The first thing I'll do when I get there (after saying hello and gushing about how excited I am for you) is take some detail shots. It's helpful if you gather everything so that it's all together when I arrive.

Some items that I need for detail shots can include rings, invitations, jewelry, tie, suit, dress, shoes, and cuff links. If you have any sentimental details or anything you want photos of, please throw them in there! And don't forget those cute vow books I gave you when we did the engagement session :)

It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully you’re relaxing with your best friends while your hair is being done. If certain items haven’t been checked off of the to-do list, it’s time to hand them over to someone else. The rest of the day is going to be fast paced and filled with a lot of emotions. Definitely have your favorite music playing, and relax.

Getting ready photos often end up being some of my favorites. There's just something about those pre-wedding jitters, the little moments of "this is it," the laughs with your best friends.

This part is mostly candids - but I usually try to make sure everyone is mostly ready before I take their photos - because you probably don't want a photo of you with one eye of makeup on or hair half done :)

Let's face it - your wedding is the best day of your life, but it's also pretty stressful. I always recommend that my couples do a first look, because it gives you a chance to have a private moment with your love, away from all the eyes on you at the ceremony. You get a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle, and spend a little time together, to soak up the love and excitement.

You want that teary, adorable reaction from your partner. But, when you're up there in front of lots of people, it can be hard to think about anything other than the faces starting at you.

What I've found, is that a first look provides a "safer" space for you to get emotional and soak in the moment. And with a first look, after you see each other you can hug, kiss, twirl, get a good look at each other without having to be on a time crunch and feeling like you need to move on with the ceremony to be done on time. Plus, it gives you a moment alone before the ceremony.

Needless to say, I love first looks. But this isn't about me, so if you want to keep things traditional, that's great! I'd never want my couples to feel like I'm pushing a first look on them, but I do want you to be informed.

This is it! The moment you've been waiting for. It's easy to get lost in all the planning and stress, all the bells and whistles. But try to keep in mind the most important thing - which is the start of your lives together.

You'll hear me say "lighting" a million times, but here it is again. Keeping lighting in mind, the best time to start your ceremony (photo-wise) is about 3-4 hours before the sunset if done outdoors. Try to avoid the hours between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m for ceremonies. Choosing a time a bit later in the day, when the sun is a little lower and not right over our heads, can create some beautiful landscape photos, and flattering skin tones. The average ceremony is about 30 minutes long, but if you have special traditions that you want to incorporate, I'd allow an hour for the whole thing.

When positioning your outdoor ceremony think of this.. The sun should be setting behind the officiant. When the sun is behind the officiant, then the bride, groom and whole wedding party are not facing the sun.

You love your family and the excitement of the ceremony is so contagious. Everyone wants to have pictures with you.

That's why having a list of family members that you need photos with is always helpful. I recommend including names, as well as their role. For example: "Sam's mom (Gina)."

It's often very helpful if you can nominate an usher/friend/bridesmaid, etc (or 2!) to help arrange and corral the people for the above photos and to help keep things as smooth and quick as possible on the day. Ideally someone in the bride/groom’s party who knows most of the key people and someone happy to shout and organize people. Often, I'll reach out to them before the wedding to say hello and make sure they've got a copy of a list of the images we need. If you could list the ideal candidate and also their email/phone numbers - that would be great!

Definitely make sure to let any family members who are part of these formals know that they have to be there! Tell them where to go right after the ceremony, so that they know where to be. People often tend to wander during this part - people who need to be in more than one photo try to leave after the first one.

While I will of course keep an eye on everyone and do my best to let people know when they're done, I find it helpful if you also send a list of the family shots to each member of the family - that way they'll know exactly what's going on.

It's time for the bridal party! This part can be done either before the ceremony (after getting ready) or after family photos during coctail hour. I'll get some photos of just one partner's side, then the others', and some of everyone together. I'll also make sure to get individual photos of both of you with members of your party.

I know you want all of your best friends to have a blast at your wedding - so just like with the couple's photos, I stay away from stiff poses. One of my favorite prompts for the wedding party is to have the couple kiss, and everyone else give a big cheer. Another fun one is to have everyone shout their best marriage advice at the same time - I get a wide range of answers with this one! It helps everyone forget about the camera for a minute, and you get some candid photos of your nearest and dearest.

Wanna escape during reception for a quick sunset session? Golden hour is the best time for photos and we want to use it for your love-story photos. I recommend asking your friends and family to give you space for this part (most people find it easier to relax when you don't have an audience - but if you prefer having your personal hype people with you, absolutely go for it).

I'll use the chemistry that the two of you naturally have together to make sure you have a damn good time. Don't worry, I'll guide you and tell you what to do - if your hands are hanging awkwardly, I'll tell you where to put them instead. But for the most part, I don't do the super pose-y stuff, and I let the session flow naturally. I will ask you do a twirl or slow dance - that way, we're not just taking photos, we're creating some moments, so that when you look back at each photo, you'll remember how you two laughed and slow danced in on the cliff or at the backyard but either way - I'll make sure your smiles are never forced.

You did it! You got married, and now it's time to party! During the reception I'll take some candids and some group photos, so if there are any friends or extended family members that you’d like to take photos with, now's the time! A lot of stuff happens during the reception, and I'll take photos of all of it. You have the freedom to make your reception your own. I once had a couple that had a piñata full of lottery tickets for adults and candies for kids. Super fun! Don't be afraid to make the reception your own!

Here are some common reception events:

- champagne tower

- toasts

- games (eg. shoe game)

- first dance

- bouquet/garter toss

- cake cutting

- parent dances

- dance floor party

- sparklers/bubbles/ribbons grand exit

Please note that those recommendations are based on my previous couples' experience and I do highly encourage you to get familiar with vendors' portfolio/prices/terms before booking with them. Although I'm happy with these vendors' work and I do trust them as professionals I still suggest to reach out to multiple vendors to have a few options, and choose those you have the best vibes with, and their terms and contracts looks clear and reasonable to you.