Your Wedding Experience
St. Mary’s Chapel Wedding
This guide is a reference on the wedding photography timeline & process.
View our wedding photography approach page to learn more about our style.
Welcome
First, thank you.
I'm truly honored you've chosen me to document one of the most meaningful days of your life. My goal isn't just to create beautiful photographs—it's to preserve the emotions, relationships, and fleeting moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
This guide is here to answer common questions, help you prepare, and ensure you can enjoy your wedding day with confidence. If you ever have a question that isn't answered here, I'm always just an email or phone call away.
My Approach
I believe the best photographs happen naturally.
Rather than constantly directing every moment, I focus on documenting your day as it unfolds. The laughter, the quiet moments, the hugs, the happy tears, and the little interactions you may not even notice in the moment are often the photographs you'll treasure most years from now.
Of course, I'll provide guidance whenever it's needed—especially during portraits and family photos—but for much of the day, I want you to be fully present with the people you love.
Your wedding isn't a photoshoot.
It's a story.
Before the Wedding
Timeline Planning
A well-planned timeline allows everything to feel relaxed instead of rushed.
I'm happy to help review your timeline and offer suggestions based on lighting, travel time, and photography needs. One of the perks of documentary wedding photography is I can work with your schedule without any issues for the most part. This is YOUR day, not mine!
Whenever possible, I recommend leaving a little extra room throughout the day. Weddings almost always run slightly behind schedule, and building in some flexibility helps keep the day enjoyable.
Family Photo List
On Your Wedding Day
Even as a documentary wedding photographer, I know some clients still want family formal photos. I will organize this part of the day quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your day.
Family portraits go much more smoothly when we have a list prepared ahead of time.
A few weeks before the wedding, I'll ask you to send me:
Immediate family groupings
Extended family combinations you'd like
Any special requests
Having a written list ensures no important photographs are missed.
Tip- Keep the groupings simple by sticking to immediate family and wedding party. It’s very easy for this part of your day to get out of hand quickly.
First Look or Traditional?
There isn't a right or wrong choice.
A First Look allows us to capture an intimate moment together before the ceremony while creating more flexibility in your timeline.
Waiting until the ceremony creates a traditional and emotional first moment at the altar.
Whichever you choose, I'll photograph it honestly and naturally.
During Portraits
Many couples worry about being awkward in front of the camera.
You don't need to be.
I'll provide gentle direction when needed, but I won't ask you to perform or force unnatural poses. Most couples who are “awkward” in front of the camera need more posing guidance. In my experience, it’s the complete opposite.
Instead, I'll encourage conversation, movement, and genuine interaction so your photographs feel authentic and timeless. Even just holding hands and walking is all we need to get great images, it doesn’t take much, so don’t stress about this part of the day.
Trust the Weather
Some of my favorite photographs have happened on cloudy, rainy, or unpredictable days.
Beautiful photographs aren't created by perfect weather—they're created by meaningful moments.
If weather changes our plans, we'll simply adapt together. Rain, shine or hurricane(yes, i’ve shot weddings in this lol) I will be there telling your story.
Enjoy Your Day & Trust Your Photographer
One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer is this:
Be present.
Spend time with each other.
Laugh often.
Hug your family.
Dance with your friends.
The more you're focused on experiencing your wedding instead of worrying about it, the more genuine your photographs will become.
Nobody wants your wedding photos to be amazing more than I do. This isn’t just a job, it’s my passion and my life’s work. I take this very seriously. I truly want my clients to be present on their wedding day.
Back Up Photographer & Emergencies.
I’ve been a wedding photographer for 13 years and have never missed a wedding. I’ve photographed weddings with the flu, sprained ankles, even 20 minutes after hearing my grandmother past who I was very close with. I take this very seriously. However, all professional wedding photographers should always have a back-up plan in case I’m physically not able to be at your wedding.
I have multiple great photographers with a similar style on my speed dial. I’m hoping I never have to use them, but you can have peace of mind that your wedding will still be covered if a rare freak accident happens.
Besides a back-up photographer, I leave for weddings far in advance to ensure I arrive on-time and make sure my vehicle is serviced before wedding days.
After the Wedding
Editing
Prints & Albums
Every image is carefully reviewed and individually edited to match the timeless style you see throughout my portfolio. Any photo you receive in b&w, will also be available in color.
Rather than rushing the process, I take the time to ensure every gallery reflects the quality my couples expect. Even though my images look like there isn’t much editing, it’s very time consuming. Instead of making 4 huge changes to the editing. I’m making 20 very small tweaks. This is how I achieve that filmic, timeless look to your wedding photos.
For full day and half day weddings, you can expect your final gallery within 2-3 weeks. I provide sneak peaks within 48 hours.
Gallery Delivery
When your wedding photos are ready, you'll receive a private online gallery where you can:
View your photographs
Download high-resolution images
Share with family and friends
Order professional-quality prints and artwork through the built-in print store
Digital images are wonderful, but photographs become even more meaningful when they're printed and enjoyed every day.
Whether it's a handcrafted wedding album or artwork displayed in your home, these pieces are designed to last for generations.
If you'd like help selecting products, I'm always happy to guide you through the options.
You can create your own wedding album through the built-in print store. This way you have full control over the photos and materials, unless your package includes an album.
Thank You
Thank you again for trusting me to document your wedding.
I know how much these memories matter, and it's a responsibility I never take lightly.
I can't wait to celebrate alongside you and create photographs that tell your story with honesty, beauty, and authenticity.
Looking for our wedding, events and portraits page? Click the link below.
Need Anything?
If you have a question at any point, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help make this process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.