Wedding Day Tips from Your Photo & Video Team
Hi! We’re so excited to be part of your wedding day — and we want you to have the absolute best experience, not just in photos and film, but in how the day feels. We’ve put together this guide based on everything we’ve learned from 400+ weddings: the little moments, the timeline tweaks, and those things we always wish couples knew before the big day.
Our Approach — Light Comes First
Before we dive in, one quick note:
We build everything around light.
That soft, glowing, editorial look you’ve seen in our portfolio? It comes from even, flattering light — not always from a big scenic backdrop. A quiet, shaded corner might look simple, but it can create magic. On the flip side, a noon ocean view might be harsh and blown out, even if it feels beautiful in person.
If you’re ever wondering why we suggest one spot over another — it’s almost always about the light. Trust us — it changes everything.
Timelines & Delays — You’re Not Behind
9 out of 10 weddings run late somewhere — and they’re all still beautiful.
The best way to avoid stress is to add a 30-minute buffer into your timeline, wherever possible. It buys you breathing room, keeps things feeling calm, and gives us the space to capture real moments instead of rushing through a checklist.
Getting Ready — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Hair & Makeup Timing
Getting ready is one of our favorite parts of the day — full of laughter, nerves, and beautiful little details that tell the start of your story.
Our advice:
Leave at least 1 full hour after hair and makeup are complete before you need to get dressed. That time lets you slow down, sip champagne, enjoy robe shots, or share a moment with your bridesmaids or parents — without a clock ticking over your shoulder.
Want those robe photos, first looks with bridesmaids, or popping-the-bubbly moments? Amazing! Just give it another 30 minutes. We can do it all faster — but then it’s a checklist, not a story.
When there’s not enough time, couples tend to get tense. Smiles get tighter, clocks get watched, and it takes extra effort (and time!) to bring back that natural, joyful energy.
Note on beauty schedules:
Hair and makeup almost always run over. Artists rarely mean to — it’s just how wedding mornings go. If you’ve done a trial, check how long it actually took, and add 15–30 minutes to that. That’s when beauty should begin, not end.
Flat Lay — The 30-Minute Still Life
Those dreamy, styled shots of your rings, perfume, vow books, shoes, and invites? They take time — and a little magic.
We bring surfaces, textures, tools, and tricks to make them shine.
🕒 Give us 30 minutes, and we’ll give you a flat lay you’ll want to frame.
⚠️ Without that time, we’ll still get the basics — just not the Pinterest version.
The Secret Enemy: Clutter
We’ve spent too many mornings clearing water bottles, phone cords, food bags, and open suitcases before we can even start shooting. That’s 30 minutes you’ll never get back.
🧹 Pro tip: pick one corner and put everything there — bags, boxes, chargers, shoes. Even just tossing it all in a closet or bathroom works. A tidy room with good natural light = magic.
Getting Dressed — Clean & Classic
No need to wait for us to put on your dress or suit. Be mostly ready — we’ll just capture a few final touches: zipping up, buttoning, veil placement, tying the bowtie.
It always looks calmer and more natural this way — and avoids feeling like we’re “staging” the moment.
Wedding Party Vibes
We love grabbing some relaxed, candid moments of you and your wedding party — in the lobby, near a bar, under trees, even by a blank wall. If your getting-ready space isn’t ideal, no problem. We’ll find the light and the vibe.
First Look, First Touch, or Ceremony Reveal?
There are three beautiful ways to see each other for the first time:
At the ceremony — Classic and traditional. No setup needed. Emotional and powerful, but leaves less time for just the two of you.
The First Look — Calm and intentional. You get to hug, breathe, talk. It’s also the perfect time to exchange private vows or gifts. We’ll guide you gently so it feels natural and real — never awkward.
The First Touch — Holding hands around a corner or door, maybe reading letters or whispering a few words. It’s emotional and grounding, especially if you don’t want to see each other before the aisle.
Want audio recorded? Let us know — we can mic the groom so we capture every word for your film.
Video setup takes 10–15 minutes (tripods, mics, angles). Photos are faster, but for clean full audio and video, that prep time is key. Otherwise, we’ll film handheld — great for highlight reels, but not for full ceremony-style coverage.
Bridal Party — Let’s Make It Fun
For relaxed group shots and individual portraits, plan for:
30 minutes per side (bridesmaids/groomsmen)
Or 15 minutes total if we’re keeping it quick
We’ll get both classic and candid moments — hugs, laughs, chatting. For video especially, a little movement goes a long way. That’s why we may gently nudge you to walk, cheer, or do something goofy — it brings the moment to life.
Family Photos —
Organized & Meaningful
To keep this part smooth:
Make a list of groupings ahead of time
Assign a helper who knows names and faces
Expect hugs, blinkers, and a little chaos — it’s all part of the beauty
We’ll prioritize soft light and clean backgrounds — not just big views. But if there’s a meaningful location, tell us! We’ll do our best to make it shine.
Ceremony Prep — Please Give Us 30 Minutes
We need 30 minutes before the ceremony for video setup:
- Mic’ing the groom and officiant
- Placing recorders
- Locking camera angles
- Framing and testing light
Without this, we may not be able to capture your full ceremony cleanly in video. Your highlight will still be beautiful — but full ceremony coverage needs quiet prep.
Bonus tip: Nerves are real, and they show in tiny ways — people walk too fast, forget to smile, or lick their lips constantly. Remind your wedding party: slow down. Breathe. Soak it in.
For the kiss: Close your eyes, kiss slowly, and silently count to “three Mississippi.” Then do a second kiss or hug as you exit the aisle. It gives us a second angle — and a second chance to capture it perfectly.
Portraits & Light — A Love Story
We can take portraits anytime — but light is what makes them glow.
Harsh midday sun = shiny skin, squinty eyes, shadows.
Even the most scenic view can’t beat the softness of golden hour. It’s physically impossible to recreate that warm, backlit glow at noon — the light just doesn’t behave the same.
Pro tip: Bring a couple of sun umbrellas! They’re not only beautiful in photos, but also great for creating soft shade when the sun is high.
If you’re open, we’d love to sneak you away for 10–15 minutes at sunset. A moment to breathe. A few frames you’ll treasure.
Cloudy skies? Amazing. Soft light, zero shadows. Light drizzle? Still better than hard sun!
Have a special tree, view, or corner of the venue? Tell us! We’ll make it work — just know that timing will make or break how it photographs.
Reception Decor — Hold the Guests!
If you want beautiful shots of your reception space — tables, candles, florals — we need at least 15 minutes alone in the space before guests arrive.
Once the room fills, clean wide shots become nearly impossible. We’ll always coordinate with your planner, but a heads-up from you helps too.
🎥 Yes, we’ll grab cinematic video shots of the space as well — especially if the candles are flickering!
Drone Footage — We Love It
(When We Can Fly)
We’re happy to fly the drone for epic views — if the rules allow.
We can’t fly if:
- We’re near an airport or military zone
- The venue doesn’t allow it
- The drone’s GPS is blocked
- The weather’s too windy or wet
If drone footage is important to you, we’ll check in advance and make sure it’s possible.
Pinterest Boards & Shot Lists
We love seeing your vibe — whether it’s moody, joyful, romantic, or playful. A few inspo pics? Totally welcome. A vision board? Awesome.
Just know: our style is intentional and documentary. We’ll always follow the light, the emotion, and the moment. Too many Pinterest recreations can interrupt the flow of the day — so highlight your favorites, then let us do our thing. We’ve got you. 💛
Parking — Really, It Matters
We’ve lost 20+ minutes at weddings trying to find parking or an unmarked entrance. We always plan to arrive early — but knowing the situation helps.
Let us know:
- Is there vendor parking on-site?
- Should we build in extra time to park or unload gear?
A smooth arrival = more time with you.
Final Thought
This is your day. Your people. Your story.
Walk slow. Kiss long. Laugh freely. Be present.
We’ll be there — cameras ready, hearts full, rooting for you every step of the way.