your wedding guide
I’ve put together this guide to assist you with planning a stress free day and to ensure you come away with memories you love.
Inside this guide you will find information about my process, your investment as well as answers to many of the questions you may have.
So let’s get into it!
A LITTLE bit ABOUT MY PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
What’s most important to me during a wedding day is documenting real emotions and organic moments between yourself and your loved ones. I also try hard to let your personalities guide the way I photograph you. Each couple I photograph is different and I want your photos to feel like an extension of you! Of course alongside that I will always offer guidance with posing and positioning because that’s my job- to guide you in creating the best photos possible.
I typically shoot backlit to get a warm, soft, golden glow but I also love working with different lighting styles and techniques to make your photos unique to you. Every photo I deliver to you is meticulously edited by me. Your entire gallery will be sent to you in colour and I also provide you with a sub gallery of your images in black & white. I love to capture rich, true to life, warm colours that create beautiful soft skin tones.
While I have a consistent editing style, I tend to let the mood of the day, the weather and our location inspire my editing. This allows me to draw out the best in each image.
YOUR INVESTMENT
WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS
COVERAGE
I typically recommend 2-4 hours of coverage for intimate elopements and 6-8 hours of coverage for larger weddings.
GOLD PACKAGE: $1,000
4 hours of continuous wedding day coverage
Location and timeline planning assistance
Professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
Personalised downloadable client gallery
Personal printing rights
WEDDING GUIDE
free engagement session
PLATINUM PACKAGE: $1,875
6 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS WEDDING DAY COVERAGE
virtual PLANNING session
PROFESSIONALLY EDITED, HIGH-RESOLUTION DIGITAL IMAGES
PERSONALISED DOWNLOADABLE CLIENT GALLERY
PERSONAL PRINTING RIGHTS
FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION
DIAMOND PACKAGE: $2,350
9 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS WEDDING DAY COVERAGE
2 virtual PLANNING sessions
PROFESSIONALLY EDITED, HIGH-RESOLUTION DIGITAL IMAGES
PERSONALISED DOWNLOADABLE CLIENT GALLERY
PERSONAL PRINTING RIGHTS
48 hour sneak peek
Free Engagement Session
Add-ons include:
additional wedding day coverage: From $275
second photographer coverage: $150/hr
45 minute proposal session: $275
1 hour post wedding portrait session $250
1 hour trash the dress session: $500
NOW LET'S BUILD A TIMELINE!
MORNING PREP
HAIR, MAKEUP, DETAILS & DRESS
Timing: Always allow extra buffer time for morning preparations, as tasks often take longer on your wedding day. Plan for 30 minutes to get ready; dresses often require more time than anticipated due to taping or mending. Have your family and wedding party get ready 15-20 minutes before you so they can assist with your dress. Be ready an hour before leaving for the ceremony to make time for individual and group photos.
Tips:
Prepare details in advance (accessories, shoes, dress, invitation, perfume, rings) to avoid interruptions. SHOE BOXES MAKE A GREAT HOME FOR LOOSE BITS AND PIECES.
Choose a suitable hanger TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR dress or suit THAT MATCHES THE VIBE OF YOUR WEDDING DAY.
If YOU ARE SOMEONE WHO PREFERS PEACE AND QUIET consider getting ready alone to conserve energy. IF YOU LOVE HIGH ENERGY, surround yourself with loved oneS.
CEREMONY
the i do's
Timing: YOU don't want to be late for YOUR ceremony, but IT IS EXTREMELY common for at least one guest to BE RUNNING BEHIND SO To accommodate this, plan to walk down the aisle 10-15 minutes 'late'. TIMELINES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A GUIDE AND NOT A STRICT INSTRUCTION.
Tips: for Travel and Parking i recommend Setting aside a parking space for THE PHOTOGRAPHER as I AM usually the last to arrive. This avoids delaying your walk down the aisle while I set up. MAKE SURE TO Consider LOCAL events that may affect traffic and plan accordingly.
If you're GETTING MARRIED in a church PLEASE check with theM about their photography policies. SOME MAY HAVE restrictions FOR flash or RESTRICTED access to certain areas.
IF YOU PLAN ON HAVING AN Unplugged Wedding Consider asking guests to turn off their devices during the ceremony to stay present. A GREAT WAY TO MAKE SURE THE CEREMONY IS TRULY UNPLUGGED IS TO HAVE your celebrant ANNOUNCE this before the ceremony begins AND BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
POST CEREMONY
group pictures, your portraits & celebrations
Timing: when the ceremony ends your guests will want to greet and congratulate you. If your Wedding is on the larger side i recommend setting aside around half an hour for this. FOR Smaller Weddings you won't require as much time - so as a rule of thumb I advise couples to leave about 30 seconds per guest.
Family photos will often happen in this time. capturing 6-10 groups of photos will take around half an hour (depending on size)
TIPS:
Nominate someone in your bridal party to help direct THIS PORTION OF YOUR DAY. THEY WILL guide GUESTS TO group photos. even if they don't know all the guests personally THEY CAN CALL OUT NAMES FROM A PRE SET LIST.
