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Wedding Planning Guide

Details + Tips

Your Wedding PLANNING

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT

Hey there, you little legends! This moment right now? Freakin' exhilarating! Crafting the wedding of your dreams is like riding the rollercoaster of excitement and overwhelm all at once. Why the hell am I here, you ask? Well, this guide is my superhero sidekick — geared up to be your partner-in-crime on this wild journey to the "I do" finish line. Let's make this adventure as epic as your love story!

Welcome

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Alright, let's cut the BS. Planning a wedding is a damn circus, and I get that it's unique as hell. It's a cocktail of excitement and stress that can make even the chillest folks break a sweat. But here's the deal — I'm here to sprinkle some magic on this chaos.

Sure, I'm your photographer, but I'm not just here to snap pics. Think of me as your wedding wing(wo)man, your go-to extra hand to guide you through this wild ride.

Dive into this page for some helpful tips — from planning hacks to on-the-day ninja moves — that'll drop your stress levels so you can actually savor the moment and make some legit memories. Then, hit me up. Let's have a no-BS chat to make sure we vibe, and you'll get all the deets to decide if I'm the secret sauce for your big day. Cheers to less stress and more epicness!

1. say hello

2. ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Listen up, you party-starters! Here's the 411 — I'm a firm believer in kicking off this wedding journey with a bang, and that's where the engagement session swoops in like a damn superhero.

Why bother, you ask? Well, it's not just a photoshoot; it's a vibe session. A chance for us to break the ice, get comfy with each other, and let you practice your camera-ready smies. You'll discover the ropes, and I'll uncover the secret sauce to capturing your genuine smiles, belly laughs, and the electric connection between you two.

But here's the kicker—it's not just about the pics. This is your golden ticket to a legit date night amidst the wedding chaos. A chance to reconnect, share some laughs, and just enjoy each other's company before the big day.

My expert advice? Let's roll with this shindig at least 6 months before the wedding. It's the sweet spot for maximum vibe infusion and memory-making. Let the countdown to awesome begin!

Planning a wedding day timeline is highly encouraged. It keeps your vendors in line and adds a layer of time-security to your day.

As we approach your wedding day, we will have a zoom call to discuss your wedding day timeline or important moments to ensure that I understand what matters to YOU most, and finalize any last minute details.

3. The Timeline

Family photos are so important, especially on a day when two families become one! These people may never be all under the same roof at the same time. Let that sink in, it’s a big deal.

We will do a timeline and planning call about a month before your wedding and I will custom create a family photo list for you. Who better to create the "shot list" than your photographer who's photographed over 200 weddings?!

4. Family Photos

I believe my approach to posing is unique. I think rigid, cumbersome poses have no place on a day that should be as authentic as your love. I use prompts to evoke real reactions and allow time for you to focus on your deep connection to each other. You'll dance, snuggle, answer silly questions, and hug as if you haven't seen each other in ages. It will be real and it will be you! And don't worry, I will still make sure you look amazing and tell you what to do with your hands. We are going to make real memories together!

5. Posing + Prompts

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The

Process

make the most of your time

Timeline Tips

PICK YOUR CEREMONY TIME 1ST THEN PLAN AROUND IT


COMMUNICATE TIME DETAILS TO HAIR/MAKEUP ARTISTS


ADD 15-MINUTE BUFFER TIMES AT THE BIG EVENTS


GIVE YOUR FAMILY A TIME 15-MINUTES EARLY


BUDGET TIME TO DO NOTHING BUT ENJOY YOUR DAY

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9:00 : Hair and makeup begins
2:00 : Coverage begins, Detail + Getting Ready photos
2:30 : get dressed; first look with parent
3:00 : Photos of wedding party 1
3:30 : Photos of wedding party 2
4:00 : ceremony and reception details 
5:00 : Ceremony
5:30 : Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
5:35-5:55 : Family formals
6:00–6:15 : wedding party (all together now)
6:25 : GRAND ENTRANCE
6:35 : SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER / DAUGHTER + MOTHER / SON + ETC)
6:45 : TOAST(S)
7:00 : DINNER SERVED
7:30-8:15 : Newlywed SUNSET photos
8:20 : FIRST DANCE
8:30 : OPEN DANCE FLOOR
9:00 : Cake cutting + other reception events
10:50 : Send-off
11:00 : COVERAGE ENDS

TRADITIONAL (DST)

9:00 : Hair and makeup begins
1:00 : Coverage begins, Detail + Getting Ready photos
1:30 : get dressed; first look with parent
2:00 : Photos of wedding party 1
2:30 : Photos of wedding party 2
3:00 : ceremony and reception details 
3:30 : Ceremony
4:00 : Ceremony ends and officiant announces family to stick around for photos
4:05-4:25 : Family formals
4:30–4:50 : wedding party (all together now)
5:00-5:45 : NEWLYWED SUNSET PHOTOS
6:00 : GRAND ENTRANCE
6:10 : SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER / DAUGHTER + MOTHER / SON + ETC)
6:25 : TOAST(S)
6:35 : DINNER SERVED
7:35 : FIRST DANCE
7:45 : OPEN DANCE FLOOR
9:00 : Cake cutting + other reception events
10:50 : Send-off
11:00 : COVERAGE ENDS

