Your wedding photographer and videographer often become one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make for your day. Aside from your venue, no one is more present or more involved. From the final touches of getting ready to the packed dance floor at the end of the night, we’re there — documenting it all as it naturally unfolds.

Our role goes far beyond taking beautiful photos and films.

We believe in clear communication, thoughtful timeline planning, and creating space for you to feel fully present. The goal isn’t for your wedding to revolve around photography — because at the end of the day, it’s a wedding, not a photoshoot.

As a husband and wife photo and video team, we’ve captured over 100 weddings since 2019, we’ve built our approach around more than just delivering stunning imagery and impactful films. We care deeply about the experience. We know firsthand how emotional, fast-paced, and meaningful a wedding day is, and we strive to make it feel effortless, comfortable, and true to you.

In this blog, we’re sharing practical insights and intentional tips, this isn’t just “How to prepare for wedding photos” but also for a wedding day experience that feels relaxed, joyful, and authentically yours.

How Your Attitude Can Transform Your Wedding Photography Experience

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming — and if you’re one of the rare couples who isn’t stressed, that’s amazing! But for many, there’s also a layer of nerves… especially about being in front of a camera.

Let us start here: it’s not about the photos.
It’s not about perfection.
And it’s definitely not about being someone you’re not.

It’s about connection. Presence. The way you look at each other when no one else is in the room. The quiet in-between moments. The laughter. The emotion. The pure magic of your wedding day unfolding in real time.

We just happen to be there to preserve it.

We love when couples tell us they feel awkward in front of the camera. It usually just means you haven’t had a guided, experience-focused session before — and that’s completely okay.

“We were capturing a couple’s portraits at a stunning lake resort wedding. They let us choose the music, so we put on our couple session playlist. About ten minutes in, their first dance song started playing by chance. It was such a special moment—our couple looked at each other, a little teary-eyed, and began practicing their first dance. No words were needed to capture how meaningful and perfect it felt. They weren’t dancing for the cameras or for practice—they were dancing simply because it was symbolic and meaningful to them. Those photos ended up being their absolute favourites!“

What can you do?

Your mindset going into a session truly makes all the difference.

Instead of thinking of photos as something to “get through,” approach them as a pause in the day — a chance to breathe, reconnect, and soak in what’s happening. When you focus on being present rather than “doing it right,” everything softens. Your movements feel natural. Your expressions become genuine. And your photos reflect the real you.

When you shift your perspective, you don’t just look more relaxed — you actually feel more relaxed!

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Want to feel extra confident on your wedding day? Book an engagement session!

An engagement session is one of the best ways to prepare for your wedding day portraits.

You’ll get comfortable with how we guide and direct, experience our rhythm, and build trust before the wedding day arrives. By the time we’re capturing your couple portraits, you’ll feel familiar and confident in front of our cameras!

Plus, you’ll walk away with images you can use for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or even reception décor — showcasing your personalities and your story!

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Wedding Day: Tips for Stress-Free Photos & Video

Share Your Vision – Show Us Your Pinterest Board!

Your ideas come together much more clearly when you can visually express them.

We love Pinterest boards because they give us insight into:

• The lighting you’re drawn to
• The colour tones you love
• The posing style you prefer
• The emotional feel you’re envisioning

The same goes for wedding films. If there’s a film you adore, send it our way. It helps us understand what resonates with you — whether it’s storytelling, pacing, music, or emotion.

About three months before your wedding, we’ll send a detailed questionnaire to refine your vision. We even ask for your Pinterest board link. Questions like:

• Do you want a flat lay of your getting-ready details?
• Are there specific heirlooms you want highlighted?
• What moments matter most to you?

We always recommend filling this out together and taking your time. The more intentional your answers, the more intentional our documentation!

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Communication & Timelines

Throughout the planning process, we’ll check in at key times to request important details, like:

• Your family photo shot list (we’ll guide you on how to keep it efficient).
• Your finalized timeline.
• Any updates or special surprises planned for the day.

The more detailed your timeline, the better. It helps us understand the flow of your day and ensures we don’t miss meaningful moments — especially for larger or more elaborate weddings.

