Compose a list of posed/formal photos that you would like. We need this list at least two weeks before the wedding, and before you plan photo times for before and/or after the ceremony. Once we take a look at your list, we will be able to estimate how much time we need to allow. Printable version
Your list will be composed of the posed/formal shots you would like; this includes family, bride and groom’s side, bridal party and any other significant person. Strive for efficiency, look for redundant shots and eliminate them. You do not need to include in the list of every specific ceremony or reception shots (we’re there, we get it all.) If there is a special design element that you want shot please let us know. We do not have a “menu” of things we always shoot. We look for things of interest, ie, if the napkins aren’t interesting we may not shoot them, but if they are special to you let us know, we do not want to miss any memories.
Here is our basic list, it is a good example of organization:
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Pre Ceremony List
Jennifer with mom and dad (Mr. and Mrs. Graham)
Jennifer with bridesmaids
Joe with mom (Juanita Little)
Joe with dad and wife (Doug and Joyce Little)
Joe with groomsmen
Post ceremony List
Jennifer’s side:
Jennifer and Joe with Mr. and Mrs. Graham (mom and dad)
Jennifer and Joe with Jen’s immediate family (Mr. and Mrs. Graham, Joyce, Becky, Rob)
Jennifer and Joe with Jen’s grandparents
Jennifer and Joe with Jennifer’s siblings
Joe’s side:
Joe and Jen with mom (Juanita Little)
Joe and Jen with dad and wife (Doug and Joyce Little)
Joe and Jen with immediate family and grandparents
Joe and Jen with Joe’s grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Tom Little)
Joe and Jen with Joe’s siblings (Randy, Bob, and Sara)
Bridal party:
Entire bridal party
Jen with bridesmaids
Joe with groomsmen
Jen and Joe with junior members
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This list is really the quintessential list. When I say eliminate redundant shots, consider that it is you and your fiance’s wedding day, so any formal shot you have of your family you will want him in it. He’s the new addition and now part of the family. The few exceptions to this are photos with perhaps your parents or your siblings. We know this seems like a really long document for a silly photo list, and usually people hit it right on the nose without all of this, but the more time you put into planning the parts of the day that you want to go quickly (the boring parts), the faster they will go. We want to make your wedding day the most enjoyable for everyone involved, and especially those involved in these photos. It is always courteous to ask your parents and future in laws if there are any specific group shots they would like, so that toes aren’t stepped on or feelings injured on your wedding day. To inform you of timing, the post ceremony shots in this list will probably take about thirty minutes, and then we would spend an additional fifteen or more minutes with just the bride and groom getting some good portraits.