WELCOME
To
Dawn McClannan Photography
You are now part of an elite group of amazing couples!
I’m so excited you’re here!
Take your time to read through this guide, it will help prepare you for the planning process you're about to dive into.
Your wedding day is going to be straight-up magical, and I’ll be there to capture every emotional, joyful, and ridiculously beautiful moment.
The hardest part? Choosing which photos to print first!
I’m Here To Help
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in, from day one! This isn’t about checking off a shot list or rushing through a timeline. It’s about living in the moment. Here’s what the experience looks like from start to finish.
You probably haven't been a bride or groom before so you’re figuring all of this stuff out as you go. Since I’ve been to many weddings, I have a lot of know-how when it comes to all of the details.
The to dos, and not to dos, how to save $$$, how to get the most out of your day, create memories with your friends and family, plan, prepare, and all kinds of other info on how to get ready for your wedding I’m going to share with you.
I’m happy to help in any big or little ways that I can to make sure this is a stress-free experience for you!
MAKE THE BIG DECISIONS FIRST
Once you come up with the over all vision for your day, take your time with these next decisions and make sure what you choose is in alignment with what you two decided you wanted out of your wedding experience
when you were brainstorming.
Take your time with all of these decisions and most of all have fun with it.
Remember this day is for you. Don’t forget that your wedding day is a celebration of your love
with your partner(not anybody else)
You deserve a day that feels right and authentic to you!
And most of all, Enjoy your Day!xoxo
Plan Out The Details
Choose your vendors. While it’s not required to hire any extra vendors for your day. Partnering with a few high-quality amazing vendors who are on board with helping you create your dream wedding can absolutely elevate your experience and showcase your unique style.
You get to decide if you're going to use a planner or if DIY is your gifting. Deciding whether or not to have a videographer. Professional hair and makeup is always something to consider. And who is going to make that delicious cake?
Planners: Magnolia Events, Elle Seals Events, AZCO event and design
Cake Bakery: Cake Creations,Sweet Magnolia's Bake Shop, The Omaha Bakery, SmallCakes Omaha, The Cake Specialist
Videography: Buttoned Up weddings, Cerny Films, A Final Take,
Florals: Loess Hills Floral, Avant Garden Floral, Of The Earth Florals, A New Leaf
MUSIC:
DJ’s: Image entertainment, Never Turn It Off, DJ Romeo402, DJ Next1
BANDS: The Downtown Collective, Patrick Lentz Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: Salon for Women,Beauty Bash Omaha, model perfect airbrush, Blush makeup Omaha
Wedding Dress Shops: Rhylan Lang, Ready or Knot, Arc Bridal, Ellynne Bridal, Bridal Traditions, Sample and Soiree
Vendor Recommendations
These are a few of my personal favorite vendors to work with. However, these are ideas and suggestions only . I do my absolute best to vet everyone who is on the list, but ultimately it’s your responsibility to do your own research, contact vendors directly, and to make your own decision on who you feel is best to hire. This is a constantly evolving list, so if you have a personal experience with a vendor that you’d like to share, I’m all ears!
TIMELINE
Once you know what you want to do for your wedding day, it’s time to put it all together! When your vision starts to take shape, it’s time to make a list of moments you want to experience on your special day.
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.
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.
Why getting ready & details photos matter
The getting ready portion of the day is one of my favorite times of the day to document! During these moments, the excitement is high, and things are starting to feel so real. The day you’ve waited so long for is finally coming together, you’re about to marry your best friend! Including this portion of the day into your photo coverage really helps weave together a complete story of your wedding experience. It’s also a helpful way to start getting warmed up to the camera, and a great time for me to document your important wedding details.
I recommend starting your day off in a relaxed manner, waking up with plenty of time to get ready so that you can feel really prepared, be present, and just soak in the excitement before heading off to the first location.
During this time I will photograph all of your special wedding details that you’ve put so much time and effort into. It’s helpful to have all of these details ready and laid out in advance. I recommend doing this the day before so you have one less thing on your mind day-of. Typically these details will include your wedding attire, rings, jewelry, vow books, florals, family heirlooms, invitations or announcements, etc. This is also a great time to give your partner any special gifts.
Tips on how to have the best getting ready & detail photos
Amazing & heartfelt moments to incorporate into your getting ready photos
Copying your vows into your vow books
Writing and reading each other love notes
Giving a gift to your partner
Reading letters from family or friends
Facetiming with loved ones who are not present
Reading love notes or cards from early on in your relationship
Framed photos set up of loved ones who have passed
How Much Time Do I Need For Getting Ready Photos?
There are a couple of factors that go into determining this. How many people will be present? Are there any specific moments that you’d like to make sure are included like facetiming your mom, a first look with your dad, or making breakfast with your partner? Generally two hours is enough time for most, enabling me to fully capture the details you put so much time and thought into, and the getting ready finishing touches that will help tell the full story of your day.
Your Getting Ready Checklist:
Declutter your space. Tuck all clothing, suitcases, and miscellaneous items away.
Collect all details you’d like to have photographed.
Create a calm atmosphere with music, candles or incense, and window light.
Relax with a warm cup of tea, coffee, hot coco, or a mimosa.
Enjoy these precious first moments of your wedding day.
FIRST LOOK
First of all, what’s a first look?
Your first look is the moment you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day, all done up and looking incredible. If it hasn’t felt like your wedding day is really here and happening up until this point, it will now. First looks are often emotional at first, followed by a stream of pure excitement and joy. Your first look is typically when any nerves and stress begin to fall away too. You realize you’re right where you’re supposed to be, standing before the person that makes you feel the most comfortable in this world, about to have one of your best experiences yet together.
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 and reception 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.
Shot List
(for Family photos ONLY)
I always encourage my couples to start putting together a list for Family Photos Only. As far as a “shot list” this is the only thing you need to worry about, I’ll take care of the rest of the photos throughout the day.
So between now and your wedding day you need to decide which family members you want in formal photos. I can’t come up with that list for you since all families have their own dynamics and things that are unknown to me.
Some examples are:
Bride/Groom w/her parents/his parents/Both sets of parents
Add siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc
You get the idea...I can photograph any combination of family members you want, I just need it written out ahead of time:)
That's it for now!!
Photography has always been about more than just taking beautiful images. It’s about creating an experience where you can feel and be completely yourself.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to let me know!
You do you and I promise the photos will turn out Amazing!!
