, your guests are having a grand time, having a feed, some beverages. They don't mind waiting for you while we make some amazing memories. This is probably the most 'alone' you will have been all day! Use this time to slow down, take in that you just married the love of your life and I'll be there as your third wheel documenting all our love for each other.


I'll usually spend about 40-45 minutes with the wedding party before they head back to the reception so we can have some more intimate couple photos.


Tips

  • Relax, breath and don't forget to drink some water
  • Focus on each other. I'll always prompt you and let you know when to look at me.
  • Groomsman: Don't forget to take phones, keys and wallets out of your pockets
  • Grooms: Be aware of your hands. Don't have them flailing beside you while you're kissing your bride. Put them around her. Caress her face, tuck her hair behind her ear. Always give them a 'job'
  • Brides & Bridesmaids: Don't forget to bring your bouquet and flowers!
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The Reception


Where you can finally sit down for a bit! Up until this point, you guys (me included) will have been on your feet for a while. Usually I'll let your MC know that you are on your way back and they will announce the arrival of the wedding party.


If you're having speeches, these might take place now, or sometimes after dinner. Sometimes you might have a couple of speeches before dinner and some after!


DINNER TIME: This is when I take a break too because no one likes photos of themselves stuffing their face! It's usually good practice to serve the photographer their food at similar time to the wedding party. This is so we're able to get back to taking photos and don't miss any events that unfold after dinner.


The cake cutting followed by the first dance usually happen shortly after dinner has all settled in our tummies!


After the Bride and Groom have had their first dance, it's time for all the guests to join them and 'bust-a-move' and have some fun. I'll always let you know when I'm about to head off for the night.


SHOTS I USUALLY GET

  • Details of tables
  • Speeches
  • Guest reaction to speeches
  • Cake Cutting
  • First Dance + father daughter dance
  • Party time
  • Candid guest shots


On a random side note: It's becoming more common for DJ's to have laser lights to up that dance floor vibe. These lasers can permanently damage my camera equipment if they accidentally shine in my sensor. So if I do see lasers around, I'll will be limited with wear I can move on the dance floor as I don't want to risk being directly in the path of an oncoming laser beam.