Wedding Experience
Thank You!
We know that choosing a wedding photographer is not an easy choice, but we also know you made the right decision. We got you! First, we want to make sure that you do not miss anything. We would love for you to add both Josh and Kristan to your phones. This ensures that our texts and emails always find you. Also, if you need anything you have a few ways to contact us as well.
Wedding Day Prep
Your wedding is unlike any other wedding because it is unique to you. That means you should have wedding photos as unique as you are!
This is where we come in! We have had the honor of capturing love stories via photography and videography since 2011 and each one is unique and tailored to each couple.
We partner with you to ensure your vision for your wedding day is played out through beautiful imagery. From getting ready to the ceremony through the dance party, we capture beautiful photos to tell your love story.
Wedding Seasons
SPRING:
Spring weddings are wonderful because they are portrait perfect! We recommend having plenty of Claritin or Zyrtec on hand just in case allergies start to flare up during portrait time. Spring weddings normally have the potential for some blossoms. If we happen to find any type of blooming tree it will be worth it to dedicate a few minutes for portraits. You’ll LOVE the results!
SUMMER:
Summer is one of my personal favorite seasons! This is probably because Josh and I got married in the summer! We also love the additional daylight! If you’re having a summer wedding, plan a few minutes to dip out of the reception for your portraits. Sunset is the absolute best light and you will NOT regret it. Usually these portraits happen during dinner or open dancing so that no one even notices that you’re gone for a few minutes.
FALL:
Fall weddings are amazing! We love the temperatures and the colors! Some brides worry about losing the beautiful colors and we want to encourage you that all we need is one tree with some cool leaves in order to create the fall look. A little bit of color can go a long way! Your portrait time will vary depending on your wedding date. We’ll be sure to discuss this when going over your timeline.
WINTER:
Winter wedding are gorgeous! They do take some additional planning simply because of the reduced daylight and colder temperatures. Sunset or evening ceremonies prove the most time for portraits. Also based on location, additional layers such as shawls, blankets, favorite hat, etc. can help protect against the cold and add a lot of character to portraits.
Sample Timeline
8 Hours
Bride & Groom Prep
2:00pm-3:00pm
1 hours
First Look
3:00pm-3:30pm
30 minutes
Every Little Detail
3:30pm-4:00pm
30 minutes
Ceremony
4:00pm-5:00pm
1 hour
Wedding Party / Family Formals
5:00pm-6:00pm
1 hour
Just Married Portraits
6:00pm-7:00pm
1 hour
Reception
7:00pm-8:00pm
1 hour
Dance & Exit
8:00pm-10:00pm
2 hours
Every Little Detail
We often hear the eye is in the details. From our experience, this is very true. Details matter!
You put so much time, love and effort into wedding planning that capturing those details help you remember how much love went into planning your special day.
Typically we capture the details before the chaos of the day begins. Plus having everything in one place helps ensure nothing important is forgotten or left out by accident.
Dress
Veil / Hair Pieces
Ties
Shoes
Rings
WHAT TO BRING:
Jewelry (His & Hers)
Perfume / Cologne
Bouquet
Invitations
Borrowed & Blue
Bridal Party Prep
Self-Care shouldn’t take a backseat on your wedding day. Months of planning have taken place leading up to your big day, causing you large amounts of stress and anxiety as well as excitement.
Before taking those initial steps down the aisle, the goal is to feel calm, relaxed and confident.
One of the best ways to do this is to pamper yourself on your wedding day. Not only do you deserve those few moments to relax and let someone else help you look stunning; it also gives you the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun and bond with your wedding party.
You have invested money on your big day. Remember, you hare worth the investment and deserve to be pampered also!
Josh’s pro tip: Don’t put a lot of tasks on either couple the day of. Both of you should have time to enjoy in the moments. Delegate these out.
First Look
TRADITIONAL:
When the couple does not see each other until the ceremony.
MODERN:
When the couple has a private first look or first touch before the ceremony.
More couples are choosing a modern first look as it provides a few minutes of privacy, comfort, and reassurance before the ceremony to see each other and be reminder each other why you are getting married. Many share that it is like getting two first looks as the anticipation builds back up as the minutes tick down to the ceremony.
