Your Wedding Day Photo Guide

Planning ahead allows you to be fully present on your wedding day — and that presence is what leads to the most effortless, emotional, and timeless images. This guide covers how to prepare your space, your people, and your priorities so that when the big day comes, you can soak in every moment while I handle the rest.

When the details are taken care of in advance, you’re free to live in the moment. Being organized not only ensures that we don’t miss anything important — it also gives us more time for creativity, flexibility, and those candid in-between moments that bring your gallery to life.

• Choose a space with as much natural light as possible.
• Keep clutter tucked away — designate one corner or room to store bags and extras.
• Hang your dress and veil somewhere clean and photo-friendly.
• Have all your details ready in one spot when I arrive: shoes, rings, jewelry, vow books, stationery, perfume, etc.

The little things tell a big part of your story. To make the most of your flat lays and detail shots:

• Place everything in a box or tray ahead of time.
• Make sure you have every piece of your invitation suite.
• Include a few extras if you’d like (ribbon, wax seal, fabric swatch, florals). Having your florist bring 4-8 loose stem flowers that match your wedding decor is very helpful. 
• I bring my own styling surfaces and tools, so your details are photographed with care and creativity.

A well-packed bag makes the day feel seamless. You’ll want to have a few essentials on hand (and assigned to the right people).

*Need a full checklist? View my Wedding Day Packing Guide:

A well-organized family photo list ensures we use our time efficiently and that no one important is missed. Here’s how to build a clear, effective list:

1. Start by writing down the names of everyone you want included in your formal family photos.
2. Keep your timeline in mind. The more groupings you request, the longer it will take. It may not be realistic to include every extended family member depending on your available time.
3. When in doubt, prioritize. Extended family and friend groups can always be photographed more informally during the reception.
4. Once your list is finalized, organize it in a smart sequence. I recommend starting with elderly family members or anyone who may have trouble standing or waiting — especially if your wedding is outdoors in extreme weather.
5. Structure the list from large groups to smaller ones. Start with entire sides of the family and then narrow down (e.g., all grandparents → just bride’s grandparents → grandparents with siblings, etc.).

Here’s a sample format to get you started:

BOTH SIDES (Large Group)

• Couple with all immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)

BRIDE’S SIDE

• Couple with bride’s grandparents
• Couple with bride’s parents
• Bride with parents
• Bride with mom
• Bride with dad
• Couple with bride’s siblings
• Bride with siblings

GROOM’S SIDE

• Couple with groom’s grandparents
• Couple with groom’s parents
• Groom with parents
• Groom with mom
• Groom with dad
• Couple with groom’s siblings
• Groom with siblings

SPECIAL REQUESTS / OTHERS

• Couple with godparents
• Couple with flower girl and ring bearer
• Any specific pairings or family friends you’d like to include

This helps us move smoothly through photos without delays or confusion, and gives you more time to enjoy your celebration. When you are creating this list please be sure to use NAMES. It will be much easier on me to read a list of names than explain something like “brides uncle.”

• Let everyone on your formal photo list know ahead of time that they’ll be needed right after the ceremony.
• Share this list with your planner so they can help gather people if some of your family takes off and forgets.
• Ask your officiant to make a gentle announcement post-ceremony to direct guests accordingly. They can say something like, “If you were asked by the couple to stick around for family photos, please gather here until you recieve direction from the photographer.”

This tiny bit of communication makes a huge difference in how smooth and calm this part of the day feels.

If there are any specific people, traditions, or moments that are especially meaningful to you — tell me. I’m here to honor those.

That said, you do not need to create a Pinterest-style shot list. I’ve got the “standard” wedding day coverage handled (trust me!). What’s most helpful is knowing what’s personal to you. The rest of the images will play in out naturally. 

The magic happens in the in-between. It’s your mom’s hands on your shoulders, your partner’s expression during your vows, your best friend straightening your train.

Here’s how we get them:

• Stay present — don’t worry about the camera
• Trust me to guide when needed and step back when it matters
• Let the day breathe; the in-between moments happen in the quiet and the chaos

Every little bit of preparation you do upfront creates space for joy, spontaneity, and presence on your wedding day. I’ll be right there to guide, observe, and document it all — from the polished portraits to the unscripted magic in between.

Let’s create something honest, heartfelt, and beautifully you.