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WEDDING GUIDE
Rachael Reid Photography
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am 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 we're so honored you chose to work with us to capture these special memories.
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.
Based on wedding photography experience, I tend to get asked the same things as our couples prepare for their wedding days. So I thought it would be beneficial to share a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
- Rachael & Team
Thank you again for choosing to work with us and please don't hesitate to let me know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
If your package includes an engagement session, please check out this guide! An engagement session will allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
ViDEOGRAPHY
Taste Catering
Cater2Events
Two Drummers
Alpha Pitt Smokers
River City Woodfire Pizza
Williamsburg Concessions
Goodrich Gourmet
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
Beauty by Tiffany
Blush 757
Blushtones
Flawless on Site
Bella Vita Artistry
Unveiled On-Site
Hayley Joan
Willow & Lace Hairstyling
Dana Evans - Hair
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
Bridesmaid dresses
Invitations
CALLIGRAPHY
OFFICIANT
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing yourself put together in your full bridal attire. Bridal portraits are a beautiful way to spend some time getting all the portraits we can dream up of you in your bridal look. The concept of bridal portraits originated in Europe, as a way for the family of the bride to remember the big day.
When brides choose to add on bridal portraits, they are often displayed at the wedding, and can then be displayed in you or your family's home for years to come.
If you're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. We typically spend 1-2 hours shooting at bridal sessions and it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward! Plus, a bouquet truly completes the look! Your wedding day florist could help with this or you could get creative and diy a beautiful bouquet! There's lots of great inspiration on Pinterest for this!
When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, we recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Bridal Portraits
learn more about this
optional addition
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 whether we are inside or outside.
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, we highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, we'll shoot anytime and anywhere there's great light!
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 we love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light. Beginning shooting within the two hours before sunset is the absolute best! However, if your venue has strict hours, we are happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please let me know if you are interested in adding a bridal portrait session so we can get you scheduled!
View a recent bridal portrait session on the blog!
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.
A "First Look" is where the Bride & Groom opt to see each other for the first time, with no one around, before the ceremony. This is a special moment for the two of you to be together to reflect on the day ahead, as well as get some amazing photos together.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
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. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of your 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 means we've already captured some of your couple's portraits by this point in the day, making it less rushed going into your after-ceremony couples portraits. This also allows the couple to catch the end of your cocktail hour if you wish.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
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 cryers 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. For many people it also relieves a lot of nerves! Even though you know you're set on marrying your person, there is a lot of buildup to walking down the aisle! Having this moment alone together can be a big relief, while still getting that special feeling of seeing each other at the aisle.
While we truly cherish the photos from our own first look, whether you decide to have a first look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be a moment you'll never forget.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
I created this guide from your photographer's perspective, covering each part of the wedding day and how much time we typically need to capture each part of the day. Please use this guide as you plan your perfect timeline.
Tips on Time
get the guide
Tips on building your wedding day timeline
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for your images.
After reading through some of my suggestions on why it's great to choose a first look above, you may still decide a first look is not for you, so what can we do during that time?
If you are choosing not to do a first look, you could instead plan for a first look with a parent, or any extra special portraits you'd like taken with your getting ready party. We will want to also shift the timeline accordingly so that we have enough time for your couple's portraits after the ceremony, as this will now become *the* time for these special photos of you two.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony
I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos during golden hour!
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we 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 portraits before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing photos for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. These are things we want to consider when planning your photo coverage, making sure we have enough time while the sun is up.
If you have any questions about this, please let me know as I'm happy to help with timeline building!
1 p.m.
Photographers arrive at your getting ready location to begin detail shots & getting ready photos.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is nearly wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often bridal party falling behind with HAMU.
1:45 p.m.
Bride stepping into dress.
Getting ready photos with bride, bridesmaids, and mother of the bride.
1:45pm - Bride getting ready
2:45 p.m.
Photographs of groom and groomsmen getting ready. Portraits of groom.
2:45pm - Guys getting ready
3:30 p.m.
The first look takes place.
3:30 First Look
Note: This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for your first look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible.
4:15 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
4:15pm - Ceremony
4:45 p.m.
4:45PM cocktail hour
Cocktail hour begins for your guests.
We capture family portraits & bridal party photos.
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
5:30 p.m.
Bride & Groom portraits.
5:30pm couple Portraits
This is when we will get the best photos of you two, the newly married couple!
6:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dances.
6:00pm Reception
6:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:30pm speeches& Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Dancing begins!
7:30 pm Dancing
7:45 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:45 pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
Note: I include 8 hours of coverage so that I can be present from pre-wedding details through the major events & dancing during the reception. 8 hours works perfect for most wedding days!
Are you planning a grand exit?
Let’s chat about this in advance too! This is something I love to photograph!
1 p.m.
Photographers arrive at your getting ready location for getting ready photos & detail shots.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often bridal party falling behind with HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Photographs of groom and groomsmen getting ready. Portraits of groom.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids ready for ceremony and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light.
Rain Tips
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.
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 we 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!
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 45 minutes to capture and style details. We 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 us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
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.
Bridal DETAILS 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.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
We always try to take a few photos 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
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just 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 my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you 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 our typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + 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 Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + 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
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
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 we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our 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 us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
A few more general tips from experience :)
6. We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
9. I'd love to help you plan your timeline. Above you have my guide on tips to build your perfect timeline from your photographer's perspective, but if you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call!
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.
Albums
learn more
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
Film Photography
I am excited to offer film photography as an add-on option!
I have been shooting film for 15+ years and am excited to provide this special option. Film provides a unique, timeless look to your images. The film stocks I use capture color & light in the most beautiful ways and add an air of nostalgia. Not to mention film photos just look absolutely beautiful!
When you add film on to your wedding photography package, your gallery will include high quality digital film scans from a pro lab and you will also receive prints in an heirloom box from me!
. Please let me know if you're interested!
view some of my recent film work here
