Wedding Photography Prep Guide: Details, Family Photos & More
Your wedding day is filled with little details, big emotions, and moments you’ll want to remember for years to come. While I’m there to capture everything as it naturally unfolds, a little preparation ahead of time can make your photography experience even smoother.
From gathering your wedding details to creating your family photo list, here are a few things you can do before the big day to make sure we have plenty of time to capture the moments that matter most to you.
Gathering Your Wedding Details
One of my favorite parts of the wedding day is photographing all of those little details that tell your story. Your invitations, rings, shoes, jewelry, perfume, flowers, heirlooms, and other meaningful pieces help tell the story of your wedding before the day even begins.
Rather than searching for these items throughout the morning, I recommend gathering everything together in one box or bag before I arrive.
Some details you may want to include:
Bride's details:
Wedding dress
Veil
Shoes
Jewelry
Engagement ring and wedding bands
Perfume
Hair accessories
Invitation suite
Vow books
Something borrowed or something blue
Family heirlooms
Letters or cards
Bouquet ribbons
Groom's details:
Suit or tuxedo
Shoes
Tie or bow tie
Watch
Cufflinks
Belt
Cologne
Pocket square
Tie clip
Boutonniere
Personal or sentimental items
Wedding details:
Invitations and envelopes
Ceremony programs
Menus
Place cards
Table numbers
Wedding favors
Signage
Reception decorations
Special heirlooms or sentimental pieces
Don't feel like you need to have every single item on this list. Bring the things that are meaningful to you, and I'll take care of the rest.
Creating Your Family Photo List
Family portraits are one of those parts of the wedding day that benefit from a little planning.
After the excitement of the ceremony, we'll gather everyone together for the family portraits you've requested. Having a list prepared ahead of time allows us to move quickly and spend less time trying to figure out who needs to be in each photo.
Some common combinations include:
Couple + Bride's parents
Couple + Groom's parents
Couple + both sets of parents
Couple + Bride's siblings
Couple + Groom's siblings
Couple + all siblings
Couple + grandparents
Couple + nieces and nephews
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bride + siblings
Groom + siblings
Couple + extended family
Your family doesn't have to follow a traditional list, though. If there are specific people or combinations that are important to you, let me know!
Don't Forget the Important Family Dynamics
Every family is different, and I want your family portraits to feel comfortable and respectful.
If there are family dynamics I should know about—such as divorced parents, remarriages, strained relationships, or family members who should not be photographed together—please let me know ahead of time.
You don't have to explain the entire situation. Simply letting me know what combinations to avoid is enough.
I also recommend choosing a trusted family member or friend who knows everyone and can help gather people when it's time for portraits. This can save a surprising amount of time!
Wedding Party Photos
After family portraits, we'll also capture photos with your wedding party.
We'll typically photograph:
The entire wedding party
Couple + entire wedding party
Bride + bridesmaids
Groom + groomsmen
Couple + bridesmaids
Couple + groomsmen
Individual bridesmaid portraits
Individual groomsmen portraits
A few fun and candid wedding party photos
I'll help guide everyone through the process, so nobody has to worry about knowing how to pose.
Getting Ready Photos
Getting-ready photos are some of my favorite moments to photograph because they capture the anticipation and excitement before the ceremony.
If possible, choose a getting-ready space with plenty of natural light. Keeping unnecessary clutter contained will also help create cleaner, more intentional photographs.
Before I arrive, try to have your important details gathered together and your dress accessible. This gives me time to photograph those details before the day gets too busy.
And remember—your getting-ready photos don't have to look perfect. Real moments, laughter, happy tears, and a little bit of chaos are all part of your story.
Your Couple Portraits
One of the biggest things I want my couples to know is that you do not have to know how to pose.
That's my job.
I'll guide you through your portraits while giving you plenty of opportunities to simply interact with each other. We'll capture a mixture of romantic, natural, candid, and creative images so your gallery feels like you.
Whether we're walking hand-in-hand, laughing together, dancing, stealing a quiet moment, or simply taking in the fact that you're finally married, I'll be there to capture it.
Making Time for Golden Hour
If your wedding timeline allows, I highly recommend setting aside a few minutes for golden-hour portraits.
That warm, dreamy light can create some of the most beautiful and cinematic photographs of the entire day.
You won't be gone from your reception for long. Even 10–15 minutes can give us the opportunity to create something really special together.
Think of it as a little breather away from the excitement of the day—a chance to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy being newly married.
Tell Me What's Important to You
Every couple has different priorities.
Maybe you care most about photographs with your grandparents. Maybe it's the tiny details you've spent months choosing. Maybe you want lots of candid photographs of your guests dancing and laughing.
Or maybe you're dreaming of dramatic, creative portraits that feel like they're straight out of a movie.
Tell me.
Before your wedding day, let me know about the moments, people, traditions, and details that are especially important to you. This allows me to approach your wedding intentionally while still leaving room for the unexpected moments that naturally happen throughout the day.
We'll Go Over Everything Together
Don't worry if you're looking at this list and thinking, “Where do I even start?” You don't have to figure it all out by yourself!
As we get closer to your wedding day, we'll schedule a Zoom or phone call to go over everything together. We'll talk through your photography timeline, family photo combinations, important details, special requests, and anything else you want me to know.
This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have. Whether you're unsure about what to include in your detail box, how much time to allow for family portraits, or simply want some guidance on how the photography portion of your day will work, we'll go through it together.
My goal is for you to feel prepared, comfortable, and confident going into your wedding day—not overwhelmed by another checklist.
You bring the questions. I'll bring the experience.
A Few Final Tips
Your wedding day will probably not go exactly according to plan—and that's okay.
Give yourself plenty of time. Eat something. Drink water. Take a deep breath. Don't spend the entire day worrying about whether everything is going perfectly.
The flowers might move. Your dress might get a little dirty. Someone might forget where they're supposed to stand.
Those things are okay.
Years from now, you're not going to remember whether every little detail went according to schedule. You're going to remember how it felt to marry your person.
My job is to preserve those feelings for you.
So plan what you can, communicate what matters, and then let yourself be present.
I'll take care of the photographs.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding Photography?
Your wedding deserves photographs that feel authentic to your story—not just a collection of poses and pretty pictures.
If you're planning a wedding or elopement and want photographs that capture the emotion, connection, and little moments that make your day uniquely yours, I'd love to hear from you.
Let's create something beautiful together.