In this Guide:
We know wedding planning comes with a lot to think about. Timelines, logistics, where to be, what to expect, and about a hundred little decisions along the way.
That’s exactly why we created this guide. Inside, you’ll find our best tips & tricks, recommendations, and advice to help you plan a day that feels intentional, relaxed, and true to you. From building your timeline to making the most of your photos, we’re here to help you feel prepared and fully present when the big day arrives.
Let's dive in!
Everything You need to know
You've already met with us, so you know our personality, experience, and general approach! Our goal is to always make our clients feel comfortable, confident, and have a damn good time on the most important day of their lives!
Dual Coverage
Two Photographers, One Vision
Two photographers means maximum coverage. We shoot together to ensure that no moment goes missed! Not only can we split up and be in different locations, but we also shoot different focal lengths and swap between digital & film. This allows us to capture a wide variety of images—wide & narrow. Motion & stillness. Authentic moments & guided poses.
We'll be spending a lot of time with you on the most important day of your life. So, we aim to bring GOOD ENERGY and be a fun addition to your day.
Guided + Documentary
Going with the Flow
If you've done an engagement session with us, you know that we provide as much direction as you need!
However, on your wedding day, you'll have a lot going on. Which means we blend a guided approach during formal moments with a documentary approach—capturing authentic moments as they unfold.
We guide with our gut. This means that when we see a tender moment unfolding, we let it play out. Or, if there's a time to be more hands on, we step in! You can rest assured that we adapt to you as the day unfolds..
Digital + Film
We have a lot of cameras!
You probably hired us knowing that we shoot both digital & film!
We love this approach because it provides two things: First, the speed and efficiency of digital, ensuring each moment is captured. Second, the romance and intention of film, providing a tactile, analog feel that is impossible to mimic.
You'll see us swapping between cameras & lenses throughout the day. Relax knowing that we shoot with intention, prioritizing different formats for different purposes.
As all the pieces fall into place—the venue, the dress & suit... the rings, florals, food & drinks... It's going to be incredible! Leading up to the big day, planning for a few key things with us as your photographers can make sure the stage is set for beautiful photos of the best day of your life!
Engagement Session
If your wedding package included an engagement session, or you booked a session as part of a bundle—we recommend planning for this shoot at least 6 months out from your wedding date, if possible. This will allow plenty of time to get you on our books, work around weather, provide time to prepare your gallery, and get your photos ready for use in in invites and wedding websites.
If you haven't booked an engagement session, but would like to, feel free to reach out to us at any time!
Questionnaire & Touch Points
Your confirmation kit included a questionnaire. If you haven't already, please fill it out! It will provide us with key info that will allow us to plan effectively for your day.
Also, please know that we don't believe in too many touch points! We only book a certain amount of weddings each year. This is so we can provide each client with the attention and service they deserve.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email, text or DM!
Final Meeting
Let's chat through the final details! We schedule a final meeting with you and/or your coordinator about a month out from your wedding date. We use this time to walk through your timeline and discuss any final details or questions you might have.
We find that this meeting usually helps our couples feel a bit relieved and assured. Like everything is finally coming together! It also helps us finalize a shoot plan for ourselves, ensuring maximum efficiency on your wedding day.
Your Wedding Day
It's Finally Here!
Everything you've planned for is finally happening! It's going to be incredible! We're so happy for you and can't wait to celebrate with you.
On the day of, we'll arrive a bit early to scope out the venue / location. From there, we'll jump into action. Throughout the day, we'll never be far off. Whether it's interacting with you directly, or standing back to let moments unfold.
You Don't Need to Perform
This day is all about you. It's a celebration of your love and your future together. Let go of perfection and embrace what happens. If you're worried about putting on an act, you'll miss it!
Be Here, Now
The day goes fast, remember to stay present. Be here, now. Not only will this help you absorb every special moment, but it will also make for the best photos. Laugh, cry, dance, hug, and most importantly be fully yourself.
