session details, tips, and answers
wedding day
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this Experience.
Peruse this page and find tips – from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
Bombshell Graphics (vinyl floor wrap)
Alpha-Lit New Jersey (marquee letters)
Cocktail Caravan (cocktail bar)
VW Booth Bus (photo booth)
The Art of Megs (hand painted details)
Paper Gems Co (hand painted champagne bottles)
transportation
specialty vendors
The Up All Nighters
GoGo Gadjet
Daddy Pop
JB ProLive
POSH Entertainment
SCE Event Group
bands
DJs
The Jess Press
Lace and Belle
Flourish Calligraphy
Darling and Pearl
Design House of Moira
Grey and Cake
Plume Calligraphy
Rentals
Makeup Artists
Nuage Designs
NFD Displays (seating chart and big displays)
Emily Simone (Violinist)
JSOUL (vocalist/guitarist)
Essential Jason Nelson (sax player)
Stephanie Owens (Vocalist/pianist)
Linen rentals
musicians
Happily Ever After Hair
Say I Do Hair and Makeup
I Do Hair and Makeup
Beauty on Location NJ
Simply GorJess Hair
hair stylists
Above and Beyond Wedding Studio
Tone Media
Delia Studios
Dan Baldwin Films
Breathe Artistic
videographers
***Vine & Oak
***Blushing Fields
***Daybreak Studio & Farm
***Winsome Floral
***Wile Events & Florals
Blue Jasmine
Cottage Flowers & Design
Jardiniere Fine Flowers
Lush Fleuriste
Whisper & Brook Flower Co
Brady Everett
Twisted Willow
florals
Vine & Oak
Wile Events
Nuage Designs
Dovetail Rentals
Rustic Drift
Faye & Renee
Vintage my Moment
Make Me Up Eva
Looks by Katiness
Perfect Bridals by Christina
Say I Do Hair and Makeup
I Do Hair and Makeup
paper/invites
Calligraphy/signs
Vine & Oak
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and I know are fabulous!
vendors
02.
House of Catherine
Alex Co Events
Wile Events
Planning a wedding day timeline is crucial to a stress free wedding day!. It keeps all your vendors in sync and lets your family and bridal party know where they need to be and when!
As we approach your wedding day, I will reach out via email to discuss your wedding day timeline to ensure that I understand your priorities.
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning:
Keep in mind, every wedding is different, and these are just sample timelines. Your wedding may be different depending on locations!
timeline
03.
8: Hair and makeup begins (sometimes earlier)
1: Photographer arrives:Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
2:30 Bridesmaids robes
3: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
3:30: Bridal portraits
4: Photos of Bride + Bridesmaids and Groom + Groomsmen
4:30: Photographers take ceremony and reception details
5:30: Ceremony
6: Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
6–6:30: Family formals
6:30–6:40: Entire wedding party
6:40–7:00: Newlywed photos
7: Reception doors open
7:20: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
7:25: First dance
7:30: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
7:45: Toasts
8:00: Open dance floor
9. Dinner served
10:30 Cake Cutting
11: Photographer exits
the traditional timeline:
8: Hair and makeup begins (sometimes earlier)
12: Photographer arrives: Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
1:30 Bridesmaids robes
2: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
2:30 Bridal portraits
3: First Look with Bride and Groom
3:45–4:30: Wedding party portraits
4:30: Family formals
5: Photographers shoot ceremony/reception details
6–6:30: Ceremony
6:30–7:30: Cocktail Hour
7:30 Reception doors open
7:45: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
7:50: First dance
8: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
8:10: Toasts
8:30 Open dance floor
9::Dinner served
9:45: Cake cutting
10: Photographer exits
the first look timeline:
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time 1st then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
Bride with both parents
Bride with both parents and siblings
Bride and Groom with Bride's Parents
Above group + Bride’s Siblings with Spouses and Kids
Above group + Bride’s Grandparents Set 1
Above group + Bride’s Grandparents Set 2
Bride + Groom + sets of Parents
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
Groom with both parents
Groom with both parents and siblings
Bride and Groom with Groom’s Parents
Above group + Groom’s Siblings with Spouses and Kids
Above group + Groom’s Grandparents Set 1
Above group + Groom’s Grandparents Set 1
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
I encourage you to bring a few printed copies to reference and assigning a family member, friend, or bridesmaid to make sure each person is present for portraits.
family photos
05.
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie +
pocket square
dress + dress hanger
I have created an in depth guide of all the details you will need to start collecting for the big day!
(link below in red)
checklist
06.
Your photos are ready to view!
This is when you will sit down with our design specialist to see all your photos, design your album, and order your wall art over Zoom!
Reveal & Design Appointment
07.
Of course! I don't usually put this in the formal timeline of the day, its kind of just expected that you will do it, and if not thats ok too!
The first look with dad is the LAST thing. to happen right before your first look with your husband-to-be!
06. Can I do a first loOk with my dad?
Yup! I am extremely OCD when it comes to timelines! I do everything in my power to get everything done in a timely manner and to make sure you also have some downtime to enjoy the day as well!
05. Will you help us with the timeline?
I send out a very detailed family shot list before the wedding to make sure we get every important family combination!
04. We have divorced families, how will that work with family pictures?
I always make sure all my couples get to attend cocktail hour, as long as they are doing a first look.
If not, then we will be taking photos during the entire cocktail hour.
03. Will we be able to go to our cocktail hour?
I will make every effort to get some "just married' photos during golden hour, as long as the sun is cooperating!
02. Will we get sunset photos?
Yes! Either my 2nd shooter or I will stay for the additional hours if you choose to add on time.
Please email me if this is something you are interested in
susan@susanelizabethweddings.com
01. Can we add on Overtime?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: susan@susanelizabethweddings.com
FAQs
08.