One of the biggest ways I serve my couples is by building a timeline that feels calm, intentional, and realistic. Not rushed. Not chaotic. And definitely not based on wishful thinking.

A good timeline protects the experience just as much as it protects the photos. Below is how I think through each part of the day and why the time matters.

Bridal Details | 30 to 60 Minutes

Bridal details are when we take all those beautiful and sentimental pieces and take pictures in something we call a flat lay. These almost always take longer than people expect, and this is one of the first places timelines fall apart if it’s rushed.

Before deciding how much time you need here, you have to know what kind of details matter to your couple. If they want a full flat lay with invitations, rings, shoes, perfume, heirlooms, and florals, you need closer to an hour. Especially if there are sentimental pieces involved like a ring passed down or jewelry from a grandmother.

I also like to grab groom details if they exist. Watches, cufflinks, gifts, anything meaningful. Building this time in early keeps the rest of the day from feeling behind before it even starts.

We often do these details while the bride finishes getting her hair and makeup done. Then we take the getting ready pictures.

Getting Ready | 30 Minutes

Once details are finished, I shift to the bride and her people.

This is when I capture robe shots, final hair and makeup touches, and those quiet moments with mom or bridesmaids. Even though the actual photos only take a few minutes, I always build in a full 30 minutes here because hair and makeup almost always run late.

I communicate directly with the hair and makeup artist and ask them to let me know when they’re close to finished. I’ll position the bride near good light, clean up the background, and have the artist do a few finishing touches like blush or hairspray. It looks real, polished, and takes less than two minutes.

While I get details of the bride my second shooter Caitlin goes to the groom to get his getting ready pictures as long as everyone is ready to go. She cleans up the background of the grooms room and then gets pictures of him and his groomsmen.

Bride Gets Dressed | 30 Minutes Minimum

This is non negotiable.

No, it does not take 30 minutes to zip a dress. But it does take 30 minutes to start getting dressed, realize you need the bathroom, fix a broken button, hunt down a crochet hook to help with all the tiny buttons, and then finally get zipped in.

This is where buffer time saves the day.

Even with a simple dress, this time allows for bridal portraits, hair and makeup delays, and moments with whoever is helping her get dressed. Make sure that person is fully ready and dressed too.

If nothing goes wrong, amazing. You get more portraits. If something does go wrong, the bride is able to stay calm and in the moment.

First Look With Dad or Bridesmaids | 30 Minutes

Many of my brides choose to do a first look with their dad or bridesmaids, and I love building space for this.

The actual moment is short, but moving multiple people takes time. It is almost always hard to find one person who wandered off to help with something else in the wedding.

For dad first looks, I often use the same location planned for the couple’s first look. It lets me test light, angles, and flow, and it keeps the final gallery cohesive.

First Look | 30 Minutes

The theme continues. Buffer time.

The first look is emotional and intimate. It deserves space. This time allows couples to read letters, exchange gifts, cry, breathe, and be present without feeling rushed.

We always take the pictures of the moment and take a step back to allow the bride and groom to have the time they need together.

Bride and Bridesmaids | 20 to 45 Minutes

This depends on size.

One to four bridesmaids usually takes about 20 minutes. Five to ten takes closer to 30. Larger groups need more time.

There are always extra requests: sorority sisters, high school friends, individual portraits, etc. Best to plan for it.

Groom and Groomsmen | 10 to 30 Minutes

Speed matters here.

Small groups move fast. Larger groups need more time. The goal is group shots, individual photos with the groom, and keeping everyone mostly focused.

Also worth noting, moving groomsmen who may have already started celebrating can take longer than expected.

Full Bridal Party | 15 to 30 Minutes

This depends entirely on size and logistics. More people means more time to move, pose, and reset.

Immediate Family Portraits | 30 Minutes

This time matters more than people realize.

This is when parents, grandparents, and siblings get to slow down, take it in, and have real moments with the couple. Not just smiling at the camera, but hugging, crying, and being present.

If the immediate family is large, build in more time. It’s worth it.

Relax and Regroup | 30 to 45 Minutes

This is one of the most important parts of the day.

Guests arrive early. They want good seats and good parking. I always plan for portraits to be finished before guests start showing up so the bride still gets her big aisle reveal.

This time also gives the couple space to eat, breathe, use the bathroom again, and mentally reset before the ceremony. It protects the experience and the photos.

It also gives photographers time to photograph the ceremony space untouched and reset gear to prepare for the ceremony.

Ceremony | 30 to 90 Minutes

Most ceremonies are around 30 minutes, but never plan for less. Church weddings and full mass ceremonies need more time.

Large bridal parties add time too. Just walking down the aisle can take longer than expected.

Husband and Wife Sunset Portraits | 10 to 30 Minutes

This is magic.

The couple is married. The emotions are high. Sunset light is beautiful, often called ‘golden hour’ for the creamy light it gives us. We work efficiently here and read the couple. Some want ten minutes and are ready to party. Others love this quiet pause together.

We let the couple lead. Keep in mind that these pictures are often the favorites of our clients once they receive their gallery. We believe it is almost always worth it to take pictures until the sun is gone so that you get as much variety as possible in your couples portraits.

Grand Entrance | 15 Minutes

This often includes bridal party introductions, a welcome, or a prayer. It also acts as a buffer if the ceremony runs long.

Dinner and Dancing | 60 Minutes or More

We usually recommend about 90 minutes of reception coverage. It allows time for dinner, toasts, dances, cake cutting, and some open dancing.

If dancing is a huge priority, we talk through adding coverage.

If the couple wants a special exit, we often suggest doing a ‘fake exit’ at the start of the reception for better light.

A Final Note

If your brain feels full, that’s normal.

Travel time varies wildly. I always check GPS, then double it. Maps only account for driving time, not loading people, herding family, or traffic surprises.

A good timeline is flexible, realistic, and built to protect the experience. That’s the goal every single time.

If you have questions let us know! We have been doing weddings for years now and it is easy for us to look at what you want and help you know how much time everything will take. Fill out our contact form here to get in touch and start on your timeline.

We are so excited to hear everything you have planned for your special day!

Hugs!!!