Trust the Process
We got you. Your vendors have done this many, many times before. You have a solid plan and team in place, so you're free to relax and enjoy your day to it's fullest.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Sneak Peaks & Gallery Delivery
On the day of, you'll leave with a handful of printed Polaroids. From there, we provide sneak peaks within one week. Final gallery delivery is up to 10 weeks from your wedding date. You'll receive a link to your fully custom, curated gallery with unlimited high-res downloads & printing options.
Pro Tip: Make a date night of it! Put on your wedding playlist, pour some wine, and relive your memories together on a big screen while cuddled up together!
Planners & Coordinators
Do I need one?
The short answer: YES.
A professional Day-of Coordinator, at the very-least, is vital to the success of your wedding day. You are planning a long, complicated event... and a day-of coordinator will absolutely take an enormous amount of pressure off of you, your family & friends, and your vendors.
It is important that the day-of coordinator is an experienced professional. Assigning a maid of honor or family member this role will ensure they (and your vendors) are extra stressed for the full day!
Planner
A planner is someone who will assist you through the planning process—handing you helpful checklists, help coordinate meetings and bookings with your vendors, work through all of the small details, and helping develop a timeline that fits you, your venue, and allows enough time for everything to play out while giving you time to breathe and enjoy your day.
Day-of Coordinator
This is the most vital coordinator for the success of your day. This person is making sure the timeline is staying on-track, people are where they need to be, coordinating vendors, and making sure that logistically challenging moments like first-look and ceremonies go smoothly.
Venue Coordinator
This person typically works for the venue and is there to ensure all of the elements from the venue are running smoothly—everything from parking & load-in, to managing catering (if catering is being provided by the venue), all the way to final cleanup.
This coordinator isn't always in charge of keeping your timeline on track or coordinating things like a first look or the ceremony, so it's important to clarify with your venue what their coordinator is involved with.
Please Remember: We are Not Day-of Coordinators!
In the months and weeks leading up to your date, we absolutely love to communicate, collaborate on your timeline, connect with your planner and coordinator, and give you input during the planning process.
However, on the day-of your wedding, we are not there to manage the timeline, chase people down, move furniture, coordinate between vendors, or troubleshoot logistics. That is the job of a professional day-of coordinator and why it is vital to have one present on your day.
Other Vendors
Choosing Your People
Every vendor on your team plays an important role in how your wedding day feels and flows. For example, floral arrangements elevate a space and add beauty, while the music is the soundtrack of your day.
Choosing the right team and allowing a planner / coordinator to collaborate with each vendor can make all the difference in how your day plays out.
We'll cover most of the common vendors and their importance below, and we're always happy to provide vendor recommendations!
Hair & Makeup
Your hair and makeup artist does more than just get you wedding-ready. They’re there to create a polished, camera-ready look that holds up through hugs, happy tears, weather, dancing, and a full day of celebrating. Professional hair and makeup also photographs differently than everyday makeup, helping your features translate beautifully in camera. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that can make a big difference in how confident you feel and how your photos look for years to come.
Florist
Florals can completely transform a wedding space, adding color, texture, movement, and personality to everything from your ceremony backdrop to your tables and portraits. A talented florist knows how to make the most of a space and create arrangements that feel intentional and elevated without feeling overly styled. It’s an expense that can have a huge visual impact, especially in your photos, where thoughtful floral design helps bring the entire look and feel of your day together.
DJ
Your DJ does more than just play music. They create the soundtrack to your day, knowing when to build emotion, when to keep things moving, and when to turn up the energy and get everyone on the dance floor. If they also act as your emcee, they can help keep guests informed, cue important moments, and keep the timeline moving so you can stay present and enjoy the party.
Catering
Food is a huge part of the guest experience and often one of the things people remember most about a wedding. A great caterer does more than serve a meal. They help create an experience, keep dinner service running smoothly, accommodate dietary needs, and make sure everyone is well fed and ready to get back to celebrating. From a backyard barbecue to a beautifully plated dinner, choose food that feels like you and fits the kind of experience you want to create for your guests.
Officiant
Your officiant helps shape one of the most meaningful moments of the day and sets the tone for your ceremony. Many couples choose to have their pastor, a mentor, or trusted friend officiate the wedding. Alternatively, there are vendors that can provide an officiant for you.
