Wedding Guide
AMANDA WOSE PHOTOGRAPHY
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
When I think back to my time as a bride, I know I had so many questions about the process. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather. Dive in and enjoy!
- Amanda
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Adriana Marie Events
Partridge Avenue Events
Hitched by Heather
WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
C. Hopkins Studios
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
Infinity Artistry
Behind the Veil
UpDos for I Dos
HAIR & MAKEUP
Catherine George Cakes
Whipped Weddings
Sweet Hearts Patisserie
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
2 Hands Studios
Something Vintage
White Glove Rentals
RENTALS
Margo and Bees
Haley Michelle Designs
Minted
Invitations
CALLIGRAPHY
OFFICIANT
Wouldn't it be amazing to have even more time to enjoy your wedding day? And to have a day that's stress-free and fun, where you actually get to attend your own cocktail hour? What if I told you there's a way to DOUBLE the number of gorgeous portraits you'll receive?
It's not too good to be true, my friend - having a first look will give you all of these things and more! Now, I know some couples may consider themselves "traditional" or might be worried about taking away from "the aisle moment", but I can assure you from personal and professional experience that a first look is one of the BEST things you can do on your wedding day!
My husband Adam wasn't really on board for a first look. But on the day of, when weather didn't cooperate and nerves were set in, even he said he was SO GLAD that we saw each other beforehand! Read on for a few more reasons to consider a first look!
Reasons to Consider a First Look
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
You're about to marry this person and this is the biggest day of your life, don't you want to spend as much time with them as possible?! The first look is your chance to be together and soak in the significance of the day, without 100 pairs of eyes on you.
You'll be able to hug, kiss, and scream and shout over how awesome each other looks. Without a first look, you often don't even have a chance to talk to each other until after the ceremony - and by then, you'll be bombarded by guests!
1. YOU'LL GET MORE TIME WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally takes up all of cocktail hour, which means that you will not be at your own party!
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures, bride and groom portraits, and even a few family formals. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance!
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
Please know that although I am heavily #TeamFirstLook, we can absolutely accommodate a wedding day without one!
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to forgo the first look, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about thirty minutes of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about thirty minutes of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
HERE'S A FEW tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose not to have a first look, all we ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony (which is as early as 3PM in the winter!), it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
12 p.m.
Amanda and Leigh arrive at Bride’s getting ready location and photograph details. Groom's getting ready photos will typically be staged at the venue.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is just about wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1:15 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations based on lighting and logistics.
2:00 p.m.
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots. Because we got the "safe" shots after the first look, we can have a little fun after the ceremony!
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some guest portraits and candids while you enjoy the hour.
5:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5pm Introductions
5:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
8:00pm Photographers Depart
It's very common for our coverage to end prior to the actual end of your reception. Dancing images tend to look repetitive as the party goes on! If you'd like us there until the end, additional hours of coverage may be added.
1 p.m.
Amanda and Leigh arrive at Bride’s getting ready location and photograph details. Groom's getting ready photos will be staged at the venue.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Chris & Jennifer's wedding day. It rained almost the entire day - there was even a tornado warning one hour prior to the ceremony - and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 45 minutes to capture and style details. We recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationery, such as menus or programs
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Watch
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Books
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, siblings, and parents. And then we’ll quickly add and remove people to get all of the groupings most important to you.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take additional groupings and requests, but we do limit family formal portrait time to ensure you're able to enjoy your event. We can always photograph more groupings at the reception!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the couple asking for guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
You made a big investment in photography and the last thing you want is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras! In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we strongly recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
If you have a loved one that cannot physically attend your wedding, consider asking a friend to FaceTime them in! We'll guide them as to how to do that without obstructing our cameras, as well as document them recording the day. This is a special and unique way to include an absent loved one.
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure to have your bouquet delivered to the bridal suite around the time we arrive. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels and individual vases handy can help.
4. Anyone hanging out with you while you're getting ready (wedding party, parents, siblings, etc.) should be fully dressed and ready to go before you get into your dress. We don't want your mom to still be in jeans and a button down while zipping you into your wedding gown!
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
because what good is all this wedding expertise if we don't share it?!
6. We always recommend the bride go into hiding 45-60 minutes before the ceremony. Guests typically arrive early to weddings, and this gives you a chance to regroup, touch up makeup, and relax.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. We'll help you finalize your family formal list to ensure we shoot efficiently and don't forget any groupings. Leigh is a master at this and will help keep us running smoothly!
8. At least one of us will stay close to you throughout the reception. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
9. We love helping with your wedding planning and are here for you if you need any help at all!
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors.
These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.
They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
We can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email us any time at hello@amandawosephotography.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide!