Wedding Photography Guide
Your step-by-step guide to a relaxed, stress-free wedding day and beautiful, natural photos.
Let’s plan for a stress-free wedding
Your wedding day should be about celebrating, not worrying about the timeline or your photos.
This guide is packed with my best tips to help you feel relaxed, prepared and confident before your big day. By the time you've finished reading, you'll know exactly what to expect and be ready to simply enjoy every moment.
I've photographed over 300 weddings and one thing I've learnt is that the best photos happen when couples feel calm and present. That's why I love planning all the little details beforehand. It means that on the day, you can focus on marrying your best friend while I take care of the rest.
Every wedding is unique, so use this guide to help plan your day, and don't forget to tell me about any special surprises or meaningful moments you'd love captured. I can't wait to tell your story.
Wedding Photography Run Sheet.
The Blueprint for Your Wedding Day
Your secret weapon for a smooth and picture-perfect day – the Wedding Photography Run Sheet.
First things first, give that run sheet a good once-over before the big day. It's like your wedding day playbook, and sharing it with your bridal party, immediate family and other wedding suppliers is a brilliant idea. After all, as they say, "Teamwork makes the dream work."
On your wedding day, I want you to do one thing above all else – relax and be in the moment. You've put your heart and soul into planning this perfect day, and I've poured over your questionnaire, learning all the intricate details. During my time with you, let me be your guide, ensuring that you're where you need to be when you need to be there. Your job? Enjoy every single minute.
With my 3C's philosophy, I'll capture it all – your celebration, your connections, and those cherished moments.
Preparing for Each Part of Your Wedding Day
Every wedding is different, so use the tips that apply to your day. These little hints will help you feel relaxed, prepared and ready to enjoy every moment while I capture your story.
Groom Prep - Let’s Hear It For The Boys
To make sure we arrive at the ceremony nice and relaxed, I'll be photographing you first. My goal is to get you to the ceremony around 30 minutes before your partner, so here's how you can help everything run smoothly.
All The Details
Tip - The night before, gather all your suits, iron your shirts and remove all tacking stitches and hang them together. And grab all your details lay them out somewhere with plenty of natural light, like a coffee table near a window.
This might include:
Shoes
Socks
Tie or bow tie
Cufflinks
Watch
Cologne
Jacket
Wedding rings
Vows
Gifts or letters
Anything sentimental you'd like photographed
Get Everyone Ready
By the time I arrive, I'd love your groomsmen and any family members to be dressed and ready to go.
If you're wearing buttonholes, pop them on beforehand. If you're not sure how, don't worry, I'll happily help!
Groom's Outfit
You don't need to have your jacket on just yet, be dressed in your dress pants and shirt, and I'll capture the fun of getting the final touches ready together.
One Last Tip
If it's a warm day, stay inside in the air conditioning as long as you can before leaving for the ceremony. You'll feel much more comfortable, and your photos will thank you for it!
Now relax, enjoy the morning with your mates and leave the rest to me.
Bride Prep - The Countdown Begins!
The morning of your wedding will fly by, so a little preparation beforehand means you can simply relax, enjoy being pampered and soak up every moment with your favourite people.
I'd love your hair and makeup artist to finish around 30 minutes before I arrive. This gives us plenty of time for beautiful getting ready photos without feeling rushed.
Get Your Details Ready
Tip - The night before, gather all your dress and the bridesmaids dresses and check if they need a steam and hang them up. And grab all your details lay them out somewhere with plenty of natural light, like a coffee table near a window.
This might include:
Wedding dress, Bridesmaids dresses
Shoes
Veil
Jewellery
Perfume
Wedding rings
Bouquet
Invitation suite
Vows
Gifts or letters
Anything sentimental you'd love photographed
Hang your dress on a beautiful hanger in an open doorway or near a large window. Don't forget the bridesmaids' dresses too. They'll look gorgeous in your photos!
Get Everyone Ready
If you're wearing matching robes or pyjamas, we'll start with a few fun photos together before everyone gets dressed.
Once that's done, I'll photograph all your beautiful details while your bridesmaids and mum get dressed. Then it's your turn! Sit back, enjoy the moment and let your favourite people help you into your dress.
One Last Tip
If your dress has a lace-up back, practise doing it up with the person helping you about a week before the wedding. It makes everything much quicker and less stressful on the day.
Now take a deep breath, enjoy every little moment and let yourself feel like the bride. I'll be there capturing it all.
The First Look - Unveiling the Magic
There are two options for your first look. One with your Dad and the other with your future spouse or have both! If you've decided to have a heartwarming reveal with your father, here's the plan. Keep him in another room, and I'll come and get him about half an hour before you head off to the ceremony. It's a beautiful moment for the two of you.
Now, if you're planning a 'first look' with your soon-to-be-spouse, I've got that covered too. I'll arrange this precious moment just before the ceremony, away from your guests.
Remember, all the nitty-gritty details of your First Look will be neatly outlined in your personal wedding photography run sheet. Don’t stress, I've got everything sorted for you.
The Ceremony - Where Love Takes Center Stage
Grooms, here's your mission: Arrive at the ceremony venue at least half an hour before it all kicks off. This gives you time to greet your wonderful guests and chat with the celebrant. Oh, and don't forget the rings! Your trusty Best Man should have them in safekeeping.
As the ceremony begins, when your fabulous bridal party strolls down the aisle, remind them to keep a little space and time between each other & to take their time, it’s not a race! And you know what makes for perfect photos? Those smiles! So, tell them to look up and flash those pearly whites. Tip - Hold your bouquets down low, flowers on your flower!
From here your celebrant will look after you and I will be there to capture the start of your new marriage life.
Now, for the grand exit! If you've got a bubble or petal guard of honour, designate a friend on each side to gather your guests during the signing of the register. They'll create an extended aisle for your unforgettable recessional.
Here's a sweet touch: Ask your bridal party to let you two lovebirds walk that aisle alone as newly married couple before they follow, & then have your parents follow after them. It's your moment to shine!
Family & Friend Photos - Capturing Love and Gratitude
Your family & friend photos are not just heartwarming images but they become cherished memories and awesome thank-you gifts for your guests.
Before the big day, be sure to spread the word among your family and friends. Let them know that there will be a photo session right after the ceremony and that they should keep an ear out for their names. This will help make the process on the day go quickly.
To make this part of your wedding day smooth sailing, designate a trusty "Photowrangler." It could be a friend, your MC, or even your celebrant. Hand them a copy of your photo list so they can work their magic, gathering everyone for those perfect shots while you soak up the congratulations.
If time allows, we can cap it all off with some "speed friend photos." It's a blast, and it ensures that everyone gets a chance to snap a pic with you.
Bridal Couple & Party Photos
Whether it's just the two of you or you're joined by your fantastic bridal party, this is your chance to steal some moments away from the crowd and create beautiful memories as a married couple. Consider packing a little picnic with drinks and nibbles because, let's face it, you'll be famished by this point!
During this session, I'll be snapping tons of fantastic shots. You'll get pictures of the girls and guys together and separately. Of course, I'll dedicate plenty of time to capturing the magic between you two.
So, get ready for some fun, laughter, and memorable moments with your bridal party.
Wedding Reception - Let the Celebration Begin!
Your wedding reception is where your party kicks off!
If your reception is at the same location as the ceremony, and there's a bit of time to spare, I’ll pop in to capture some exquisite detail photos before your awesome guests arrive. Who knows, you might even get a sneak peek at how fantastic it all looks!
Your entry into the reception is like the opening act for the night's festivities. It's your chance to set the vibe and tone for the celebration. So, take a moment to think about how you want your grand entrance to look and feel. It's all about creating that unforgettable atmosphere.
Wet Weather - Raindrops Can Be Beautiful Too!
Now, we all hope for clear skies on our big day, but it's smart to have a Plan B up your sleeve, just in case those rain clouds decide to make an appearance.
If the forecast whispers rain, bring along some trusty umbrellas. White or clear ones work best for those dreamy photos. Don't worry if you forget; I've got a few umbrellas stashed in my car, just in case.
Here's a secret: Some of the most enchanting photos happen on overcast and rainy days. The soft, diffused light can create a magical atmosphere that's uniquely beautiful. So, if raindrops fall on your special day, embrace it, and trust that I’ll capture some beautiful photos for you!
Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Picture this: it's your big day, and everything's running smoothly. But suddenly, bam! Disaster strikes! That's where your Wedding Day Emergency Kit swoops in to save the day. It's like Mary Poppins' bag, filled with essentials that'll keep you and your crew on cloud nine.
Your All-in-One Lifesaver!
Here are 10 of my must-haves:
1. Breath Mints: Keep those "I dos" minty fresh.
2. Bobby Pins: Hair out of place? These little heroes have your back.
3. Dental Floss: Say goodbye to awkward food-in-teeth moments.
4. Lipstick for the girls and Lip Balm for the boys: Pout-ready lips all day long.
5. Hollywood Tape: secret weapon for securing daring necklines, banishing pesky bra straps, and defying gravity in strapless tops.
6. Baby Wipes: Banish spills and stains with a flick of the wrist.
7. Super Glue: Magic for shoe and jewellery fixes
8. Tissues: For those happy tears and makeup touch-ups.
9. Mini Sewing Kit: Quick fixes for fashion emergencies.
10. Extra Earring Backs: Prevent earring emergencies
With your trusty kit in tow, you're ready for anything that comes your way, turning wedding day hiccups into memorable moments.