wedding journal

Looking for an 8 hour wedding photography timeline that keeps your day stress-free? I’ve got you covered! Planning your wedding day can feel overwhelming, but having a structured timeline can make everything flow smoothly. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective 8-hour wedding photography timeline that includes a first look, I’ve got you covered! I’ve used this template year after year to help my couples have a stress-free and beautifully documented day.

8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

12:30 PM – Coverage Begins & Detail Shots

Your photographer will start by capturing all the gorgeous details—your dress, rings, invitations, shoes, and any sentimental items. Candid moments of you and your wedding party getting ready will also be documented.

1:00 PM – Bride + Bridesmaid Getting Ready Photos

Bridesmaids in their dresses, final makeup touch-ups, and those beautiful pre-ceremony moments happen now.

1:45 PM – Hair & Makeup Final Touches + Getting Dressed

Hair and makeup should be completed at this time, and the bride and bridal party start getting dressed.

2:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Groom + Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos

Final getting ready moments for both the bride and groom, capturing those emotional and candid interactions.

2:30 PM – First Look & Portraits

One of the most emotional and intimate moments of the day! The first look allows you to share a quiet, special moment together before the hustle and bustle begins. This is also a great time to take couple portraits while hair and makeup are fresh.

3:15 PM – Bridal Party & Family Photos

With the first look done, we’ll capture fun and formal shots with your wedding party and immediate family.

4:00 PM – Hide Bride Away Before Ceremony & Photograph Ceremony + Reception Space

The bride takes a moment to freshen up while the photographer captures the beautifully set ceremony and reception space before guests arrive.

4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins

Time to say “I do!” Your photographer will capture the processional, vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and all the little moments in between.

5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour

Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers while you relax or take additional portraits.

6:00 PM – Reception Begins

Your reception officially kicks off!

6:05 PM – Entrance, First Dance & Toasts

Your grand entrance, followed by your first dance and heartfelt toasts.

6:30 PM – Dinner

Time to enjoy a meal with your loved ones.

7:10 PM – Special Dances, Cake Cutting & Dancing

Parent dances, cake cutting, and the dance floor opening up for celebration!

7:30 PM – Sunset Photos

A golden hour session to capture dreamy, romantic portraits.

8:30 PM – Coverage Ends

Final moments captured before wrapping up your photography coverage.

Why This Timeline Works

This 8-hour timeline ensures that all the key moments of your wedding day are beautifully documented while keeping things relaxed and enjoyable. With a first look included, you get extra time for portraits and can fully enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

Need a customized timeline? I’m here to help! Let’s craft the perfect schedule for your special day.

You’re engaged…woohoo! Now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part, researching and booking vendors. When it comes to photography, you might be wondering: what questions to ask a wedding photographer? Having been on both sides, planning my own wedding and now working as a wedding photographer, I’ve learned there are things I wish I had asked and things I want my potential clients to know. So, let’s dive into the must-ask questions to help you find the perfect photographer for your big day!

1. What is your style, and how do you approach a wedding day?

This is such an important question because every photographer has a unique style and approach! Some focus on a documentary, candid style, while others lean towards a more posed, editorial look. Their approach to a wedding day can also vary, do they take charge and direct moments, or do they blend into the background and capture things as they naturally unfold?

It’s essential to find a photographer whose style matches your vision and whose personality makes you feel comfortable. Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, to get a true sense of how they capture an entire day.

2. What is your backup plan? If you aren’t able to be there on my wedding day due to an emergency, what happens?

Life is unpredictable, and while no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, it’s important to know your photographer has a solid backup plan in place. Ask if they have a trusted network of photographers who can step in if needed. Do they have second shooters or assistants who could take over?

3. What happens to my photos after the wedding? Do they get deleted once delivered, or do you keep them?

This is so important, I can’t stress it enough! After your wedding, your photos (and video, if chosen) are the one thing you have left from the day. You want to make sure your photographer has processes in place to keep your images safe.

Ask about their backup system, do they use dual memory cards while shooting? How and where are the photos stored after the wedding? How long do they keep them? Also, find out how long your online gallery will be active and whether there’s a fee to have it re-uploaded if needed.

