The Bride Guide
You're getting freaking MARRIED!
Miss >> Mrs.
Hi Bride-to-be!
This is such an exciting time for you as you get ready to say I Do! This is the day you've dreamed of your whole life and planning everything to be perfect is so overwhelming, right? You really only get one shot at this day... That's why I am here to give you an amazing experience that includes a less stressful planning process. Photographing your wedding day is more than just the images, its the real parts of your big day that are just being captured to make the memories last!
The goal of this guide is to help you plan your wedding day in a way that will help me provide you with the best experience possible. WELLLLLL... Now that we're official, the next step is to plan your engagement session and then we can start chatting about the details of your big day as we get a little closer. I am so excited to be working with you during this milestone of your lives. I can't wait to get to know you better and hear your whole love story during your engagement session!
About Brooke
A little about me
If it wasn't already obvious, I absolutely LOVE what I do! When I don't have a camera in my hand, you can probably find me at home with my two girls, husband, and a coffee in my hand.
I love being a mom and wife more than anything in this world but photography has given me something to have my own identity and passion about! With that being said, photography brings lots of happy tears, laughter, and many exclamations!!!!
I feel that getting to know all my clients is what takes me from being the girl with a camera to the girl who captured the raw and real version of who you are!
What you'll find in this guide
- Engagement Session
- Preparing Your Groom
- Sample Timeline Breakdown
- Weddings Through the Seasons
- Pre-ceremony Prep
- Bridal Details & Timing Tips
- The First Look
- The Dad/ Daughter First Look
- Ceremony Prep & Tips
- Church Ceremonies
- The Family Formals List
- Your Romantic Portrait Time
- Rainy Wedding Days
- Reception Planning
- Night Shots
- Creating Your First Heirloom
- Your Online Gallery Explained
Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are really the best
Not only do they give you the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to show off your personalities in a more casual setting (which makes for amazing invitations and save the dates.) I created an entire page dedicated to outfit ideas, fun spins on your session, cool locations, tips & more.
Is a first look right for you?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you... stop here!
The moment that the two of you see each other for the first time on your big day will be magical whether you choose to wait until walking down the aisle or choose to do a first look together. First looks are a private, intimate moment that the two of you spend together prior do the ceremony. Even though they are starting to become very popular, a lot of my couples still decide not to, so it's completely up to you.
While I'm someone who loves tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look, here's 3:
I. It eliminates some of the day's chaos.
Once the ceremony begins, the day moves very quickly. A first looks gives you a chance to have have some quiet, alone time and just enjoy each others company. You can use this time to take in what's about to happen and what this day all means before it takes off.
When I say wedding days fly by, believe me, they really do. Between everything you have scheduled to do, all the people wanting to say hi, and the excitement of it all, it will be quick.I encourage all couples to take a minute here and there to breathe, talk to each other and just take in this special day as it's happening!
II. It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
When you don't have a first look a majority of the portraits will have to be taken after your ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it's the easiest time to round everyone up. After family is usually the bridal party, then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look gives you more time after the ceremony since you would have all the bridal party portraits done and some bride and groom (even though I prefer to do those at sunset!) This allows you to have more time during cocktail hour and makes the rest of the day feel less rushed.
III. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying.
If you're expecting poor weather on your big day, it might be best to plan out time for a first look because it gives you more options for your portraits. If it's pouring rain after your ceremony, you'll have no stress because you got your portraits done in advance.
This part is for all you criers out there (men, I'm talking to you too.) If you know you'll shed some tears 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. Plus if we are being totally honest... I'm an ugly crier and really did not want to do that in front of all of our loved ones.
First look or not, the first time you see each other will be so special!
Building the perfect
Wedding Day Timeline
With first look
1:00 - Photographer arrives, capture details, & hair/makeup finishing touches
1:45 - Hair/makeup finishing touches, Bride & Bridesmaids in robes
2:00 - Bride getting dress zipped, shoes, and accessories on
2:20 - Reveal with Bridesmaids
2:30 - Head to first look location
2:45 - First look, Bride & Groom portraits
3:30 - Wedding party portraits (All variations)
4:15 - Head to ceremony
4:30 - Wedding party hides, photographer captures ceremony and reception details, guest begin to arrive
5:00 - Ceremony begins
5:30 - Cocktail hour & family portraits
6:00 - Entrance into reception, first dance
6:15 - Toast, dinner
7:00 - Special dances (father/daughter, mother/son)
7:10 - Garter/bouquet toss
7:30 - Golden hour/ Sunset portraits (starting 60-30 minutes before sunset), dance floor open
8:00 -