PLANNING 101: LIGHT
GOLDEN HOUR
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INDIRECT WINDOW LIGHT
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FULL SUN
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OVERCAST
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AFTER DARK
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AT THE END OF IT ALL
The day will go by faster than you expect.
What you’ll be left with are pieces of it.
The light coming through the window.
The way someone looked at you.
The feeling of being completely there, even for a second.
That’s what matters.
That’s what I’m paying attention to.
That’s what I’m holding onto for you.
HOW I APPROACH YOUR DAY
I’m always watching, but I’m not always stepping in.
Some moments are left exactly as they are.
Others, I’ll gently guide so they feel natural but still intentional.
You won’t be left wondering what to do.
But you also won’t feel like you’re being directed every second.
I care just as much about how things feel as how they look.
Light, movement, energy, timing… it all plays a role.
It’s a mix of photojournalism and editorial.
Real moments, with just enough direction to elevate them.
WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS
It’s not about everything going perfectly.
It’s the in-between moments that end up meaning the most.
The way your hands find each other without thinking.
The laugh that catches you off guard.
Your parents watching from across the room.
The nerves before you walk down the aisle.
The exhale right after it’s all done.
There’s no “right way” to do your wedding day.
But there is a difference between performing it… and actually being there for it.
The more present you are, the better everything feels.
And the better your photos will reflect that.
BEFORE THE DAY MOVES TOO FAST
There’s a point on every wedding day where everything starts moving quicker than you expected.
Music’s playing, people are talking, things are happening all around you… and suddenly you’re in it.
And then there are these small pockets where everything slows down.
Where it’s quiet. Where it feels real. Where you actually get to feel what’s happening.
That’s where I like to live.
Not controlling the day. Not forcing anything.
Just paying attention, guiding when needed, and making sure you’re actually in it while it’s all unfolding.
Tips, planning & things to consider
Welcome
If you’re here, it means we’re doing this together — and that matters to me more than I can really put into words. This isn’t just a guide. It’s not a checklist, or a list of rules you need to follow to have a “perfect” wedding day. It’s a place for me to walk you through what actually matters — how your day feels, how it unfolds, and how we can create something honest and intentional out of it. I’ll take you through a few different parts of the experience — the flow of your wedding day, the way I approach it, and how things like light, timing, and energy all play into your photos. Not so you can memorize any of it… but so you can understand it, trust it, and let go a little. Because photography isn’t just about showing up and hoping for the best. It’s about paying attention. To the moments that happen naturally, and the ones that almost slip by unnoticed. It’s about knowing when to step in, and when to let things be exactly as they are. And more than anything, it’s about making sure you actually get to be there for your own day — not pulled out of it, not over-directed, not overwhelmed. Just in it. That’s what I care about. And that’s what this is here to help with.
Let's do this
I’ve been part of a lot of wedding days at this point. Different timelines, different energy, different priorities. And one thing that always stays true is this: The photos are shaped by two things — what’s happening, and how it’s being seen. The best light usually isn’t random. The most meaningful moments aren’t forced. And the photos people come back to aren’t the ones that were overthought. They’re the ones that felt like something. That doesn’t mean everything needs to be perfect. It just means being intentional with what matters, and letting go of what doesn’t. My job is to meet your day exactly where it’s at.
To pay attention to what’s unfolding naturally, and step in when it actually adds something — not just for the sake of “getting the shot.” I want you to look back at your photos and feel like you were there, not like you were pulled out of your own day to perform for them. Everything in this guide is here to help us get there — the flow of the day, the way I approach things, how light and timing come into play… all of it. Not so you can follow it perfectly. Just so you can understand it, trust it, and let yourself actually experience your day while I take care of the rest.
THE START OF THE DAY
Wedding mornings don’t usually start perfectly on schedule. They’re a bit clunky at first. People are waking up, figuring things out, moving around a space that wasn’t really designed for a full production. So the best thing you can do here is give yourself breathing room. Build in more time than you think you need. Not for the sake of photos — just so you’re not rushing through the start of your day. If you can, have a loose plan for when each person is getting ready. It avoids that “who’s next?” energy and keeps things moving without stress.
