Couple photos are an intimate time — perfect for you to connect in the midst of the often-hectic wedding day. I really like to approach portraits as simply that: a time for you two to be present, take a breath together, and of course, get great photos. It really works best if it’s just the three of us (i.e. no planners, wedding party, parents, etc.) I find that couples are more comfortable in front of the camera when there isn’t an audience around.

Portraits are a collaboration between us, and the time we spend on them depends on how important they are to you. If you’re dreaming of epic portraits at specific locations, you’ll probably want to carve out more time, perhaps an hour or so. I’ve found that for many of my couples portraits are important, but they don’t want to miss out on the rest of their day for them, in which case 30-45 minutes is plenty (it goes fast!) Either way, I find it helpful to split that time between earlier in the day, typically when you’re seeing each other for the first time, and later around sunset/golden hour.

It takes about a half hour to photograph your wedding party, assuming we’re not factoring in travel to a different location.

Plan on setting aside about the same amount of time for family photos, too… assuming everyone is present and no one wanders off (which tends to happen!). Getting these done prior to the ceremony, if you choose, will allow you more time to relax and enjoy cocktail hour with your people.

If finding parking — especially in the city — is going to be tricky, it’s super helpful if valet parking is reserved (or anything else expedient) so everything stays on-time. If nothing else, there’s a space on our questionnaire for parking, so if there’s anything out of the ordinary there, just mention it. I am chronically early, but this is one thing that’s nice to know beforehand!

If we’re driving around to different locations for portraits, I typically drive myself. But if there’s room in a limo or party bus, I’d love to hop on — more moments to photograph!

Getting ready photos are where your wedding story begins. So many meaningful moments happen here, and great light makes all the difference. Large windows with plenty of natural light are ideal. Light-colored walls are even better, as they help reflect that light beautifully. The more natural light, the better.

Some hotel rooms can be filled with no-smoking signs, smoke detectors, and other less-than-photogenic details. If you don’t find a hotel that fits the vibe you’re hoping for, consider an Airbnb or vacation rental.

If I’m meant to be there for getting ready coverage, try not to finish everything before I arrive. Waiting on the finishing touches — lipstick, final hair adjustments, jacket, veil, shoes, cufflinks, etc. — gives us authentic moments to capture.

Is your Pinterest board filled with beautiful detail photos? Make sure to carve out some time for me to get those for you, and have accessories gathered in one spot. Items like your rings, shoes, jewelry, watches, vow books, any special heirlooms. If you’d like your invitation suite photographed, feel free to let me know beforehand, so I can make sure to have what I need to style that (alternatively, some planners and florists may prefer to style this themselves, which is lovely.)

Try to keep at least one corner of your getting-ready space tidy for portraits of you getting dressed. This is a moment you’ll look back on — you may not want suitcases and snack wrappers in the background. If possible, consider securing a clean, well-lit room just for this portion of the day.

If detail photos of your wedding attire are important to you, consider upgrading the hanger (a solid wood hanger photographs much better than a flimsy plastic one).

If time allows, consider setting aside a few minutes for a quiet portrait or two of you fully dressed, before heading out for your first look or ceremony.

If you’d like your rings on for first look and couple portraits, feel free to put them on early.

If you’re exchanging gifts with your wedding party, putting on ties or bow ties, attaching boutonnieres, or doing any final touches — try to time that for when I (or the second shooter) am present. Those candid moments are always great to capture.

Also: don’t forget the boutonnieres! I’ve noticed that they’re surprisingly easy to overlook.

We’d suggest telling family members to arrive at the designated photo spot earlier than you actually need them — even 5-10 minutes early is great. That way if (or when, for some families, ha) someone runs late, it won’t derail the timeline.

Having a designated point person to help with the “formal” photographs, who is familiar with your families, is often a good idea. I will have the shot list we’ve worked on, but having someone who knows names, faces, dynamics, is a great way to keep this process efficient so you can all get on with the party.

You’ve likely invested a lot of time and effort into beautiful details at your wedding, and I want to make sure it’s photographed perfectly for you to remember. To that end, consider building in 15-30 minutes for me to capture detail shots before guests start arriving. We do often split this time to capture both ceremony details, and details of the reception space.

To avoid looking off-center in ceremony photos, consider placing a small, subtle mark during rehearsal where each of you should stand. On the wedding day, just find your marks and you’ll be nicely symmetrical.

In terms of light, ceremonies held a few hours before sunset typically photograph best, but this often isn’t quite realistic for many wedding days. So, consider whether your ceremony site will cast any wonky shadows or light on you. If it’s possible to mitigate that, you won’t regret it.

When setting up your ceremony space, I always appreciate when there is enough room ( especially on the sides) for me to move around unobtrusively.

Feel free to get creative — face your guests so they see more than just your profiles, have everyone sit in a circle, use blankets or benches, add petals or bubbles for your exit. Make it yours.

The first kiss! This moment is even better when it’s just the two of you in the frame. Consider asking your officiant ahead of time to step slightly to the side if possible.

Be mindful of microphone and speaker placement. Your DJ/MC likely knows this, but having a mic stand in the middle of all your photos may not be ideal. If large speakers are part of your setup, placing them slightly off to the sides (if feasible) keeps the focus where it belongs.

Even indoor ceremonies can benefit from natural light. Good photography is all about light, so it’s worth paying attention to your ceremony space lighting when planning.

If possible, consider an “unplugged” ceremony. Not only is it powerful to look out and see the faces of your loved ones instead of a sea of cell phones — it also helps me capture unobstructed moments (like that walk down the aisle without someone’s iPad in the shot).

We find it ideal if your caterer has a meal for us at the same time as you and the guests eat. Mostly caterers know this, but we’ve found that for some reason, some don’t! Or they insist on vendors being served at the very end. Eating when you eat ensures I’m finished before the next round of events begins - speeches, dances, etc. I don’t want to miss a beat!

I love when we can whisk you away for a few minutes during golden hour. The best light is usually 20–40 minutes prior to sunset (45+ minutes in the mountains). This often overlaps with cocktail hour, dinner, or toasts. If toasts are scheduled at sunset, I strongly recommend doing sunset portraits just beforehand so you don’t miss that light.

Colorful lighting can add great ambiance once the dance party gets going. They can also make skin tones look like absolutely bonkers. I recommend that your DJ keeps them off during first dances and other formal dances (or uses neutral colors), then turning them up when it’s time to party.

If you’re planning a formal exit at the end of your day with sparklers, lanterns, confetti, glow sticks, balloons, etc., please let me know in advance. I want to be in the right place to capture your final moments as newlyweds. And feel free to pause for a quick kiss before hopping in the car. Just sayin’.

Bring umbrellas! You can buy or rent matching, quality umbrellas which does make a big visual difference.

If you’re concerned about your outfit getting wet, clear plastic garbage bags can be useful to place beneath the train of your dress. If you’re not worried about it — several high fives for you.

Fun rain boots or a cozy plaid blanket can also make for some memorable portraits.

Wedding galleries are typically delivered within 8–12 weeks. During peak season, it may lean closer to 12 weeks.

Your gallery can be shared with whomever you would like, and from there, your family and guests can view and download photos, and order prints.

If any vendors would like images, please have them reach out to me directly so I can provide them with access.