engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
nicole lee Photography
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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!
I am so excited to be working with you and cannot 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 me to document it!
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.
Having photographed more than 70 weddings over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. 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.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
As you may already know, I'm a big fan 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. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
Stationary
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
ViDEOGRAPHY
A Little Bit of Green by Lisa
Essentia Blooms
Thistle and Bloom Studio
The Budding Florist
Gia and the Blooms
Kate Rutter
Belfleur Florals
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Narnia, Blush and Bowtie Weddings
Emily, Electric Love Events
Natalie, Natalia's Event Planning
Heirloom Design & Co
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors below and cannot recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day!
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
Eats
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself someone who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
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.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
First Look
03
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 runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and family formals. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed... which is SO important to me. It may be my biggest goal in building your timeline... figuring out how to craft it in a way that helps the day move as slowly & seamlessly as possible.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
02
Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
01
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, 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.
Whether you choose to do a first look before the ceremony or down the isle, I will work with you to craft a custom day-of timeline that ensures every moment gets captured.
If you're choosing to go traditional, I recommend two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll want to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour 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.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Tip: Have your details set aside in a little box for me & I'll start on those right away.
12 p.m.
12:00pm
Coverage begins at your getting ready location(s). I recommend 2 photographers if the bride and groom are getting ready in separate locations.
Bride gets in dress.
Followed by optional first looks with bridesmaids or family members.
1 :00 p.m.
1:15pm
First look takes place.
Note: This can also be a sweet time to share private vows.
1:30 p.m.
1:30pm
1:45PM
2:00 p.m.
Bride & groom and full wedding party.
Family portraits.
Make sure family knows to arrive early for photos before the ceremony.
3:00 p.m.
2:00pm
3:00PM
Wedding party tucked away at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Note: This allows your photographer time to photograph ceremony details before guests arrive.
3:30 p.m.
3:30pm
Ceremony takes place.
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm
Extended family portraits.
4:30 p.m.
Join 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 pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:00 p.M.
4:30pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:30 P.M.
5:00 PM
5:30pm
Dinner & toasts.
5:45 P.M.
6:45 P.M.
Cut the cake & open up the dance floor.
6:30pm
Sunset Portraits
Ideally, we'll sneak off about 30 minutes before the sun sets for an intimate session of the two of you. This is usually the best light of the day & a great way to slow down and take in the moment... YOU'RE MARRIED!! Since you already got portraits with your hunny earlier in the day, we don't have to spend as much time away from your guests during this time.
7:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Champagne tower, bouquet toss, whatever your jam.
7:30 P.M.
7:15pm
Coverage ends, photographer departs!
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
1:00pm
Tip: Have your details set aside in a little box for me & I'll start on those right away.
1 p.m.
12:00pm
Coverage begins at your getting ready location(s). I recommend 2 photographers if the bride and groom are getting ready in separate locations.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
Bride gets in dress.
Followed by optional first looks with bridesmaids or family members.
Bride and bridesmaids take pre-ceremony portraits.
2:30 p.m.
2:15pm
Groom and groomsmen take pre-ceremony portraits.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
3:30 p.m.
Wedding party tucked away at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Note: This allows your photographer time to photograph ceremony details before guests arrive.
3:30pm
4:00 P.M.
Ceremony takes place.
4:00pm
Family portraits.
4:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Note: We'll 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.
Bride & groom and full wedding party.
5:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Intros & dances, dinner & toasts.
5:30 P.M.
8:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:00 P.M.
Ideally, we'll sneak off about an hour before the sun sets for an intimate session of the two of you. This is typically when you get the bulk of your bride & groom portraits if you skip the first look!
7:30pm
Cut the cake & get back out on the dance floor.
8:00 P.M.
8:30pm
Coverage ends, photographer departs!
9:00 P.M.
9:00pm
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I'll need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space (or at least a corner) 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 me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I 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, I love including family heirlooms in your detail shots.
Bonus: I would LOVE to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply a small bucket of extra pieces, I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
Don't forget 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
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + 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 + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I'll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then I'll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
I'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 I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'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 my typical list below.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for 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 me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
05
If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
Extra Florals
03
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.
Prep for the heat
02
The morning is busy; don't forget to eat! Have lots of light snacks available for your wedding parties while you're getting ready, and maybe even ask a family member ahead of time to run for your favorite brunch food.
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
Never hesitate to reach out any step of the way!!
I'm here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, I'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. In my Pre-Wedding Questionnaire, I'll have you list the different family combinations, so that this portion of your day runs smoothly and efficiently.
Make a list
07
I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. There's just something about sifting through physical photographs, passing them around the living room, and passing them down to your kids' kids.
Your wedding photos hold stories and memories that will be shared and passed down for generations.
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.
After I deliver your gallery, I would love to work with you to order prints and design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
I 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.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. Feel free to email me any time at nicolelee.photography@yahoo.com.
I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details fun and less stressful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through it all. I can't wait to celebrate with you soon!