WEDDING GUIDE
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
LINDSEY MARKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
maryland-based wedding photographer
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed my fair share of weddings, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
- lindsey
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process.
I'm a big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Blake Events
Simple Soiree
Stephanie Day Events & Travel
WEDDING PLANNERS
Victoria Clausen Floral Events
Emali's Farmhouse
Flourish Flowers
Alt Charm Floral
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Mitch Osterhouse
Virgil Angeles
Socially Tiff - Content Creator
Veiled & Vows - Content Creator
ViDEOGRAPHY
The Carriage House Inn
CarterQue BBQ & Grilling Co.
PIGS BBQ
Putting on the Ritz
CATERING
DJ Anthology
Marx Event Group
Mixed Up Productions
DJ & BANDS
True Colors Beauty Co
KM Hair + Makeup Artistry
Aimee Alt
The I Do Glam Crew LLC
HAIR & MAKEUP
Cakes by Susie
Stone House Cakery
Gateau Monique
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
OFFICIANT
That moment the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true regardless of whether you see each other before or after the ceremony.
First looks, a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony, have become more popular through the years. While I consider myself someone who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider changing it up.
Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day really starts.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time gather everyone. Next up is full wedding party, and then the couple's portraits. This generally runs through the entirety of cocktail hour.
A first look can open up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding party pictures, family portraits and some couple portraits. Ultimately, getting all of these photos before the ceremony allows everyone to enjoy cocktail hour!
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
Lastly, it's truly for all all of those who don't enjoy being the center of attention. Doing a first look isn't just about maximizing portrait time on your day. It's mostly to allow the nerves to settle and soak in more of the day together. If you want to read vows to each other but are anxious to do so in front of a large crowd, the first look is the time to do so. Usually, it's just you two and your photo and video team. We are always more than willing to step back and give you a few minutes truly alone before we begin portraits.
And remember, first look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for photos.
If you're choosing to not see each other before the ceremony, you'll need two different sets of photo times: photos taken before the ceremony and after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for at least one hour of pre-ceremony photos if you're opting out of a first look. This would include each side of the wedding party and individual portraits of the two of you. I break this info half hour segments and make sure that both sets of the party are either on opposite ends of the property or outside at totally separate times to avoid you seeing each other until the ceremony. You will then need at least 20 minutes of combined wedding party portraits, 25 minutes of combined family portraits, and at least 15 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony. This typically does take the entirety of your cocktail hour, so make sure you're considering this in your decision.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, almost all (if not all) of the portraits can be taken before the ceremony. I typically try to leave at least two hours of time for this. We will begin with the first look, move into full wedding party, separate sides of the wedding party, then some couple's portraits followed by family if you'd like. In some cases I complete all of the immediate family portraits pre-ceremony and then we use about fifteen minutes post ceremony to get those extended family portraits you'd like. If you do choose to go this route, please make sure you are communicating to family what time and which members need to be present. Family should be made aware they are needed for portraits immediate following the ceremony and need to stay seated or close by once everyone is dismissed for cocktail hour.
If you choose no first look for your day and your wedding is in late fall, please keep in mind the sunset time and time change.
If you are planning a late ceremony (sunset or late evening) at any point in the year, it is crucial to do a first look. I am a natural light wedding photographer and cannot replicate the light from the sun when it's dark out. If you have a late ceremony paired with no first look, please expect your full wedding party, couples portraits and family portraits to be taken with flash in an indoor setting.
12 p.m.
We arrive at main getting ready location to begin. I typically ask for your details immediately. Having them all in one place is extremely helpful. While I begin details, my second shooter is grabbing getting ready photographs between both sides of the party.
12pm - arrival and details
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is starting to wrap up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it's often hair and makeup running behind. Please plan accordingly.
1:00PM
Both sides of the party begin dressing for the day about now. Once we take the fun getting ready shots, parents and party get dressed first. This allows them to help each of you get ready with them fully ready themselves. My second shooter and I are split during this time so we are taking these portraits simultaneously.