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Build in Buffer Time

The best wedding galleries and films often come from days that feel calm and unhurried.

That’s why we frequently recommend our 10-hour coverage. It creates breathing room — for you and for us.

“How to build a wedding day timeline” that has extra buffer time

As a general rule of thumb, we suggest building in at least one hour of total buffer time throughout the day. This protects you if things run behind (which they often do), but it also allows for:

• Extra time mingling with loved ones
• A quiet walk together to decompress
• More candid moments

Magic rarely happens when everyone feels rushed.

“We had suggested to our couple the idea of building in some buffer time, and they loved it—having always thought their day needed to be crammed with activities. We even recommended taking just 30 minutes to hang out in the garden area of the venue, by themselves, with a drink, and simply soak in the fact that they were newly married. Later, they told us how relaxed they felt and how that 30-minute breather ended up being one of the absolute highlights of their day!”

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Let’s Talk About Sunsets

Early in our planning process, we actually research the exact sunset time for your specific date and venue. We look at positioning, landscape, and lighting direction so we can recommend the ideal window for golden hour portraits.

If scheduling full couple portraits at sunset isn’t possible, we often suggest carving out 10–15 minutes during the reception to step outside briefly. That short window of golden light can create some of the most breathtaking, intimate moments of the entire day.

And trust us — it’s always worth it.

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WEDDING DAY TIMELINE TIP

From our experience, building intentional time into your portrait schedule makes all the difference.

As a general guideline, we recommend:

• 1 hour for couple portraits
• 30 minutes for wedding party photos
• 30 minutes for family photos

This structure typically allows things to flow smoothly without feeling rushed. That said, every wedding is unique. If you have a larger wedding party or a big extended family, we suggest adding an extra 10–15 minutes to keep everything relaxed and organized.

And don’t forget to account for travel time!

Getting Ready: Capturing the Pre-Wedding Moments Perfectly

The anticipation. The laughter. The quiet, reflective moments in between. This is the relative calm before everything begins!

Having ample time during this part of the day helps us to not miss any moments and allows for you to take your time and appreciate in all the special moments!

If your timeline allows for it, we also love setting aside a few minutes before everyone is fully dressed for some relaxed, fun photos with your bridal party. And once you’re in your dress? We can create space for timeless bridal portraits of just you!

Getting ready isn’t just prep time.
It’s the beginning of your story.

Some Of Our Recommendations

A little intention goes a long way when it comes to your getting-ready space. The environment you choose directly impacts how your photos and film will look and feel.

• Choose a clean, open space — clutter creates busy photos. Opt for the largest, tidiest room and tuck away bags, food, and extras so the focus stays on you.

• Prioritize natural light. Big windows and soft daylight create that timeless, airy glow, so set up hair and makeup near the brightest windows possible.

• And don’t forget the guys — avoid dark basements or dim hotel rooms. A bright, window-filled space ensures their portraits look just as polished and keeps your gallery cohesive.

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DETAIL BOX ✨

If you’d love beautiful flat lays and detail photos (rings, perfume, shoes, vow books, jewelry, bouquet, invitations), consider preparing a small “Wedding Detail Box” ahead of time.

Place everything you want photographed in one box so it’s ready when we arrive — this saves time and ensures nothing meaningful gets missed.

The First Look: Capturing Raw Emotion on Your Wedding Day

“Should you do a first look?”

A first look isn’t for everyone — and that’s completely okay. But if you’re open to it, it can be one of the most intimate and emotionally grounding moments of your entire wedding day.

Before the ceremony begins, before all eyes are on you, a first look gives you space to simply be together.

Many couples tell us this ends up being their favourite part of the day because it feels unfiltered, unhurried, and deeply personal.

First Look Tips ✨

• Choose a private, tucked-away spot so you can feel fully present without guests peeking in.

• Consider sharing private vows if speaking in front of a crowd feels intimidating — you can still exchange traditional vows at the ceremony.

• Be yourself. There’s no “right” reaction — laughter, quiet smiles, or tears are all perfect because they’re real.

