NEIL SENIOR – DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
A Guide To Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline
Today, I’m here to chat about something that’ll make your wedding day as smooth as can be: planning your wedding day photography timeline. Now, I know it might sound a bit daunting, but fear not! I’m here to guide you through it, step by step, ensuring we capture all those precious moments without you feeling rushed.
Morning Preparations
Let’s kick off with the getting ready part. I recommend setting aside about 2 hours before the ceremony for this. It’s a grand time filled with anticipation, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears. If both sides of the wedding party are at the same venue, that’s perfect! I can flit between the two, capturing all those special moments and details, from the dress hanging up waiting to be worn, to the clinking of glasses as you all toast to the day ahead.
The Ceremony
The heart of the day, usually lasting about 45-60 minutes. This is where the magic happens, folks. From those first looks to the “I do’s”, I’ll be there to capture it all discreetly. And let’s not forget the grand exit – confetti line included! It’s a burst of joy and colour, and trust me, you’ll want to remember that moment forever.
Family and Group Photos
Right after the ceremony and confetti shower, when everyone’s buzzing with excitement, is the perfect time for those group shots. I suggest keeping it to around 10 planned photos to keep things ticking along nicely. This way, we’ve still got plenty of time for those candid, natural shots that really tell the story of your day. Allocating a reliable friend or family member to gather the troops can be a real time-saver here.
Couple Photos
Now, for some time with just the two of you. Allow up to 30 minutes for your couple shots. This is where we capture those intimate, love-filled glances. If we’re heading to a special location, like a nearby beach, let’s factor in a bit more time for travel. These moments are all about you two, so we’ll take our time to get it just right.
Wedding Party and Details
After your couple shots, it’s time to relax and mingle. I’ll be weaving through the celebrations, capturing the laughter, the games, and of course, the details like your beautiful flowers and table settings, all before you sit down for your wedding breakfast.
Speeches, Cake, and First Dance
As you tuck into your meal, I’ll take a wee break, then be back in time for the speeches. Post-speeches, we move onto the cake cutting and first dance. Doing these back-to-back means all your guests are already gathered, making for a seamless transition and some fabulous photos. This part usually wraps up in about 15 minutes, but if you’ve gone for the full package, I’ll stick around for a while longer to catch some of those dance floor shenanigans.
And there you have it, a day packed with love, laughter, and heaps of memories to cherish forever. Remember, it’s all about enjoying your day, so leave the timing and photos to me.