Wedding Ceremony Package

  

We offer the only package you will need.


Sacred Wedding Package - $800 (Traveling Expenses Excluded for Out of Town Weddings) 


This package is the only package you could ever want. You will have me for the entire work day with a cut off at 8:30PM. Additional time after hours will be $100 per hour.  You will receive every digital photo, with no cut off limit of shots(100+).


 Here is sample of what your wedding day will look like...........

Photographers Arrive – Getting Ready Photos

I typically arrive well before my designated start time to stash my bags, set up my gear and scout locations at the venue. Even if I have shot there before, it is nice to see if anything has changed, what the light is doing that day and, if shooting outdoors, what the light and landscape looks like.  It is ideal to have the bride and bridesmaids in the last stages of hair and makeup, if not already done, that way I can photograph the dress and accessories, the bride and bridal party in any special outfits or robes, giving gifts, etc., and then capture the bride getting in her dress. I often tell my brides to be one of the first in the party to get hair and makeup done. I know you want your hair and makeup as fresh as possible, but trust me when I say that your stylist will do her best to make sure you look great all day. For the sake of time, its best to make sure the bride is ready before everyone else is..

Bride & Groom Get Dressed

Time to get dressed! At this point the bride and groom put on their ceremony attire and accessories. It is a personal decision on whether or not you want this portion of the day photographed, so just let me know what you are comfortable with. Also, be sure to decide and communicate whom you would like helping you into your dress. It is typically the duty of the mom, sister or maid of honor, but invite whoever you want!

Make sure to have everything you need on hand to get dressed: Scissors, a crochet hook, fashion tape, a sewing kit, shoe inserts, etc.  And have your bouquet there and ready for photos! Some brides like to do a photo with their mom or a first look with their dad at this time. Just let us know of any requests you have before you leave the bridal suite.

Then I'll go get some photographs of the groom while he is almost fully dressed besides his accessories like ties , cufflinks, vest etc. Most people like to get some shots of the grooms father or best man tying their tie, buttoning a vest , holding their coat for them when they are putting it on, or whatever the groom is comfortable with. Guys have it easy. Just some hair gel, tie adjustments, a spritz of cologne and they’re out the door. 

First Look (Optional)

Most people’s, favorite part of the day. Once the location is determined, the groom will be placed in position.  Typically this is private moment between the bride and groom and, of course, the photographera. Some people like to wait til the actual wedding ceremony to have the first look , but doing the first look before can be very intimate and capture some very natural emotions without all the other distractions.

Bride & Groom Portraits

Our goal at this point is to continue with the romance of the first look(if decided) and capture some photos of just the two of you. During my pre-shoot location scouting, I will have found some areas at the venue that are ideal for photos. We will also use this time to get solo shots of each of you individually.

Meanwhile, your bridesmaids and groomsmen can finish getting dressed and ready.

Wedding Party Photos

I now spend the next 15-20 minutes getting group photos and individual shots of your wedding party. If you have ushers, ring bearers and flower girls as part of your party, make sure they are ready to go at this time so they can be included in the big day.

Some people want to do family photos before the ceremony and that is fine with me. If that is the case with you, you may want to consider adding an hour or half hour of photography coverage before your ceremony and be sure your family knows your wishes to have them there at a certain time for photos.. A lot of couples prefer to do formal photos immediately following the ceremony so your family members (especially elderly or those with small children) don’t have to arrive at the venue super early. Just communicate your wishes and we can work out a timeline accordingly.

 Pre – Ceremony Chill Time

Guests will begin arriving soon so we will now head back to your dressing rooms to relax before the ceremony. Use this time to use the bathroom, get something to eat or drink and get off your feet before all the excitement of the evening begins.

If the reception tables are set up, I will spend the next 15-ish minutes photographing those details as well. You worked hard to make your wedding special and we want to capture all of its fabulousness before guests put their personal items in the reception area.

Ceremony

You’re getting married! For a lot of people, this part is a mix of emotions: From excitement to nerves to pure elation, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment!

I will make a game-plan before the ceremony to make sure we capture all the important moments and take advantage of the best vantage points. You may also want to encourage your guests to be present during the ceremony and refrain from taking photos or videos during this portion of the day. This will ensure we are able to do our job without interruptions like people stepping in the aisle or in front of our shot and it keeps your photos from being filled with dozens of cameras and cell phones instead of your guests smiling faces.

Cocktail Hour/Family Photos

Congrats! You’re married!

Couples will often sign the marriage license and grab a quick refreshment immediately following the ceremony. Time is limited so keep it quick and try to avoid getting caught in conversations with guests congratulating you – We still have photos to do!

All family members should be instructed to stay at the ceremony site for family photos. Be sure to let people know ahead of time if they will be included in family photos so they aren’t surprised on the day of and we lose them to the reception. Typically photographers like to do family photos right at the ceremony site because it’s pretty, well lit and can accommodate large groups of people. Of course you can have your formal photos wherever you want but think about grandparents or people who may need assistance or more time moving to other locations. During the pre-wedding communication, I ask for a numbered list with each family grouping complete with names. This helps make the family photos a breeze and we can ensure we capture all the groups. Trust me when I say planning is important here! Trying to come up with the groupings you want on the spot can be stressful and will possibly lead to you inadvertently missing someone – or an entire group! 

It is good to estimate each grouping to take about 3 minutes each. If you have more than 20 family photo groups, consider doing some or all of them before the ceremony or extending your cocktail hour to be able to accommodate all the groups. And as you’re making your photo list, think about the photos that are truly important to you. The ones you put in frames and cherish for years to come. You may be getting a little tired of smiling for photos around group 10 or 12 so try to keep your list as small as possible!

Here is a sample list based on what most couples do:

Bride’s Family:

Groom’s Family:

After family portion is complete , I will get some photographs of the Other guests mingling and enjoying food and drinks.

At this point the bride and groom can either take more photos if they want to or they can enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.

Reception/Grand Entrance

Guests begin taking their seats, which can take some time if there is arranged seating (and an open bar!) The wedding party and bride and groom will be announced into the reception.

Welcome Toasts/Prayer and Dinner

At dinner time I can get shots of your rings and any other details that still need to be photographed as well as grab a bite to eat myself. No one likes having their photo taken with a mouthful of food so I avoid taking photos of guests during dinner. The only exception is if you want any other group photos. This can be a great time to get less formal group photos you may want like college or high school friends, co-workers, cousins, etc. Just let us know in the pre-wedding shot list.

Toasts

If dinner is running late or timing is a concern, consider starting toasts at the beginning of the meal during the salad course or as guests are finishing up eating.

Cake Cutting

First Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance

Open Dancing

Bouquet & Garter Toss

Photographer’s End Time

Right after the bouquet and garter toss I will leave the wedding. The exception being if there is a grand exit planned at the very end of the night. I will check in with both the bride and groom before we leave to see if you have any last shots you want to get and to ensure you don’t want me to add additional coverage time.

Well thanks for reading friends! I hope you found this timeline to be helpful as you plan your big day.