Time allowance 1.5 - 2 hours before the Ceremony

During your bridal preparations, I like to arrive just after your hair is done and your finishing touches are being done with your make up. This allows me get a few photos of you during the early stages of prep.

It’s an important part of the story to capture the details of your day, and this include having detailed photos of the dress, shoes, jewellery, invitations, etc. I’m also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready!

After the details have been photographed, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big moment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewellery, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some bridal portraits!

Time allowance - 15 minutes

If you’ve been keeping the dress a secret from mum and dad, this is often a nice collection of photos to capture the first time they see you all fully dressed as the bride. This can sometimes be quiet emotional and lovely to document as part of the day.

Time allowance - 1.5 - 2 hours

Groom prep is a great addition, as this allows us to tell the whole story of the day. Usually Gareth arrives an hour and half before the ceremony, the groom and groomsmen are usually in their shirts and trousers, ready to add the final clothing detail.

Similar to the bridal detail, it’s nice to capture elements like new shoes, rings, cufflinks, etc. I especially like the interaction and camaraderie between the groom and his tribe. The excitement, joy, joking, playfulness and even nerves are genuine, real, authentic feelings. These are wonderful photographic memories. It’s also nice to capture a group photo of them at this stage, freeing up time later on with group photos.

Once groom prep is done, Gareth will head to the ceremony venue and take photos of the guests arriving as well as the groom and his groomsmen before the bride arrives.

Time allowance 1-2 hours

It’s time to get married!! Most ceremonies are 30 minutes to one hour long. I start by capturing the moment you arrive. If you’re in a special car I’ll make sure we get photos of you inside it. I’ll then take my position at the front of the ceremony to start shooting the bridesmaids entering, the grooms first look at the bride and then the bride as she walks down the aisle, the second shooter will spend the ceremony at the back of the church capturing the long view of the ceremony as well as the first kiss. Where the main photographer would be positioned closer to the front for the more detailed shots, like the ring exchange.

Once the ceremony is over, their might be a confetti throw with your guests, embraces with guests and bride and groom leaving in a special car.

Time allowance 3 minutes per photo ( 30 minutes for 10 photos)

Group photos normally take place following the ceremony. If we can we start with a group photo of all your guests. Then move on to our prepared list. This is often done at the reception venue so those not involved can enjoy the rest of the planned day.

If you can keep group photos to around 20 - 30 minutes (ideally 8 - 10 photos) this gives you time with your guests and avoids missing out on your reception. 

Time allowance 30 minutes

I will begin taking a few romantic portraits of the two of you while the initial excitement is still present and also giving you both some time alone away from your guests! Location for these photos can be split, maybe church and reception venue as well as split in time, some in the day and some during sunset. Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot and so location is often decided on the day.

Some say these are the most important photos I will deliver as they often end up in frames and on thank you cards. Unlike most of the day, these as with the group photos are often posed.

By this part of the day, the timeline isn’t as strict and don’t be alarmed if we are a little off schedule. Your caterers will have a time they would like you seated and I work closely with them to make that happen. If we are running over time, couple portraits can be continued during the reception or as the sun sets.

Speeches are often done before or after the wedding breakfast.. My only advice is it nice to capture reactions of your guests and that’s best done without food in their mouths. So scheduling speeches during dinner doesn't photograph well.

Time allowance 15 minutes

After your evening guests have arrived it is customary to cut the wedding cake, and this often leads on to the first dance soon after. If you are doing a special dance or dancing with parents after your first dance. Please make me aware so I have my lighting set up and I’m in the best place to capture it.

We include 10 hours of coverage so that we can be present for the main events of the reception and some of the evening merriment!

If you have something extra planned for the evening, like sparklers, fireworks or a performance. Please let us know, as you may need additional time from us.

Often sparklers are best done at ‘blue hour’ this is just after the sun is setting before it’s pitch black and usually just after your cake cutting and first dance. The light at this time is perfect to keep a low light on your guests faces, and still giving a blue night sky.

Also be mindful of smoke cannons and fireworks being used by guests that may have been drinking most of the day. These items can be extremely dangerous if in the wrong hands.