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WEDDING GUIDE
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Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Anyone who knows me, knows I live for a celebration. Whether its the really big ones like a birthday or anniversary or wedding or the smaller every day wins of getting my almost 3 year old to eat his veggies or that the house stayed organized another week, you can find me doing a “cheers” of celebration all the time.
I also know that life can fly by if you don’t freeze the moments. As a photographer with over a decade of experience, I know that the way you’ll remember your wedding day is with your photos. I want you to be able to remember all of the incredible moments. The candid little ones, or the big first kiss ones, with images + video that take you right back to the magic of your day for all the years to come.
Whether you're a returning visitor, or it's your first time, thank you so much for stopping by. Consider me your new photographer best friend + guide ready to provide a personalized experience for a stress free wedding day and to create incredible images that feel as effortless as falling in love.
- Grace
Thank you again for connecting with us, and please don't hesitate to let us know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
We are big believers that no moment should be left behind. This is why we only offer all day coverage with our packages.
As a soon to be bride myself, I was overwhelmed with not knowing my timeline so far in advance, having to shell out a ton of money for one extra hour, or having to sacrifice images of getting ready in favor of my sparkler exit.
With us, you can have your cake and eat it too.
All Day Coverage
That moment the couple 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 they 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 our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While we consider ourselves people who value 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 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. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop 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 wedding party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding party pictures and, sometimes, for a few couples portraits (although we prefer to do some additional couples 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. 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
There is SO MUCH happening on your wedding day, even with a small guest list it’s impossible to be in two places at once. We feel having two photographers should be a no brainer. That’s why we include a second photographer in every package. We want to tell the story of BOTH of your getting ready, your reception details AND friends enjoying cocktail hour, not to mention all those great second angles of once in a lifetime moments like your first dance or your first kiss!
Two Photographers
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we 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 getting ready photos for both sides at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined wedding party portraits, 15 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.
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 we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional photos at sunset!)
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your partner until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we 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, doing a first look, as daylight is creates a different feel for to getting amazing portraits for your families, wedding 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.
All that to say, we shoot more winter weddings than most photographers because of our lighting abilities during dark. If this is a concern, reach out and we can gameplan!
12 p.m.
Grace arrives at Partners getting ready location and Andrew arrives at Spouses getting ready location.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1:00 p.m.
Everyone get dressed!
Thinking about a first look with Dad? This is the time to do it!
1:00pm - everyone dressed!
1:30 p.m.
Everyone departs for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
2:00 p.m.
Couple + Wedding Party Portraits
Note, we usually try to get some of our immediate family done during this time too.
2:00pm - Portraits
4:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
4:00PM Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
4:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
5:00 P.M.
Go Relax and Join Cocktail Hour!
5:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:30pm Dinner
7:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7pm 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!
7:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
7:30pm Dancing
8:00 P.M.
Cake cutting and dessert stations!
8:00pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Night Photos! We try to grab these either during dinner or open dancing, depending on what time of year.
8:00pm Photographers Depart
1 p.m.
Grace arrives at Partners getting ready location and Andrew arrives at Spouses getting ready location.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Everyone get dressed!
Thinking about a first look with Dad? This is the time to do it!
2:00pm - get dressed!
2:30 p.m.
Let's head to the ceremony location!
2:15pm - everyone depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Wedding Party and Couple Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 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!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting and opening the dessert bar!
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Night Photos! We try to grab these either during dinner or open dancing, depending on what time of year.
9:00pm Night Photos!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Lauren + Matt's wedding day. It rained the entire day and it was still 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 we 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!
We take the same precision and pride with documenting your wedding day through motion picture that we do in your images; but better. For the first time you will be able to watch your day unfold in high definition with crystal clear audio to remind you exactly how you felt in that moment.
There are so many benefits to hiring a videographer through your photographer. Less stress, a team that works together all the time, plus half the amount of planning meetings!
Your Moments In Video
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 15 minutes to capture and style details. We 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 us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
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
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'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 we can, we 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, we’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.
We’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 each partner 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 we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'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 our typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Extended Family
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1 Immediate Family + Grandparents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Parents + Siblings
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1 Parents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1 Siblings
Partner 1 + Mom
Partner 1 + Dad
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2 Extended Family
Couple + Partner 2 Immediate Family + Grandparents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2 Parents + Siblings
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Parents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Siblings
Partner 2 + Mom
Partner 2 + Dad
family Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're 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 we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our 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 us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we 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 wedding 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 men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have flowers 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 wedding 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 SHOOTING MORE THAN 500 weddings in the past few years, we're happy to share a few additional tips
6. We always recommend the couple 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 us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
9. We'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
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
1. If you are sold on having Right Start Photography document your wedding day, just reply back to the email this guide arrived in letting us know. We will send over the contract + deposit information right away and your date will be secured!
What's Next?
2. I loved connecting, and would love the chance to connect more in a laid back consult to learn more about you and your fiancé, your wedding plans, and offer insight to some of the important questions you should be asking your wedding photographer. Video consults are a great stress free way for us to connect with each other over a drink (or a lunch break, but it’s BYO 😂!), as well as get you some more info!
If you want to go this route, just scroll to the bottom to book a time to chat!
3. When you are ready to book, your email will contain a link to your client portal which has our online contract you can sign, as well as deposit information. No wedding date is considered booked without a signed contract and deposit.
Our deposit is $950 regardless of which package you choose, then your next payment is due halfway between when you book and when your wedding date is, and the final balance is due 4 weeks before your wedding.
We would love to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you love what you see and you want to take the next steps in booking, let's get a meeting scheduled! You can do that here:
If you have any questions, we're here for you. We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.