WEDDING INSIGHTS
The following are some suggestions that will dramatically improve the quality of the portfolio we create together.
The art of getting ready.
This is where the day starts to take form. Silk skimming skin, cuffs being fastened, flowers waiting on linen. These details catch the light with subtle drama, each one adding to the visual story.
Choose a space with natural light
Think about staging yourself near large windows, ideally in a room with taller ceilings and lots of ambient light. Window light in a dark room can be soft, moody, and romantic.Keep the space clean and intentional
Avoid cluttered areas if possible. A messy room creates distractions in the background, and the most convenient space isn’t always the most photogenic. If you need more room, Airbnb rentals are a great option. Ask your venue coordinator for local recommendations; they often know hidden gems.
Consider getting ready in one shared location
If it works logistically, having both partners get ready at the same hotel or Airbnb can make a big difference. It saves drive time and allows me to photograph the day at a more relaxed pace, without bouncing between locations.
Choose a versatile space
If your getting-ready space also works for family portraits, that’s a big plus, especially if the weather makes outdoor portraits tricky later on.
Elevate the vibe of the space
If you're serving food while getting ready, skip the plastic plates and water bottles. A styled charcuterie board or elegant lunch spread becomes part of the visual story.
Plan for getting dressed
Getting dressed on your wedding day can be a beautiful moment to photograph, depending on your comfort level with a photographer in the room. If you’re unsure, let’s talk about what feels right and we’ll plan accordingly.
The value of a stylist
Hiring a stylist (especially for menswear) can save time and stress. Bow ties, pocket squares, flyaways…these details add up, and it helps to have someone there to finesse them quickly. A stylist can also assist during portraits for final touch-ups.
Prep your details ahead of time
Before I arrive, please set aside any items you’d like photographed: dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, sentimental pieces, etc. I typically begin the day by photographing these, and having them gathered in the best light saves valuable time. If your florist can provide a few extra stems or trimmings, that can be a lovely addition to the flat lay.
Pre-Ceremony—First Look & Portraits
A “first look” is a quiet opportunity to see each other before the ceremony, often the only time you’ll have alone all day. It creates space to breathe, connect, and ground yourselves before everything begins. Without a first look, we’ll focus more heavily on portraits post-ceremony, so building time into the timeline is essential.
First Look
Depending on the time of day and lighting, a first look also opens the door to a more creative, unrushed portrait session.
If you choose to do a first look, I highly recommend building in time for family portraits beforehand as well. This not only smooths the schedule, it allows you, your family, and your wedding party to fully enjoy the cocktail hour. And I’ll say this honestly: cocktail hour is one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph. It’s full of movement, connection, and the kind of in-between moments that make a gallery feel alive.
If you’d like extra portrait time, consider a quick golden hour session or slipping away for ten minutes between dinner and dancing.
Posing and Portrait guidance
You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll provide clear direction to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout.
Comfortable shoes are worth it, especially if we’re moving between locations.
Make sure pockets are empty (phones, wallets, AirPods, sunglasses, etc.), these can easily distract from an otherwise timeless image, especially in tailored suits.
I prefer spending more time in one or two beautiful, intentional locations rather than rushing through a list of average ones. Quality over quantity always shows in the final gallery.
If there’s a specific portrait or mood you’ve envisioned, feel free to share it with me ahead of time.
Family Portraits
My work isn’t centered around extended formal portrait sessions; it’s rooted in storytelling and the natural rhythm of the day. To protect that flow, family photo lists must include no more than 15 combinations. This boundary ensures we stay on schedule, preserve energy, and make space for the kind of imagery I’m known for.
Keep groupings tight and meaningful. If someone’s important to you, they belong in the frame. If the combination feels like a stretch, it’s okay to let it go.
Make sure family members know when and where they’re needed so we can move through the list quickly and with minimal wrangling.
Portraits don’t need to be stiff or overly formal. We’ll keep the mood relaxed and can get creative when time allows.
