Ah, weddings! The most beautiful, chaotic, and unforgettable day of any couple’s life. As a wedding photographer, I get to experience the magic, the excitement, and yes, even the chaos—through my lens. It’s my job to capture those fleeting moments, the laughs, the tears, and everything in between. But here’s the thing: as much as I adore snapping photos, the secret to getting those amazing shots lies in how smooth and well-organized your wedding day is. So, let’s talk about the general timeline of a wedding day from a photographer’s perspective!

The 6 Major Events in Your Wedding Day Timeline

1. The Calm Before the Storm: Getting Ready (The Morning)

The wedding day timeline officially starts when the bride and groom (or whoever is getting ready first) start their preparations. For the bride, this often means hair, makeup, and maybe a mimosa or two. For the groom, it’s usually a frantic shirt buttoning and possibly a “Where’s my tie?” moment. If you want to get those stunning shots of the dress, shoes, and jewelry, make sure to set them aside in a clean, well-lit area before getting dressed.

I have more tips and tricks on how to do this well in this blog here!

PRO TIP: You’ll be in a whirlwind of emotions, but I recommend squeezing in a few moments of calm. Take a deep breath, relax, and maybe share a quiet “you’re gonna crush this” with your partner over a phone call or text.

2. The Big Moment: First Look (Optional, but Magical)

I can’t be the only one who LOVES a great first look photo. It’s that quiet, intimate moment when the couple sees each other for the first time, away from the spotlight of the ceremony. It’s emotional, beautiful, and makes for some of the best pictures of the day.

If you can’t decide if a first look for you, I have this blog of all the pros and cons to consider!

If you do choose to do a first look, be sure to choose a location that gives us both some privacy and good lighting. And if you need help picking a spot, don’t worry, that’s why I’m here!

3. The Ceremony: The Main Event

The ceremony is the heart of the day. It’s the part where everyone gets all teary-eyed as you walk down the aisle and exchange vows. As a photographer, this is such an incredible, intimate moment that I want to capture perfectly! Make sure to let me know if you want some special shots during the ceremony! Whether it’s the aisle walk, the first kiss, or those spontaneous moments of emotion—trust me, I’ll make sure I’m in the right place at the right time, but it helps if I know what’s important to you.

4. Post-Ceremony: Group Photos and Portraits

Now it’s time to gather the family for group photos. This is usually the most stressful part for couples. Everyone has a list of people they want to capture, and suddenly, someone’s running to the bathroom or Aunt Linda insists on wearing sunglasses in the photo. It’s organized chaos, and somehow, we make it work. Having a well-organized family list will save us all time and stress. If you can assign a wedding party member to round people up, you’ll be the hero of the day. I can’t do it alone!

5. The Reception: Time to Celebrate!

The reception is where the party really starts, and I’m there to document it all! From your grand entrance to cutting the cake to that epic first dance, this is where the fun happens.

And then right when golden hour hits—about 30-60 minutes before sunset—get ready for some outdoor portraits! If you’re able to sneak away for a few minutes with me, we’ll get some of the most stunning shots. And trust me, you’ll want these for the album and all your picture frames.

6. The Send-Off: The Grand Finale

As the night winds down, you’ll head off into the night, often with a sparkler send-off or a vintage car ride to your honeymoon. It’s the end of an epic day, and I can’t wait to capture the final moments before you say goodbye to your guests. Make sure you plan for the send-off! A sparkler exit can look amazing, but it requires some timing to avoid burnt fingers. Let’s make sure we get everyone lined up and ready!

Need some send off ideas? I’ve written a full blog on some of my favorite ideas here!

As you leave, take a moment to reflect on the crazy, beautiful day. The best part about weddings is that they mark the start of something even more beautiful—your new life together!

A wedding day can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little preparation, a good timeline, and a dash of humor, it can be smooth sailing (well, smoother). As your photographer, my goal is to make sure you’re having fun, looking fabulous, and, most importantly, soaking in every second of your big day. And if you ever feel like things are spiraling out of control—remember, the best stories often come from unexpected moments.

Now, go ahead, and enjoy the process. After all, you’re about to make some lifelong memories—let’s make sure we capture them perfectly!