• For the groom: We’ll guide you into place, make sure you don’t see her too soon, and remind you to tune out everything else. When the moment comes, just focus on her.

“We had planned a first look with our couple and even had the groom mic’d up for his reaction. Needless to say, he was speechless—just tears. Pure, raw sobs of awe and wonder as he saw his bride for the first time. The moment was so heartfelt that even we couldn’t help but shed a tear or two!”

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A first look doesn’t take away from the ceremony — it often enhances it. Instead of seeing each other for the first time in a high-adrenaline moment, you’ve already connected. You’re grounded. You’re calm. You’re ready.

And that presence? It shows in every photo and every frame.

How To Get Incredible Ceremony Photos

Light Matters

Lighting plays a major role in how your photos and film will look.

If you’re outdoors, consider the direction of the sun and whether you’ll be standing in harsh light or open shade. If you’re indoors and the venue is on the darker side, adding intentional light sources — like candles or string lights — can elevate both the atmosphere and the imagery.

Soft, even lighting helps create that timeless, romantic look you’re likely envisioning.

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Create Space for Movement

One of the most overlooked ceremony considerations is space.

Having some space on the sides of the isle and behind the arbour can really help us to move around, find better angles and to be in peoples way less often

Our goal is to document the story without distracting from it or blocking anyone’s view. We don’t stay planted in one spot. We gently and respectfully shift positions to capture at the candid moments and tears shed, not only from you but also your loved ones!

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When the ceremony space is thoughtfully lit and designed with movement in mind, it allows us to capture the full emotional depth of the moment — exactly as it unfolds.

The Kiss: Don’t Rush It

A slightly extended kiss gives us enough time to capture multiple angles, reactions, and cinematic moments without rushing.

Another recommendation is ask your officiant to announce your kiss from the side, that way they are not in the way, or trying to get out of the way while you are kissing!

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Let Guests Snap, Then Be Present 📱

When you’re standing at the altar, consider asking your officiant to give guests a quick 30-second window to snap photos or videos of you both. Once the time is up, have the officiant invite everyone to put their phones away and fully immerse themselves in the ceremony.

Ceremony Exit ✨

To add an extra touch of magic to your ceremony, consider planning a celebratory exit as you walk down the aisle as newlyweds! This is a joyful way to involve all your guests by throwing some sort of confetti (preferably compostable) and make the moment even more unforgettable!

Before planning, make sure to check with your venue first!

How To Effectively Prep For Wedding Day Family + Wedding Party Photos

The key to keeping this part of the day smooth and stress-free? A family shot list.

Having a shot list ensures you capture all the moments you want and keeps things moving quickly. It also takes the pressure off trying to remember who goes where on the spot

With a little preparation, family photos can be efficient and fun — leaving you more time to enjoy the rest of your day!

Wedding Party Photos

One of the most fun parts of the wedding day is capturing memories with your closest friends! Wedding party photos are full of energy, laughter, and candid moments — and a few simple touches can make the experience even better.

How to Make the Most of It:

• Play music! A great playlist helps everyone relax, laugh, and even dance a little — making the photos feel natural and full of life.
• Bring a bottle of champagne or sparkling juice for celebratory toasts and fun photo opportunities.
• Plan enough time. If you want lots of creative group shots, factor extra minutes into your timeline so nothing feels rushed.

“We were counting down as the couple popped the champagne—let’s just say it flew a bit farther than expected, and we may have gotten sprayed in the process! The best part? Those tiny droplets hitting Jordan’s lens created a video clip that makes you feel like you’re right there, reliving the excitement and joy of that very moment.”

Couple Portraits: Capturing Your Love in Timeless Photos

Couple portraits are one of the most important parts of your wedding day — These are the images you’ll frame in your home, share with loved ones, and look back on for years to come!

Choosing the Perfect Spot

When it comes to locations, we love being part of the planning process:

• Need recommendations for nearby spots? We’ve got you.
• Want help deciding the best area on your venue grounds? We’re here to guide you.

Most venues are stunning for portraits, but we always aim for secluded spots — somewhere you can feel relaxed and private, away from curious eyes.

