Ever wondered how much time it takes to capture those magazine ready photographs? As a wedding photographer in Raleigh, I want to share a few tips for creating a photography timeline. I’ve learned that each part of the day takes time to be photographed. We love when we have a lot of time to photograph each part of the day, but we also understand that sometimes things run behind and we have to work quickly. Here are our ideal times for each part of the day.

The Details – 30 minutes

I am an addict for pretty rings and lovely shoes. Upon arrival, I will ask you for all of your important details such as your shoes, jewelry, dress, written vows, etc. Pretty much anything that is important and special to your day.

Preparation – 2 hour and 30 minutes

We love arriving about 2.5 hours before your ceremony is to start. This gives us 30 minutes for details photographs and 1.5 hours to photograph you and your soon to be getting ready and those beautiful bridal and groom portraits in the best lighting before the ceremony! If you decide to do a first look, we ask that we arrive 3 hours before your ceremony starts. Preparation photos are typically very lifestyle and unposed. An hour and 30 minutes is perfect time to capture photos of you getting into your dress as well as your groom getting ready. Add an extra 30 minutes if you and your soon to be husband are getting dressed at different places.

 

Bridal Portraits + Groom Portraits – 10 minutes each

I love capturing a few bridal portraits right after preparation. This ensures that your makeup is absolutely perfect and it gives you a couple of minutes to relax before heading to your ceremony. Groom portraits are typically immediately after you put on your boutonnière or tie!

 

Ceremony Space (10 minutes) + Ceremony – 30 minutes

Just before the guest arrive, I love spending about 10 minutes in the ceremony space. This gives me plenty of time to photograph every detail that has been decorated before the guest fill the space. Once the ceremony begins, we simply document what is happening.

Family Formals – 30 minutes

Once your ceremony is over, we will spend about 20-30 minutes (depending on family size) taking family formal portraits. We will work with you to create a list of names for family portraits prior to your wedding day.

 

Wedding Party Photographs – 25 minutes

Immediately after your family formal portraits, we will photograph the entire wedding party. 

Couples Photographs – 30 minutes

The more time we have to spend on photographs of you and your significant other, the better. But I’ve found that 30 minutes works great too!

Reception Space + Reception – 15 minutes to photograph details prior to the doors opening

The reception is where your guest will spend the majority of the evening. And it’s typically where you’ll have most of your wedding day details. It’s always great if I can get in to photograph the reception space before the guest place glasses and purses on the tables and chairs.  I love a clean reception space photo! The rest of the evening we will spend documenting the toast, cake cutting and special dances. Plus we love an awesome sparklers or balloon exit!

Be sure to check out part one of creating a photography timeline here.