Ceremony
Lighting is an important factor for images, especially if it’s going to be outdoors. As a general rule, the lower the sun is in the sky, the more romantic the lighting.
Example: If you are getting married outside at noon, please plan for a shaded area otherwise the light will create harsh lines that result in shadows under your eyes, plus you’ll also be squinting!
Outdoor ceremonies are beautiful. As a best practice it is also a good idea to have a backup plan for unexpected weather.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY: When you kindly ask your guests to put away their phones, tablets and cameras to be in the moment and enjoy the ceremony with you.
While details make a difference and planning is necessary, it’s important to never lose sight of the real purpose of this amazing day - the connection and love you share with your partner!
Wedding Party / Family Formals
The variations are endless. A best practice is to have a list of your must-have images of your Wedding Party and Family Formals beforehand.
EXTENDED FAMILY WISH LIST:
Couple with entire guest list
(is practical)
Couple with extended family
Couples with all grandparents
Couple with each set of grandparents
IMMEDIATE FAMILY WISH LIST:
Couple with all parents
Couple with all parents & siblings
Couple with each set of parents
Couple with siblings
Couple with set of parents & siblings
WEDDING PARTY WISH LIST:
Wedding party in formal
& fun pose
Bride with all Bridesmaids
Bride with each Bridesmaid
Groom with Groomsmen
Groom with each Groomsmen
Just Married Photos
Just married portraits are a unique opportunity to get some beautiful images as newly married spouses and also gives you a chance to take a small break in the day. It’s an opportunity to take in the moment and be with each other without all the distractions a wedding day can bring.
These portraits are private and usually last approximately 30 minutes where we find a beautiful area near the action but far enough away to give you privacy. During this time, we capture some beautiful memories that will be the first you hang up in your home. We believe that the way you start your marriage is a key indicator of how you will start your life together. Make it calm, peaceful, and full of love and joy. If there is one set of photos you don’t want to skip, these would be it.
Reception
Grand Entrance
Welcome Speech
Dinner
Cake Cutting
Toasts
Parent Dances
First Dance
Much like the ceremony you have the freedom to make your reception your own!
It’s your party. It should be exactly how you want it to be! Here is a list of events that typically happen during a reception:
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Anniversary Dance
Money Dance
Games
Last Dance
Grand Exit
Dance
A band is a great option if you want a specific type of music played. This is because bands typically specialize in one genre of music. If you want a more diverse range of music, you may want to choose a DJ.
Our best advice, whether you choose a DJ or a band, is that you get someone that fits your personality and who can also MC your night. A great MC helps keep the party going and eliminates extra stress by announcing various parts of your night.
Our approach with your dance is simple. The later the night gets, the wider our lenses get and the more action we capture. Close, fun, personal. When you look at your photos we want you to feel like you were there all over again.
Epics
Not every couple get what we call an “epic” image such as these examples. There are a couple different reasons for this. Sometimes an “epic” is simply not a priority for the couple and that is always ok because we flex to your vision. Often times though the reason an “epic” may not happen is due to lack of allotted time for photos.
Inevitably, during your wedding day there will be something that does not go as planned and compromises with timeframes will need to happen.
Time allotted for photography is often the first thing to be constrained. It is important that you talk with us about your itinerary of the day to ensure enough time for photos is blocked off.
With our experience, we can help you allot for the right amount of time based on your needs and wants.
What Happens Next
Your Engagement Session
The planning process
Final talk through (2-3 weeks before)
Your Wedding Day!
Sneak Peeks
60 Day Gallery Delivery
During this process, we hope you consider us
Friends with Cameras.
Reach out if anything arises (even if it is not photography related). We have been capturing love stories since 2011 and we are here to help.
Checklist
Venue
Photographer
Videographer
Caterer
Cake Baker
Band / DJ
Engagement Session
Mail Save the Dates
Officiant
Wedding Dress
Additional Attire
Hair & Make Pros
Barber
Hotel Accommodations
Mail Invitations
Guestbook
Favors / Exit Props
12-24 Months
8-12 Months
8-12 Months
8-12 Months
6-12 Months
6-12 Months
6-8 Months
6 Months
Personal Preference
Personal Preference
Personal Preference
3-6 Months
3-6 Months
3-6 Months
2 Months
1-3 Months
1-3 Months