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.
Use this page as a guide from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
Brooke's Bridal and Ball
Vivid Bridal Boutique
Ellie's Bridal Boutique
BRIDAL SHOP
DJ EPX
District Remix
Ultimate Occasions
DJ Air McNair
Bachelor Boys Band
dj/bands
Signature Sweets by Amanda
Edibles Incredible
Jisoo Cake Design
Gateau Bakery (GF, DF available)
cakes/desserts
Ridgewells
Clearwater Fire-Grill & Catering
Main Event Caterers
The Catering Outfit
catering
Something Vintage Rentals
Bella Villa Shop
Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Beggars Banquet Rentals
Party Rental LDT
rentals
Bridal by Sarah Khan Artistry
Makeup by Ivett
Blush Away
UpDos for I Dos
Captivating Complexion
hair/makeup
Harrison Films
Josh Gooden Cinema
Olea Films
Kevin Rist Productions
Bassano Films
videographers
Petalos DC
Steelcut Flower Co.
The Pink Poppy
Bee Inspired Events
Rick's Flowers
florals
Ink and Press Co
Peach and Paperie
Sara Lane Design
Studio Wren Co
Olive Saint Lily
paper/invites
Serendipity Wedding Services
Karen Duckett Events & Design
Birch Event & Design
All the Dainty Details
Tilly & Teal
planners
a collection of vendors i highly recommend
vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
When you book with me, I create a sample wedding timeline based off your ceremony time.
About 2-3 months prior to your wedding day, I will reach out via email to finalize 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:
timeline
03.
1-2pm: Detail photos & finishing touches
2-3pm Bride & Groom Getting Dressed
3:00-3:20pm Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits
3:20-3:40pm Groom & Groomsmen Portraits
3:40-4:00pm Bride + Groom Hide
4:00-4:30pm Ceremony
4:30pm Officiant announces family stay for photos
4:30-6:00pm Cocktail Hour (and a half)
4:45-5:15pm Immediate Family Portraits
5:15-5:30pm Full Wedding Party
5:30-6:00pm Bride & Groom Portraits
6:00pm: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
6:05pm: First Dance
6:15pm: Dinner served
6:45pm: Toast(s)
7:00pm: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
7:15: Cake cutting
7:20pm Evening Bride & Groom Portraits
7:20: Open dance floor
7:40pm: Sunset
9:00pm: Photographer leaves
the traditional timeline:
12-1pm: Detail photos & finishing touches
1-2pm Bride & Groom Getting Dressed
2:00-2:50pm First Look & Portraits
2:50-3:30pm Wedding Party Portraits
3:30-4:00pm Immediate Family Portraits
4:00-4:30pm Bride + Groom Hide
4:30-5:00pm Ceremony
5:00-5:10pm Just Married Portraits
5-6pm Cocktail Hour
6:00pm: Bride and Groom introduced to reception
6:05pm: First Dance
6:15pm: Dinner served
6:45pm: Toast(s)
7:00pm: Father/Daughter dance; Mother/Son dance
7:15: Cake cutting
7:20: Open dance floor
7:40pm: Sunset
8:00pm: Photographer leaves
the first look timeline:
make sure to not spend the day traveling
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add buffer time throughout your timeline
make sure hmu is finishing up when i arrive
keep in mind sunset especially november - march
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips. i can elaborate more about these tips over our call.
timeline tips
04.
have florist arrive when photographer arrives
BRIDES FAMILY
Bride and Groom with Bride's Grandparents
Immediate Family Photo
Bride and Groom with Bride's Parents
Bride and Groom with Bride's Siblings
Bride with Mom
Bride with Dad
GROOMS FAMILY
Bride and Groom with Groom's Grandparents
Immediate Family Photo
Bride and Groom with Groom's Parents
Bride and Groom with Groom's Siblings
Groom with Mom
Groom with Dad
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.
family photos
05.
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
FULL INVITATION SUITE + envelopes
jewelry + accessories
all 3 rings
veil
his + her shoes
CUFF LINKS + WATCH + tie
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
checklist
06.
I can plan your timeline with this in mind. If coverage time ends before your sparkler exit, you can do a faux exit or add additional coverage time.
06. We want a sparkler exit can you capture this?
When I arrive, it's best that hair and makeup be within 30 minutes of being complete. If things are running late, make sure the bride gets priority so the timeline can keep moving along.
05. When should HMU be finishing?
If possible, it's best to have your florist arrive right before I arrive. This way, I am able to use florals for your detail images.
04. when should my florist arrive?
If you're not getting ready in a bridal suite at the venue, choose a location with a lot of natural light and a location not far from your ceremony location.
03. any tipes for our getting ready location?
Yes, I've found that 9 times out of 10, weddings with Catholic ceremonies need to add an additional 2 hours of coverage time to capture the full day.
02. we are having a catholic ceremony. do we need more coverage time?
If your ceremony and reception are at two different locations that require travel time, you may need to add an additional hour or two of coverage.
01. Our ceremony and reception are at two places. Do we need more time?
Have a question? I've got an answer! If you don't see your question here, email sarah@sarahbottaphotography.com.
FAQs
08.