Wedding
Guide
A Massive Congratulations
Welcome
Take a moment to appreciate the incredible bond that has led you to this milestone… you’re getting married.
We are beyond honored to document your day and offer one important piece of advice: plan a wedding that makes you feel amazing and true to yourself. Leisurely read through all the details of this guide to plan your dream day, or simply skim through for a quick overview.
The most important thing is that your wedding feels like you — comfortable, amazing, and unapologetically you.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the intricacies to help your day run smoothly, so you can focus on saying ‘I do’ and have a blast.
02 — Communication
Talk
It Out
We understand how precious your photos are to you. They’re your cherished memories that will last a lifetime. To make sure we capture the photos that mean the most to both of you, we suggest taking a moment together to discuss your priorities.
Just as open communication is important between you, the same goes for communicating with us. Please rest assured if you ever need a break from the camera, simply let us know.
What to discuss beforehand
- Getting dressed photos after we arrive, accessories & detail shots
- Posed and candid portraits during the morning
- Exchanging gifts, if applicable
- Who you’d like group photos with — and who you wouldn’t
- How long you’d like your couple portrait session to be
- Specific portrait locations you have in mind
- Ceremony: we’ll capture without interrupting your moment
- Reception and dancefloor priorities
Chapter One
Ready
The Morning
This is the time when you’ll be getting ready and preparing for the day ahead. Below are some tips to make your getting ready time extra special and as seamless as possible.
Who to Get Ready With
Choosing who to spend the morning with is a meaningful decision.
Preparing for your big day can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Remember that you have the freedom to choose who you want to share this special time with. Whether it’s a big group or a few close loved ones, the key is to create an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not consider spending the morning with your partner? Imagine sharing intimate moments, calming each other’s nerves, and creating lasting memories together — all captured in photographs.
It Will Get Messy
Keeping your space tidy creates a stress-free environment.
Here are a few tips to ensure your wedding photos are as beautiful as possible amidst the excitement and chaos of getting ready.
Nominate a Tidy Team
Nominating family or friends to help keep things organized can be immensely helpful. They can tackle simple tasks like picking up empty glasses and discarded hangers.
Prioritize Natural Light and Space
To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. If you’re unsure which room to use, we’re happy to help you choose.
Beauty in the Chaos
As a documentary photography studio, we believe there’s a unique beauty in every moment, including the chaos.
Where to Get Ready
Location
At Home
Getting ready in the comfort of your own home, or your family’s home, can add lots of sweet, sentimental details. We will take some ‘establishing shots’ capturing the meaningful details of the home that can make for truly special images.
Hotel or Airbnb
Hotels and Airbnbs can be the perfect location for getting ready photos. Not only can they provide a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, but also a unique and visually stunning backdrop.
Getting Ready
Makeup & Grooming
If you’re having your makeup done, try to position yourself in front of a large window to catch the beautiful natural light. This will cast lots of flattering natural light on your face while your makeup is being applied.
Whether you’re straightening your tie or putting on your necklace in front of a mirror, we’ll be there to capture it all.
Detail Photos
All the accessories that complete your outfit — cufflinks, necklaces, perfume, shoes. Please gather all the pieces and hand them to us when we arrive.
Shoes — Bags — Cufflinks — Watches — Ties — Tie Pin — Jewellery — Perfume — Socks
“You don’t have to follow the tradition of getting ready separately.”
Getting Ready Together or Apart?
Why getting ready together can be a wonderful experience:
- Starting the day together helps create a sense of calm and happiness, easing any pre-wedding nerves.
- Spending the entire day with your partner is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and cherish every moment together.
- Getting ready photos of you and your partner together can be incredibly adorable and meaningful.
- By getting ready in the same location, we can capture more special moments without the need to travel between places.
- You can still have a first look by preparing separately but sharing a special moment together before the ceremony.
Exchanging Gifts
Between You and Your Partner
We would be honored to capture this sweet moment for you in a beautiful area of your accommodation with plenty of natural light.
With Your Wedding Party
If you’re planning to exchange gifts with your wedding party, let us know beforehand. We can take pictures of the gifts before they’re given and suggest a location to capture the moment.
Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love. Do what feels right for you.
Sustenance
Food
Don’t forget to take care of yourselves with a little sustenance during the getting ready portion of the day. Appoint someone to take charge of food arrangements to keep everyone satisfied.
Morning Atmosphere
Creating the Vibe
There are no hard and fast rules for what to do in the morning. You, your partner, and your wedding party can do any activities that will help you get in the mood for the day.
- Curated playlists
- Playing games & shared moments
- Family traditions
- Going to the local café
- Raising a glass to celebrate
- Gratitude practice
A Quick Note on
Makeup
The Golden Dilemma
We understand the appeal of a sun-kissed glow. However, fake tans can sometimes look more orange than natural in photographs. If you’re unsure about using fake tan, it may be best to skip it altogether.
Heavy Makeup
If during your makeup trial, you feel like the makeup is a bit too heavy-handed, don’t hesitate to speak up. It’s important for you to feel confident and beautiful on your big day without worrying about looking “cakey” in your photos.
Getting Camera-Ready
What to Wear
If you’ve booked us to capture your getting ready moments, let your family and friends know ahead of time that we’ll be taking photos. To add a fun and cohesive touch, you and your wedding party could consider wearing matching slips, robes or pyjamas.
Scheduling
Time Spent Getting Ready
When it comes to the getting ready portion of your day, we typically like to spend around 40 minutes to an hour with each partner. This allows us to capture all the important details, such as your outfit, hair, makeup, and any grooming that you may need.
Timing
When Should I Be Ready?
Your hair and makeup should ideally be finished around 30–40 minutes after we arrive. Please make sure that your wedding party’s hair and makeup are already done before our arrival, and save yours for last.
We’ll be leaving for the ceremony 30 minutes before you do, so please factor in enough time for any unexpected delays.
A Beautiful Option
First Look
If you are open to stepping away from tradition, a first look at your wedding can offer many benefits. This is where you and your partner share a private moment in your wedding attire while we capture every priceless reaction.
From a photography perspective, a first look allows me to capture raw genuine emotions — from the tears, smiles, and sheer excitement. It can also expand your photography timeline, ensuring a diverse collection of portraits, group shots, and romantic couple moments.
Lastly, if your ceremony is later in the day, a first look enables us to make the most of the warm natural light for your portraits.
Before the Ceremony
We’ll Head to Your Ceremony Location Earlier
To ensure we make it to your ceremony location before you and your guests, we will leave the getting ready location about 30 minutes before you do.
Chapter Two
Your ceremony is the heart of the day. Here’s everything you need to know to make it run beautifully and look incredible in photos.
Flower Children
Tiny humans walking down the aisle are adorable, but past experience has taught me it’s best to have a plan B in case things don’t go as smoothly as planned. If the little ones get overwhelmed, have someone close to them ready to step in and help them down the aisle.
It Can Get Windy
A long veil can be absolutely stunning, but it can cause practical problems if it gets windy. Show your wedding party how to remove or adjust it so they can help you if it suddenly becomes very windy.
The Processional
Walking Down the Aisle
This is such a precious moment. Allow yourself to soak it all in and enjoy every second of it. we will be there to capture every reaction, so take your time.
If you’ll be holding a bouquet, hold it at your belly button with relaxed arms. If you are wearing a long dress, you may need to keep one hand free to slightly lift it while walking.
If the thought of walking down the aisle feels overwhelming, remember that you have options. You can choose to walk with a loved one, including your partner.
A Beautiful Gift to Your Photos
Unplugged Ceremony
Consider a phone-free ceremony, kindly asking guests to keep phones away to fully immerse themselves in the moment. It reduces distractions and helps capture candid shots without obstructions.