I RECOMMEND STARTING with YOUR largest group PHOTO AS EVERYONE IS IN THE SAME PLACE RIGHT AS THE CEREMONY ENDS.
WRITE A LIST AND INCLUDE THE NAMES OF EACH PERSON YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IN THE PHOTO. FOR EXAMPLE: IMMEDIATE FAMILY: RHYAN, HALEY, TOM, BEN, GORDON. FOR LARGE WEDDINGS, PRINT OUT A FEW EXTRA COPIES OF YOUR LIST TO DISTRIBUTE TO YOUR BIRDAL PARTY, CONTENT TEAM, CELEBRANT OR MC.
EACH GROUP PHOTO CAN TAKE UP TO 3 MINUTES TO CAPTURE, SO I TYPICALLY ALLOW 30 MINUTES FOR 10 PHOTOS. THIS TIME INCLUDES REARRANGING GUESTS, ENSURING EVERYONE CAN BE SEEN, AND REMOVING DISTRACTIONS LIKE GLASSES OR BEVERAGES.
YOUR PORTRAITS
THE FRIDGE MAGNET SHOTS
Timing: Decide how long you'd like to dedicate to your portraits. I tend to work quickly and can often get a lot done in an hour. sometimes you may need to allocate more time if you plan on choosing multiple locations or want to stop for food. Allow extra time for travel, as it takes longer than expected to get a group in and out of a vehicle.
The last 45 minutes of daylight always giveS the best glow, so I recommend reserving 15 minutes IN THE EVENING for a sunset SHOOT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Tips: wedding days are busy and time can easily get away from you. packing a hamper picnic for your portrait session can save you from hanger later in the evening. be sure to ask your venue if this is something they provide or alternatively have a close friend prepare this ahead of time for you so you can grab and go.
Sunset photos are not always a must, if your timeline doesn't allow for this we can take great portraits any time of day at any location. I always say the two most important things that go into creating beautiful wedding photographs is a great timeline that allows natural moments to unfold and great light
THE RECEPTION
DANCING, SPEECHES & CAKE
Timing: You GET TO decide how you want your reception to flow. Some choose to do speeches before the meal, others afterward. If you're nervous about speaking, I suggest getting it done early so you can enjoy the evening.
Tips: COUPLES CAN BECOME uncomfortable WEARING THEIR CEREMONY OUTFITS LATE INTO THE DAY. Some grooms CHOOSE TO bring a second shirt AND BRIDES BRING ALONG FLAT SHOES OR LESS BULKY DRESSES to change into during the reception for EXTRA comfort.
I love photographing children and FEEL THEY ADD A SPECIAL LAYER TO your special day. Some COUPLES hire aN ONSITE babysitter or designate someone IN THEIR FAMILY for childcare IN THE EVENING to ensure their children'S NEEDS ARE MET ALLOWING EVERYONE TO relax and enjoy theIR TIME without worry OR STRESS.
DURING A WEDDING WITH 9 HOURS COVERAGE WE ARE TYPICALLY ABLE TO CAPTURE EVERYTHING FROM GETTING READY TO FIRST DANCE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
TIMELINE EXAMPLE: FIRST LOOK
12:00 PM Getting Ready Photos, dress & details
1:00 PM first look
1:30 PM Group Photos
2:15 PM Freshen Up, travel, pack
2:45 PM Ceremony
3:15 PM Cocktail Hour & group photos
4:30 PM Dinner & Speeches
6:15 PM Sunset Portraits
6:45 pm First Dance, cake cut etc
7:15 PM Party + human photo booth*
TIMELINE EXAMPLE: 6 HOURS COVERAGE WINTER/AUTUMN
10:30 AM GETTING READY photos (GROOM)
11:00 aM hair done, makeup finished, dress on & final touches (BRIDE)
12:30 PM BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
1:45 PM GUESTS ARRIVE
2:00 PM CEREMONY BEGINS
2:45 PM GROUP PHOTOS + COCKTAIL HOUR
3:00 PM Canapes and HUGS - Candid shots
3:30 PM Wedding Party + YOUR PORTRAITS
4:30 PM GUESTS SEATED FOR DINNER
4:45 PM SUNSET PORTRAITS
6:00 PM FIRST DANCE & CAKE CUT
6:30 PM PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY
*human photh booth: i'll stand still in a specific location where guests can come and request couple portraits, group photos, silly fun shots or anything they like- done 'photo booth style' just without the booth itself
FIRST LOOK VS AISLE REVEAL
In case you are not familiar with the "wedding lingo”, a 'First Look' is when couples choose to see each other before the wedding ceremony and an aisle reveal is when you see each other for the first time walking down the aisle.
You can also opt for something in between this like exchanging letters, holding hands, or sharing a prayer before your ceremony without seeing each other. I will always encourage you to find something that works best for you.
