your wedding day guide
This guide brings together my personal tips and advice from more than eight years in the wedding industry, first behind the microphone as a MC, and now as a photographer.
During that time, I’ve seen what helps a wedding day feel relaxed, what can create unnecessary stress and how a thoughtful timeline can give you more space to enjoy the people and moments that matter.
This guide has been created especially for my couples to help you feel prepared, trust the team around you and experience your wedding as it naturally unfolds.
There's a lot here; you don't need to read this all in one go, but feel free to refer to it as you work through your day.
Planning your photography timeline
Your wedding day should feel relaxed and completely yours. The timings below are a guide and can be adjusted to suit your wedding, locations, traditions and priorities.
Most of the day will be photographed as it naturally unfolds, and I'll give gentle direction when it is needed. The aim is to create space for you to be present, enjoy the people around you and experience the day rather than perform for the camera.
A thoughtful timeline creates space for genuine moments to happen without anyone feeling rushed. About two months before your wedding, I'll send a questionaire which will give me all the confirmed details of the day. This will be the basis for timeline.
A timleine should support your wedding rather than strictly control it. It gives us a structure to work from while still allowing the day to unfold naturally.
groom preparation
Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour for groom preparation. The boys should be showered, and dressed in pants, shirt and socks by the time I get there. No need to be completely ready before my arrival. I will photograph the finishing touches, details, interactions between the wedding party and a few relaxed portraits.
Have the following items together before I arrive:
- Suit, shirt, tie or bow tie
- Shoes, watch and cufflinks
- Rings
- Fragrance
- Letters or gifts being exchanged
- Any meaningful personal details
When I get there I'll choose a room or area, ideally natural light and remove unnecessary bags, clothing and packaging from the area. There's no need to stage the entire morning. Spend time together, have a drink, play some music and let the morning feel like your own.
bride preparation
Allow approximately one and a half hours for full bridal preparation. Hair and makeup should be 95% complete for bride and bridemaids when I arrive. This allows time for details, candid moments, getting dressed, portraits and photographs with bridemaids and family.
Where possible:
- Have the dress, shoes, jewellery, invitations and perfume together
- Bridesmaids shoud be dressed before helping the bride
- Allow extra time for buttons, jewellery and final makeup touches
- Keep one light-filled room reasonably clear of bags and clutter
- Have flowers delivered before photography begins where possible
A 15-minute buffer before leaving will help everyone feel calm rather than rushed. The preparation part of the day doesn't need to feel perfectly styled. Some of the most meaningful photographs come from the small, unscripted moments between the people closest to you.
hair and makeup timing
Hair and makeup commonly take longer than expected, particularly when several people are being prepared. Based on your photography coverage, I'll confirm my arrive time, so that the hair and makeup team can work out their arrivel time to commence the preparation.
The bride should generally not be scheduled as the final person for both hair and makeup. Finishing slightly earlier creates a much calmer final hour. It is almost always better to be ready early with time up your sleave.
getting ready locations
Natural light, space and simplicity can make a significant difference to preparation photographs. If your choosing a location to get ready (like a hotel or air bnb), consider the following:
- The amount of natural light
- The size of the rooms
- Travel time to the ceremony
- Whether both preparation locations are close together
- How many people will be in the room
You do not need to book a luxury hotel purely for photographs - I can make anything work. A clean, comfortable space with good light and enough room for the people involved is usually more important. Some of the most beautiful and meaningful preparations photos I've taken, have been in people's homes.
travel between locations
Use the expected travel time as a starting point, then add about 10 minutes for traffic, parking etc. Let me know about any restricted parking, venue access instructions, security gates or long walking distances before the wedding.
When preparation takes place at separate locations, keeping the locations relatively close will help maximise photography time.
ceremony
Ceremonies generally run for 20 to 45 minutes. Religious and cultural ceremonies may take longer. Consider asking your celebrant to make a brief announcement requesting that guests keep phones and cameras away during the ceremony. An unplugged ceremony allows everyone to remain present and helps keep your professional photographs free from raised screens.
During the ceremony:
- Take your time, walking slowly down the aisle - soak in every moment.
- Hold your flowers around navel height
- Look at each other rather than towards the celebrant
- Pause during the ring exchange
- Take your time with the first kiss
- Walk back down the aisle slowly and enjoy the moment
There is no need to rush. These are some of the most important moments of the day. If something unexpected happens, embrace it. A forgotten line, a laugh during the vows or a gust of wind often becomes part of the story you remember most.
congratulations after ceremony
Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes immediately after the ceremony for hugs, congratulations and candid photographs with your guests. This part of the day often creates some of the most emotional and joyful photographs, so try not to move directly into formal photographs unless the timeline requires it.
Stay together during this time where possible. Guests will naturally come to you, and it allows you to share the moment as a couple.
whole-group guest photo
A photograph of everyone attending the wedding usually takes approximately five to ten minutes to organise. It works best before guests begin moving towards the reception or cocktail hour. These whole group photos can be quite difficult, so I would only suggest it, if you absolutely want one photo of everyone together, otherwise that time can be spent getting candid congratulations from your guests.
Your celebrant or MC can help by asking guests to remain nearby.
family photos
Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes for family photographs. Prepare a list of the combinations that matter most to you and keep the list to around eight to ten groups where possible. Nominate someone who knows both families to help gather people. This keeps the photographs moving efficiently and prevents time from being lost while searching for guests.
Let me know about any family sensitivities. or relationship dynamics I should be aware of. This allows me to organise the photographs respectfully and avoid uncomfortable situations.
bridal-party photos
Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes for photographs with your wedding party. These will include a combination of relaxed group photographs, individual photographs and natural interactions. There is no need to practise poses beforehand.
Having everyone stay nearby after the ceremony will make this part of the day much easier. Your wedding party can also help protect your experience by carrying essentials, keeping track of bouquets, gathering family members and making sure you have water.
bride and groom portraits
Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for your main couple portraits. My approach will be relaxed and gently directed. You will not be expected to perform or hold uncomfortable poses. I will give you simple prompts and guidance and allow genuine moments to unfold.
You do not need to know what to do in front of the camera. That is my responsibility. Portraits can also be divided into a longer session after the ceremony and a shorter sunset session later.
Try to view this time as a chance to step away together rather than another item on the schedule. It may be one of the first opportunities you have to speak properly and take in the fact that you are now married.
from ceremony to reception
As a general guide, allow approximately one and a half hours from the end of the ceremony to your reception introduction.
This may include:
- 10 to 15 minutes for congratulations
- 5 to 10 minutes for a whole-group photograph (optional)
- 15 to 20 minutes for family photographs
- 15 to 20 minutes with the wedding party
- 30 to 45 minutes for couple portraits
- Travel and a short refresh before entering the reception
When the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, there is usually more flexibility during this part of the day. Keep in mind that for winter weddings, sunset is usually between 5.00pm - 5.30pm, so all of these photos will need to be completed before then. That will help guide your ceremony start time.
sunset portraits
Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes for sunset portraits when the weather and venue allow. These photographs usually take place during the reception and provide a different quality of light from the main portrait session. It is also a chance to step away together and take a quiet moment during a busy day.
Sunset timing changes throughout the year, so this will be considered when we finalise your schedule. You do not need a dramatic sunset for these photographs to be worthwhile. Soft evening light, cloud cover and changing weather can all create beautiful results.
the reception
Before your reception introduction, allow approximately 10 minutes to freshen up, have a drink and prepare with your wedding party. Let your MC, venue coordinator and photographer know before introductions begin. This ensures everyone is in position and ready.
Once you enter, take your time, enjoy the moment and interact with your guests rather than rushing directly to your seats.
A suggested Reception Timeline
Every reception is different, but the following order generally creates a relaxed flow while spreading speeches and formalities throughout the evening:
- Wedding-party and couple introduction
- Cake cutting
- First speeches
- Entrée
- Sunset photographs
- Second round of speeches
- Main course
- Final speeches
- Dessert
- First dance
- Party time
During summer, sunset photographs may take place at approximately 7.45 pm, although the exact time will depend on your wedding date and location. Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes for sunset photographs.
When there are only a few speakers, you may not need three separate speech sections. Speeches can instead be grouped into one or two blocks around the entrée and main course. Your venue coordinator and MC can help refine the timing, and I will make sure the photography schedule works around the final reception plan.
Speeches
Where possible, best to keep each speaker to approximately five minutes. I'll connect with your MC to make sure they give me a heads up before speeches start, and to work out the best place for speeches. The strongest speeches are usually warm, honest and concise.
first dance
First dance is great way to open of the dance floor to create a natural transition into the party. You don't have to choreograph a first dance routine, but if you do, let me know so I can be in the right spot for any special moments. If your first dance inlcudes fireworks or dry ice be sure to let me know. A simple first dance can be just as meaningful.
dance floor and party time
The first 20 to 30 minutes of an open dance floor usually creates the strongest party photographs. Encourage your wedding party and close friends to join you immediately. A full dance floor creates energy and helps other guests feel comfortable joining in. The more involved you are on the dance floor, the more likely your guests are to join you.
vendor meal
For my 12-hour photography package, I will require a short break and a vendor meal. The best time for this is while you're eating, as I wont take photos while people are eating. For my 8-hour photography package, I don't expect a vendor meal, but one is greatly appreciated.
Please ask your venue to serve vendor meals at the same time as the bridal table rather than after all guests have finished.
Wet-weather planning
Rain does not mean your photographs will be disappointing. Overcast conditions will create beautiful, soft light, and rain can add atmosphere to the day. I'll have a backup portrait location prepared and I always bring some clear umbrellas to every wedding, regardless of the season. Weather decisions are best made close to the day, rather than changing the entire day based on an early forecast.
being present on your wedding day
Beyond the timelines and photographs, the way you approach your wedding day can make a difference to how it feels. These simple reminders are designed to help you let go of feelilng any pressure, so you can trust the people around you and stay present as the day unfolds.
Trust Your Vendors
You have chosen your suppliers because you connect with their work and trust their experience. On the day, allow them to do what they do best. Your celebrant will guide the ceremony, your coordinator will manage the venue, your hair and makeup artists will prepare you, and I will make sure the moments that matter are documented.
Avoid feeling responsible for managing every detail once the day begins. A strong team of vendors creates the space for you to relax, be present and enjoy the people around you.
Letting Go of Perfection
Your wedding does not need to unfold exactly as imagined to be meaningful. A timeline may shift. The weather may change. Someone may forget something. A speech may run long. Your dress may get a little dirty.
None of those things mean the day has gone wrong. The most memorable weddings are not necessarily the most perfect. They are the ones where couples allow themselves to be fully involved in what is happening. Let the day be real. That is where the emotion, humour and unexpected moments live.
Be Present With Each Other
Wedding days move quickly, particularly when surrounded by family, friends and formalities. Throughout the day, take small moments to pause together.
This might mean:
- Looking around during the ceremony
- Stepping aside together after the family photographs
- Taking a breath before entering the reception
- Spending a few minutes outside at sunset
- Joining each other on the dance floor
You do not need to create these moments for the camera. They are for you. The photographs will follow naturally.
Eat, Drink and Look After Yourself
Wedding mornings can become busy, and it is easy to forget the basics.
Make sure you:
- Eat breakfast or lunch during preparation
- Drink plenty of water
- Have snacks available
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol early in the day
- Pack comfortable shoes for later
- Carry anything you may need for medication, allergies or emergencies
phones on the day
Consider giving your phone to a friend or member of the wedding party during the ceremony and portraits. You have invited people to celebrate with you, and you have a professional team documenting the day. Being away from notifications and messages will help you remain present.
I can provide a wedding-day content creator who can document behind the scenes moments, and provide all the RAW footage (with a couple of reels), the following day. You can more information on my Packages and pricing page.
Choose Traditions That Mean Something
You do not need to include a tradition simply because it is expected. Include the elements that feel meaningful to you and let go of anything that does not. Your wedding can be formal, relaxed, emotional, energetic or a combination of all four. It should reflect your relationship rather than anyone's idea of what a wedding should look like.
Remember Why You Are There
It is easy to become focused on schedules, styling and details during the planning process. On the day, those details become the backdrop. The real experience is the people, the conversations, the nerves, the laughter, the embraces and the feeling of being surrounded by those who matter to you.
That is what I am there to document.
Before the Wedding
Approximately six to eight weeks before the wedding, we will confirm:
- Your final photography timeline
- Preparation and venue addresses
- Family photograph combinations
- Important people and relationships
- Cultural or personal traditions
- Reception formalities
- Sunset timing
- Parking and access information
- Any surprises I need to be prepared for
Once these details are confirmed, I will review the schedule and identify any areas that may need adjusting.
A Final Note
Your wedding doesn't need to be planned around photographs. A thoughtful timeline is to protect your experience, give you time with the people you love and allow me to document the day naturally.
Some parts may run early, others may run late, and unexpected things may happen. That is all completely normal. Trust the people you have chosen, let go of the pressure for everything to be perfect and allow yourself to experience the day as it unfolds.
My role is not to turn your wedding into a photoshoot. It is to guide you when needed, step back when moments are happening naturally and create a collection of photographs that feels honest, elegant and unmistakably yours.