Congratulations, soon to be Mrs!
Welcome to the chp bridal guide
I have curated a detailed list of tips and tricks for my lovely brides to help you feel at ease and carefree as possible on your wedding day. The purpose of this guide is to help both you and me prepare for the best day of your life, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! I will be covering all of the details — from helping create your photography timeline to what you will need in preparation for detail pictures, portraits, and everything in between!
TIMELINE TIPS
A couple of months before your wedding, I will reach out to start on finalizing a wedding day photo timeline based off of your detail questionnaire. The key is to always leave some extra time and don’t cram in too much in a tight schedule. Always leave some wiggle room, cause to be honest.. nothing goes as planned on a wedding day and something might go wrong — it’s just bound to happen! Make sure to plan for things that may take longer than expected, that way you are able to be in the moment and not feel rushed or stressed on such a special day!
TIMELINE EXAMPLE
8 Hour Coverage: Without First Look
1:30pm - Detail Photos
2:00 - Getting Ready Photos
2:30 - Get Dressed
3:00 - Bridesmaids Photos + Bridal Portraits
3:30 - Groomsman Photos + Groom Portraits
4:30pm - Ceremony
5:00pm - Family Photos
5:15 - Wedding Party Photos
5:30 - Couples Photos
6:00 - Reception Begins
6:05 - First Dances
6:15 - Dinner Begins
7:00 - Speeches
7:15 - Cake Cutting
7:30 - Dance Floor Opens
9:30pm - Grand Exit
TIMELINE EXAMPLE
8 Hour Coverage: With First Look
1:30pm - Detail Photos
2:00pm - Getting Ready Photos
2:15 - Get Dressed
2:45 - Bride and Groom First Look
3:00 - Bride and Groom Portraits
3:30 - Wedding Party Photos
3:45pm - Family Photos
4:30pm - Ceremony
5:00pm - Cocktail Hour
6:00 - Reception Begins
6:05 - First Dances
6:15 - Dinner Begins
7:00 - Speeches
7:15 - Cake Cutting
7:30 - Dance Floor Opens
9:30pm - Grand Exit
DETAILS
So from the moment I arrive, please have the following things ready for me. These are going to be for the detail shots (all may apply)
NOTE: Please try to all have of these items in one place, for example, a shoebox! Your items in one box and the grooms in another. If you are getting ready at separate locations, please keep ALL rings with the bridal items, including the groom’s ring.
Bride: Invitation suite, shoes, ring(s), ring box, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, shoes, veil, florals, vow book, perfume, etc.
Groom: Shoes, ring, ring box, bowtie/tie, tie clip, pocket square, watch, cuff links, vow book, etc.
If there are any textured / sentimental details that you love that you feel like would make great accent items to your detail shots then feel free to throw those in there (lace, fur, heirlooms, pretty rocks, anything!) Please try to have your dress on a pretty hanger! It makes all of the difference when capturing your gorgeous dress, if you did not buy one specifically for it, it’s okay! Any nice wooden hanger will do just fine.
