Let’s make sure your wedding runs smoothly
Relax and Enjoy
Getting Ready Tips
• Choose a spacious, well-lit area where everyone can feel comfortable. Usually, the kitchen or living room is the best place for it but a bedroom with plenty of space can work well too.
• Keep all your accessories— jewellery, invites, perfume, shoes, and anything special—in one spot so I can easily capture beautiful detail shots.
• Toasting with your bridesmaids or groomsmen is a must! These fun, candid moments make for amazing photos.
• I love capturing everyone before they’re fully ready, so make sure everyone’s hair and makeup are done before it’s time to put on the dress.
• Get in your dress at least one hour before leaving. It might sound crazy, but trust me—something unpredictable always happens! This buffer keeps you calm and prevents any last-minute stress.
• Plan to arrive at the ceremony at least 10 minutes early—this way, you can take a deep breath and soak it all in before walking down the aisle.
• Keep in mind that if there's a travel distance to the ceremony I will be leaving early as some church/chapels can be tricky to get parked. .
REDIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO EACH OTHER, NOT THE CAMERA
The Ceremony
• Travel & Parking: If possible, set aside a parking spot for me—I’m usually the last to arrive, and the last thing I want is to hold up your big entrance while searching for a space! Also, check for any big events in your city that might affect traffic.
• Church Weddings: If you’re marrying in a church, please check with your officiant about photography rules. Some have restrictions on flash or movement, and it’s good for me to know in advance!
• First looks count! Take a moment to truly see each other—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime reaction.
• Rings & Kiss: Take your time! A long kiss (or multiple short ones) gives us more chances to capture it perfectly.
• Walking Down the Aisle: This is a highlight! Walk slowly, take it all in, and enjoy every step. End with a big kiss or raise your hands in celebration!
• Most ceremonies have space for a few quick shots at the altar either with the witnesses, parents or grandparents. Make sure to ask to the person in charge of it if it is possible to do so.
After the ceremony
Right after the ceremony, your guests will be excited to congratulate you! If you have a big guest list, this can take around 30 minutes, while smaller weddings will be quicker.
It’s totally up to you whether you want to greet everyone at this moment or move straight into photos. Either way, I’ll be capturing beautiful candid moments of you and your guests celebrating together!
Let me know in advance how you’d like to handle this so we can plan the timeline smoothly.
Your Photoshoot
The length of your photoshoot is entirely up to you!
I work efficiently and can capture a lot within an hour, including bridal party shots. However, if you’re planning multiple locations or incorporating refreshments, you may want to allow extra time.
Be sure to factor in travel time—getting a group in and out of vehicles always takes longer than expected.
For the most stunning and flattering light, the final moments before sunset are unbeatable. I highly recommend setting aside 5–15 minutes for a golden-hour photoshoot, just for the two of you. This brief window can result in some of the most beautiful photos of the day!
Tips for your photos:
1. Trust your photographer – After all this time getting to know each other, I know what you’re looking for, and you know how I work. Bringing our vision to life will happen easily!
2. Relax & Enjoy – This might be your only alone time together on the big day. Take a breath, focus on each other, and let candid moments shine.
3. Be Happy – You don’t need to smile constantly, just be present. Chat naturally, but be mindful of expressions for the best results.
4. Be You – Whether romantic or playful, embrace what feels right. Don’t force poses that don’t match your personality.
5. Move! – Unless directed to stay still, keep moving for natural, dynamic shots.
6. Practice – Spend time together before the wedding to get comfortable in front of the camera. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
Family Photos
Your wedding ceremony has just finished, you’ve shared special moments with your guests, and now it’s time to capture those all-important group photos. To ensure this part of the day runs smoothly and efficiently, click to the right for some key tips:
Planning & Coordination
- Nominate a coordinator: Choose a confident, assertive person to help direct and organise guests. The person doesn’t need to know everyone—just be comfortable giving instructions.
- Start with the largest family side: This ensures you can quickly move from big groups to smaller ones without missing anyone.
- First, begin with the biggest groupings: It’s easier to remove people from a photo than add them later. For example, start with the extended family before moving to just parents and siblings.
- Prepare a detailed shot list: Include the names of every person in each photo. Example: Ruth’s immediate family – Ruth, Dave, Ruby, Corban. Send this list to your photographer, the nominated coordinator, and key family members. For larger weddings, print copies to hand out.
Timing & Efficiency
⏳ Plan for about 1–2 minutes per photo. This accounts for arranging people so everyone is visible, adjusting posture, removing sunglasses, and ensuring everyone looks their best. For ten group photos, set aside approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
📸 Start with the biggest group photo first—if you’re having one with all your guests, get it done immediately while everyone is still nearby.
Recommended List of Photos
- FAMILY 1
Extended family; Immediate family (with partners); Immediate family (no partners); Parents(together and individual); Siblings(all together and individual); Grandparents
The couple together with both sets of parents
- FAMILY 2
Extended family; Immediate family (with partners); Immediate family (no partners); Parents(together and individual); Siblings(all together and individual); Grandparents
Reception
If you’re planning a big group photo with all your guests, scheduling it just before the dinner call works perfectly. Once the photo is taken, everyone can head straight to their tables, making for a smooth transition into the reception.
After dinner and speeches, there’s usually some extra time to capture additional shots of the couple, as well as more relaxed photos with guests. This is a great opportunity for candid moments and any pictures you may have missed earlier in the day!
The Cake Cutting – A Classic with a Fun Twist!
The cake-cutting shot is a timeless wedding tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be formal or stiff—it can be fun too!
I always recommend not just cutting the cake but actually tasting it. Take a small piece with your hand and either try it yourself or feed it to each other. Laugh, embrace the moment, and enjoy it! Whether you keep it sweet or get a little playful, these candid reactions make for some of the best photos.
