session details, tips, and answers
wedding day
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this Experience.
Peruse this page and find tips – from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
Corinne Car Service
Colorado Adventure Tours
The Chaffee Shuttle
transportation
Dj Dj
Celebrity Dj
Great Family Reunion
Diamond Empire Band
Soul X Band
Sounds In Succesion
dj/bands
Bird and Mouse
Yummy Cake Creations
Little Red Hen
QT Cakes
Heart Baker
cakes/desserts
Amica's
Luna Libations
Buffalo Gals
Biscuits and Berries
Scratch Taqueria
catering/bar
Alpha Lit
Ann-Marie Vintage
Settings Events Rental
Tents and Events
Event Rents
rentals
Greykin
Beauty On Location
The Face Of Makeup
Megan Cary
A Vow To Artistry
hair/makeup
Olena Films
Silk and Sage
Andrew Miner
Films About Love
Foster Creative
videographers
Phytology Flowers
Growing Wild
Ladybird Lusk
Farmhouse Florals
BlueVessel Florista
florals
Wordshop
Wild Sage Calligraphy
Papergirl Creative
Jolie and Co
L and L Invitations
paper/invites
Weddings by Jaylynn
Distinctive Mountain Events
Graceful Weddings and Events
Lucky Penny
Stellar and Sage
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend
vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Planning a wedding day timeline is highly encouraged. It keeps your vendors in-line and adds a layer of time-security to your day.
As we approach your wedding day, I will reach out via email to discuss your wedding day timeline to ensure that I understand your priorities.
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning:
timeline
03.
11:00 Hair and makeup begins
12:30 Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
2:30: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
3:30: Bride and Bridesmaid Photos
4:00 Groom and Groomsmen Photos
4:30: Ceremony
5:00 Family Photos
5:20 Full Wedding Party Photos
4:30-5:30 Cocktail Hour
5:45 Grand Entrance
6:00 Dinner
6:40 Toasts
7 Golden Hour Portraits of Bride and Groom
7:30 Cake Cutting
7:45: First dances
8 Open Dance Floor
10: Send-off
the traditional timeline:
11:00 Hair and makeup begins
12:30 Detail photos, finishing touches of getting ready
2:30: Bride gets into dress; Groom puts on suit jacket/tie/boutonniere
3:30: First Look
4:00 Wedding Party Photos
4:30: Ceremony
5:00 Family Photos
4:30-5:30 Cocktail Hour
5:45 Grand Entrance
6:00 Dinner
6:40 Toasts
7 Golden Hour Portraits of Bride and Groom
7:30 Cake Cutting
7:45: First dances
8 Open Dance Floor
10: Send-off
the first look timeline:
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time 1st then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY:
Mom: Jane
Dad: John
Brother: Jim
Sister: Janet (married with two kids)
Grandma Gigi
EXTENDED FAMILY:
Morgan aunts and uncles
Smith cousins
All the Wilsons
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
I encourage you to bring a few printed copies to reference and assigning a family member, friend, or bridesmaid to make sure each person is present for portraits.
family photos
05.
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
invites + programs + menus
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with tie + pocket square
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
checklist
06.
If you are having a large wedding, second photographers can be very helpful. They make sure we get all angles, candids and detail photos needed. They also usually shoot the groom getting ready. It is usually a good idea to have one.
06. what does a second photographer do, do we need one?
The best way to get to cocktail hour is to have a first look, still that doesn't ensure you will make it. We typically have to take family photos, some wedding party photos and your portraits. Prepare yourself to have a great time at the reception if you can't make it.
05. Can we spend time at cocktail hour?
I recommend structuring your list to start with the biggest group first, then working your way to smaller groups so that guests who are no longer needed can be dismissed. I also suggest having grandparent/older guest photos done first so they may be dismissed earlier as well.
04. how do we start making a family photo list?
I recommend doing a grand entrance into your reception instead! Sparklers still look pretty in the daylight, or you can consider doing confetti (eco-friendly please), rose petals, or other fun options.
03. We are having a grand exit but coverage ends before then, what do we do?
I will show up after hair and makeup begins, when I do show up be sure you have all of your important details gathered and the dress is hung on a nice hanger. Try to keep the nicest room clean for photos.
02. When will the photography coverage begin?
Either way, I completely respect your decision! First looks offer time to get more photos done before the ceremony so you have more free time to be with guests.
01. We can't decide if you we should do a first look, thoughts?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@daylenewilson.com.
FAQs
08.