1pm - getting ready
2pm
It's time to start wedding party portraits! We will bring out one side of the party first and begin those portraits. I typically leave a half hour block of time for this. If we move faster, we just move along to the next set of portraits.
2pm wedding party
2:30pm
We continue taking wedding party portraits through this time. Once one side of the party is tucked away inside, we bring out the other side. Again, if we finish this early we just move on to the next part of the day.
2:30 wedding party
3PM
I call this part of the day the rest and retouch. The entire party heads inside for drinks, snacks, and touchups. We head to the ceremony location to photograph the details. This is also the time we grab a snack, run to the bathroom, and get our gear ready for the big moment!
3pm rest and retouch
3:30PM
It's ceremony time, baby! This is the part of the day where we are flies on the wall. I am stationed up front to get reactions and the walk down the aisle and my second shooter will be in the back getting a different angle. Our goal is to be as quiet as possible sneaking around. We will not stand in the front in blocking the guests!
3:30PM ceremony
4PM
Now that that you are officially married (woo!!), we head right into take family portraits. I will use the list you give me in your questionnaire and will move right through it to hopefully get this done in about 20 minutes.
4PM Family
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. Spend some time thinking about a clear and concise family formal list.
4:20PM
After the family portraits are complete we move right into the wedding party portraits. This typically takes less time because we should have already finished portraits of each side individually. If you are somsone who just wants one or two good pictures of your full party, don't be afraid to let me know that. If you do, we will move right through these quickly to the next set of portraits.
4:20Pm Portraits
4:40PM
Couple's portrait time! Now that the portrait formalities are complete, we move into taking portraits of the two of you.
4:40pm portraits
5pm
Once the reception begins, the timeline and planning is mostly handed off to the DJ. This is the time of the day we really become hands off in directing photos and are there to photograph the moment as it's happening.
5pm Introductions
mid evening
Depending on the season of your wedding, we will head back out for some sunset portraits. While we take note of the sunset time for the day, a lot of things play into deciding the time for these. If your venue has mountains or is heavily wooded, we may head out earlier for sunset portraits. No worries though! I will give you a time range and be in communication about it with your coordinator and DJ.
mid evening
8pm
It's the end of our coverage! We will make sure we stop and give hugs and let the coordinator know we are on our way out.
CONGRATULATIONS!
8pm COVERAGE ENDS
12pm
We arrive at main getting ready location to begin. I typically ask for your details immediately. Having them all in one place is extremely helpful. While I begin details, my second shooter is grabbing getting ready photographs between both sides of the party.
12pm arrival and details
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1pm
Both sides of the party begin dressing for the day about now. Once we take the fun getting ready shots, parents and party get dressed first. This allows them to help each of you get ready with them fully ready themselves. My second shooter and I are split during this time so we are taking these portraits simultaneously.
1PM GETTING READY
2pm
It's time for the first look! I will usually have a short conversation with you on day of to see if you have a special location at the venue you're requesting for the first look. If not, we will find the best spot based on background and lighting at that time of day. We usually grab one of you and go ahead and get you situated into position and then my second shooter or the planner grabs the other of you to bring out for the first look.
2PM FIRST LOOK
2:15pm
Immediately following the first look we do private vows if that's your plan. If not, we roll right into couple's portraits. By this time we are also making sure your wedding party is headed outside or to the location were going to use for photos. This is a great example of why it's wonderful to have a good coordinator and planner so they can be on top of moving people for us. This way we can focus on our priority which is photography!
2:15PM PORTRAITS
2:30
Wedding party portraits begins! We can do this simultaneously after the first look since there is no need for either side of the party to hide. I will start with the full group, then we break out. My second shooter will take one side and me the other. We do group and individual portraits here.
2:30 WEDDING PARTY
3pm
I call this part of the day the rest and retouch. The entire party heads inside for drinks, snacks, and touchups. We head to the ceremony location to photograph the details. This is also the time we grab a snack, run to the bathroom, and get our gear ready for the big moment!
