engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
The Wedding Guide
First things first, I know how stressed you’re feeling right now. I was a bride once, and our “low key” wedding still managed to be an anxiety-inducing rollercoaster at every turn. So shake off the stress with me, won’t you? I’m determined to make this process as easy as saying “I do.” Because really–that should be the only job you have on your wedding day.
With more than 150 weddings under my belt, the same grab bag of questions come up again and again. I’ve put together this wedding 101 guide with you in mind. We’ll touch on all the hits, from timelines to engagement sessions to crazy weather and everything in between.
Here's the Breakdown
Welcome
Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns about anything!
xx- Alora
Plan your session
Engagement Session
I’m a big advocate for them: It’s a great way to see how it feels to step in front of my camera. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day pressure, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a casual setting.
I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement sessions are a favorite around here.
Availa + Co
Plume & Proper
Calligraphy
Modernly Events
Rentals
Beloved Bridal
The Gown Shop
Spring Sweet
Rime + Arodaky
Wedding Dress
Sweet Heather Anne
For the Love of Sugar
Sister Pie
Zingerman's Bakehouse
Bella e Dolce Cakes
Treat Dreams
Cakes
The Makeup Loft
Kyle Ann
Andreea Bona
Primp Beauty
Blushed Aesthetics
Hair & Makeup
Bluewater Kings Band
Main Street Soul
DJ & bands
Two Unique Events
Cafe Cortina
Pink Flamingo
El Guapo
Catering
Northern Native Films
Acre + Arrow
Refracted Film
Third Street Films
Videography
Studio Terrain
Graham Stanton Co
Linnaea Floral
Emerald City Designs
Hyssop Floral
Floral Designers
Spoke Events
Graham Stanton Co
Sophia Frances Events
Festoons and Flourishes
The Revel Rose
Wedding Planners
Your wedding day vendors have the power to craft an unforgettable, stress-free wedding day. The wedding professionals below are some of the best in the business–promise. I’ll vouch for the quality of their work and their professionalism any day. For what it’s worth (and because I believe in transparency), this isn’t a paid list. Hire any one of these vendors and you can’t go wrong.
Your wedding day success squad
Vendors
Dress
A letter or card
Shoes
Veil
Something sentimental
Rings
Hair pieces and jewelry
The Getting Ready Checklist
My second shooter will start the day by photographing the groomsmen for about twenty minutes. They’ll grab shots of the guys hanging out, putting on each other’s jackets, toasting, and whatever else might happen (because with your groomsmen, there’s bound to be something).
There’s a few things we can do during this time together. A photo of Mom zipping up your dress is a must. You can have a first look with your dad or your bridesmaids. If your groom has a gift for you, we can find a quiet corner for you to unwrap it in privacy.
As far as what’s next, check the wedding day timeline examples below to help you plan your schedule for what’s most important to you.
It’s an honor to hold space with you as you wait to be wed. These moments are some of my favorites throughout the entire wedding day. As the dress comes on and the final touches are made, priceless moments happen. Those, my friend, make the photos that show what it felt like.
On your wedding day, I arrive about an hour and a half before the festivities begin. Once I’m settled, I’ll swing by to say hello before I start styling your details. Your jewelry, shoes, rings, vow books, and any personal touches you’d like photographed should be gathered in a spot that’s easy to find. When everything’s rounded up, I can photograph everything quickly so I can get back to documenting the room.
Regardless of where you’re getting ready, consider a space with large windows. Sneaky photographer tip: window light is fabulous for portraits. The light is even and it makes everyone look like Aubrey Hepburn.
Here's how to plan accordingly
Welcome to the calm before the storm
The Getting Ready
Well, it happened. Rain is in the forecast on your wedding day. If it’s pouring after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance when you opt for a first look.
One other thing that’s worth mentioning: Are you a cryer? If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your groom on your wedding day, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony. Your hair and makeup artist may still be on site for a professional touch up, too.
Miss the clouds and freshen up
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When you forgo a first look, most of your photos are left to be taken after the ceremony–that means you’ll miss a good chunk of your cocktail hour. And it makes sense. You’ve got to take family photos as soon as the ceremony ends (it’s the easiest time to round everyone up), followed by the bridal party and couple’s portraits. It’s a lot to get done.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for bridal party photos and a few bride and groom portraits (although I like to take a majority of these at sunset). A first look will empower you to enjoy those signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres you put so much thought into with the guests who are dying to see you. The best part? Your timeline will feel less crunched for time. We love wiggle room!
You’ll make more time for photos AND you’ll get to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
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Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look provides an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on what this day means before you’re off to the races. And those wedding day jitters you’re feeling? They’ll all fall away when you see your person. Don’t let the anxiety rob you of the moments leading up to your ceremony.