The Grand Exit
Confetti Time
End your ceremony with a colorful confetti exit. You can opt for flower petals as an eco-friendly choice. Walk down the entire aisle without stopping while your guests throw confetti for the best photos.
Post-Ceremony
Congratulations!
After the ceremony, take some time to receive the love and well wishes from your guests. Find a clear and open space near the ceremony site.
Light Matters
Ceremony Lighting
For optimal ceremony lighting, consider positioning yourselves in either direct light or all shade. It’s best to avoid one of you being in the shade while the other is in the sun.
For indoor or night-time ceremonies, most venues and churches have adequate lighting. If you have concerns, we can meet at the location before your wedding day to assess it.
Guest Considerations
Child-Free or Not?
It’s becoming more popular to have a child-free wedding, and it’s completely acceptable to request this. You can include this information on your wedding invites.
If you decide to invite children, it’s possible that they may cry or become restless during your ceremony. Let their caregivers know it’s okay to step out of the venue if necessary.
An Intimate Option
Personal Vows
Personal vows are optional. If you’d like to write personal vows but prefer not to have an audience, we can arrange a private moment for just the two of you to exchange them. we will be there to take photos unobtrusively in the background.
Choosing Your Officiant
Choosing the right officiant is crucial. It’s essential to select someone who you connect with and feel comfortable around. Each celebrant has their own style — ask to see some videos of their past ceremonies.
Chapter Three
Portraits
If you want a group photo with all your loved ones, we can take it right after the ceremony when everyone is gathered together. We’ll need plenty of space, so an outdoor location is ideal.
Your Loved Ones
Family Photos
Your wedding day is an incredible opportunity to capture precious moments with your loved ones. We kindly request that you provide us with a list of the specific photo groups you have in mind ahead of time.
We will ask one of your trusted friends or family members to assist us in gathering the different groups.
Example Groupings
Family One
- Both + Partner 1 Parents
- Both + Partner 1 Siblings
- Both + Partner 1 Immediate Family
- Both + Partner 1 Extended Family
- Both + Partner 1 Grandparents
Family Two
- Both + Partner 2 Parents
- Both + Partner 2 Siblings
- Both + Partner 2 Immediate Family
- Both + Partner 2 Extended Family
- Both + Partner 2 Grandparents
How long do family photos take?
- 20 people (6–8 groups) — around 10–20 minutes
- 30 people (9–12 groups) — around 20–30 minutes
- 40 people (13–16 groups) — around 30–40 minutes
- 50+ people (17–25 groups) — around 40 minutes to 1 hour
If there are any sensitive family dynamics that we should be mindful of, please feel free to share with us.
Chapter Four
Portraits
The Party
Wedding Party Photos
During the photo session with your wedding party, we prefer to take all the wedding party photos first before taking you both for some intimate shots. This way, you can have a moment to catch your breath and enjoy each other’s company for the rest of the shoot.
If you want your wedding party to join in the couple’s photo session, we can make it happen.
Duration
How Long Do Couple Portraits Take?
We suggest allowing for 20–40 minutes of shooting time (not including travel time between locations). Less can be more — the fewer locations we have, the more time you’ll have to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Be Prepared
What to Bring on the Couple Shoot
- Touch-up makeup & mirror
- Champagne & refreshments
- Comb & Bobby Pins
- Sunscreen
- Spare Shoes
- Emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, sewing kit)
- Permits for shooting locations
- Tissue for blotting sweat or tears
- Snacks
Best Light
The ideal time for couple photos is during sunset and blue hour when the sun isn’t too bright. However, if this isn’t possible, don’t worry — we have years of experience shooting in all types of lighting.
Chapter Five
Reception
Before Guests Arrive
Photographing the Reception Styling
Intricate details of your reception styling add to the beautiful story of your special day. We would love to capture them before your guests arrive. Please let us know what time your guests will be arriving so we can plan accordingly.
Note: if these photos are a priority, consider booking a second photographer to ensure full coverage throughout the day.