For me, both of my cameras have dual memory cards, and as soon as I get home, I upload everything to my computer, two hard drives, and the cloud. And they never get deleted. Like, never. I keep online galleries active for a year, but since I always have backups, I can easily re-upload them, for free.

Quick story: A bride from 2021 reached out to me today because her wedding photos were on an old device, and she forgot to move them over. She thought she’d ask if I still had them but understood that I probably didn’t… but I did! I was able to re-upload her photos, and she was beyond grateful.

Not all photographers keep images forever, and some charge to re-upload galleries, so it’s crucial to ask before booking. That way, you know what to expect and can take any necessary steps to back up your photos yourself!

4. What does communication look like when working with you?

Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts, so knowing how and when you can communicate with your photographer is key. Ask what their preferred method of communication is, can you text them, or is it strictly email? How many meetings are included in your package? What’s their typical response time?

For me, I want my couples to feel like they can reach out anytime! I’m available via email and text, and I include however many meetings needed in my collections to go over details, timelines, and any questions you have. I also aim to respond within 24 hours/days because I know how important quick communication is when planning a wedding.

Every photographer has a different approach, so it’s important to find someone whose communication style aligns with your needs and expectations. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re left in the dark leading up to your big day!

5. Do you have insurance?

This one is pretty simple, all professional photographers should have insurance, especially when working at venues (and most venues require it!). Liability insurance protects both you and the photographer in case of accidents, and equipment insurance ensures that if anything happens to their gear, your wedding day coverage isn’t at risk.

6. How long until I get my final gallery?

Turnaround time is an important detail to discuss and should be clearly stated in your contract. Some photographers take several months, while others have a quicker turnaround depending on their workload.

For me, I take on a limited number of weddings each year so that no one has to wait months and months for their photos. I believe in delivering galleries in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality.

Make sure to ask about sneak peeks as well, some photographers provide a small selection of edited images within a few days so you have something to share while you wait for the full gallery!

7. What do you love about weddings?

Ask this!! The person you choose should truly love photographing weddings. You want someone who is passionate, excited, and genuinely cares about capturing your day, not just someone who sees it as another job.

When your photographer is just as excited about your wedding as you are, it makes the experience that much better!

8. What is your booking process?

Understanding the booking process upfront ensures there are no surprises. Ask what’s required to officially secure your date, do they require a retainer fee? When is the final payment due? What does the contract include?

For me, I make the process as simple and clear as possible. A signed contract and retainer fee are required to lock in your date, and I provide a payment schedule so you always know what to expect. Everything should be discussed in advance, so you’re never left wondering about the next step!

9. Can I see full wedding galleries?

You should always be able to view a couple of full galleries from real weddings! While Instagram and website portfolios showcase the best highlights, they don’t show how a photographer captures an entire wedding day, from getting ready to the ceremony, reception, and all the in-between moments.

Seeing full galleries will give you a better idea of their consistency, editing style, and how they handle different lighting situations. It’s one of the best ways to make sure their work aligns with your vision for your own wedding photos!

Choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just loving their photos—it’s about trusting them to capture one of the most important days of your life. By asking what questions to ask a wedding photographer, you’ll gain a better understanding of their style, process, and professionalism, ensuring they’re the perfect fit for you.

If you’re looking for a photographer who truly cares about your experience, values communication, and will preserve your memories with passion, I’d love to chat! Reach out here to inquire about your date, ask any additional questions, or just say hello! And be sure to check out my Pinterest to get wedding inspo!

It’s Here – My 2024 Recap!

Wow, what a year 2024 has been! As I sit back and reflect on the incredible experiences I’ve had, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. This year has been nothing short of amazing for my business, and I’m beyond excited to share the highlights with you. Read more about my 2024 Recap!

1. Working with the Most Amazing Couples, Families, & Vendors

First and foremost, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with the most wonderful couples and families. Each one of them was so down-to-earth, kind, and fun to be around. They truly made my job a joy, and I’m beyond grateful for the trust they placed in me to be part of their special moments. From intimate celebrations to larger weddings, each story was unique, and I cherished every second.