Cake / Dessert
More than just a pretty cake. A great baker can create something that feels personal and provides another fun detail to photograph.
Transportation
Particularly important when your ceremony, portraits, reception, or accommodations are in different locations or parking is limited at your venue. Reliable transportation can prevent small delays from snowballing into the timeline.
Rentals, Event Design & Lighting
Tables, chairs, linens, candles, table settings... these all transform and elevate the look of a space. Lighting is often overlooked, but incredibly important. Thoughtful lighting can completely change the atmosphere of a reception and, yes, it makes a difference in your photos too.
Planning for Weather
Backup plan + attitude
You can’t control the weather, but you can have a plan for it. Whether that means a tent, indoor space, umbrellas, or simply shifting the timeline or location, having a solid backup plan keeps everyone relaxed when the forecast takes a turn. And when the day arrives, we’ll embrace whatever weather shows up. Rain, wind, clouds, or sunshine can all become part of the story. The goal is to stay present, roll with it, and enjoy the day.
Prioritize What Matters
Identify your top 3–5 priorities for the day
It's easy to start cramming as many photographed moments as possible into your day. But this can start to feel like a production or a photo shoot, not a wedding.
Consider what matters most to you, carve out time for it, and communicate with your coordinator and photographers about what you want. Whether it's private vows, spending time with guests, sunset bridals, or shaking it on the dance floor.
If and when the timeline inevitably shifts, those priorities are what we protect.
Getting Ready
The getting ready portion of the day sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s where anticipation builds, emotions start to surface, and some of the most intimate, candid moments unfold. A little intention here goes a long way in creating calm, beautiful imagery.
Below are some recommendations that apply to both brides and grooms:
Ideal Lighting
Natural light is everything. Choose spaces with large windows and soft, directional light if possible. Position hair and makeup near the window, and avoid overhead lighting when you can—it tends to cast harsh shadows and unflattering tones. Clean, neutral walls also help keep the focus on you and the moment.
Decluttering
Getting ready rooms fill up fast. Bags, food, extra outfits, packaging. Taking a few minutes to clear surfaces (nightstands, counters, floors near windows) makes a huge difference in how photos feel. Think simple, open, and intentional. Your future self will thank you.
Details
Have your details gathered in one spot from the start: dress, shoes, rings, invitations, perfume, heirlooms. Same goes for robes or getting-ready outfits for you and your people. When everything is ready, we can document it seamlessly without interrupting the flow of the morning.
Buffer Time
Getting ready almost always takes longer than expected. Hair and makeup can run behind, or moments unfold that are worth slowing down for. Adding extra buffer time keeps the morning relaxed and ensures there’s space for those meaningful, in-between moments—without feeling rushed.
First Look vs. Aisle Reveal
Deciding whether to see each other for the first time either before the ceremony or waiting for the aisle is one of the biggest choices that shapes your wedding day experience. There’s no right answer—just what feels most true to you. Each option creates a different rhythm, energy, and flow for the day.
Benefits of Each
A first look (and private vows) offers a private, intimate moment to connect before everything begins. It often calms nerves, allows for more portraits earlier in the day, and creates space to actually spend more time together. It doesn't take away from the emotion of an aisle reveal. It allows the emotion to build through the day.
An aisle reveal holds onto that tradition—seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. It can feel incredibly emotional and impactful, especially with all your people present and witnessing it in real time.
Timeline Impact
Going with a first look typically shifts a large portion of photos to the time before the ceremony. This opens up more flexibility later—like allowing you to join cocktail hour or having a more relaxed evening.
An aisle reveal means most portraits happen after the ceremony, which can make that post-ceremony window feel a bit more structured and time-sensitive, especially depending on light.
For this reason, we often recommend doing first look, private vows, bridal party & family photos before the ceremony.
Emotional & Logistical Impact
A first look tends to feel slower and more intentional. Just the two of you, with space to be fully present. It can also help ease timeline pressure since many key moments are already captured.
