12pm

more getting ready

After a lunch break (so important!) you'll start putting the finishing touches on bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride and groom will start getting ready now as well, and can be mostly done by the time your photographer arrives. Most of the time your photographer will be able to take some "fake" getting ready shots of the guys, and will catch the tail end of hair and makeup. You'll want them there for the putting on of the dress and shoes!

1pm

photographer arrives

Based on an 8 hour package with your photographer staying until 9pm, they would arrive around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. (Here's a secret - I like to arrive a little early to look around the property for some good portrait locations and to talk with you and the coordinators to make sure everything is going according to plan.) When your photographer arrives, they'll capture the last parts of getting ready, any detail shots you want, and get ready for the first look...

2pm

first look

First look with your soon-to-be spouse! This part of the day is great for having a quiet moment for the two of you - trust me, you'll be BUSY the rest of the day! It allows more time for portraits afterwards (we can do full bridal party portraits since you two have already seen each other), and it can help calm any nerves you might be feeling. It's an intimate time just for you to connect and have some time to take in ALL of your excitement together.

3pm

bride & groom portraits

Since we've done the first look, we can get some initial portraits done before the wedding! Keep in mind the best lighting will likely be after the ceremony, but this largely depends on the time of year as well.

4pm

bridal & family  portraits

After a little bit of portrait time with your favorite person (the one you're MARRYING!), we'll do some bridal party portraits and family photos. It's so helpful to get these done early in the day...after the ceremony, everyone wants to party!

5pm

ceremony

A 5pm ceremony will usually allow for prettier lighting for outdoor wedding celebrations - again, it all depends on the season! You'll stand before your family and friends, promise to honor each other, kiss as Mr. and Mrs., and then you're MARRIED! Best part of the day right there!

6pm

dancing & speeches

After the ceremony I'll usually pull you aside for some "just married" photos in the sunset light while your guests make their way over to the appetizers. While they're getting settled, you'll get some more time with each other during photos, and the DJ will get set up for your grand entrance. Once you make your way into the reception as Mr. and Mrs. (!!!), you'll go into a first dance and hear some toasts from your loved ones.

7pm

dinner

Finally the food! Make sure you ask your caterer to set aside some food for you two to eat first while the guests are getting their food. I've seen so many weddings where the bride and groom never get a chance to eat their whole plate of food because everyone wants to congratulate them!

8pm

cake cutting

After dinner you'll cut the cake and celebrate with some dessert! Now would also be a good time for bouquet and garter tosses if you're opting to do those. One fun alternative I've seen is to honor the couple who has been married for the longest by giving them the bouquet instead of tossing it - it's all up to you!

9pm

party dancing

Dancing has probably been going on throughout the night mixed in with other festivities. Since it's now 9pm, your photographer will be getting ready to leave after wrapping up any last shot requests from you. If you want photos of a grand exit, consider doing a "controlled exit" where you grab your bridal party and have a faux sendoff - your photographer can grab the shot and you can get back to the party!