Your Timeline Dictates Your Photos

If you don't put SPECIFIC time in your day for your dream images, they likely won't happen.

While your wedding is not a photoshoot, and should be enjoyed; it's much less enjoyable when you're pressed for time

and don't get the photos you love on a day that only happens once.

Ideally your timeline should allow for you photographer to arrive early for detail shots,

which means your details need to be completed before the photographer shows up

(venue, florals, dress, tables, invites, rings, etc).

Then your photographer can go into getting ready, ideally with a second shooter to capture your significant other simultaneously.

Leaving some time towards the end of getting ready for curated shots (Shay Sullivan photos don't happen accidentally).

Moving into things like first look, private vows, individual portraits, couple portraits, wedding party portraits, etc

to help save on time when it matters. Even getting family photos done during this time can allow you to enjoy your wedding day more thoroughly while it's actually happening.

Front loading your wedding day, having a well thought out timeline, and someone to help you stay on track and organized is key.

This also means hiring your photographer to come EARLY, not just an hour before your ceremony.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Each Wedding is different. The answer is, it depends.

Do you want getting ready photos (30 min- 1 hr)

Individual portraits (15-30 min)

Couples portraits (30 min- 1 hr)

Wedding Party Photos (15-30min)

Family Photos (15- 30min)

All of these things take time, the less comfortable you are in front of the camera, the more time they take.

The less organized your timeline is, the more time they take.

Not having everyone ready and lined up for family photos can take a 15 minute session into a full blown hour of your day.

Throwing off your whole timeline.

This is in part why I HIGHLY suggest hiring a wedding planner, not just a day of coordinator.

Final Thoughts

The worst feeling ever is not getting to enjoy your wedding day.

The second worst feeling is getting home and hating your photos.

Leave ample time for photos, front load, and have clear, concise planning in your timeline.