This time is about you two, your connection, and the start of your marriage — and when given the space and intention, it becomes one of the most memorable and magical parts of the day.

Slow Down & Breathe 🌿

You’ve been planning this day for so long — take a moment to be fully present with each other and the magic unfolding around you.

Let Love Lead the Way

The best photos and videos capture your genuine connection, not staged poses. When your photographer gives a prompt, expand on it in a way that feels natural. Movement and interaction are your friends!

• Kiss spontaneously
• Dance together, twirl your dress
• Snuggle, hug, or whisper something silly
• Look into each other’s eyes and just be in the moment

The more real, playful, and relaxed you are, the more your images will reflect the love you share.

We Love to Set the Mood with Music 🎶

Create a Spotify playlist with your favourite songs for your session. Music helps you relax, sets the energy, and often inspires natural, joyful moments — and it translates beautifully into your photos and video.

Your wedding day isn’t just about perfect images — it’s about capturing the real, unscripted love and connection you share. Slow down, breathe, and enjoy every single second.

The Wedding Reception : Where Stories Are Told And The Night Danced Away

The reception is where all the celebration, laughter, and memories truly come alive — and it’s one of the most dynamic parts of your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a classic dance-filled party or something totally unique (we’ve seen everything from arm-wrestling competitions to karaoke!), your reception is your time to make the day your own.

Here are our top recommendations to help us capture all the energy, emotion, and detail beautifully:

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• Meal time: We typically step away for a brief dinner break while you and your wedding party are eating, as this is usually the least eventful portion of the reception.
• Lighting: Having good lighting, whether its lots of Candles or stringed lights can help improve image quality.
• Reception details: If you want your décor, tables, or unique setups captured, make sure guests don’t enter until we’ve photographed the space.
• Speeches: Consider limiting the number of speeches or implementing a time cap — this keeps your timeline on track.
• Have a mock send off: Having a mock send off is a fun way to conclude our portion of the night, whether it be having your guests light a bunch of sparklers or an just the two of you dancing in front of headlight, the possibilities are endless!

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Dancing 💃🕺

We generally require around 30 minutes to capture dancing and candid moments, but the key to a lively dance floor is a skilled DJ. A great DJ knows how to get everyone up and moving, which creates energy-filled photos and videos that truly reflect the joy of your day.

“We were capturing a beautiful winery wedding in June, and we had limited time set aside for dance floor photos. We were already running slightly behind and feeling that familiar pressure of the timeline tightening—we never want couples to have to add extra coverage if we can help it.

When we made it to the dance floor, we had less than ten minutes to work with. We quickly communicated this to the DJ. Without missing a beat, he leaned into his craft and worked the room like a pro.

By the end of the very first song, nearly three-quarters of the guests were on the dance floor, dancing like there was no tomorrow. The energy was electric. The photos were full of life.And it was the perfect reminder of why hiring a skilled DJ makes all the difference.”

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Cake Cutting 🎂

The cake cutting doesn’t have to be formal or scripted. Often, we’ll capture it spontaneously — unannounced — which usually results in more natural, fun, and joyful images.

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Your reception is your playground — the more thoughtfully you plan the flow, lighting, and key moments, the more magical your photos and video will feel.

Your wedding photos and videos are not for you today – they’re for you in 30 years ✨

The true beauty of having incredible coverage of your wedding day is that it becomes a time capsule—a collection of memories made real, allowing you to relive and remember one of the most important days of your life. You’ll see how loved ones have grown, remember those who are no longer with us, and share your story with your children and, one day, your grandchildren. You’ll recall the sounds, the tastes, the nerves, and the overwhelming joy of the day in vivid detail.

We don’t see ourselves as vendors.
We see ourselves as stewards of your story.

This isn’t merely a job; it’s our privilege to help preserve the moments that make your day truly unforgettable.

There are so many small details and thoughtful choices you can make that help your photographer and videographer capture your wedding day beautifully — from lighting and timelines to intimate moments and creative touches.

If this approach resonates with you and you value an experience-focused wedding day, we would be honoured to document it for you.