How to build your wedding schedule – through my lens

How to think about your wedding day schedule – from a photographer’s perspective

One of the most common questions I get is: How should we approach the timeline of our wedding day?
Maybe you’ve been to a few weddings before and already know what you like (and what you don’t). Or maybe you’re working with an amazing wedding planner who takes that load off your shoulders. Either way, there are some things—mostly from a photography (and videography) perspective—that I think are worth considering when planning your timeline.

What types of images inspire you?

The very first question I always ask: what kind of images inspire you the most?
If you send me golden hour photos with just the two of you, soaked in dreamy warm light—then my job is to help you time the creative portrait session so we don’t miss that magical light. Sunset changes quickly and is only beautiful for a short time, so if these are the photos you dream of, we’ll need to build that into the schedule.
On the other hand, if you’d rather spend more time with your family and friends, maybe even take some extra group or candid portraits, then we’ll shift our focus (and time) to that.

The special moments of getting ready

The getting ready part is always a special chapter of the day. From a photography perspective, it usually works best if we have at least 30 minutes at both locations—for the bride and the groom. Of course, this all depends on your preferences. Would you like a few extra detail shots of your dress? Or maybe you’re surrounded by your crew and want some fun group photos with them? A sweet first look with your dad or friends?
All of this will affect how much time we need. And one more tip (based on years of experience): hair and makeup is where delays most often happen. So ideally, the bride should be fully ready when the photo session starts—even if that means one of the bridesmaids has to go last. At this point we’re mostly recreating final touches, not capturing unfinished looks—so we can give you photos you’ll love for years to come.

The decision to do a first look

First look is a very personal choice. Do you want to experience this moment privately, just the two of you? Or would you rather save that first glance for the ceremony?
If you’re planning a first look, we often pair it with a short couple shoot. Just keep in mind: this happens earlier in the day, with brighter, harsher light—so the mood will be different than at sunset. Also, you might still feel a bit nervous or excited before the ceremony, which is totally normal. That’s why I recommend setting aside 30–45 minutes for this session if you choose to do it.

Group photos after the ceremony

After the ceremony, we usually move on to group portraits. These take more time than people expect! It helps a lot if you prepare a shot list in advance and give it to your MC—this way we can follow a logical order and won’t have to keep hunting people down. Try grouping the list so whoever is in one photo stays for the next one too—this saves time and confusion.
Group photos typically take 20–30 minutes, depending on how many variations you want and how many guests you include.

How to schedule a second creative shoot

If you’d like a second portrait session—for those glowing sunset images—schedule it later in the afternoon. Not only is the light stunning, but the emotion of that moment hits different: you’ll finally have a quiet moment to yourselves, to breathe and truly feel that this day is yours.
If you want some creative shots with a more dramatic vibe, we can squeeze in a short flash-lit session after dinner when the mood is more relaxed.

Balancing the rhythm of your day

And finally: whether your day is packed with events or more intimate and slow-paced, the rhythm of your schedule matters. If you want a chill, go-with-the-flow vibe, without stress and rushing, leave a little breathing room between activities—let yourselves be in the moment without having every second planned. If you’re dreaming of a dynamic, meaningful day full of memories, then working with a pro wedding planner might be the best decision—they know how to build a timeline that’s practical and still so you.

Of course, there’s no one right way to do this—these are just guiding ideas. The most important thing is that your wedding feels like you. Let yourselves be fully, unapologetically yourselves. This day is yours. My role? To capture it visually, just as beautifully as you imagined.