CHOOSING A SPACE
Light matters here. A lot. If you can, choose a space with good natural light — windows, neutral tones, room to move. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to feel open and calm. I’ll always work with whatever space you have, but brighter, simpler environments let everything breathe more in photos. Also — this is the one time I’ll gently say it — try to keep the space somewhat clear. Hair tools, bags, drinks, random stuff everywhere… it adds up fast visually. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just intentional enough that you’re the focus.
Starting From
$ 3000
PREPARING YOUR DETAILS
If you can, gather anything you’d like photographed ahead of time and keep it in one place. It makes this part feel effortless instead of chaotic, and it means we’re not tracking things down while everything else is happening around you. Think of it less like a checklist, and more like a collection of the pieces that matter to you.
If there’s something that feels important to you — bring it. If not, don’t overthink it.
Starting From
$ 3500
Details could include:
• Rings (both wedding bands + engagement ring)
• Invitation suite / paper goods
• Shoes
• Bouquet or florals
• Perfume / cologne
• Jewelry / accessories
• Veil or dress details
• Tie, cufflinks, watch, etc.
• Any heirlooms or personal items
Starting From
$ 4000
THE DETAILS
Estimated Time: ~15 Minutes
When I arrive, one of the first things I’ll usually ask for is your details. Not because they’re the most important part of the day — but because they’re part of the story. The small things. The pieces you chose. The textures, the colours, the quiet meaning behind them. I like to give this part a bit of space instead of rushing through it. It sets the tone, and it lets everything ease into the day naturally.
GETTING READY
Estimated Time: 1–1.5 Hours
Getting ready is one of my favorite parts of the day.
It’s slower. A little messy. A little chaotic in the best way.
People coming in and out, music playing, nerves starting to show up underneath the excitement.
It’s not just “hair and makeup.”
It’s the beginning of everything.
And honestly, it’s where some of the most real moments happen — with your people, before the day really takes off.
PRE–FIRST LOOK MOMENTS
This part gets overlooked a lot, but it’s one of the most meaningful.
Seeing your friends for the first time.
A parent seeing you fully ready.
Those small, in-between reactions before everything becomes official.
You don’t need to turn it into a whole production.
Sometimes it’s as simple as having them step into the room once you’re ready.
No pressure, no posing — just letting it happen.
Those are the moments that tend to stick.
BOTH SIDES OF THE DAY
If I’m photographing both of you getting ready, we’ll build a plan that makes sense. That might look like starting with one of you, then heading to the other. Or splitting coverage depending on timing. There’s no one “right” way to do this — it just depends on what matters most to you. If having both perspectives fully documented is important, we can always talk about adding coverage to make that happen.
FIRST LOOK & CREATIVE PORTRAITS
Estimated Time: 1–2 Hours
FIRST LOOK OR AISLE MOMENT
Whether you do a first look or wait until the ceremony is completely up to you. There’s no right answer — just what feels right for you. A first look gives you a private moment together before everything begins. It tends to calm nerves, ground you, and create space for real, unfiltered reactions. It also gives us more flexibility with your timeline — we can get portraits done earlier, which means more time later to actually be present with your people. Waiting for the aisle has a different kind of weight to it. It’s more traditional, more built-up, and that moment hits all at once. Both are meaningful. Just in different ways. If you want something in between, we can always do a more subtle version — holding hands around a corner, standing back-to-back, or just sharing a quiet moment without fully seeing each other yet.
CREATIVE PORTRAITS
This is where we step away for a bit and create something that actually feels like you. Not stiff. Not overly posed. Not performative. Just guided enough to bring you into a space where you can connect naturally, while I shape things visually in a way that feels intentional. Sometimes that looks like walking. Sometimes it’s standing still and letting the moment settle. Sometimes it’s leaning into something a bit more editorial. It depends on you, your energy, and what the day feels like. You don’t need to know what to do. That’s my job.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
I’ll always guide this part. I’m looking for light first, then environment, then how it all fits into your day without pulling you too far away from it. Sometimes the best spot is right at your venue.