Many couples initially plan for a traditional aisle reveal but often reconsider as the wedding day approaches. Experiencing that first look with your partner can be incredibly emotional. Doing so in front of guests, whether a large crowd or a small gathering, can create pressure to react a certain way. For those who prefer to authentically embrace their emotions without external expectations, I often suggest opting for a first look. Waterproof mascara also goes a long way!
the process
01 booking
If we haven't connected yet by phone or Zoom before booking, I'm always available to schedule a call to discuss your plans. I'm here to assist with building your wedding day timeline, even before you decide to book. Feel free to reach out anytime for questions or vendor recommendations.
02 LOCK IT IN
Your wedding date becomes secured following payment of your deposit. This deposit is non-refundable. Once your invoice is paid I will send you a confirmation email along with your personalised contract ready to sign!
Then voila, you're all set.
03 PLANNING
About a month before your wedding day I will send you your final invoice. This is due 2 weeks prior to your wedding day. Around this time, I'll also send you a questionnaire to gather details about your locations, contact details and schedule. This helps me to prepare accordingly for the day and gives you time to finalise all the special details.
04 CONNECT
We can touch base via Zoom or catch up for coffee (*if you're local). As part of your investment you are able to pick my brains and ask me about anything you can think of. I am able to assist you with timeline planning, creating family group shot lists or even location scouting.
05 WEEK OF
I'll check in with you to confirm the details from your questionnaire and ensure everything is up to date. If you have any final questions about the logistics of the day, feel free to ask me—I'm here to help you!
06 THE DAY
Let's celebrate! Throughout the day, I'll follow your timeline, capturing every beautiful moment as it unfolds.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly on my end I will connect with your wedding coordinator or alternative contact person. Freeing you up from having to answer my questions or show me around.
07 DELIVERY
After your wedding day, I begin my editing process. Approximately 6 weeks later, your images will be ready for viewing in a gallery online. You can download and order high-resolution photos or prints right away. For added security I recommend you save your entire collection onto a USB in the week following delivery.
08 ALBUMS
If you are getting a custom book made with me, as soon as you’ve received your collection of images, you’ll be able to select favourites from your album directly inside your gallery. Once I have received your selection, I will start on your design, upload a proof for you to view and allow you to put forward any revision requests. After you have signed off on the final edit, I will place your order!
POSES FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
Wondering what poses we may attempt? Here you go!
Dancing Together
Start with a cuddle, arms around each other, and slow dance on the spot to capture natural movement and help you relax in front of the camera.
The Dip Kiss
A dramatic pose where the groom dips the bride for a passionate kiss, showcasing her footwear and dress train beautifully.
Holding Each Other Close
Embrace tightly, foreheads together, creating intimate and beautiful photos. Adjust the pose to suit your comfort level.
Nose-to-Nose Touch
Playful interaction where you touch noses lightly, adding fun and chemistry to your photos.
Walking Hand in Hand
A classic pose that allows for wide shots and a moment to relax between closer shots.
The Lift
Lift the bride from her thighs, spin her gently while she kicks her legs for a joyful shot.
Veil Kiss
Step inside the veil for a close-up shot, cuddling, kissing, or touching foreheads.
Back-to-Back Gaze
Look over your shoulders at each other for a dramatic and powerful pose.
Forehead to Forehead
A go-to intimate pose where you gently touch foreheads and share a quiet moment.
Sunset Silhouette
If we have a beautiful sunset, we'll capture a romantic silhouette using the sun as backlighting, or even using overcast clouds for a softer effect.
helpful tips
The getting ready portion of your day is fun and memorable, filled with true nervousness and excitement. However, it can be chaotic with 8 bridesmaids, make-up artists, hairstylists, and photographers all in one room cluttered with make-up, curling irons, hairspray, bags, and food. For classic and elegant getting-ready images, focus on space and light. Assign someone (other than yourself) the sole job of clearing away clutter!
One thing a lot of couples worry about is not having enough photos. I really believe having two photographers is the best way to capture all the excitement of a wedding day. My second shooter/assistant photographer can be added on to any of my packages starting from just $150.
Couples often ask me if the moments in my wedding galleries happened naturally or were posed, and if they have to do the same things. The answer is both yes and no! I will always do what works best for YOU. I recommend saving a few photos from Pinterest of images you like the look of so that I can get a sense of your vision.
Artistic images make your wedding photos stand out and look fantastic on your wall for years to come but can't always be forced. I try to stay flexible when capturing these special shots, seeking opportunities based on the light and events of the day.
Having a plan B is essential if you are planning an outside wedding. It can rain. Whilst this provides fantastic opportunities for creative photography, you won’t want to be stuck with no alternative if the clouds open up on the day you get married.
It’s amazing how many people forget this but it’s really crucial. Make sure you have some of your favourite snacks and drinks available at all times.
Write your vows ahead of time, trust me. This is so worthwhile and removes stress about finding the right words or worrying that you won't have time to think about them with everything that is going on.
And finally, my most important piece of advice:
HAVE FUN! You are the guest of honour on your wedding day NOT the host. Prioritise spending time together as the day will go by in a flash. I guarantee you won't regret being beside each other to experience it.
