ahhh you said yes!
Oh my lanta... I am SO FREAKING EXCITED!!! I know you are too!!! AAHHH!!!
Our goal for your wedding is for you to be completely present and intentional throughout the day - and truth be told, we just don't feel that it's possible if you're totally stressed out and worried!!!
That's where we come in -- we hope that our MANY years of experience can help put you at ease so that you can be fully present on such an important day! The day really does go by SO fast and it would break our hearts if you weren't able to intentionally enjoy it!
We hope these insights and tips help you feel a little less overwhelmed and a whole lot more ready to soak in every moment!
your sweet day is right around the corner
How we can help
vendors
We've come to trust and love more than a handful of amazing vendors and we'd love to help you find the best fit!
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OUR TRUSTED VENDORS
TIMELINE
We've created over 250 wedding day timelines and we can absolutely ensure your day runs smoothly too. We will draft your timeline once you've submitted your big wedding day questionnaire.
ceremonY
Even more than just creating an amazing timeline for you - we can help you figure out the best ceremony start time based on the wedding day flow and sunset times and we can even recommend the best direction for your ceremony based on lighting direction.
outfits
We'd love to help you pick the best outfits for your engagement session! We want those photos to fully represent who you two are as a couple!
stress
If there's one thing we're passionate about, it's about making sure that you're at peace and happy during this entire process -- whether you're in front of our camera or planning for the big day, we're here to help reduce stress! Don't worry about being 'awkward' in front of the camera, we've got you - I promise... and don't worry about how your hair looks, because we obsess over the little details too!
questions
If at ANY time throughout your planning process you have a question -- EVEN IF -- it doesn't 100% pertain to photography, we are here for you! Please feel free to ask!
when planning for your sweet day
here's how we can help
When thinking about your getting ready space -- remember that these photos are a huge part of your story... in fact, the getting ready images are some of our favorites.... nerves are high - you two are so anxious and ready to see one another - so when thinking about your day, be sure to consider your preceremony location too - don't let it be an after thought!
Your preceremony location should have enough space for your family and the wedding party to comfortably get ready and lounge - it should have beautiful natural light (albeit, we are more than ready to tackle a dark space, we think you'll love your images more if it weren't artificially lit) - your hair and makeup artists should have enough space to set up without taking up the entire room (they'll need counter space and good lighting) - and because you'll also be getting into your gown in this location, it'd be ideal if the prettiest spot in the room was kept free of bags/trash!
When the guys are thinking about where they can get ready, remember the distance from you and the guys AND the ceremony can greatly impact your timeline - possibly requiring additional time be added on. While it's doable, it's recommended that you choose locations that are close by or at the same location.
GET READY
where to
We always arrive and photograph details before capturing getting ready candids so whether or not your details have meaning before the wedding... they will absolutely have meaning after your wedding... they'll officially be your 'wedding earrings' or the 'pendant on your bouquet' -- so be sure to have a box or a bag full of all of the little details that help tell your story... even better if they're heirloom pieces that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Bridal details to gather (please do not put jewelry on before your gown)
Dress
Veil
Garter
Paper Products (Invites, save the dates/etc)
Perfume
Vows
All THREE rings
Special gifts
Earrings
Necklaces
Bracelets
Bouquet (And any extra clippings)
details
what about the
It's also important to us that we be able to photograph the Groom getting ready - and just like with the Bride, we start by photographing the Groom's special details!
Groom details to gather (please do not put details on before you get dressed)
Tux
Tie
Boutonnière
Cufflinks
Cologne
Vows
Special gifts
Watch
Special Socks
Cigars
Shoes
Bowtie
Suspenders
Before I answer, let's first figure out what in the world a first look is.... It's a 'newish' tradition where the bride and groom see each other before the walk down the aisle... it's a private moment for just the bride and groom. Our couples have used this time to pray together, exchange personal vows, shake off some jitters, and even to help with the flow of the day and get more romantic portraits on the wedding day.
There is one major reason why most people scrunch their nose up when it comes to doing a first look -- and that's because they believe...
Doing a first look ruins the moment the bride walks down the aisle. FALSE -- I personally struggled with doing a first look for this very reason at my own wedding... we finally opted to do a first look and in NO WAY did it ruin that moment. I even bustled my dress for our first look so he didn't see the train until I walked down the aisle - and if you have a veil, you could even put that on before you walk down the aisle so it's something 'new' he hasn't seen.
If you are 100% adamant on not doing a first look but would love to share a few moment together before the ceremony to pray or exchange vows - you could opt for a first look NO peek and this is still VERY special.
FIRST LOOK
should we do a
While I would never 'push' a first look on any couple I do want you to have all of the information so you can make the best decision for you and your day!!! Did you know that the tradition of not seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle actually comes from a time period in which marriages were arranged. This tradition was established because they didn't want the groom changing his mind and running before the wedding began.
The pros of a first look:
Additional alone time on the wedding day
Additional Romantic Portraits
More time with friends/family after the ceremony
Exchange gifts face to face
Exchange personal vows
Pray with one another
Better timeline flow
The cons of a first look:
You see each other before the ceremony and break the 'tradition' as mentioned above
Timelines are my jam -- I have created over 200 timelines over the years and I understand a thing or two about the flow of the wedding day!!! Remember that we begin coverage 1.5 hours before the bride's dress goes on - regardless of coverage amounts, so that's something to consider when thinking about the major events you want covered and the number of hours included in your collection package.
