FAQ // Creating Your Custom Wedding Day Timeline

Today I’m re-sharing a post I’ve shared in the past, almost TWO years ago, wow, but it’s an important one! Timeline. When we first meet with our couples we like to put together a custom timeline for them based on their needs the day of their wedding day. So, today I thought it would be helpful to share with all our couples planning their timeline what we feel is an ideal timeline for most wedding days. Planning the perfect timeline helps make sure you have the most fun, stress free and relaxing wedding day, and of course lots of time for beautiful photos!

This is the most popular timeline we put together, and one we highly suggest. We LOVE first looks. This timeline can be done with 7 hours AND 8 hours.

If you want to do a first look, photograph all the bridal party photos & family portraits early on so you can enjoy time at your cocktail hour, this is the best timeline for you!

2:00 PM: Photographers arrive

2:00-3:00: During this time we will photograph all of your details (invites, flowers, shoes, dress, etc) bride putting on dress + the groom’s details + finishing touches

3:00-3:40: First look + portraits

3:40-4:00: Bridal Party photos

4:30-5:00: Hide away while guests arrive + relax! You’re about to get MARRIED!

5:00-5:30: Ceremony

5:30-6:00 Family photos

5:30-6:30 : Cocktail hour // After family photos, you get to relax and enjoy the rest of your cocktail hour with your guests! During this time we will shoot canids and all the details of your reception.

6:30-10:30: Reception! Party time! During this time we will steal you away for 10-15 minutes during sunset for a few beautiful photos full of golden light.

Photographers depart at 9PM (7 hours) 10PM (8 hours)

Timeline if you DON’T do a First Look: 7 hours of coverage

If you want to DON’T want to see each other before the ceremony we will photograph all the bridal party photos, family portraits and photos of the two of you during cocktail hour.

3:00 PM: Photographers Arrive

3:00-4:00: During this time we will photograph all of your details (invites, flowers, shoes, dress, etc) bride putting on dress + the groom’s details + finishing touches

4:00-4:15:  Ashley shoots Bridesmaid Photos + Bridal Portraits

4:15-4:30: Tyler shoots groomsmen portraits + Groom’s Portraits

4:30-5:00 Hide away while guests arrive + relax! You’re about to get MARRIED!

5:00-5:30: Ceremony

5:30-6:30 Cocktail Hour. During cocktail hour we will photograph all your the photos we didn’t get prior to the ceremony

5:30-5:45 Family Photos // family photos will need to be limited to immediate family only for this timeline

5:45-6:00 Bridal Party (group photos)

6:00-6:30 Bride + Groom Portraits

6:30-10:30: Reception! Party time! During this time we will steal you away for 10-15 minutes during sunset for a few beautiful photos full of golden light. Also, during the reception we will photograph any larger family group photos + special request photos.

Photographers depart at 10:00 PM

**Note: This timeline only works if we are going to have enough light to shoot during cocktail hour.

If you want to DON’T want to see each other before the ceremony we will photograph all the bridal party photos, family portraits and photos of the two of immediately following the ceremony. This is the best timeline if you have a large time gap in between ceremony + reception (Church weddings, mostly): 9 hours of coverage is suggested

12:00 NOON: Photographers arrive

12:00-1:00: During this time we will photograph all of your details (invites, flowers, shoes, dress, etc) bride putting on dress + the groom’s details + finishing touches

1:00-2:00: Mass/Ceremony

2:00-2:30: Family Portraits at Church

2:30-3:00 Travel to Venue or Photo Location

3:00-3:30: Bridal Party

3:30-4:30: Bride + Groom Photos

4:30-5:30 : Cocktail Hour

5:30-9:30: Reception! Party time! During this time we will steal you away for 10-15 minutes during sunset for a few beautiful photos full of golden light. Also, during the reception we will photograph any larger family group photos + special request photos.

Photographers depart at 9:00 PM

We love helping our couples with their timeline to ensure there is always enough time for photos, and that they can truly enjoy themselves on their wedding day and have fun during photos! So don’t ever hesitate to ask us before locking in a time for your ceremony or reception!