If there are additional group shots you’d like photographed beyond the main list, we can absolutely make that happen. During cocktail hour or the reception is a great time to gather smaller groups more casually, without slowing down the flow of the day.
Minimum time recommended:
• 30 minutes for the first look
• 45 minutes to 1 hour for family and wedding party portraits—plus extra time if travel between locations is involved.These time frames ensure a thorough and unhurried portrait time.
Ceremony
Lighting Matters
Your ceremony will be beautiful no matter what. But if you can influence the timing, aim for soft, natural light, ideally one to two hours before sunset. Skin glows, backgrounds look dreamy, and everyone’s squinting a little less. Midday sun is harsh: deep shadows, squinting, and especially tricky under trees where dappled light creates uneven patches across faces. I know timing isn’t always flexible, but if there’s any opportunity to shift things later, it’s worth considering.If your ceremony is in a dark room, at night, or by candlelight, adding a spotlight is really helpful for photography. It keeps the romantic atmosphere while giving me enough light to photograph.
Shade & Style
If your ceremony will be held in direct sun, especially during midday, consider offering guests paper parasols. They’re a thoughtful comfort for your guests, and they happen to photograph quite well. The soft shapes add texture and charm without distracting from the scene.
Presence Over Phones
A device-free ceremony keeps the space clear for emotion and eye contact. It also allows me to capture clean, uninterrupted images without screens in the way. You probably wouldn’t be surprised how many beautiful shots have been lost to a guest stepping into the aisle at the exact wrong moment. One phone can block the kiss, a facial expression, or the walk down the aisle. Asking guests to stay present protects these moments, for you and your gallery.If possible, avoid plastic water bottles during the ceremony
They tend to be distracting in photos and can disrupt the overall aesthetic. A refined alternative is to offer guests a glass of champagne or sparkling water during the ceremony itself. Then, to keep everyone comfortable and hydrated, water bottles can be provided discreetly as guests exit. This approach maintains elegance while addressing practical needs.
Space to Move
Ensure the ceremony setup allows for movement. Tight aisles, cramped altar spaces, or boxed-in seating make it difficult to get the best angles without being intrusive. If you’re working with a planner or coordinator, let them know I may need discreet access around the edges.
Keep It Clear
Avoid decor that blocks faces. Tall florals in the wrong spot can obscure your expressions. Let your florist know you’d like the altar to be photogenic from multiple angles, not just from the front.
Microphones & Sound
If you're using a mic, make sure it's not blocking your face during vows. Lapel mics are wonderful. And if you're writing personal vows, printing them in a small notebook photographs beautifully (rather than reading from a phone).
Hold the Kiss
Don’t rush it. If you hold it just a moment longer, I can frame it just right.
Officiant Awareness
Officiants are focused on the flow of the ceremony, which is essential, but sometimes a few details get overlooked. It’s helpful to ask them to step gently to the side during the first kiss. Unless you prefer an unexpected third presence in your photographs. Equally important is reminding the officiant to invite guests to be seated after the processional. This is frequently forgotten. You might be surprised how often a crowd remains standing, unintentionally obstructing views. These details keep the focus on what matters and make your ceremony photos stand out.
Videography Coordination
Some videographers work with multiple crew members and setups, which can result in cameras, tripods, and gear positioned at nearly every angle, sometimes even blocking key views. While this may work for video, it can significantly limit photography coverage and disrupt the visual aesthetic of your ceremony. Please keep in mind that I may not be able to edit videographers or their gear out of every photo.If photography is a top priority, it’s important to have an early conversation with your videographer about keeping setups minimal and unobtrusive. Open communication between your videographer, your planner, and myself helps ensure we can all work cohesively without compromising your photos.
Reception
Floral Placement
Floral arrangements add elegance but should be positioned carefully. Not only to avoid blocking your faces during seated photographs but also to keep clear sightlines when I’m photographing speeches, toasts, and other key moments. Tall candles or centerpieces directly in front of where you’ll be seated can get in the way of capturing those important images.
Backdrop Florals
Think about enhancing the space behind your main seating area with florals or greenery. It creates a stunning background without interfering with portraits.
DJ and Band Setup
The placement of the DJ or band setup will be visible in your photos. I know it’s unavoidable, but positioning it in a well-lit yet discreet spot helps reduce visible equipment clutter.
Lighting Atmosphere
Coordinate with your entertainment team about lighting. Request white spotlights for formal dances instead of colorful disco effects that can distract in photos. Harsh overhead lighting isn’t ideal. Soft, ambient lighting from candles, chandeliers, or spotlights creates a warm, intimate atmosphere that helps me capture the mood you want.
Speeches & Timing
A toast should be like a champagne pour; effervescent and just enough to lift the spirits, not a full bottle emptied all at once. Over the years, I’ve seen speeches stretch into unintended marathons. Like the father of the bride who shared heartfelt words for a memorable 45 minutes. As touching as these moments are, lengthy speeches create a domino effect that throws off the entire timeline, delaying dinner, cutting into dancing, and impacting every vendor’s schedule. Asking your speakers to keep it between 3 and 5 minutes helps maintain the energy, keep the timeline on track, and make room for all the moments that follow.Grand Exit Coordination
If you’re planning a sparkler exit (or anything similar), keep in mind it always takes longer than expected. Gathering guests, handing out sparklers, lighting them, and getting everyone into two organized lines, especially after a few drinks, can take more time than you'd think. These moments can be beautiful, but they require coordination and a little patience. If your exit is scheduled at or near the end of my coverage, let’s plan a time buffer or consider extending coverage to ensure the moment is captured without feeling rushed.
FAQs
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Weather is part of the story. I work well in all conditions and adjust quickly to keep things flowing. If rain is in the forecast, having a few black or clear umbrellas on hand is always a smart move.
What if we’re not doing a first look?
That’s entirely your call. If you’d rather see each other at the ceremony, we’ll plan the day around that. Just keep in mind—portraits, wedding party, and family photos will all follow the ceremony, which can affect your time at cocktail hour. It’s absolutely doable, we’ll just adjust the timeline accordingly.
How much time do you like to have for getting ready?
I recommend setting aside 60-90 minutes for getting ready photos. This gives us enough time to capture the details and some candid interactions without feeling rushed. Having an organized, well-lit space helps make the most of this time.
Where do you prefer to sit during dinner?
It is my preference to be seated in a separate, discreet area near or adjacent to the main reception space. This positioning allows me to remain mobile and unobtrusively capture key moments throughout the evening without obstructing guests. Dinner itself is not usually a primary focus for photography, providing an opportunity for me to rest and recharge. Ideally, I’ll eat when you do, that way I’m back on my feet and ready before the next round of moments begin.
Will you stay later if the night runs long?
If you decide you’d like more of the evening documented, coverage can be extended by the hour. Simply touch base with me or your planner.
We didn’t originally book you for rehearsal or welcome party coverage. Can we add this on?
If I’m available, adding coverage for your rehearsal or welcome party is definitely something we can arrange. These events add beautiful layers to your wedding story. Please let me know as soon as possible so we can coordinate and discuss the details. Welcome parties are some of my favorite moments to photograph. They give me a chance to meet your people and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
What does your editing process look like?
All final images receive light retouching—things like blemish removal, color correction, cropping, and editing out small distractions. I don’t change body shapes or features; my goal is to keep things looking natural and true to life. The edits are meant to refine, not change. This guide is full of small, smart tips. If we lean into a few of them, we’ll be in great shape for beautiful images.
When do you need our timeline and family portrait list?
To keep things smooth and on track, please submit your final timeline, family portrait list, completed client form, and remaining balance at least two weeks before your wedding. You can access the form here: Client Form
Be sure to save the links to the client form and this Wedding Insights page in your wedding notes now, so they’re easy to find when you need them.