Whatever you choose, your wedding day will be a whirlwind. Take a few minutes every so often to stop and soak everything in.
A FIRST LOOK CUTS THROUGH THE CHAOS OF THE DAY.
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Welcome to the most magical moment of the wedding day! And if you’ve been anticipating that moment when you see your groom for the very first time on the day when it’s all happening, you’re not alone–regardless of whether you see each other before walking down the aisle or not.
First looks—a private moment many couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become a more popular option over the last few years. About half of our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
Don’t get me wrong–I’m a big believer in tradition, but there’s more than a few reasons to consider a first look on your wedding day. Here’s three that come to mind right away:
Not sure what a first look is? Wondering if it's a good fit for you? Keep reading.
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're planning an evening or a sunset ceremony, it's best to capture all the photos before the wedding. Daylight is crucial to getting incredible portraits all around. Making sure we have enough time before sundown is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
If you're planning for a first look, these photos can be done all at once before the ceremony even begins. A first look saves you at least two hours on your wedding day, which really comes in handy if things are running over schedule (or you’re just ready to party).
Whether you opt for a first look or stick with tradition, we’ll put our heads together to ensure you have the best timeline and a game plan for dreamy photos.
If you're choosing to go the traditional route, you'll need to plan for about an hour of photos prior to the ceremony with the bride, her bridesmaids, and her family. You’ll need the same allotment of time before the ceremony with the groom. After the ceremony, we’ll need to knock out portraits of the bridal party, standing family portraits, and at least a half hour’s worth of couples portraits.
With your traditional aisle reveal, I ask that you keep your ceremony time in mind.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition, I have tips to help make planning your timeline easy peazy.
Wedding Day Timeline
Building the perfect
view timeline
Timeline without a first look
view timeline
Timeline with a first look
WEDDING TIMELINE EXAMPLES
9 PM
8:45 PM
8:30 PM
7 PM
6:45 PM
6:15 PM
6 PM
5:30 PM
5 PM
2:45 PM
2:15 PM
2 PM
12:30 PM
12 PM
Family portraits
5:30 PM
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off.
9 PM
8:45 PM
8:30 PM
7 PM
6:45 PM
6:15 PM
6 PM
5:30 PM
5 PM
2:45 PM
2:15 PM
2 PM
12:30 PM
12 PM
Introductions, Cake Cutting, and First Dance
6:45 PM
Note: I suggest cutting your cake after the grand entrance then the first dance so you don't have to get up later and guests are still excited to SEE the cake cutting - saves time
9 PM
8:45 PM
8 PM
7 PM
6:30 PM
6 PM
5:30 PM
4 PM
2 PM
1 PM
Family portraits
5:30 PM
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Bride + Groom + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Bride's Immediate Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom's Immediate Families
Bride + Groom + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Immediate Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
*Additional Extended Family
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with your parents and siblings, if you have them. Over the course of our time together, I’ll add the extended family in until every photo is taken without a single person is left out. I’ve got family photos down to a science! Because of my tried and true formula, the whole thing will go faster than you ever thought it could. Help a girl out and let your family know ahead of time that they’ll be included in some photos so that they aren’t taken by surprise.
Prior to the wedding, I’ll reach out to learn more about special family circumstances (divorces, passing, any potential tension) that I should be mindful of. I’ll also ask you for a list of specific family member groupings–only because you know your families so much better than I ever could! In the meantime, here’s the list I typically work from.
Your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
And here’s the thing: It makes a lot of sense. I can’t tell you how many would-be-incredible photos that’ve been disrupted or obscured because of a well-meaning family member and their iPad. You made a significant investment in your wedding photography, and I know that a glittery, bright red iPhone case in the shot during your first kiss isn’t what you dreamed about. I recommend asking your guests to unplug and shut their phones off during the ceremony.
Unplugged Wedding
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
1. If you're getting married in the summertime, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch prior to portraits is always a good idea. Let’s avoid saying things you didn’t mean because you were hangry.
2. If temperatures are soaring, a cooler of cold water and frozen washcloths can help keep your wedding party cool–especially if the guys are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and your bouquet is delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having a couple of towels on hand will be helpful.
4.If your reception is at a separate venue, factor in some "fluff time" so I can arrive at the venue early to capture it "untouched" by guests.
5. To help family portraits go smoothly, it's best to have a breakdown of the portraits you'd like. When you supply me with a list ahead of time, I have the opportunity to go over it and shoot things in an efficient order without anyone feeling left out.
These tidbits of insight don’t belong to any category above, so consider this your grab bag, lightning round of wedding day wisdom.
The Lightning Round
I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. Whenever you need it you can always refer back to this site if you have any concerns!