Wedding Prep Tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
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WEDDING DAY EXPERIENCE
welcome to our wedding day guide
experience
Thank you again for choosing to work with us and please don't hesitate to let us know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
We're thrilled to be working with you and we understand that photography is one of the biggest investments for your wedding day, so we are truly honored that you've chosen us.
With over 150 weddings under our belt, we have noticed that many couples have similar questions. That's why we have created a guide to walk you through everything you need to know—from timelines to logistics and even what to do if the weather doesn't cooperate."
EMMA, PETRO,
First Looks
That special moment when the Bride and Groom lay eyes on each other for the first time on their wedding day holds an undeniable magic. Whether they opt to savor this moment as the bride makes her grand entrance down the aisle or opt for a heartfelt "first look" before the ceremony begins, the emotions run deep.
In recent years, "first looks"—intimate moments shared by the couple before the ceremony—have gained popularity. In fact, nearly half of our couples this year have chosen to embrace it.
While we hold dear to tradition, we believe there are compelling reasons to consider a "first look." Here are two to ponder:
what is a first look & should i do it?
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Here's the thing: without a First Look, most photos get squeezed in after the ceremony. Family pictures happen right away (because, hey, everyone's there!), followed by your wedding party, then finally, you both. This often bleeds right into cocktail hour, leaving you feeling rushed and missing out on mingling with loved ones.
But with a First Look? It's a game-changer! We can capture stunning photos of you and your bridal party before the ceremony. We can even grab a few gorgeous portraits of just the two of you (though golden hour sunsets are still our favorite for those!). This frees up precious time after the "I do's" so you can relax, enjoy catching up with guests, and actually savor your cocktail hour. It's a win-win for everyone: you get amazing photos and a stress-free start to your reception!
Picture Perfect and Stress-Free: How a First Look Saves the Day (and Cocktail Hour!)
The ceremony kicks off, and suddenly, it feels like the day is on fast forward. A First Look is your chance to hit pause, to steal some quiet moments together before the whirlwind begins. It's a chance to simply be present with each other, to savor the weight of the day, and to connect before the celebrations take flight.
Wedding days are a beautiful whirlwind, a kaleidoscope of emotions and activity. But let's be honest, they can also feel like a blur. A First Look creates a peaceful haven just for the two of you. It's a chance to share a laugh, soak in the excitement, and truly appreciate the moment before the day unfolds. We know how important it is to savor every detail of your wedding, and a First Look can help you do just that.
first look might be just perfect for you?
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SUNSET ON NOVEMBER 2, 2024: 5.39PM
We're here to help you design a seamless timeline for your wedding day, no matter your preference! Whether you choose a classic "no see before the ceremony" approach or a romantic First Look, we'll work with you to capture every special moment.
The Traditional Timeline: This approach requires two separate photo sessions – one before the ceremony and one after.
Pre-Ceremony: Expect to dedicate about an hour each to capturing beautiful photos of the bride with her bridespeople and family, and the groom with his groomspeople and family. We'll also grab some quick combined wedding party and family portraits (around 20 minutes each). Finally, after the ceremony, allow 30-40 minutes for stunning couple's portraits.
The First Look Timeline: This option allows us to capture all your portraits in one session, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours before the ceremony. This includes photos with your wedding party, family, and of course, those must-have couple's portraits (and yes, we love squeezing in some extra portraits of just the two of you at golden hour too!).
Here are some additional tips for a smooth timeline:
Traditional Ceremony: Be mindful of your ceremony time when planning your overall schedule. Especially for sunset or evening ceremonies, capturing family, wedding party, and couple's portraits before the ceremony is ideal to ensure the best possible light.
Sunset Magic: If you have your heart set on a sunset ceremony, a First Look might be your best bet! This allows us to capture all your portraits beforehand, while the sun is still high enough in the sky.
Remember, this is your special day! We'll work closely with you to craft a timeline that reflects your unique preferences and ensures we capture every precious moment.
Wedding Day
Traditional or with first look?
timeline
crafting your dream timeline
11:30 pm
COVERAGE BEGINS: DETAIL SHOTS + Candid
12:15 pm
BRIDE & GROOM GETS DRESSED SePARATELY
13:00 pm
BRIDe PORTRAITS. groom portraits.
1:30 pm
FIRST LOOK
2:15 pm
bridal/WEDDING party pictures
2:45 pm
END OF WEDDING PARTY IMAGES
3:15 pm
IMMEDIATE FAMILY PHOTOS
3:45 pm
END OF FAMILY PHOTOS. DOWN TIME TO HIDE
3:50 pm
ceremony detail shots
4:30 pm
ceremony begins
5:00 pm
END OF CEREMONY. COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS. CANDID COVERAGE
5:30 pm
DETAIL SHOTS OF THE RECEPTION ROOM
6:15 pm
BRIDE & GROOM FIRST LOOK OF VENUE + photograph reception area + details
6:30 pm
reception begins
6:40 pm
grand entrance + first dance
7:00 pm
DINNER is served
7:15 pm
toasts
FROM 7:30 pm
FOOD SERVICES, SPEECHES, DANCES, CAKE CUTTING, BOUQUET TOSS, PARTY, ETC...
with a
first look 12 HOURS COVERAGE timeline example
FIRST LOOK
UNTIL 11:30 pm
1:30 PM
PHOTOGRAPH CEREMONY SITE.