Sometimes it’s five minutes down the road. Sometimes it’s something unexpected that just works. You don’t need to have a location planned — but if there’s somewhere meaningful to you, I’m always open to building that in. The goal isn’t just a “pretty spot.” It’s finding a place that feels right for the kind of images we’re creating.
BRIDAL PARTY
Estimated Time: 30–45 Minutes
This is one of the only times all of your people are together like this. Your closest friends, your hype crew, the ones who
have been there through everything. So yes — we’ll get the photos. But more than that, I want you to actually enjoy it.
This part shouldn’t feel stiff or overly structured. It should feel like you, just slightly guided.
HOW THIS PART FLOWS
We’ll move through this in a way that feels easy and efficient. A few more classic group photos to make sure you have them, and then we loosen things up a bit — movement, interaction, letting personalities come through. Nothing forced. Nothing awkward. Just enough direction to keep things looking intentional, while still feeling natural.
A FEW THINGS THAT HELP
The biggest thing here is simply keeping everyone loosely on the same page. Knowing where to be, when to be there, and having things like bouquets or boutonnieres nearby when we need them. Beyond that, you don’t need to worry about much. If you have specific ideas, I’m always open to them. If not, I’ve got you.
The Vibe
You don’t need to perform for these photos. Be with your people. Laugh, move, talk, exist the way you normally would together. That’s where the best images come from. The goal isn’t to create “perfect bridal party photos.” It’s to create something that actually feels like your friendships.
Estimated Time: ~30 Minutes
Family photos might not be the most “exciting” part of the day, but they matter. They’re the ones that get printed, framed, shared, and kept for years. So we keep them simple, organized, and as quick as possible — while still making sure we get what’s important.
MAKING THIS EASY
The best thing you can do here is plan ahead a little. Having a list of the specific groupings you want makes everything smoother and faster, so no one is guessing or getting pulled in different directions. We’ll move through it efficiently, keep things flowing, and avoid it dragging on longer than it needs to.
TIMING + FLOW
This usually happens right after the ceremony, when everyone is already together. It keeps things simple and avoids having to track people down later. We’ll gather who we need, move through the list, and then let everyone get back to enjoying the day.
A SMALL PERSPECTIVE SHIFT
Try not to think of these as just “formal photos.” These are the people who raised you, shaped you, supported you. Even if it’s quick — it’s worth being present for it.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
You don’t need every possible combination. Focus on the people and relationships that actually mean the most to you. We’ll take care of the rest.
Estimated Time: 30–45 Minutes
This is it. The moment everything has been building toward — and honestly, it goes by faster than people expect. So before it starts, give yourself a little space to breathe. Stay close to your people, take a minute to settle in, and just let it all land. There’s a quiet right before the ceremony that’s really special… don’t rush through it.
BEFORE, DURING, + AFTER
Before the ceremony, I always recommend building in a bit of buffer time. Nothing scheduled, nothing expected — just a chance to be present before everything begins. During the ceremony, my role is simple: document it as it unfolds, without interfering. The real moments, the reactions, the small in-between things you won’t even notice in the moment. And then right after — that first walk back down the aisle together? That energy is unreal. Just stay in it. Don’t rush it.
RIGHT AFTER
Once the ceremony ends, it’s nice to have a quiet, intentional space to go for a few minutes. Just the two of you. Or with your bridal party. You just got married. Let that actually sink in for a second before jumping into the next part of the day.
INDOOR CEREMONIES
If your ceremony is indoors, the biggest thing that matters is light. Natural light will always give the most flattering, true-to-life results. Windows are your best friend here. If the space relies heavily on overhead lighting, especially fluorescent or harsh ceiling lights, it can create strong shadows and uneven tones. Not the end of the world — but something to be aware of. If you can, look for spaces that feel open, clean, and have light coming in from the sides rather than directly above.
