Setting the Stage: The Power of Wedding Day Planning
As a wedding photographer who has now captured over 100 weddings, I've seen firsthand how a well-planned timeline can make or break the photography and videography on your special day.
Jake and Emily's wedding at The Harper was a masterclass in timeline planning. Their day flowed seamlessly, allowing us to capture every meaningful moment without rush or stress.
Here's what made their timeline work so well:
FUN FACT: studies show that couples who start their day 30 minutes earlier than recommended actually end up feeling less rushed and more relaxed throughout their entire wedding day.
Timeline tips
Emily & Jake opted to include 30-minute buffers between major events. This breathing room helped everybody relax between major transition events like the ceremony and reception. Thanks to these built-in breaks, their entire day was relaxed and on schedule, without any stress or rushing.
My Portfolio Projects
By planning their portraits during golden hour, Jake and Emily got those dreamy, warm-lit photos only possible at this time of day. We scheduled a half hour after dinner to coincide with sunset, allowing us to slip away for some pretty unique portraits while guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and the 360 Booth.
My Portfolio Projects
E & J opted for a "first touch" before the ceremony - an intimate moment where they held hands, exchanged vows, but didn't see each other. This gave them the emotional connection they wanted while preserving the traditional aisle reveal, all without adding excessive time to the schedule.
Common Timeline Mistakes to Avoid
- Not allocating enough time for family photos (plan for at least 30 minutes)
- Scheduling outdoor portraits during harsh midday sun
- Not building in flexibility for unexpected delays
- Forgetting to factor in travel time between locations or venues
- Not scheduling a "detail hour" first thing in the morning for your photographer
The Bottom Line
Your wedding day timeline isn't just a schedule - it's the framework that allows all your carefully chosen moments to shine. As Jake and Emily's wedding proved, the key to stunning wedding photos isn't just about having the right photographer; it's about giving them the time they need to work their magic.
Want to see more from Jake and Emily's perfectly timed wedding day? Check out their post on Instagram @snapsbysean_ where you can see how their thoughtful timeline planning resulted in photos and videos that will be remembered forever.
Pro Tip: Book with Snaps and we'll work together to create a timeline that ensures we capture every special moment of your day, just like we did for Jake and Emily!
