A Photographer’s Guide to Enjoying Every Moment


A Few Things to Keep in Mind


First things first, this day is about YOU. It’s about your love, your journey, and the moments you’ll cherish forever. As your photographer, my job is to capture it all, the big, emotional exchanges and the quiet, in-between glances that make your love story unique. Lets talk candid? While I'll make sure to get the beautiful posed shots, I’ll also be there to capture the moments you didn’t even know you wanted, because those are often the ones that mean the most. The wedding day is not all about the perfect images.


  • I’ll guide you through natural, candid moments and make sure you look amazing. Don’t stress about the camera—just be yourselves!
  • Some of the best photos come from unexpected moments, wind in your hair, a belly laugh, or happy tears. Let them happen.
  • The day will pass in a heartbeat, so pause, breathe, and take it all in. Hold hands, share sweet kisses, and embrace every moment with your whole heart.


Phone or Meeting Consultation


I believe in capturing weddings that truly resonate with me and the couples I work with. That’s why I always start with a meeting—so we can make sure we’re the perfect fit for each other. It’s important to me that we vibe together. Let’s get to know each other!

A few questions I might ask: Venue location? Date? A general Timeline? Do you have a wedding Coordinator?


Once booked I ask for:

  • Wedding coordinators information
  • Timeline
  • Family shot list
  • Bride and Groom inspiration pictures, or I'll create my own




Timeline

Let’s be honest, nothing ever goes exactly as planned on a wedding day. And that’s okay! It’s bound to happen. A bridesmaid might misplace her bouquet, the flower girl could have a last-minute meltdown, or we might need a few extra minutes to capture that perfect golden-hour shot.

The key? Build in some extra time. A little cushion between events keeps the day stress-free and allows you to truly enjoy each moment without feeling rushed. If everything runs smoothly, great! But if there’s a delay, you’ll have the flexibility to go with the flow and still have the most incredible day. So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that no matter what, your wedding will be beautiful—because it’s yours.




Family Shot List and Wedding Party


Family photos are some of the most cherished images from your wedding day! Family formals come immediately after the ceremony, make sure family stays put! It’s easy for guests to wander off to cocktail hour, but keeping family close ensures we get through photos quickly and smoothly. Assign a family member or wedding planner to help gather people for these shots. To keep things smooth and stress-free, here’s a simple shot list example to ensure we capture all the important moments:


Brides Side

  • Bride with parents
  • Bride with siblings
  • Bride with parents & siblings together
  • Bride with grandparents
  • Bride with parents, siblings & grandparents
  • Bride with extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)


Groom’s Side

  • Groom with parents
  • Groom with siblings
  • Groom with parents & siblings together
  • Groom with grandparents
  • Groom with parents, siblings & grandparents
  • Groom with extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)


Both Families Together

  • Couple with both sets of parents
  • Couple with both immediate families
  • Couple with both sets of grandparents
  • Big group shot with both families (optional)


Key Moments to Capture


Your portraits will tell the story of your love in the most beautiful way!


  • Flat-lays of wedding details (all rings, stationary, veil, flowers, jewelry, and shoes.
  • Bride in her dress, final touches (zipping/buttoning, adjusting veil, etc.)
  • Groom adjusting tie, cufflinks, or putting on jacket
  • Bride & groom reading letters or exchanging gifts (if planned)
  • Solo bridal and groom portraits before the first look
  • First Look (If Doing One) with parents or partner?
  • Groom watching the bride walk down the aisle
  • Emotional exchanges during vows
  • The first kiss as a married couple
  • The walk back down the aisle together, dip kiss half way down the aisle
  • Wedding party portraits, family, bride and groom, and solo shots
  • First dance, parents dance
  • Cake/Dessert & cake cutting
  • Venue shots/Décor




Flay-lay's


Create a flat-lay box with all the items needed or that you want photographed. When arriving this the first thing I start with. They showcase the small but meaningful details that often get overlooked but play such an important part in the overall story of your celebration.

The First Kiss


It’s time for the kiss. But here’s a little secret, hold it for at least 3 seconds!

The Dip Kiss


The celebration photo, this mid-aisle dip kiss is pure magic for photos! I'll remind you to stop.

Unplugged Ceremony


Unplugged ceremony is a beautiful opportunity for your guest to disconnect and be present in the moment, this also helps be get unobscured shots of you and the rest of the ceremony.

Why I Highly Recommend an Engagement Session (and Why You’ll Love It!)


  • Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera – If you’re not used to being photographed, an engagement session helps you feel more relaxed and natural before your wedding day.
  • Build a Connection with Your Photographer – This is a great opportunity to work with your photographer before the wedding, so you know their style and feel at ease with them.
  • Beautiful, Personalized Photos – These images can be used for save-the-dates, wedding decor, or even a guest book. Plus, they capture a more casual and intimate side of your relationship.

The Final Process, Editing Time?

  • Editing is where the magic happens! I remove distractions, zap blemishes, perfect skin tones, and even pull off a head swap or two if needed (don’t worry, I only use your heads!).
  • You'll get sneak peeks within 2-5 days to relive the excitement, and your full gallery will be ready within 3 weeks. The sneak peeks I send are like a little love story in pictures, from the delicate details of your flat-lays to the excitement of getting ready, first kiss, few family portraits, and most important, the beautiful portraits of you and your love.
  • Each wedding takes 6+ hours of editing—it’s the most time-consuming part, but totally worth it to make sure every photo is as stunning as your big day!


Wedding Albums and Prints


I'm a huge believer in printing and photo albums for weddings. A physical object, heirloom, and a stunning way to remember your wedding day. I create a selection or take the lead, I have relationships with some amazing print companies. My final galleries also allow for you to create and print these special images yourself.