Wedding Photography Series: Part 3 of 7
Capturing Every Moment that Matters
As a wedding photographer, my goal is to capture all the big moments of the day. I also look around and try to capture the small moments that are in response to the big ones. Often, it is the smallest, unscripted moments that hold the most powerful emotion.
That’s why having a well-planned wedding photography timeline is essential. A well-planned schedule allows us to be intentional about capturing every detail of your special day in a way that’s both beautiful and unforgettable.
Below are six essential elements to include in your wedding photography timeline, along with tips to make the most of each one.
1) Wedding Day Details
You have spent months carefully choosing your invitations, flowers and dress. Each item reflects your style and tells a piece of your love story. The best storytellers capture those images in a beautiful way. Documenting these details is reminder of the intentionality of your choices.
Tip: Have all your detail items ready in one spot before your photographer arrives–this includes your dress, shoes, BOTH rings, invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, etc. This helps us stay on schedule and gives us more time to create stunning flat lays and styled shots.
(Related Post: Wedding Day Details: Capturing Your Love Story.)
Artfully photographing the bride's jewelry in the flat lay is a beautiful way to capture the details.
Each bridal gown has beautiful details to photograph.
When sentimental items are woven throughout the day I try to photograph them in different times and ways.
The grooms’ details are just as stunning when photographed on a flat lay.
P and M were married and the JW Marriot and her this photo highlights her gown and the venue.
A + D included their dog in the wedding day so including her in the details was important as well.
2) Getting Ready
This part of the day is full of anticipation, nerves and joy. From final makeup touches to laughs with your bridesmaids, there is so much to capture. However, it’s also a time with schedules can easily unravel.
There are so many beautiful moments to capture during this time. We want those dreamy shots of the bride getting the finishing touches of her makeup, and the fun, celebratory images of her bridesmaids laughing and enjoying the moment together.
When it is time to get into your gown, it almost always takes longer than expected. The buttons take time, it’s harder to put on shoes in a down, and then there are the little things–putting on jewelry, placing the veil, sharing a quiet moment with your mom or sister. Every step matters, and every step takes time. That is why it is so important to build space into your photography timeline to allow these moments to unfold without stress or rushing.
Tip 1: Schedule your hair and makeup to be finished at the right time. Check your photography timeline before confirming with your hair and makeup artists. Everyone in the bridal party should be fully ready on time because delays here are nearly impossible to make up later in the day.
H and her bridesmaids celebrated at Oldfield River House.
Capturing photos of the bride finalizing her makeup are a way of documenting her wedding day.
I love to capture the simplistic beauty of a bride getting buttoned into her gown.
The love between a mother and daughter is on full display in these photos.
The moment when P's mom placed her veil was full of excitement and emotion.
Photos like these with J putting on her perfume and AK her jewelry help document the day.
R and her bridesmaids snuck onto the golf course for a fun photo.
H's gown was stunning and this photo of her slipping into her shoes helps tell the story of her wedding day.
3) Father of the Bride’s First Look
Many brides choose to have a first look with their father, and this can be one of the most emotional moments of the day. Capturing your dad’s reaction as he sees you for the first time in your gown is priceless.
Tip: Make sure your dad (and anyone else you are doing a first look with) knows the exact time and location for the first look. Assign someone to help keep him on track and dressed on time, especially if he tends to run late.
H’s father was excited to see her, and the following moments were touching and sentimental.
A wanted to have a first look with her dog and everyone was laughing and enjoying the moment.
The love between G and her father was obvious in this first look.
H incorporated a first look with her bridesmaids. Their faces say it all!
4) What About the Groom?
Let’s be honest–getting groomsmen excited about photos can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean these moments are any less important. The groom deserves his moment in the spotlight too.
My team and I will capture candid shots of the guys hanging out, getting ready and sharing laugh. And we are sure to photograph the details of your groom’s suit as well–his boutonniere, cufflinks, watch and any other meaningful details.
Tip: Find an activity the groom and his groomsmen enjoy (like getting a drink at a bar, a game or playing cards) to incorporate into photos. It helps everyone relax and helps us capture authentic and fun photos.
M and his groomsmen stopped by the bar at Hotel Bardo for photos before the ceremony.
The details of the groom’s boutonniere and suit are a part of every wedding photography timeline.
R and his groomsmen chose their favorite whiskey for a drink at Perry Lane Hotel.
Candid photos of the groom become some of my favorite photos of the day.
M was so much fun and brought energy to photos.
The simplicity of a celebratory toast.
T and his groomsmen had time for a game of poker before the ceremony.
5) A Private Moment for the Bride + Groom
A private first look is a beautiful way to calm your nerves and reconnect before the ceremony. Many couples use this time to exchange private vows with one another. Others simply enjoy the moments of being together. It is intimate and sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Tip: We recommend you build at least 30 minutes for this. Don’t rush it–it may end up being one of your most cherished memories.
(Related Post: First Look? Reasons to Consider One)
O’s reaction when he saw Sara for the first time is one of my favorites I have ever captured.
M + P exchanged personal vows in a private moment in one of Savannah’s beautiful squares.
S + O shared their vows privately after their first look.
A + D chose simple, yet intricate, books to write personal vows to one another.
6) Sunset Photos
Golden hour–just before sunset–is the most flattering, romantic light for couple portraits. When planning your wedding, be sure to consult with your photographer before setting the time for your ceremony. Every other piece of your photography timeline is built around the ceremony start time. Getting it right sets up the perfect opportunity for portraits during sunset.
Tip: Chances are, by this point in the day, you and your groom will feel so done with having photos taken. Don’t let that stop you from stepping out for ten more minutes of pictures. You will be so glad you did.
AH + I had stunning portraits at sunset.
D + S sunset photos overlooking Savannah, with St. John’s Cathedral in the background, are beautiful.
F + A’s sunset photos are full of romance and beauty.
After the rain, R + D were able to enjoy the sunset at Sea Pines for stunning portraits.
P + M enjoyed a romantic sunset walk on River Street in Savannah to capture photos.
Bonus: Consider a Second Shooter
Hiring a second photographer can make a significant difference in your wedding coverage. While I’m busy capturing photos of the family and wedding party, my second shooter can document cocktail hour, candid guest moments, and reception details. This results in a more complete and well-rounded gallery of your wedding day–from all angles.
Hotel Bardo's courtyard is beautiful and inviting--the perfect location for cocktail hour.
A second shooter can focus time on photographing details at the reception.
Forest Gump made an appearance at A + Dylan’s wedding.
A + D make sure their guests were prepared for a Southern wedding.
There were numerous personal touches at A + D’s wedding. Each guest received a hand-written note as a seat assignment for dinner. (Read about all the personal touches they incorporated in their wedding here.)
The beauty found in the details at cocktail hour and the reception are photos that tell the story of the wedding day.
At their reception, A + D had custom tattoos for guests.
Final Thoughts: Play Your Timeline with Purpose
Choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just style–it’s about trust and planning. (Related Post: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer.) When your photographer creatures a well-planned timeline, you can relax knowing that nothing will be missed, from the big moments to the small in-between moments.
If you are looking for a destination or Savannah wedding photographer who will plan your photography timeline with experience, care and intention, I would love to talk. You can contact me here.
Read about more weddings on the blog here.
