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Photography By Erin Leigh
Wedding Guide
engagement session tips, timeline guidance,
vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I’m so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you’re making for your wedding day and I’m so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you’re working with a wedding planner or you’re planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed more than 200 weddings over the past half a dozen years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
– Erin
Engagement Session
I’m a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I’ve created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
I’m a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I’ve created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I’ve learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I’ve worked with many of the vendors below and I can’t recommend them enough! This is not a paid list – I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Wedding Planners
Party Belles
Kristine King Events
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Everyone Deserves Flowers
All Things Beautiful
Blooming Occasions
VIDEOGRAPHY
Fonash Studios
Matt Stambaugh Media
Films by J
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
Soundwave DJs
Inspired Entertainment
Perfect Harmony Entertainment
HAIR & MAKEUP
Beauty by Brennan
Shenoa Nicole Makeup
Carmina Christina
Gettysburg Day Spa
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
Posh Bridal
Renaissance Bridal
RENTALS
INVITATIONS
CALLIGRAPHY
OFFICIANT
Rob Green (“The Marrying Mayor”)
Inspired Entertainment
Bridal Portraits
ONE OF THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF A BRIDAL PORTRAIT SESSION IS THAT THEY CAN SERVE AS A PRACTICE RUN FOR THE BIG DAY THAT YOU CAN SEE
There’s a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!
If you’re considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. I typically spend an hour shooting at bridal sessions and it’s nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward!
When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety in indoor and outdoor locations.
BRIDAL PORTRAIT SESSION CHECKLIST
- Dress
- Undergarments
- Shoes
- Veil
- Bouquet
- Ring
- Hair pieces and jewelry
Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start – especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. We want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, I highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, I’ll shoot anytime and anywhere there’s great light!
Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other venue services. I typically have to work with the venues on times, but I love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, I am happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
Is a First Look Right for You?
IF YOU’RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE.
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About 75% of my couples now are opting to do a first look because their romantic bride and groom portraits are one of the most important things to them.
While I value tradition, there are definitely several good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
1. A FIRST LOOK CUTS THROUGH THE CHAOS OF THE DAY.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
2. IT MAKES MORE TIME FOR PICTURES WITHOUT SACRIFICING COCKTAIL HOUR.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into a good share of cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for bride and groom portraits and for all bridal party pictures. This allows the couple to get to be a part of the cocktail hour they’re paying for, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed as well.
3. AVOID POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER AND/OR HAVE TIME TO FRESHEN-UP AFTER CRYING
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
building the perfect
Wedding Day Timeline
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A FIRST LOOK OR STICKING WITH TRADITION AND NOT SEEING YOUR GROOM UNTIL YOU WALK DOWN THE AISLE, I HAVE TIPS TO HELP MAKE PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE!
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional “no see before the ceremony” I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you’re choosing to go traditional, you’ll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You’ll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride’s family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom’s family) at separate times. You’ll also need 10 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 20 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 minutes of couple’s portraits after the ceremony if you’re not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
If you’re doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you’re planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it’s best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
View Example Timelines
WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
view the timeline
WEDDING TIMELINE WITHout A FIRST LOOK
view the timeline
Rain Tips
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don’t believe me, just take a look at Mark & Andrea’s wedding day. It rained throughout most of the day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering clear umbrellas on Amazon for you and your bridal party. Don’t let the fear of rain steal your joy. You can’t control it, and I promise we will make the best of it!
If you don’t own a pair of cute rain boots, now may be a great time to order a pair – even if you’re just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you’re not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they’re aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can’t guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn’t any reason why they can’t be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you’ve carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for me. Consider keeping a “details box” during your planning – anything you have for the wedding, throw an extra copy in the box for your detail photos. Please unwrap your dress but don’t worry about styling it – I’ll hang it in a beautiful spot!
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
- Dress
- Dress Hanger
- Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
- Veil
- Shoes
- Bouquet
- Hair pieces
- Jewelry
- Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
- Vow Book
- Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
-
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include.
This is completely optional – but if you have something sentimental you’d like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in my detail shots. - Bonus: I’d love to have a few cuts of the florals you’ll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply me a small bucket of extra pieces I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS CHECKLIST
- His shoes
- Socks (if they’re special)
- Cuff Links
- Tie or Bow Tie
- Pocket Square
- Boutonnière
- Rings
- Anything else he’ll have that is special or sentimental.
The Rings
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you’re getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Family Formals
YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY, DRESSED UP AND TOGETHER
For family portraits, we will discuss at your details appointment which family shots you want. If you want an extended family photo, I’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then I’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
I’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse’s family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire, I’ll ask you for a list of certain family members, ask if there are any specific groupings you’d like, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you’ll find my typical list below.
FAMILY FORMALS CHECKLIST
- Bride + Groom + Bride’s Extended Family
- Bride + Groom + Bride’s Parents + Bride’s Siblings + Bride’s Grandparents
- Bride + Groom + Bride’s Parents + Bride’s Siblings
- Bride + Groom + Bride’s Parents
- Bride + Groom + Bride’s Siblings
- Bride + Mom
- Bride + Dad
- Bride + Groom + Groom’s Extended Family
- Bride + Groom + Groom’s Parents + Groom’s Siblings + Groom’s Grandparents
- Bride + Groom + Groom’s Parents + Groom’s Siblings
- Bride + Groom + Groom’s Parents
- Bride + Groom + Groom’s Siblings
- Groom + Mom
- Groom + Dad
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I’m happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
We all know how it goes, and it’s fairly inevitable in this day and age – everyone has a phone or camera, and everyone is excited about your wedding! Consider if you want those phones and cameras blocking your guests faces in the photos while you’re walking down the aisle though, or if you would rather see all of those faces of your friends and family beaming admiringly at you.
Although it’s impossible to guarantee everyone will listen, it’s definitely worth a sign and a quick announcement from your officiant at the beginning of the ceremony.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING MORE THAN 130 WEDDINGS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE’RE HAPPY TO SHARE A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS
1. If you’re getting married in the summer months, a “not-so-heavy” snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it’s going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool – especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet 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 towels handy can help.
4. If you’re planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some “fluff time” so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it’s still “untouched” by guests.
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it’s best to have a breakdown of what portraits you’d like and it’s really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they’d like before the wedding. Supplying me with a list ahead of time, I can go over it and make sure I shoot things in an order that is efficient and won’t leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I’ll follow you around. Anytime you’d like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
9. I love to help plan your timeline. After you complete the pre-wedding questionnaire, I use that information to form a photography timeline for you.
Albums
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents’ wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THANK YOU!
I can’t wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven’t scheduled your engagement session yet, let’s get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at inspired@photographybyerinleigh.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I’m here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can’t wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!
