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THE WEDDING GUIDE
ABBYGALE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, product info & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited for you that you are here right now. Investing time into researching tips for planning your wedding over the next several months is so valuable! I know photography is one of the larger investments you are making for your wedding day and I am truly humbled that you are here reading my guide. You will find so much helpful information here, as well as authentic, intimate, nostalgic photography.
Even if you are working with a wedding planner, or if you are planning a simple wedding day or intimate wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having been photographing weddings and couples for well over a decade, 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. I hope you find it helpful in planning your wedding day!
- Abbygale
Thank you again for choosing to be here and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process! If you would like to schedule a free phone consultation, scroll all the way down!
I am 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!
Step 1. The
Engagement Session
plan your session
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 half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself someone who highly values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off fast. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, soak in 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, take a few deep breaths, and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
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 takes up the time of the entire cocktail hour, and the couple does not get to enjoy this time with their guests.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
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 (like me and my husband on our wedding day!). 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.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "not seeing before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images. We begin with the natural light and sunset timing on the day of your wedding, and build the events of the day around available light.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of portrait times set aside: 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 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 20 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30-45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
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!
If you're doing a first look, portraits 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 portraits for about 15 minutes 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 and portraits.
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 of your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure I have enough time & daylight while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work. Do not worry though, I have a great tool for figuring out what time the sun will set on your wedding day to help out with planning the best ceremony time!
10:30 AM
Abby arrives at Groom’s getting ready location; After about 30 minutes I travel to the Bride.
10:30am - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is close to wrapping up. If anything is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Abby will photograph the bridal details first, then the bride finishing her make up, then stepping in to her gown.
This is a great time to do a first look with bridesmaids and/or the Brides father.
12:50 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site. You will want to plan to stagger the groomsmen arriving before the bride so they do not accidentally see her when she arrives on site.
12:50pm - Guys Depart
1:00 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:00pm - Ladies Depart
1:30 p.m.
The first look takes place, followed by bridal party group photos.
1:30 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I am happy to make recommendations.
2:15 p.m.
Bride & Groom portrait session. Bride and Groom should be hidden 30 mins before ceremony start time
2:15pm - COUPLES Portraits
4:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
4:00PM Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
4:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits immediately following the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can ask your officiant to announce that family should remain at the ceremony site for group portraits, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll arm you with a checklist to help create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:50 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party or Bride & Groom Portraits
4:50pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, I might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots. If not, I will take some more portraits of you alone, enjoying your newlywed bliss!
5:10 p.M.
Couple joins Cocktail Hour
5:10pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. I’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
5:40 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:40pm Dinner
6:15 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6:15pm Sunset Portraits
I’ll make sure to grab you two about 20 minutes before the sun sets. This is usually the best light of the day! After we are finished, it is a great time for a makeup touch-up and to bustle the brides train
6:40 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:40pm Dancing
7:10 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:10pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart. If you have plans for a grand exit, now is the time to get photos of it!
9:00pm Photographers Depart
10:30AM
Abby arrives at Bride’s getting ready location
11AM - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is close to wrapping up. If anything is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Abby will photograph the bridal details first, then the bride finishing her make up, then stepping in to her gown.
This is a great time to do a first look with bridesmaids and/or the Brides father.
1:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos around 1:30.
1:00pm - Guys Depart
1:45 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and goes to private location with bridesmaids until ceremony.
1:45pm - Ladies Depart
It is ideal for the bride to be hidden from arriving guests at least 45-30 before the ceremony start time, and, of course, the groom!
Abby will spend this time photographing the ceremony site details and guests arriving.
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
#:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits immediately following the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can ask your officiant to announce that family should remain at the ceremony site for group portraits, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll arm you with a checklist to help create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
Your guests will be enjoying cocktail hour during this time. After portraits, I like to photograph your reception details before guests enter the space.
5:10 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:10pm Introductions
5:15 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:15pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins, led by the traditional father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.
6:30pm Dancing
7:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart,
Grand exit if applicable
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, 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, we 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 (aka, big windows!) 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 us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot! Don't forget a pretty hanger for your dress!
Dress
Wood or Custom Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's handkerchief. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in our 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 us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
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.
The Rings
For family portraits, 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 we’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 I’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 our pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, 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
your entire family, dressed up and together
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
FAMILY PHOTOS Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I am happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I am sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for your professional photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
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.
Additional Tips
AFTER PHOTOGRAPHING weddings for a decade, I am happy to share a few additional tips
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, we can go over it and make sure I plan things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I can follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
9. I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, don't hesitate to email or call!
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.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. To learn more about my booking process, follow the link below the scheduler!I can't wait to chat with you soon!