An aisle reveal leans into anticipation. The build-up, the walk, the reaction, it all unfolds at once. Logistically, it requires a bit more coordination after the ceremony, but emotionally, it can feel cinematic and unforgettable.
Coordinating a First Look
A first look takes a little more coordination than simply picking a spot and showing up. Someone needs to keep the couple separated beforehand, watch the weather, make sure both sides are ready and on time, find a spot where early guests won't see you, and coordinate everyone involved so the moment happens smoothly. A day-of coordinator can handle those moving pieces behind the scenes, letting you stay present and letting your photo team focus on capturing the moment.
Family Photos
Maintaining Your Sanity
Family photos can be some of the most meaningful images from your day—these are the ones that live on walls, get passed down, and matter more with time. With a little planning, this part of the day can feel smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable.
A Shot List is A Must-Have
Having a clear, pre-planned shot list ensures no one important gets missed and keeps things moving quickly. Without one, this portion can easily become chaotic or slow. A simple, organized list allows us to move from group to group with intention, so you can get back to your day.
Keep it Simple
Focus on immediate family and your closest people first. Think parents, siblings, grandparents, and a few meaningful combinations. The more groups you add, the longer it takes—and it can quickly eat into time meant for other parts of your day. Keeping it tight helps everything stay relaxed and efficient.
Coordinators are Clutch
We’ll guide and photograph, but having a designated person who knows your families is essential. This is ideally a planner or coordinator, but a trusted friend or family-member who can help call out names and gather the next group works too. It keeps things flowing and takes the pressure off you... and off us trying to wrangle a group of people we've never met.
Timing
Traditionally, family photos are scheduled for 30-60 minutes post-ceremony (as guests begin cocktail hour). While that is fine, we do recommend scheduling family photos before the ceremony, when possible. It allows everyone to be fresh, keeps the timeline moving smoothly afterward, and frees you up to fully enjoy cocktail hour and the rest of your celebration.
Ceremony & Bridals Timing
The timing of your ceremony & bridal photos plays a huge role in how your photos look and feel—especially when it comes to light. Being intentional about when things happen allows us to capture your ceremony beautifully and make the most of the best light for portraits.
Outdoor Ceremony Lighting Considerations
Midday sun (roughly 11am–3pm) can be harsh, creating strong shadows and bright highlights. If possible, aim for a later ceremony time or choose a shaded location to soften the light. Even slight shifts like positioning yourselves with the sun behind you can make a big difference in creating more flattering, even tones. This is another reason why we generally recommend scheduling family photos before the ceremony—to allow for a slightly later start time.
Golden Hour Bridals
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) offers the most dreamy, soft light of the day. Planning time for couple’s portraits during this window gives you that warm, glowy look. Often, after a full day of socializing and interactions, our couples find that stepping away briefly during dinner or open dancing to catch this light is always worth it. Not only for beautiful light, but for a quick breather to be present together.
Seasonal Light Considerations
Sunset times shift a lot throughout the year. In summer, you’ll have long evenings and later golden light, while spring and fall ceremonies often happen closer to sunset or even after. This affects how to structure the timeline—sometimes prioritizing earlier portraits, or building in intentional time before or after the ceremony depending on available light.
Multiple Locations
Multiple locations can add some beautiful variety to your day, but they also add time and logistics to the timeline. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, be sure to account for travel time, parking, loading and unloading gear, and getting everyone settled at each location. Your photography coverage does not pause while you’re traveling between locations. Building time in from the beginning helps keep the day moving without cutting into the moments you actually want photographed.
Beyond the Wedding Day
Rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, farewell brunches, and weekend activities can be some of the most meaningful parts of your wedding celebration, but they aren’t typically included in a full-day wedding collection. If you want those moments documented too, our Day + Half Collection adds coverage beyond the wedding day. Need even more? We’re happy to put together a custom quote for additional coverage.
Sample Timeline
Below is an example of a full-day summer wedding timeline that can make for a smooth day. It front-loads the first look, private vows, family & bridal photos before the ceremony, allowing you and your guest to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. It also provides some buffer time before the ceremony in case anything runs long (it always does!)