OUTDOOR CEREMONIES
Outdoor ceremonies are always beautiful — but timing and placement matter. Late afternoon or early evening light is ideal. That softer, warmer light is what gives everything that glowy, cinematic feel. Midday sun can be a bit harsher, so if that’s your timing, we’ll look for ways to soften it — shade, positioning, or adjusting where things are set up. No matter what, I’ll work with what’s there and make it look good. But if you have flexibility, light is one of the biggest game-changers.
THE RECEPTION
Estimated Time: 3–5 Hours
This is where everything opens up.
The structure of the day loosens, people relax, and it shifts from “wedding day” into celebration.
This part is fun. Like, genuinely fun. And I want you to actually feel that, not just move through it.
FLOW + TIMING
Having a general flow for the reception makes a huge difference. Things like entrances, speeches, first dances — spacing them out in a way that feels natural keeps the energy up and avoids long pauses where guests aren’t sure what’s happening. Once the key moments are done, the rest of the night tends to take on a life of its own.
Starting From
$ 3000
THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER
First dances, speeches, reactions, people on the dance floor — these are the moments that really define the feeling of your reception. You don’t need to overthink them. Just be in them.
If you’re having a cake cutting or anything specific you want documented, just make sure it’s loosely planned into the timeline so nothing gets missed.
Starting From
$ 3500
LIGHTING AT YOUR RECEPTION
Lighting plays a huge role in how your reception photos feel. Warm, ambient lighting like candles, string lights, or soft overhead lighting creates a completely different atmosphere than harsh or colourful DJ lighting. I’ll bring what I need to make sure everything is lit well when it matters — but if you have any say in your space, softer and more neutral lighting always photographs best. Quick tip: if possible, ask your DJ to keep lighting more neutral during first dances. It makes a big difference.
Starting From
$ 4000
SUNSET PHOTOS
That soft, glowy, end-of-day light? It’s always worth stepping away for. These tend to be some of the most relaxed photos of the entire day — everything formal is done, the pressure is off, and it’s just the two of you for a few minutes.
HOW IT WORKS
I’ll keep an eye on the timing and pull you away for a short window during your reception. Usually 10–20 minutes. Nothing that takes you away from your guests for long. We’ll find a nearby spot with good light, move quickly, and then get you right back to the party.
WHY IT MATTERS
It’s not just about the light — it’s the energy. You’re finally able to slow down for a second, breathe, and just be together. And that always shows in the photos.
FAQ
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Rain isn’t a bad thing. If you’re open to it, it can actually make for some of the most atmospheric, romantic photos. And if not, we adjust. Simple as that.
WHAT IF WE NEED MORE TIME?
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WILL MY DRESS GET DIRTY?
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WE DIDN’T BOOK A SECOND SHOOTER
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FAQ
WHERE DO YOU SIT AT DINNER?
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Are the travel expenses included in your packages?
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Can you recommend any good locations?
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What if the weather is bad on the day of an outdoor shoot?
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Tips from your photographer
CHOOSE YOUR TIMING WISELY
Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a photoshoot. The best photos happen when there’s space to breathe — not when everything is rushed or crammed together. Some couples want quick, efficient portraits and more time with guests. Others want to slow things down and lean into the experience. We build your timeline around that.
KNOW THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER
You don’t need everything documented the same way everyone else does. Think about what actually matters to you — the people, the atmosphere, the small things you don’t want to forget. That’s what we prioritize. This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating something that feels like your day.
Posing for photos
Not a model? Perfect. You don’t need to know what to do. The best photos come from connection — not posing. Hold hands. Stay close. Look at each other. Move naturally. If it feels real, it photographs that way.
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PHOTO TIP
Not a model? Perfect. You don’t need to know what to do. The best photos come from connection — not posing. Hold hands. Stay close. Look at each other. Move naturally. If it feels real, it photographs that way.