10 THINGS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD REMEMBER ON HER WEDDING DAY
(SO YOUR PHOTOS FEEL LIKE YOU — NOT A CHECKLIST)
Hey love! If you’re here, it probably means your big day is almost here — and I am SO excited for you. Your wedding day is one of those rare days where every moment matters, and the photos you get back should feel like you’re reliving the joy, the emotion, and all the tiny moments in between.
Here’s a list of things to keep in mind so your photos come out exactly as magical as you imagine them.
1. GET YOUR DETAILS READY FOR PHOTOS FIRST THING
Before hair and makeup wrap up, have a little styling area set up with all your favorite detail items — your invitation suite, vow book, rings, perfume, heirlooms, shoes, veil, bouquet, all those little things you poured love into. Having them in one place makes those detail shots effortless and beautiful.
Pro tip: designate a tray or box so your planner or MOH can gather it all in one spot.
2. DECIDE AHEAD OF TIME IF YOU WANT A FIRST LOOK
A “first look” (whether with your partner or with your dad or parents) is honestly one of our favorite moments to capture — it’s raw, emotional, and intimate. Having a first look before the ceremony also helps us get your couple photos and even some wedding party photos done earlier in the day so you don’t miss cocktail hour. If your goal is maximum time with guests later, a first look can be a game changer.
3. BUILD PHOTO TIME INTO YOUR TIMELINE
You don’t want to feel rushed — and neither do we. Make sure your timeline gives enough room for:
Getting ready & detail photos
First look (if you want one)
Wedding party photos
Family photos
Couple portraits
Sunset or golden hour photos (if timing allows)
Cocktail hour is perfect for family and wedding photos if you choose not to do a first look — and you’ll thank yourself if you allocate enough time for these moments without stress.
4. KEEP FAMILY SHOT LISTS SIMPLE AND ORGANIZED
Write out exactly what family combinations you want ahead of time, and include names (not just “Mom + Bride”), so we can breeze through formal photos. Let your family know ahead of time that they should stay in the ceremony area right after the ceremony for photos. The more organized this list is, the more time you get to spend with your people — not chasing them.
5. ASSIGN A “PHOTO WRANGLER”
Give one trusted person (bridesmaid, sister, cousin, wedding coordinator) the job of rounding up family members for photos. Someone who knows the family is worth their weight in gold when it’s time to gather groups.
6. USE COCKTAIL HOUR STRATEGICALLY
If you don’t do a first look or want extra galleries, cocktail hour is a great time to do family group shots and get creative couple portraits — without sacrificing your time with friends and family.
7. BE PRESENT — YOU DON’T HAVE TO POSE PERFECTLY
You don’t need to know how to pose — you just need to be present, we will take care of the rest. My job is to guide you gently into photos that feel like you, not stiff poses.
8. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER (AND COMMUNICATE!)
Your vendor team, especially your photographer, wants you to love your images. Share what matters most — if there are moments, people, or details you have to have, tell ua ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
9. KEEP TRAVEL AND LIGHTING IN MIND
Minimize driving between locations for photos so we spend time shooting, not commuting. Also — if sunset portraits are important to you — let’s plan your timeline around the lighting so we can make that happen.
10. MOST OF ALL — ENJOY THE DAY!
Your wedding is one day that freezes time for everyone who loves you. Photos are meant to bring you right back into that moment. Laugh, cry, hug, and don’t worry about the camera — we’ll be there to capture the magic.
If you want help building your timeline or figuring out a photo-friendly wedding day schedule, just reach out! We love planning with you almost as much as we love photographing you.
🤍