9am - Arrival, Getting Ready
12pm - Photographers Arrive, Begin Coverage of Getting Ready, Dress Details & Putting On, Flat-Lays, Venue, etc.
1:30pm - First Look, Private Vows & Bridal Portraits
2pm - Bridal Party & Family Photos
2:30 - Break / Flex Time
3:30 - Guests Arrive
4pm - Ceremony
4:30pm - Cocktail Hour Begins, Sign Marriage Certificate
5:15pm - Grand Entrance, Welcome
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Speeches, First Dances
7:15pm - Cake Cutting, Open Dance Floor
8pm - Bridal Photos @ Golden Hour
8:45pm - Final Dance, Send Off
9pm - Cleanup
10pm - End
Leave Room to Be Married
Give yourself room to breathe
Your wedding day can often feel like a race from one thing to the next. Build some breathing room into your timeline so you have time to slow down, grab a drink, visit with your people, take a few quiet moments together, and actually enjoy what you spent so much time planning. A little extra space in the schedule can make all the difference between feeling rushed and being fully present for your day.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WANT TO RUN A TIMELINE BY US, WE'RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO PROVIDE INPUT!
REACH OUT TO US ANY TIME!
Let's Pause for A Moment
Taking a few minutes away during golden hour gives you space to pause, breathe, and be together in the middle of it all. It’s often the most beautiful light of the day. Soft, warm, and incredibly flattering—making it the perfect time for relaxed, intentional portraits while everything else fades into the background for a moment.
If you've done an engagement session with us, this will feel incredibly familiar! If you haven't done a couples shoot with us before, you can read our Photo Shoot Guide below:
Unplugged Ceremony
An unplugged ceremony means inviting guests to put their phones and cameras away so they can be fully present with you. It helps create a more intentional, connected atmosphere while also ensuring your photos are clean, unobstructed, and focused on real emotion, not screens. A quick announcement or sign is usually all it takes, and the result is a ceremony that feels more immersive, respectful, and true to the moment.
Be Adaptable
No wedding day goes exactly to plan, and that’s okay. Staying adaptable allows you to stay present and enjoy what’s actually unfolding. Even if the timeline goes slightly off-the-rails, we’ll still guide and pivot as needed, making sure nothing important is missed while leaving room for the real, in-between moments.
Hydrate & Eat
It sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget. Eat and drink water throughout the day. A little fuel goes a long way in keeping your energy up, your mood steady, and helping you feel your best from start to finish.
Stay Together
The reception goes by fast, and it’s easy to get pulled in different directions. Staying near each other as much as possible lets you actually experience it together. Sharing moments, reactions, and the energy of the night side by side.
Inclement Weather
Weather in the PNW is part of the story, and we’re always prepared for it. Rain, wind, or fog can create some of the most atmospheric, beautiful images, as long as you’re prepared too. Bringing layers, embracing the conditions, having a backup plan, and staying flexible allows us to lean into whatever the day brings and make something truly memorable out of it.
Indoor Lighting
Indoor spaces often mean lower light and mixed artificial lighting, which can change the look and feel of your photos. We come prepared with lighting when needed, but it’s helpful to know that indoor images may feel a bit moodier and less natural-light driven. Embracing the space as it is allows us to create intentional, true-to-environment imagery.
The Dip-Kiss
To dip or not to dip?
Whether you want to introduce the dramatic, crowd-pleaser "Dip-Kiss" is totally up to you. However, if you decide to introduce this move, we have two key recommendations for you:
First, PRACTICE. Practice this move ahead of time! We have seen a bride get dropped before. We don't want that to happen to you.
Second, PLEASE TELL US AHEAD OF TIME. If you plan to do this during your ceremony exit at the end of the aisle, during first dance, or otherwise... please give us a heads up so we can be in position!
Finally, remember that our job is to allow you to be fully present and have a damn good time on the most important day of your life! Your only responsibility is to experience the day. Trust us and your vendors to take care of the rest.
We hope this guide has helped you feel inspired and excited for your day! Every detail comes together to capture the most important day of your life!
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or last minute ideas. We can't wait to celebrate with you!