session details, tips, and answers
the wedding
I know there are countless things that go into a wedding day and make it completely unique. I also know that the planning and even your wedding day can come with a lot of stress. But it doesn't have to be that way!
My goal is to not only be your photographer but an extra hand to help you through this Experience.
Peruse this page and find tips – from planning to wedding day action items – that will reduce your stress and ultimately elevate your wedding day photos.
the experience
01.
transportation
dj/bands
cakes & desserts
Bridal Salons
rentals
hair/makeup
videographers
florals
Paper Goods & calligraphy
Emerald Events by Nilsa
Lane Stewart Events
Boundless Love Events
Social Graces Events
Lauren Bliss Events
planners
a collection of vendors I've worked with and recommend.
vendors
02.
the first look timeline ⟶
the traditional timeline ⟶
Planning a wedding day timeline is highly encouraged. It keeps your vendors in-line and adds a layer of time-security to your day.
As we approach your wedding day, I will reach out via email to discuss your wedding day timeline to ensure that I understand your priorities.
Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered two sample timelines to guide your planning:
timeline
03.
9: Hair and makeup begins
1:00 Photographer Arrives
1:00 – 2:00 Details
2:00 – 2:45 Getting Ready Photos
2:45 – 3:00 Dress on!
3:00 - 3:30 Groom & Groomsmen Photos
3:30 - 4:00 Bride & Bridesmaids Photos
4:00 - 4:30 Bride in Hiding
Photographers capture Ceremony Decor
4:30 – 5:00 Wedding Ceremony
5:00 – 5:20 Family Photos
5:20 - 5:40 Bridal Party Portraits
5:40 - 6:00 Couples Portraits
6:00 Introduction- Reception begins!
6:10 First Dance
6:15 Dinner*
6:45 Toasts Begin
7:00 Parent Dances
7:15 Cake Cutting
7:20 Dance Floor Opens!*
9:00 Photography Coverage Ends
the traditional timeline:
9: Hair and makeup begins
1:00 Photography Coverage begins
1:00 – 2:00 Details
2:00 – 2:30 Getting Ready
2:30 - 2:45 Dress On!
Second Photographer with Groom & Groomsmen
2:45 – 3:00 First Look
3:00 - 3:30 Couple Portraits
3:30 - 4:00 Wedding Party Portraits
4:00 - 4:30 Couple Hides, Rest & Retouch
Photographers capture Ceremony Decor
4:30 – 5:00 Wedding Ceremony
5:00 – 5:30 Family Photos
5:30 - 5:45 Couples Portraits
5:45 – 6:00 Couple Joins Cocktail Hour or Rest
Photographers capture guests & Reception Decor
6:00 Introduction- Reception begins!
6:10 First Dance
6:15 Dinner*
6:45 Toasts Begin
7:00 Parent Dances
7:15 Cake Cutting
7:20 Dance Floor Opens!*
9:00 Photography Coverage Ends
the first look timeline:
BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY
give your family a time that's 15-minutes early
add 15-minute buffer times at the big events
communicate time details to hair/makeup artists
pick your ceremony time 1st then plan around it
make the most of your timeline by considering these tips
timeline tips
04.
B&G with Bride's Parents
Bride with Parents
Bride with Mom, Bride with Dad
B&G with Bride's Immediate Family
Bride with Immediate Family
Bride with Siblings
B&G with Bride's Extended Family
and same thing for your partner's side!
sample family photo list:
Family photos are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! Creating a list of must-have family portraits will ensure I'm not missing any photos of important people.
A general rule of thumb is each combination takes 3 minutes to organize and photograph so the more people and combinations there are, the longer it'll take which will take away from your romantic couples portraits. I recommend keeping family photos to just immediate family (parents, siblings & grandparents) and putting extended family in one big group photo then grabbing more photos during the reception when we aren't under a timeline crunch!
family photos
05.
any sentimental items
BOUQUET + BOUTONNIÈRE
vows + letters
full invitation suite
jewelry + accessories
rings
veil
his + her shoes
suit/tux with accessories
dress + dress hanger
wedding details that will be photographed
checklist
06.
Um yes please!! I'm always happy to reach out to vendors, find ways to make your inspiration board a reality and help you create a gorgeous and cohesive wedding.
06. can i reach out to you with ideas for my wedding day?
Of course! We can talk timeline details and see what we're looking at with the amount of time we have and based off your wants and timeline, we can add on additional hours to your wedding day.
05. I'm not sure if i have enough coverage time! can i add more?
Nope! All I need to know is the very unique details you'd like such as photos of your grandmother's sapphire ring you're wearing, a photo of you with your Aunt who is basically like your second mom. And of course, your family shot list as each family is unique and different.
04. do i need to make a shot list for you?
I am a HUGE fan of the First Look. There's not enough space here for me to go in a lot of depth but it's a special & intimate moment you wouldn't ordinarily have and it helps a lot timeline-wise! Check out a blog post about First Looks here!
03. I'm undecided about a first look. is it beneficial to have one?
Yes BUT it does take time so your cocktail hour needs to be longer than an hour in order to accomodate or we risk losing precious bride and groom portrait time if we haven't done a First Look before the ceremony.
02. can we have more family photos taken?
Of course! I consider this to be my job so I help every couple create a wedding day timeline to make sure we have enough time for all the portraits you want us to capture!
01. Can you help me create my timeline?
Have a question? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: hello@mjmendozaphotography.com
FAQs
08.