What made this year even more special was the incredible vendors I had the privilege of collaborating with. Working alongside such talented and passionate people has been a game changer. We were all on the same page, working together as a team to make sure every couple had the best day possible.

2. Learned My Limit

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in 2024 was understanding my limits. As someone who’s always eager to say “yes” and take on every opportunity that comes my way, I realized this year that balance is key. I’ve always wanted to give my all to my couples and clients, and while it hasn’t been perfect, I can confidently say I did a much better job this year of managing my workload and making time for the things that truly matter.

For the first time, I really committed to blocking off weekends to recharge and give my family the quality time they deserve. I took the entire month of July and September off, which allowed me to truly unplug and catch up on galleries. This not only helped me be a better partner and parent, but it also allowed me to come back to my work with a renewed sense of energy and creativity.

To ensure I could continue this healthier balance, I also capped the number of weddings I take on each year. My ideal number is 15 weddings, but no more than 18. This cap allows me to focus on delivering the best experience for each couple while still having weekends to escape with my family.

It’s not always easy to say no, but it’s something I’m proud to have prioritized in 2024. By honoring my personal limits, I’ve been able to show up fully for the amazing couples I work. Here’s to more balance and boundaries in 2025!

3. Found My Style

2024 was the year I truly found my style, both in terms of editing and my approach to a wedding day. It’s such a huge milestone for me, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve discovered.

When it comes to my editing style, I’ve learned to embrace my love for color. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, bold hues, and I made it a point this year to let that shine through in my images. My focus is on keeping the colors true and bright, ensuring that the beauty of each moment comes alive in every photo. I want the images to feel vibrant and full of life, exactly like the days they represent.

Beyond editing, I’ve also honed in on how I approach a wedding day. For me, it’s all about capturing those moments that often go unnoticed — the little in-betweens, the quiet smiles, the unspoken glances. These are the moments that tell the true story of a wedding day. While I still capture posed images when needed (because I know some people feel more comfortable with direction), my goal is always to make sure you feel the photos, not just see them. I want the photos to evoke the emotion, the laughter, and the love that were there in that very moment.

Finding this style has made such a difference in my work, and I’m so grateful to have reached this point. It’s about telling a story that’s authentic and full of color, and I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025, capturing even more beautiful moments in the years ahead.

4. Awesome Venues I Worked at in 2024

One of the most exciting parts of my job is getting to work at some truly stunning venues, and 2024 did not disappoint! I had the privilege of capturing weddings at a diverse range of locations, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Here are some of the amazing venues I had the chance to work at this year:

• Turner Hill in Ipswich – A gorgeous, classic venue with breathtaking views and impeccable service.

• Willowdale Estate – This historic venue with its rustic elegance and stunning grounds is always a favorite!

• Waverly Oaks in Plymouth – A picturesque location, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

• Saphire Estate in Sharon – A beautiful, all-inclusive venue with a grand ballroom and stunning outdoor ceremony space.

• The Villa in Bridgewater – A timeless venue with classic charm and sophisticated elegance.

• Publick House in Sturbridge – A rustic New England venue with a cozy, intimate feel and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Grand View in Mendon – A venue that lives up to its name, offering sweeping views and a warm, inviting vibe.

• Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton – A hidden gem with panoramic views of New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains.

• The Margate at Lake Winnipesaukee – A lakeside venue with a relaxed, yet stunning atmosphere.

• Bird Dog Cidery – A charming, rustic venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, nature-filled celebration.

• LaBelle Winery in Derry – A beautiful vineyard setting that combines romance and elegance with a touch of rustic charm.

• Beauport in Gloucester – A scenic venue with incredible coastal views and a truly special ambiance.

• Bedford Village Inn in Bedford – An elegant venue that blends modern luxury with timeless New England charm.

• Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead – A stunning waterfront venue that offers an elegant, nautical vibe.

Each of these venues provided a unique and unforgettable setting for the weddings I captured, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at such incredible places. Whether it was an elegant ballroom, a serene lakeside, or a rustic vineyard, these venues made each wedding day feel extraordinary.

Thanks for reading my 2024 recap! I can’t wait to see where 2025 will take me, but I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful spaces I got to experience in 2024!

Interested in working together? Let’s chat!