2:00 PM
PHOTOGRAPH GUESTS ENTERING CEREMONY
2:30 pm
CEREMONY ENDS
2:45 pm
COCKTAIL HOURS STARTS. CANDID COVERAGE
3:00 pm
family photos
3:30 PM
WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
4:00 pm
BRIDE + GROOM PORTRAITS
4:45 pm
BRIDE & GROOM FIRST LOOK OF VENUE + PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION AREA
5:15 PM
RECEPTION BEGINS
GRAND ENTRANCE + FIRST DANCE
without a first look
traditional 12 hours timeline example
Traditional
2:00 PM
CEREMONY STARTS
11:30 pm
COVERAGE BEGINS: DETAIL SHOTS + Candid
12:15 pm
BRIDE & GROOM GETS DRESSED SePARATELY
13:00 pm
BRIDe PORTRAITS. groom portraits.
DINNER is served
toasts
FOOD SERVICES, SPEECHES, DANCES, CAKE CUTTING, BOUQUET TOSS, PARTY, ETC...
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:15 pm
FROM 6:30 pm
UNTIL 11:30 pm
We know you've poured your heart into every detail of your wedding day, and we love capturing those special touches! Here's a heads up on what to expect when we arrive:
We'll dedicate about 30 minutes to beautifully showcase the details you've so thoughtfully chosen. To ensure we capture everything perfectly, we recommend a well-lit getting-ready space. If possible, keeping the area clear of clutter helps us create a clean and elegant backdrop for your details.
getting ready for your perfect day
WEDDING DAY DETAILS
Dress
Dress Hanger (a custom or a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's necklace. 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.
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST:
groom detail checklist
His shoes
Socks
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
ANYTHING ELSE SPECIAL OR SENTIMENTAL.
(IF THEY'RE SPECIAL)
Don't worry—rainy days can be stunning!
If showers are in the forecast, consider ordering a few clear umbrellas from Amazon. This not only adds a fun visual element to your photos but also keeps you dry. It's also a good idea to re-evaluate your portrait locations to ensure we can still capture natural light—this might mean choosing a different spot, even if it's offsite.
Don't own a pair of cute Wellies? Now might be the perfect time to get some, even if you only wear them while moving between shooting locations. If you're not working with a wedding planner, it's smart to check in with your vendor team about the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be adjusted for humidity.
While we can't promise that rain on your wedding day brings good luck, we can promise a plan that ensures a beautiful day and gorgeous photos, rain or shine.
Rainy day weddings might require a bit more flexibility and creativity, but there's no reason they can't be as joyful and stunning as sunny weddings!
what if the weather is bad OR it'S RAINING?
the case of a rainy wedding day
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Here's how we'll capture your heartwarming family portraits:
We start big! We'll gather everyone for a grand group photo, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more. Then, we'll gradually whittle down the group, capturing photos with grandparents, parents, and siblings.
Think of it like building blocks! We'll strategically add and remove family members to capture the combinations you desire. This might include photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with your partner and your family, and so on. We'll repeat this process with your partner's family to ensure everyone is included.
The key to a smooth flow? A little advanced planning! Sharing this information with your family beforehand helps everyone understand the process.
Don't worry about memorizing every combination! We'll send you a pre-wedding questionnaire where you can specify your desired family groupings and address any special situations.
TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY & GROUP PICTURES
FORMAL FAMILY & GROUP PICTURES
Please be aware that this list is just a starting point; we're glad to take any additional family portraits as long as time permits! Relax, have fun, and let's capture the love!
FAMILy FORMALS CHECKLIST
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
FAMILY FORMAL CHECKLIST
Have you noticed a trend lately? More and more couples are requesting "unplugged" ceremonies, asking guests to put down their phones for the duration. This might seem like an unusual request, but there's a thoughtful reason behind it!
As your wedding photographers, we're dedicated to capturing every precious moment of your ceremony. The last thing you want are photos filled with phones, tablets, or even well-meaning guests standing in the aisle with their own cameras. An unplugged ceremony ensures we can capture your vows, expressions, and the pure joy of your union perfectly.
By politely requesting guests to "unplug" during the ceremony, you're allowing us to document your special day beautifully, without any distractions. This way, you can truly be present in the moment and cherish these memories for years to come.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONIES
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
Creating Lasting Memories: Why We Love Unplugged Ceremonies
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Ensure your bouquet is delivered in time for the detail shots and your first look. Bouquets often arrive in water and may need to be dried off before use, so keep some towels handy for a quick dry-off.
Extra florals for your wedding details shots.
ADDITIONAL tips
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Consider having a light snack or lunchtime meal before the portrait session. This way, you and your bridal party can avoid those hungry bellies and any risk of fainting during the shoot!
Don't for the snacks
snacks & water
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If the weather's going to be hot, a cooler filled with cold water and frozen washcloths can be a lifesaver to keep your wedding party cool—especially if the men are wearing multiple layers.
Prep for the heat
heat
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If you're planning a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they usually prefer to be fully dressed in their wedding attire. This way, they feel more comfortable and ready for the special moment.
first look for parents
first look
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If your reception is at a different venue, consider adding some 'buffer time' in your schedule. This allows us to go to the venue and capture it while it's still pristine and untouched by guests.
Room Reveal
Fluff time
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We always suggest the bride 'go into hiding' at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This is because guests often arrive early, and this way you can avoid being seen before your grand entrance.
ceremony tips
HIDE THE BRIDE
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Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to suggest which portraits they'd like before the wedding. To ensure everything goes as planned, we recommend assigning a family member to manage the group photo list. They can help gather everyone at the right time, which is especially useful since we don't know all your relatives.
family & group pictures
make a list
08 of 09
During the cocktail hour and reception, we'll be right there with you. If you want a photo with someone, just give us a wave or call us over. We're thrilled to be your personal paparazzi!
Personal Paparazzi!
photo anyone?
09 of 09
We'd be delighted to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, feel free to email or call us anytime!
We'd love to hear from you!
wE'RE HERE TO HELP
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!
We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.We just 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 contact@juliagarciaprat.com.