Ambience Matters
Reception Lighting
If you’re unsure about the lighting at your reception venue, we’re here to help. We have plenty of experience working with different lighting situations, and we can even bring our own lighting equipment if needed.
We try to avoid using flash photography during speeches, unless needed. If you can provide enough lighting for the reception and speeches, it will help us be less intrusive.
During Dinner
The Speeches
Having adequate lighting in the speech area is important to make sure we capture the heartfelt moments and guests’ reactions. If you’re unsure about lighting requirements, we can offer suggestions.
A Sweet Moment
Cutting the Cake
Plan ahead with the venue to have a knife and champagne set up on the table. This way, you won’t have to worry about a thing and can just focus on enjoying the moment.
The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For
First
Dance
We recommend allocating 5–10 minutes in your photo timeline to set up some stationary lighting. It won’t take long, and it’ll make all the difference in creating stunning shots.
Be sure to invite your loved ones to stand around the dancefloor during your first dance, and we’ll be sure to capture their reactions.
Ask your venue to dim the lights and your guests to hold up their phones with their torches on. This will create a concert-like vibe and make for some incredible photos.
Important
Be Sure to Schedule Dance Floor Time Before I Leave
The moment after your first dance is the perfect opportunity for everyone to hit the dance floor. It’s also an excellent chance for me to capture some early dance floor photos, especially if we’re on a tight timeline.
The Grand Finale
Leaving with a Bang
Depending on the photography package you choose, photographing your final exit — such as a sparkler exit — may not be the most efficient use of our time together. However, if you would like this moment captured, please let me know in advance so we can discuss the day’s timeline and potentially book additional hours if necessary.
Chapter Six
Else?
Human Moments
Taking a Break
As much as we are dedicated to capturing every moment of your special day, we will need to take breaks to eat, drink, and recharge. When dinnertime comes, we will eat at the same time as you and your guests.
Mother Nature
The Weather
In the event of rain, don’t fret. Rainy shots can be incredibly romantic and unique. We highly recommend purchasing some nice, sturdy umbrellas just in case. Let’s work together to make the most out of whatever weather comes our way.
A Common Question
Should I Hire a Videographer?
If you do choose to hire a videographer, we will work closely with them to capture all of your precious moments. It’s important to choose a videographer who shares a similar style to ours, so we can collaborate seamlessly on the day.
If you decide not to book a videographer, make sure you ask one of your guests to at least film the speeches. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Chapter Seven
Timeline Example
This timeline is fully customizable based on your needs. Some couples prefer morning ceremonies, while others may opt for ceremonies at different locations for portraits. With years of experience, we’re here to collaborate with you and your planner to create a solid timeline that aligns with your vision.
Chapter Eight
Do's &
Don'ts
Do's
- Take a deep breath — today is a celebration of your love story. Soak up every moment of joy and excitement.
- Create a photo timeline for the day so we capture all the special moments.
- Write down a list of all the family group shots and send it to me before the wedding.
- Write down any specific photos you would like and send them to us before the wedding.
- Holla whenever you want a photo of you or you with a group.
- Gather all the accessories you want in your detail shots and have them ready in the morning.
- Bring your wedding invites and we’ll make sure to capture them for you.
- Tidy up the getting ready location before we arrive — nominate someone to help you with this.
- Make sure the reception area is well-lit to get the best shots possible.
Don'ts
- Get caught up in trying to please everyone else. This day is about you and your partner.
- Worry about the photos — we got you.
- Stare at the camera — just be yourself and pretend we’re not even there, except for group and posed shots.
- Forget to eat and drink water throughout the day. You want to have enough energy to enjoy the day and make it through the long haul.
- Feel like you can’t take breaks and recharge. It’s a long day and you’ll need some downtime.
- Be afraid to delegate tasks to trusted family members or friends. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
- Hesitate to reach out to us about anything.
- Forget to book a wedding album — it’s discounted when booked with your wedding package.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide. At the end of the day it’s your wedding — honour yourself and your wants above all else. We can’t wait to capture every magical moment when the day arrives.