Couple’s hire their wedding photographer based on any number of factors, or a combination of several. Regardless of what these may be … my advice … trust them, … listen to them. You hired them for a reason, and amazing things can happen when an “artist” is given the freedom (and time) to create!
Here is the rule of thumb…in order to have ample time for photography, typically, the bride should be putting on her dress at least two hours prior to the ceremony as her portraits and her bridesmaid’s pictures, will take place immediately after the bride is dressed. The groom’s pictures with the groomsmen will begin approximately one hour and fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony. Guests WILL start arriving one hour prior to the ceremony, which is the perfect time to tuck the bride safely away awaiting her entrance. This allows the bride and bridesmaids time for touch-ups to hair/makeup, etc. prior to the start of the ceremony.

During the wedding day the photography emphasis changes from ‘creating moments to cherish’ (i.e. bride/groom portraits, romantics, family) to ‘capturing unfolding events’ (i.e. ceremony, first dance, cake cutting). For this to occur at an enjoyable pace, the two hours prior to the ceremony and the hour immediately following, should be dedicated solely to photography. If viewed as “scheduled photography”, one is less likely to be influenced by others to give up that precious time.

The sequence of the wedding day all comes down to the time-line, and how that time is allocated surrounding the ceremony and reception. Couple’s choose specific times for these main events to occur, and in general, there is very little wiggle room with their start times as it effects church/venue staff, catering, …not to mention all the guests.

Keep in mind, if anything runs late or does not start according to the planned timeline; i.e. hair, make-up, travel time, ceremony- the entire day’s schedule is not adjusted, … unfortunately, time is just taken away from photography, …the only thing the couple has after the wedding!
So, I guess I owe a huge THANK YOU to Danelle and Casey for allowing me to “create” during their wedding on September 9, 2011.
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