We can begin creating your timeline once you've submitted your big wedding day questionnaire - but here are the timing specs that we consider for major events on the wedding day:
Preceremony bridal details 1 hour
Preceremony bridal getting ready candids 15 minutes
Bride getting dressed 20 minutes
Preceremony groom details 30 minutes
Preceremony groom getting ready candids 15 minutes
Groom getting dressed 15 minutes
Father daughter first look 10 minutes
First look no peek 10 minutes
First look 15 minutes
Parent gift exchange 5 minutes per parent
Bridal portraits 5 minutes
Groom portraits 5 minutes
Bridal party 20 minutes
Groomsmen party 20 minutes
Entire wedding party 20 minutes
In place before ceremony 30 minutes
Family formals 30 minutes
Receiving line 2 minutes - per guest/photo
Romantics 30 minutes
Reception introductions 5 minutes
Special dances 5 minutes per dance
Toasts 15 minutes
Cake cutting 10 minutes
Toasts 15 minutes
Buffet dinner for 150 guests 1 hour
Plated dinner for 150 guests 1 hour 15 minutes
Posed guest photos 2 minutes - per guest/photo
Bouquet/garter toss 15 minutes
Nighttime romantic 10 minutes
Sparkler exit 15 minutes
Travel – add additional 15 minutes to actual travel time
Other factors that we consider when drafting a timeline for your big day...
>> Commute distances between preceremony - ceremony - reception locations
>> First Look or not
>> Number in Wedding party
>> Size of Family Formals
timelines
sample
Here is an example timeline based on a First Look and 8 hours of coverage... assuming preceremony - ceremony and reception are all at one central location and there is no grand exit and no bouquet/garter toss...
1100 - photographers arrive and photograph details/getting ready
1220 - groom gets dressed
1245 - bride's dress goes on
100 - father/daughter first look
115 - first look + romantics
130 - entire wedding party formals
215 - family formals
300 - in place before ceremony - freshen up
330 - ceremony
400 - mr + mrs romantics - cocktail hour begins
420 - bride/groom alone time or join cocktail hour - photograph cocktail hour + reception details
500 - introductions as mr + mrs - sunset
505 - first dance
510 - parent dances
520 - blessings | dinner
615 - toasts
630 - cake cutting
640 - mingling | dancing
650 - night time romantic
700 - mingling | dancing - end photography coverage
900 - end reception
1
LOOSE CLOTHING
be sure to wear loose clothing to your hair/makeup so there are no indentions on your skin (same for the wedding party)
2
drink water
please don't forget to drink plenty of water - and there's no need to skip a meal... don't forget to plan out your breakfast and lunch!
3
jam out
play some of your favorite tunes that either mellow out your nerves OR get you fired up and feeling confident!
4
let it be
at this point - the day is here and you've done all that you can do as far as planning... so just let the professionals handle the rest and remember to remain intentional! you deserve it!
DAY OF
preparing for the
be sure to read through the FAQ Below
for more information
A bridal session is a common Southern tradition that gives the bride an opportunity to get in her gown before the wedding day. This session focuses on the bride and her beautiful gown! Most brides use these photos as a display at the reception and then as gifts to parents.
bridal session
do you offer hair and makeup For Sessions?
Absolutely, if hair and makeup is not already included in your selected package - it can definitely be added on. These services usually last a total of one hour and your session immediately follows. Our stylists are professional stylists and have worked with our team for a number of years. Our hope is that you'll love our stylists so much you ask them to be there on your big day too!
what time should you start taking photos?
We have our coverage begin AT LEAST 1.5 hours before your dress goes on - regardless of the collection chosen! We begin the day with special details and then proceed into preceremony and getting ready candids!
should i tip the hair/makeup artist
Tips are never expected but always appreciated and can be given directly to your stylist.
when should we schedule our engagement photos?
Save the dates are usually sent out 9-12 months before the wedding and invitations are usually sent out 3-6 months before the wedding - if you plan on using your engagement photos for either, that should help you schedule things!
where should we have our session?
We love shooting at new locations if you have somewhere that means something to you - otherwise, we'd be happy to recommend locations based on the style you want.
Beachy - Urban - Neutral - Rustic - etc!
what if the weather is questionable?
Please refer to your inclement weather agreement and contract - but in short, if the weather is questionable for your engagement or bridal session we will likely always reschedule. We will never keep a session just to cross it off of our to do list - we would rather reschedule so that you can have the BEST experience possible.
what if someone is sick?
When it comes to your engagement or bridal session we absolutely request that you reschedule.
what can i expect after the wedding?
Within 48 hours you can expect a sneak peek to be posted on the Sharon Elizabeth Photography Facebook Page - within four weeks you will receive your online and downloadable gallery. (Ps - It usually never takes that long)
If you're wanting an album or your collection includes it you'll receive album ordering instructions that walk you through step by step what we need to get started on your design!
can i see every single photo you take?
As I select the best of the best – discarding funny faces and photos where you were blinking. No... but we ask that you trust that we would not withhold any beautiful images from you.
what should i do for my face/hair before my styling?
Come with a clean/fresh face, no makeup. Come with a clean head of hair but with NO heat or products applied. No sprays, gels or hair straightening.
do you send my photos out to a third party for albums?
Yes. I work with extremely professional album designers and album companies. They understand art and they value the sensitive nature of these sessions – just as much as I do.
how do i receive my digital files?
All digital images are uploaded to an online gallery where your images are online and all collections include unlimited downloading/printing rights.
where should i print my images?
You are welcome to order directly from the online gallery that is synced with one of my professional labs. Or you can order prints from a website called www.mpix.com - it’s a consumer printing site that offers competitive pricing while staying true to quality. Where ever you decide to order from, be sure to select ‘No Color Correct’ upon checkout.
We are so excited to give you so much love on your sweet day and until then - let us know if there's anything else we can help you with!!!
All the big bear hugs, Sharon + Chase
