Setting the Stage – Getting Ready with Purpose

Getting ready is more than just hair, makeup, and tying ties – it’s where the day starts to feel real. There’s a mix of emotions: laughter, nerves, the weight of the moment settling in. It’s also one of the parts of the day you won’t see as much as we do, which is why having it photographed is key.

A good getting-ready space makes all the difference. If possible, choose somewhere meaningful – a childhood home, a grandparent’s house, or anywhere that holds sentimental value. If that’s not an option, natural light is your best friend. Get the suite. Get the penthouse. Your photos (and your comfort) will thank you.

Oh, and let’s talk about first looks. If you’re doing one, we typically schedule it right after getting ready and before the ceremony. It’s a private moment that gives you a chance to breathe before the day takes off. If you’re waiting to meet walking the aisle, that’s great too – just know that timing is everything, and we’ll help you figure out what works best.

The Ceremony – The Heart of the Wedding Narrative

No matter the setting – whether it’s a sprawling outdoor venue or a historic cathedral – the ceremony is the emotional core of the wedding day. This is where it all happens. The vows, the rings, the moment you realize, “Oh shit, we’re actually doing this.”

Here’s the reality: ceremonies can be a logistical dance for photographers. Churches come with rules, outdoor venues have shifting light, and sometimes, the officiant decides to stand directly in front of the first kiss. (Pro tip: kindly ask them to step aside for that moment. You’ll thank us later.)

If you want all the reactions and emotions from the front and also the back of the ceremony, two photographers are ideal. We know that some second shooters just stand over the lead photographer’s shoulder and take a slightly worse version of the same shot, but that’s not how we do things. When we have two photographers, they’re in completely different locations, covering unique perspectives so you actually get more of the story. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Be sure to talk to us about the number of photographers you need at your wedding. Contrary to a lot of the junk articles out there, the number of photographers doesn’t depend on the size of your wedding, the number of guests, or how many people are in your wedding party. It’s much more about the story you want documented.

Friends and Family Portraits – Done and Get Back to the Party

We’ve all seen it – a wedding photographer who turns family portraits and wedding party pictures into an endless slog of stiff, awkward posing while guests wonder if they’ll ever see the cocktail hour. That’s not us.

We get these done in 10-15 minutes, max. We’ve developed a system that makes it efficient, painless, and – dare we say – actually enjoyable. (Our favorite compliment is always, “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be .”) Our couples fill out a Pre-Wedding Questionnaire beforehand, and we finalize everything in a final wedding consult about a week before the wedding. That way, we can knock these out and get everyone back to enjoying the day.

And dragging a wedding party out past Hell’s half acre an hour away while guests twiddle their thumbs is not our vibe. We make this process seamless (read: organized chaos) so you get amazing photos without feeling like you’re being held hostage.

Want more photos with loved ones? We always capture candids throughout the day because those unplanned moments tend to be the ones people love the most. We even have a really efficient way to get those extra group shots Mom asked for without you having to stand around waiting for Aunt Betty’s third husband to get out of the bathroom.

Couple Portraits – Thoughtful Timing for the Best Photos

This is where we create the signature, editorial-style images that define our brand. The big misconception? That it takes hours. It doesn’t – if we’re smart about timing.

The best moments for couple portraits are:

• Right after the first look (if you’re doing one)
• While guests are being seated for dinner (because no one will notice you’re gone for these 15 minutes)
• At golden hour or sunset (trust us, it’s worth stepping away for 10 minutes)

Because all of our wedding full packages include a complementary engagement session, you’ll already know how this works: authentic photos of you together on your wedding day done efficiently.

The Reception – Finishing the Story

When the day gets handed over to your band’s MC or your DJ (like the amazing Geoffrey at Celebrations Entertainment), we start wrapping up your wedding narrative.  The reception is where we blend documentary-style storytelling with our editorial aesthetic. We capture:

• The décor and details before guests arrive (because you spent time on this, and it deserves to be documented).
• The cake cutting, toasts, and first dance – all the key moments that make your reception feel complete.
• Candid guest interactions – but with a focus on you and your loved ones, not just a collection of sweaty dance-floor moments.

We strongly believe that the last shot of your wedding gallery should not show a random person doing questionable dance moves in the corner of the dance floor. It needs to be of the two of you, together. That’s what this wedding is about.

And let’s talk about sparkler exits. Doug hates them. Why? Because it’s just a bunch of drunk people waving fire around, and somebody is always going to end up with burn holes in their outfit or worse – hair on fire. (We’ve seen it happen!) If you want a grand send-off, we can create something more extraordinary (and safer).