After photographing the details, I'll switch to photographing getting ready. Getting ready usually involves hair and makeup, showering, getting dressed, and adding additional details such as jewelry, shoes, belts, etc. Usually, each partner is getting ready separately with their respective wedding party members. 

Partner 1: After the details, I usually send the second photographer to Partner 2, and I photograph the end of getting ready with Partner 1. If applicable, I recommend that everyone is about halfway done with hair and makeup when I arrive for an 8-hour day. I also recommend that brides go LAST for both hair and makeup. That way, when I'm done with the details, the bride is ideally about halfway done with her hair. I'll also photograph the final touches and some candid moments during this time. 

Partner 2: If there is not a second photographer, I will usually go and photograph the other partner getting ready at this point. If there is a second photographer, they are doing this while I stay with Partner 1. For Partner 2, I recommend either having shirts and pants on or being halfway through hair and makeup at this point. During this time, wedding party members can get dressed and fully ready. 

Recommended amount of photography time: About an hour, but this can vary depending on whether there is a second photographer, travel time, etc. 

Do you want to have a first look with your partner? A "first look" is when the couple chooses to see other before the ceremony at a planned time during the day. Usually, this is a private time for the couple to share a special moment together before the ceremony. You don't have to do a first look, but it's something to consider when planning your timeline. You can find more info about first looks here. 

If you're not doing a first look, you could do a prayer or letter/gift exchange. 

Recommended amount of time: About 30 minutes

Family portraits usually take place right after the ceremony. The amount of time needed for family photos will depend on how large your families are and how many different combinations you want photos of. Thirty minutes gives us enough time to capture the couple with each side of their immediate family and small breakouts, too, like the each partner with their parents, siblings, etc. I ask for a full family photo list in the questionnaire that I send you 3 months before the wedding. Don't worry. I am a pro at fast, efficient family photos. 

Recommended amount of time: About 30 minutes

Time to get fully ready! Brides, this means it's time to get in your gown. Guys, this means adding the final touches to your outfit. I usually start taking photos when it's time for the gown to be zipped or buttoned. It can also be fun to do a first look with the wedding party at this point. 

Getting dressed is part of getting ready, but I recommend adding it as a separate line in your timeline.  Getting dressed usually doesn't take a full 30 minutes, but it's good to allow a little extra transition time here. 

Recommended amount of photography time: About 20-30 minutes

Wedding party photos are so much fun! These 40-ish minutes is broken down into the following parts: 15 minutes for partner 1 with their people, 15 min for partner 2 with their people, and 10 minutes for the full wedding party. These 40 minutes can be broken up throughout the day. For example, we can do photos of each partner with their side f the wedding party at the beginning of the day as soon as they are done getting ready. This will make more sense if you look at the sample timelines below. 

If we do all of the separate wedding party photos before the ceremony, then we only have to do the full wedding party photos after the ceremony. This timing also varies depending on the size of the wedding party. 

Recommended amount of time: About 30-40 minutes

This time is used to capture the couple together, as well as individual portraits of each partner separately. Regardless of whether you’re doing a first look, it is best to allow 15-20 minutes for couple portraits after the ceremony. If you don't do a first look, you definitely want to leave about 20 minutes after the ceremony! We can do it in less, but if couple portraits are important to you, give it some time.

Recommended amount of time: About 20-30 minutes

Cocktail Hour usually takes place right after the ceremony. Your guests go to cocktail hour while you and your partner take photos. If you want to attend cocktail hour, I recommend getting as many photos done before the ceremony as possible. If I have a second photographer, I usually send them to photograph cocktail hour while I do portraits. 

Recommended amount of time: About 60 minutes

Sunset photos are magical because the sunlight is soft, glowy, and beautiful for photos. Sunset timing will depend on what time sunset is on the day of your wedding. When the light is looking perfect, I will let you know and ask if you want to step away for about 15 minutes to get some sunset portraits. You can always say no, but I highly recommend it!

Recommended amount of time: About 20-30 minutes