Wedding Photography Prep Guide

Ideal coverage: 60–90 minutes

This is when I photograph your details, getting-ready moments, and the quiet build-up before everything begins.

If you can, have these items gathered in one spot:

• Dress / suit / veil
• Rings
• Invitation suite / program
• Shoes, jewelry, hair pieces
• Bouquet / boutonniere
• Any sentimental items (letters, gifts, heirlooms)

A few tips:

• Keep one area near a window as tidy as possible — that’s usually where I’ll photograph details.
• Ask your wedding party to keep bags, food, and extras off to the sides or in another room.
• If you’re exchanging letters or gifts, we can plan to photograph those moments too.

You absolutely don’t have to do a first look — it’s completely your choice.

If you choose a first look:

• We’ll usually plan it 1.5–2 hours before the ceremony.
• It gives you a quiet moment together and time for portraits before things get busy.
• We can often do wedding party photos before the ceremony too, so you can get to your reception sooner.

If you skip the first look:

• Your first moment seeing each other will be during the ceremony.
• We’ll plan extra time for portraits and wedding party photos after the ceremony.

Your ceremony is the heart of the day, and my goal is to document it quietly and respectfully.

A few helpful ideas:

• Ask your officiant if they’re comfortable with me moving gently around the space when needed.
• Consider a short “unplugged ceremony” reminder so guests stay present and don’t block the aisle with phones.
• Tell me ahead of time about any special unity moments, readings, or traditions so I can be in the right spot.

Family photos are important, and we’ll keep them organized and efficient.

To keep them smooth and stress-free:

• Make a list of the family groupings you’d like (for example: couple + parents, couple + immediate family, couple + grandparents).
• Choose one person from each side of the family who knows everyone and can help gather people.
• Let family members know ahead of time when and where we’ll do these photos.

Depending on the number of combinations, family formals usually take about 20–30 minutes.

Wedding party:

• Plan for about 20–30 minutes.
• We’ll do a mix of classic posed photos and fun, candid shots.

Couple portraits:

• Ideally, we’ll have 20–30 minutes together without interruptions.
• If we can, I love taking a few minutes around sunset for soft, golden light.

You don’t need to know how to pose — I’ll guide you, keep things moving, and make sure you both feel comfortable and natural.

During your reception, I focus on genuine moments — the hugs, laughter, dancing, and everything in between.

We’ll make sure to capture:

• Grand entrance
• First dances
• Toasts and speeches
• Cake cutting or special moments
• Open dancing and guest candids

If you’re planning a special moment (sparkler exit, surprise performance, etc.), it helps if one person gives me a quiet heads-up so I don’t miss it.

New England weather can be unpredictable — and that’s okay. Some of the most beautiful photos happen in unexpected weather.

If the forecast looks tricky:

• Clear umbrellas photograph beautifully and still let in light.
• We’ll work together to choose covered or indoor locations if needed.
• I’ll adapt my approach so you still get romantic, timeless images no matter what the forecast says.

Once the day is over, my job is just getting started.

After your wedding:

• You’ll typically receive a small sneak peek within the first few days (depending on the season and your package).
• Your full gallery is usually delivered within 4–8 weeks — I’ll confirm your exact timeframe in your contract or email.
• Your images will be delivered in an online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints.
• Album and wall art options are available if you’d like help designing something special.

If anything changes — timeline, locations, important details — just let me know.

You can reach out anytime if you:

• Adjust your schedule or venues
• Add events or special moments
• Have questions about light, timing, or locations

I’m here to support you throughout the planning process, not just show up on the wedding day.