engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
Katelyn Shelley 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'm so excited to be working with you and can’t 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 work with me!
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 weddings for the past 6 years, I've gotten an inside look at the tips that can help your day run smoothly. So I thought it would be beneficial to 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
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
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Session Checklist
Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. We want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.
Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other venue services. We typically have to work with the venues on times, but I love to shoot bridal portraits in the late afternoon or morning to get that softer light. However, if your venue has strict hours, I am happy to work with their allotted times.
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another thing to keep in mind is the timeline you want to have your photos ready. If you'd like to display a bridal portrait at your wedding, you'll want to schedule your bridal session 2-3 months before the big day so you have time to get your gallery back and select a favorite for printing.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!
If you're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. We typically spend an hour shooting at bridal sessions, and it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward!
When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have a great variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Gorgeous Photos + practice run for the big day
Bridal Portraits
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 have chosen to do a first look. There is absolutely no pressure to do a first look if it's not your style or personality. We'll still have plenty of time to capture images you'll love, no matter what decision you make.
And if you don't do a first look, we can always make time for a "first touch" or back-to-back prayer if that's meaningful to you. If you are interested, here are a few 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 criers 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, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although I prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
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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 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
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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 or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about 45 minutes of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about 45 minutes of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15-30 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 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
view the timeline
Wedding Timeline without a First Look
view the timeline
Wedding Timeline with a First Look
Example Timelines
These are only samples. We'll be sure to craft a custom timeline that specifically fits your needs.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Katelyn arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Second photographer arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
12 p.m.
12:00pm
Bride puts on wedding dress.
1:15 p.m.
1:15pm
The first look takes place!
1:45 p.m.
1:45pm
We'll do the bride & bridesmaids, then groom & groomsmen, and the everyone together if there's time. We will also likely grab some bride & groom portraits to make sure we don't have to pull you out as long for sunset portraits later.
Bridal party portraits.
2:00 p.m.
2:00PM
Hide, rest & retouch.
3:00 p.m.
3:00pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:30 p.m.
3:30PM
Family portraits
Note: We can also do family portraits before the ceremony if that works better for your timeline. Make sure everyone in your family knows when portraits will be so we're ready to go when it's time. I'll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:15 p.m.
4:15pm
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
4:45 P.M.
4:45pm
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you some time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:00 p.M.
5:00pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:30 P.M.
5:30 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:45 P.M.
5:45pm
Husband & Wife Sunset Portraits
I'll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before sunset. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:45 P.M.
6:45pm
7:15 P.M.
Dancing begins!
7:15pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss
7:30 P.M.
7:30pm
Photographers Depart
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Katelyn arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and second photographer arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1 p.m.
1:00pm
Bride puts on dress. Then we'll do bride + bridesmaid group portraits immediately after.
2:15 p.m.
2:15pm
Groom & Groosmen group portraits.
3:00 p.m.
3:00pm
Rest, hide & retouch
3:30 p.m.
3:30PM
4:00 p.m.
Wedding ceremony.
It's time to get you married!
4:00pm
4:45P.M.
Portrait time while guests are at cocktail hour.
Immediately following the ceremony, we'll do family portraits, then your full bridal party together. We will also do some husband & wife portraits to make sure we don't have to pull you out too long for sunset portraits during your reception.
4:45pm
Introductions & First Dance
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:15 P.M.
6:15pm
Sunset Portraits
7:30 P.M.
I'll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:30pm
Dancing begins
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
Photographers Depart
9:00 P.M.
9:00pm
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I have a set of clear umbrellas we can use if needed. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
Rain Tips
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive, I need about 45 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space 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
Bonus: I'd 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
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try 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 I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's 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 Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's 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, we’ll typically start with the Bride's side of the family. We'll place you in the center of a large group photo with your grandparents, parents, and siblings.
We’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 a pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask 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
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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
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
I'd love to help you plan your timeline. Once you read through this, you can fill out a questionnaire that'll help me craft a custom timeline to suit your needs.
I'm here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, 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 get the chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply me with a list ahead of time, I can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
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. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
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.
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. Feel free to email me any time at katelynshelley.co@gmail.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide!