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WEDDING GUIDE
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! We know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and we're so honored you chose to work with us!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed hundres of weddings over the past 15 years, we have become a wealth of knowledge in all things wedding. So we thought it would be beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
- Kate
Please note that some of the terminology in the wedding guide is worded as bride and groom. If you are a same sex Kate + Co couple all timeline information will be updated to reflect your wedding day. Thank you again for choosing to work with us and please don't hesitate to let us know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day. We also know that every personality is different so please....call/meet with all vendors to make sure you are a good fit before booking!
WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
ViDEOGRAPHY
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
officiants
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!
If you're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, we recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. The photos from the bridal session will help you see the full look together and you can have a few photos framed, ready to share as gifts, or at the reception on your big day!
Bridal Portraits
plan your session
The moment the couple see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical.
This is true whether a couple choose to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a
“first look’ prior to the ceremony.
What is a First Look?—When the couple chooses to see each other for the first time, all dressed and ready, prior to the wedding ceremony. This is generally a private moment for the couple. This "unveiling" has become more popular over the last few years. Approximately half our couple do a First Look.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, we would never make you choose to do a first look. There are many pros to a first look. Here are a few:
Is a First Look Right for You?
Don't want a First look...but don't want photos to take forever after the ceremony?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly and most of your day is already over. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and take in the day, enjoying all the moments together.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
The number one reason I hear that couples want to have a First Look is that they get to "get to the party" quicker after the ceremony. (ok, maybe just the #1 groom reason)
When couples choose to do all photos after the ceremony it takes about 1 hour, then add 15 minutes for dress bustling, restroom, etc...so an hour and a half until you get to enter the reception.
Choosing to do a First Look we can take our time, get all the photos you want and need before and then after the ceremony we generally only need to take 20-30 minutes of family photos.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
Every year it happens. Whether there is a planner involved or not, planning a winter wedding generally leads couples to forget that the sunsets A LOT sooner. Winter weddings also mean earlier wedding receptions because it's dark by 5:30. If you are wanting a ceremony close to sunset November through February I recommend doing a first look so you don't end up doing photos in the dark at your beautiful venue.
Whether it's rainy or too cold/too hot, planning in a first look allows extra time to not be rushed when it comes to weather. You can take breaks from the weather in between photos.
If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
We can take your groupings separately before such as individual photos, each side of the wedding party, and each of you with your immediate family.
Reserve the photos of extended family for the reception by going around to tables for a photo with groups of people. Have your immediate family up to grandparents stay after the ceremony for photos and grab us during the reception for a couple big photos with extended family.
After the ceremony, if you took separate photos before, we can fit all the photo time we need into the cocktail hour but we love to steal you out of the reception at sunset time for a few extra photos (depending on the time of year). Plan for some great photos of you as a couple after the ceremony and plan for some extras at sunset.
3. Time of year - Weather - Crying - That little extra time to freshen up
1. Take photos separately before the ceremony
2. Only include immediate family in family photos
3. Set aside time for photos at sunset
I have tips for that too!
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
When planning your timeline for the wedding day there are many things to think about: hair/makeup, vendor arrival times, do you want your reception jam packed or spread out, do you want to see each other before the ceremony and get all of your photos done or do you want to stick with tradition and see each other for the first time when you come up the aisle?
Here are a few tips and we have a couple example timelines for you to view as well!
-Check what time the sun will be setting on your wedding day and plan your ceremony accordingly. If you aren't seeing each other before the ceremony and photos will be after...and you have a ceremony at 5pm in November your photos will be happening in the dark. You may not want that. I recommend making sure you have at least a full hour of sunlight after your ceremony for photos. So in those winter months a 4pm ceremony time would allow for photos after with no stress of racing to beat the sunset.
-Add a 15 minute buffer to each timeline item before the ceremony. Hair/Makeup can go over, if you do a first look with dad and get emotional you may need time for a touch up, or just a few extra minutes here and there to take a breath.
one of the biggest stresses of planning a wedding is the timeline.
we would love to help you create the perfect timeline for a
stress-free amazing day!
-If you're seeing each other before the ceremony (or doing what we call a First Look), photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony. We normally do the first look and some couple photos, then add in the wedding party for photos, and then take family photos. Some couples like to take couple photos and wedding party photos before and then leave family photos for after the ceremony. We also make sure when couples see each other and take photos before the ceremony we pull you out of the reception and grab some sunset photos with you as well.
-If you go the traditional route and see each other for the first time at the ceremony we recommend taking photos separately before the ceremony. We like to have about 30 minutes with each of you and your wedding parties and immediate family and then we take all the together photos with family, wedding party, and you as a couple after the ceremony. It takes about an hour for all the after photos so that generally works perfect with cocktail hour.
-We can do any combo of photos before or after just let us know your thoughts and we can plan accordingly.
