Creating the perfect wedding day timeline.
Want effortlessly beautiful, candid wedding photos? The secret lies in rethinking the traditional timeline. Capturing the essence of your wedding day goes beyond technical skill—it’s about creating a natural flow that allows real moments to unfold. The key is finding the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity, giving space for genuine laughter, emotional connections, and all the little in-between moments that make your day unforgettable.
The number one thing you need is a free-flowing mindset. Trust me—I get it. As a fellow Type A, I totally understand the urge to plan everything down to the second. But on your wedding day? The more you lean into the unexpected and just go with it, the better. By letting go of that need to control every little detail, you’re giving yourself (and everyone around you) permission to just be. And that’s where the magic happens. The best documentary-style wedding photos come from real, unfiltered moments—the ones you can’t plan. So take a deep breath, embrace the beautiful chaos, and let the day unfold exactly as it’s meant to.
Leave time to soak up your wedding morning! This will always stand as one of my favorite moments to capture on a wedding day. Think about how you want this morning to feel. Do you want a slow, cozy start with coffee and your soon-to-be spouse? A breakfast date at your favorite diner? A quiet moment to journal or meditate before the day unfolds? However you spend it, make it intentional.
And trust me—having your photographer there for more than just a quick hour is so worth it. There’s so much emotion, anticipation, and real, candid magic in this window that you’ll definitely want captured.
Your wedding morning isn’t just the start of the day—it’s a whole mood. It’s the butterflies, the deep breaths, the quiet moments before the big I do. So take it slow, be present, and really soak it in.
Whether it’s sipping coffee with your love, grabbing breakfast at your favorite spot, or just taking a moment to yourself, make this time feel right for you. The more you embrace the morning, the more you’ll feel every second of the day ahead.
Some of the most beautiful moments on your wedding day won’t be planned—they’ll just happen. A lingering glance, a quiet breath before you walk down the aisle, a spontaneous dance with your love under the stars. These are the moments that make your day yours.
When planning your timeline, think beyond the schedule. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel? Not how tradition says you should spend your day, but how you truly want to. Structure is important, but so is leaving space—for an extra kiss, a deep breath, or an unplanned moment of joy with the people you love most.
A little room to breathe creates a relaxed, romantic energy—and that’s where the most genuine and heartfelt photos come to life.
Want to actually enjoy your cocktail hour and reception? If possible, plan to do all portraits and family photos before the ceremony! That way, once you’ve said I do, you’re free to soak up every second of the celebration—no rushing off for more photos while the party starts without you.
Cocktail hour is when the magic happens. The drinks are flowing, laughter fills the air, and you’re surrounded by people you love—some of whom you haven’t seen in forever. Parents reconnect with old friends, your college crew reunites, and spontaneous, joy-filled moments unfold naturally.
Some of my favorite wedding photos come from this part of the day—when everyone is relaxed, mingling, and simply being. It’s candid photography at its best, capturing the real, unfiltered joy of your wedding day. So schedule those portraits early and give yourself the gift of being fully present for the moments that matter most.
