"What kind of details do I need to make sure I don't forget?"

"When do we do sunset photos?"

"How do family photos work?"

These questions and more will be answered below, where I will help explain from a Photographers viewpoint, how the wedding day flows. Your wedding photos are the one thing that will last a lifetime, way past your wedding date, that you will use to look back on all of the happy memories you had that day. Investing and splurging on your wedding photos is an important investment and it's also important to keep in mind all of the small photo details that make such a big difference for your wedding day. Below are some of the most important and special details that may be overlooked.

Detail shots

Bring an extra invitation set for your photographer along with some loose floral pieces (ask your florist for these- most are willing to hand over a couple extras for photo purposes!)

I find it most helpful when my brides have a box prepared for me when I arrive that includes all the details they would like photographed all ready to go for me!

Detail shot recommendations- Shoes, rings, flowers/greenery, seals, handwritten vows or vow books, jewelry, perfume, unique socks from the grooms side, bowties, boutonnière(s), bouquet, unique ring boxes, a table number, any other special additions to your wedding day.

Ceremony shots

If your ceremony is in a church- make sure to ask if they allow flash, and where the Photographer is allowed to walk. Ceremony spaces with less natural light and windows will result in lower lighting situations, causing lots of grain. Grain isn't a bad thing, it's just something to expect and keep in mind because of the space. Are you allowed to open the windows and bring the light in? Perfect! Take advantage of all the natural light you can. You won't regret it!

A special note- a lot of my brides ask if I can take a photo from behind them during the first kiss (behind the arbor where the guests are in the background). If this is something you would like, make sure to plan for enough space behind wherever your arbor will be. That way I can get back there! Most of the wedding officiants will move aside during the first kiss for the photo as well.

Also keep in mind that having a sign during the ceremony that says "no phones please" or something along those lines, will decrease your chances of phones being in your ceremony photos. Of course we can't stop uncle bill, but the sign will definitely decrease the chances of all guests with their phones out.

Sunset photos

Consider the time of year your wedding will be in, and search the time the sun will set on that date. Have specific poses in mind? Send them to your Photographer so they can best prepare for your perfect photos!

I like to pull the bride and groom to the side during the reception for only about 15-20 minutes, right when the sun is perfect. Usually dinner is already served, people have eaten and the cake cutting is done, and everyone is dancing and mingling so you can slip away. This photo time is also dependent on time of year and when you schedule things during your reception.

Family and wedding party portraits

Things go a lot smoother and faster when you prepare ahead of the day of the wedding for this. Consider making a shot list for your photographer, that way you can rest easy knowing you have it already taken care of. I like to assign someone in the wedding party who is familiar with the names of the family members to round everyone up, that way I can go through the list quickly to ensure plenty of time for the wedding party and bride and groom portraits. It goes a lot smoother this way!

Your wedding party portraits with me usually take atleast 20 minutes during your cocktail hour. Consider getting your photos of the bride and bridal party separates as well as the grooms side before the ceremony, during the getting ready time. This speeds up the time after the ceremony so that you have more time for your bride and groom portraits.

Your formal exit

Don't be fooled by this! You absolutely do not have to leave immediately after your formal exit photos. You can have the DJ announce that everyone is going outside for exit photos, and then you can go back in and party afterwards. If your doing a sparkler exit- make sure to purchase the tall, extra long ones (like these). This ensures you and other people (including me!) do not get burnt by the sparklers. You can also consider fireworks, a big group photo, streamer poppers, lanterns, candles,balloons, flower petals, butterflies, glitter/sequins, anything you can imagine! Just double check with your venue first to make sure they allow it, and talk about clean up, etc.

A fun tip about your formal exit- take your time and go down the line a few times, pausing in the middle for a kiss, a twirl, and soak in the moment! This helps you not feel rushed as well as me, giving you plenty of photos of your exit!

Your Timeline

Make sure to confirm your timeline with your Photographer to ensure everything will go smoothly for your photos! Every wedding is different. Consider what photos are most important to you, and really focus on making sure there's enough time for those photos in your timeline.

General photo advice

It's best to use a room or space with as much natural lighting as possible (this is especially important for the getting ready photos). I always pay attention to little minor details like things on the wall in the background that may need to be removed.

When in doubt, ask your Photographer! I have been to many many weddings, and am happy to help offer a hand any way I can. Your wedding photos are of the utmost importance because these photos are your saved, wall-worthy memories. You deserve to splurge on these memories and work with someone who "knows their stuff!"

Looking for more helpful advice for your engagement session and wedding day? You can view more helpful advice like tips for budgeting your wedding day, Engagement session outfit advice, a sample timeline and more here.

Gabby is a Wedding Photographer based out of Columbus Ohio who frequently travels around and out of the state for weddings. To ask about availability for your wedding date and for booking, click the link below.

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