12:00pm -Beginning of Brides hair/makeup
-We like for the hair/makeup of the bride toward the end of thehair/makeup schedule
12:00pm -Photographer arrives
-captures details and bride getting ready
2:00pm-Bride hair/makeup complete
-Bridesmaids/Mom get dressed
2:30pm -Bride gets in the dress
2:30pm-Groom gets dressed (2nd shooter)
-if only 1 photographer, photos of groom getting ready at 2:45
3:00pm -First Look with couple + couple photos
-MOH or Mom helps bride out to 1st look and is on standby with flowers
3:30pm -Wedding Party Photos
-Bridesmaids be ready with flowers/Make sure all groomsmen have on boutineers
4:00pm-Immediate Family Photos
4:30pm -All pre-ceremony photos complete
-Guests are arriving
5:00pm -Ceremony
5:30pm -Ceremony Complete - Cocktail Hour Begins
5:30pm -Family Photos + Couple Sunset Photos(depending on time of year)
6:00pm -Reception Entrance
6:10pm -Dinner
7:00pm -Toasts
7:15pm -Cake Cutting
7:20pm - First Dance
7:30pm -Parent Dances
7:45pm -Let's Dance
9:00pm -Garter/Bouquet Toss
9:45pm -Last group Dance
9:55pm -Couple Private Last Dance
10:00pm - Grand Exit
First Look Timeline
There are many timeline options to make your day perfectly yours! You may work with your DJ or Coordinator to make the day just right. This is just an example to show the time it takes for photo related things on your big day!
12:00pm-Start of Brides hair/makeup
-We like for the hair/makeup of the bride toward the end of the schedule
12:00pm -Photographer arrives
-captures details and getting ready
2:00pm -Bride hair/makeup complete
-Bridesmaids/Mom get dressed
2:30pm -Bride gets in the dress
3:00pm -Bride Photos
3:15pm-Bride, Bridesmaids, and Bride's Immediate Family Photos
3:00pm -Groom starts getting ready
3:15pm-Photographer (2nd shooter) takes getting ready photos of groom
and groomsmen.
-If only 1 photographer this happens at 3:45.
4:00pm -Groom + Groomsmen + Groom's Immediate Family Photos
4:30pm -All pre-ceremony photos complete
-Guests are arriving
5:00pm -Ceremony
5:30pm-Ceremony Complete
- Cocktail Hour Begins
5:30pm -Family Photos/Wedding Party Photos/Couple Photos
6:30pm -Reception Entrance
6:40pm -Dinner
7:30pm -Toasts (once all tables have been served dinner it is the perfect time to do toasts)
7:45pm -Cake Cutting
7:50pm - First Dance
7:55pm -Parent Dances
8:00pm -Let's Dance
9:00pm -Garter/Bouquet Toss
9:45pm -Last group Dance
9:55pm -Couple Private Last Dance
10:00pm - Grand Exit
No First Look Timeline
There are many timeline options to make your day perfectly yours! You may work with your DJ or Coordinator to make the day just right. This is just an example to show the time it takes for photo related things on your big day!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! We have photographed many weddings where it rained the entire day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
No matter what type of weather happens on your big day we can put a plan together that keeps you at ease and able to just enjoy the day!
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! When we arrive at your wedding, we start by capturing details. We recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
wedding day checklist
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
For many couples family portraits is the time that is stressed about THE MOST! We don't want that for your wedding day.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, we provide a basic list of photos for family portrait time to get you started.
A few recommendations:
1. Tell your family to stay seated when the ceremony ends and to let any extended family know to stay for photos if you will have them in photos. That way we aren't running around finding family members, because we won't likely know who they are.
2. Keep the large extended family photos to a minimum. Maybe do a large group of dads side/moms side, or just all extended family together. You can utilize the time you mingle at the reception to get smaller grouped photos.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Mom + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Groom + Mom + Dad
Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
But lets face it...people say "oh, I didn't see the sign" (or really don't care) and still hold their phones up and cause a distraction for other guests and in photos. I recommend having your officiant walk up at the start of the ceremony and say something like this: "Welcome everyone, the couple is so glad you are here to celebrate with them. It would mean so much to them if you would go ahead and silence your phones or other electronic devices, and put them away for the ceremony. The couple would like you to be present and enjoy the moment with them."
There are 14 phones
in the photo above.
That isn't always the case but you don't want that as your walking down the isle memory!
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and mini fans can help cool you down.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests, or make sure you choose the 2 photographer collection.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING hundreds 0f WEDDINGS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE'RE HAPPY TO SHARE A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS
6. We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During mingle time at the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi! If mingling isn't your jam, we have other fun ideas to get photos of the guests - just ask!
9. We'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, don't hesitate to email or call!
We can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement or bridal session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email us any time at hello@katecophotography.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. We can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!