3pm rest and retouch
3:30pm
It's ceremony time, baby! This is the part of the day where we are flies on the wall. I am stationed up front to get reactions and the walk down the aisle and my second shooter will be in the back getting a different angle. Our goal is to be as quiet as possible sneaking around. We will not stand in the front in blocking the guests!
3:30PM CEREMONY
4pm
Now that that you are officially married (woo!!), we head right into take family portraits. I will use the list you give me in your questionnaire and will move right through it to hopefully get this done in about 20 minutes.
4PM FAMILY PORTRAITS
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. Spend some time thinking about a clear and concise family formal list.
4:25
The perk of a first look is that you get to join cocktail hour! So, go hug your guests and grab some snacks. We will be wondering around getting some candids and small informal group shots.
4:25PM COCKTAIL HOUR
5pm
Once the reception begins, the timeline and planning is mostly handed off to the DJ. This is the time of the day we really become hands off in directing photos and are there to photograph the moment as it's happening.
5pm introductions
MID EVENING
Depending on the season of your wedding, we will head back out for some sunset portraits. While we take note of the sunset time for the day, a lot of things play into deciding the time for these. If your venue has mountains or is heavily wooded, we may head out earlier for sunset portraits. No worries though! I will give you a time range and be in communication about it with your coordinator and DJ.
MID EVENING
8PM
It's the end of our coverage! We will make sure we stop and give hugs and let the coordinator know we are on our way out.
CONGRATULATIONS!
8PM Photographers Depart
As you are planning, I am sure that one of the biggest concerns is weather, especially if you are planning an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. It doesn't do much good to just continue to reiterate that you shouldn't worry about the weather, but do know that rain makes for beautiful wedding days!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering some clear umbrellas (or one color that matches your wedding theme). It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light, even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute rainboots, now may be a great time to order a pair, even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you are working with a coordinator or planner (which I highly recommend), they will be paying attention to the weather and having discussions with you about what will and won't be happening outdoors. Another suggestion is to reassess your timeline. If bad weather is going to hit around a certain timeframe, you may want to bump up the first look or wedding party portraits. This is also something that can assessed the day of. Sometimes we go completely off scheduled timeline on days where the weather is poor.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a plan in place to ensure you a stress free day with beautiful photographs! It might cause you to be a little more flexible than you initially expected and we may have to be creative, but it will still be an amazing celebration!
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, I need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When I can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Family portrait time happens a little differently at each wedding. I typically like to begin with the two of you and then one side of your family. I like to add in parents, then siblings, then spouses, then grandparents and extend out as far as you'd like to go. We can then break them down into smaller groups as we work backwards. Once one side is complete we hop over to completing your partner's family.
When I send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members and more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find my typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me and my second shooter do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your wedding party to avoid being hungry and passing out.
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help. Also, fresh florals make a HUGE impact on your detail photos. If you want your details heavily photographed, please ask your florist for a bundle of flowers for me to use. You also need to coordinate that those flowers will be there when I arrive for the day.
If you're planning on having a first look with your wedding party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire. Typically this is why I get parties and parents dressed first before you.
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING MORE THAN MY FAIR SHARE OF WEDDINGS, I'M happy to share a few additional tips
I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings. This is why I have built in a time of the day called rest and retouch.
To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. When you fill out your questionnaire it's important that you spend some time really contemplating your family formal list. Again, I will read right down this list to make sure we don't miss any photos during portraits. Going along with this, please make sure the family members who are going to be in the portraits know they are to stay after the ceremony and not head to cocktail hour.
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll be all over the place. We typically concentrate on reception details at this time. At any point if you want a photograph with one of your guests, please just wave us over! We are always watching and waiting for the most opportune photo times, so we love this kind of thing!
I want to help build your photo timeline! However, my photo timeline is not your overall day timeline. You coordinator should help you build this with input for me for photo times during the day. I can serve you the best when I am focused on photography and not all of the moving parts. I highly suggesting making sure you have an experienced coordinator to help make your day go smoothly.
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at lindsey@lindseymarkle.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!