TRADITIONAL

9:00 : Hair and makeup begins
2:00 : Coverage begins, Detail + Getting Ready photos
2:30 : get dressed; first look with parent
3:00 : Photos of wedding party 1
3:30 : Photos of wedding party 2
4:00 : first look
4:15–4:30 : WEDDING PARTY (ALL TOGETHER NOW)
4:35-4:55 : FAMILY FORMALS
5:00 : ceremony and reception details 
5:30 : Ceremony
6:00 : Ceremony ends and officiant announces extended family to stick around for photos
6:15 : GRAND ENTRANCE
6:25 : SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER / DAUGHTER + MOTHER / SON + ETC)
6:35 : TOAST(S)
6:45 : DINNER SERVED
7:20 : FIRST DANCE
7:30 : OPEN DANCE FLOOR
7:40-8:25 : Newlywed SUNSET photos
9:00 : Cake cutting + other reception events
10:50 : Send-off
11:00 : COVERAGE ENDS

FIRST LOOK (DST)

9:00 : Hair and makeup begins
1:00 : Coverage begins, Detail + Getting Ready photos
1:30 : get dressed; first look with parent
2:00 : Photos of wedding party 1
2:15 : Photos of wedding party 2
2:30 : FIRST LOOK
2:45-3:00 : WEDDING PARTY (ALL TOGETHER NOW)
3:20 : FAMILY FORMALS
3:40 : ceremony and reception details 
4:00 : Ceremony
4:30 : Ceremony ends and officiant announces EXTENDED family to stick around for photos
5:00-5:45 : NEWLYWED SUNSET PHOTOS
6:00 : GRAND ENTRANCE
6:10 : SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER / DAUGHTER + MOTHER / SON + ETC)
6:25 : TOAST(S)
6:35 : DINNER SERVED
7:35 : FIRST DANCE
7:45 : OPEN DANCE FLOOR
9:00 : Cake cutting + other reception events
10:50 : Send-off
11:00 : COVERAGE ENDS

FIRST LOOK

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Whether you're wanting to do a first look or go the traditional route, I've gathered SOME sample timelines to guide your planning

Timeline Options

The Perfect Day*
Clay + Vine Events
J Craft Events
K. Laine and Co
Meek & Wild
Vintage & Lace

PLANNERS + COORDINATORS

florals

FIELDING ATX
NATIVE BLUME
PETALE HAUS
REILEY + ROSE
SUNRISE PETAL CO
WOW FACTOR FLORAL

SOUTHERN TEASE*
MADE 3 BEAUTY
BEAUTY BY BRITTANY
MADAME MAKEUP ON LOCATION
SKADI’S FRISOR

HAIR + MAKEUP

IMAGINE FILMS SA
MANNY VASQUEZ FILMS
NEW BEGINNINGS FILM
MATT VENTURE MEDIA
Dynamic Films
That's Amore Films

Videography

PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT
AT LAST ENTERTAINMENT
BOOGIE BONES
CRUZ COLLECTIVE
HARPISTRY TX
TERRA VISTA STRINGS

MUSIC

ANNE MARIE'S CATERING
CRAVE CATERING
GOT IT COVERED EVENTS
RIVER CITY CATERING
SMOKE IN THE HILLS BBQ
STARS AND STRIPES COFFEE
CREATURE COFFEE
BROOKLYND'S COFFEE & TEA

catering

SUE BEE VINTAGE
CATHAUS DESIGNS
DISCO FLAIR RENTALS
MOONTOWER RENTALS
UNIQUE DESIGN & EVENTS
SCARLET ROSE COLLECTIVE

DECOR + rentals

CAKES COUTURE
CAKES ROCK
CAKES BY TORI ELIZABETH
SUE C CAKES

CAKE

CELEBRATIONS BRIDAL
A.CHERIE COUTURE
UNBRIDALED
BYKOWSKI TAILOR & GARB
FT. LONESOME

GOWNS + SUITS

SOUTHERN STANDARD*
BARTENDERS4YOU
THE POUR HORSE
BARTENDERS AND DREAMS

BAR

HEART TO HOME
LAZY CREEK DESIGNS
KATHERINE KRAAI CALLIGRAPHY
CALLIROSA
ROSEVILLE DESIGNS
EVERY LITTLE SOMETHING
KELSEY MALIE DESIGN

SIGNAGE + INVITES

SUGAR CLOUDS
VICTORIA'S VISUALS
DFNTLY ENTERTAINMENT
CHURRO CART CO
ATX EVENT SYSTEMS
BORRACHO BURROS
RUIZ CIGARS AND ROLLERS

MISCELLANEOUS

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A COLLECTION OF WEDDING VENDORS I’VE WORKED WITH + TRUST


The Vendor List

LET’S HAVE A BLAST + MAKE SOME EPIC MEMORIES

Get In Touch

Just say yes to less stress!

Michele was the best decision! She was AMAZING. She felt like a friend from the start and made us feel so comfortable taking photos. She took the most amazing photos for our engagements and then went with the flow when our wedding day timeline got messed up. So many of our friends and family told us how much they loved her after our wedding! She is THE BEST photographer. We will be telling all of our friends and family to use her and will use her for any photography needs we have from now on. Book 1836, you will not regret it!

Dripping Springs, Texas

Taylor + Jarrett

Y'all! Michele was the absolute best photographer we could have asked for! Can't wait for more to come 🤗

Dripping Springs, Texas

Michelle + Chris

Our photographer, Michele, was absolutely amazing to work with! She made our day so special and was so easy to get along with. Nothing felt stressful or awkward and our pictures were absolutely stunning! Couldn't have asked for a better team on our wedding day!

Dripping Springs, Texas

Lauren + Brandon

OMG I'm looking through them now! They are INCREDIBLE!! John has to wait until he gets home, but I'm in full-blown waterworks over here!

Dripping Springs, Texas

Lacey + John

There are some other hilarious photos, but so many that are breathtaking. You are truly a goddess among humans! I have no idea how you were everywhere all at once, but you somehow got moments that I saw happening and sent a prayer up that somehow, someone would snag them with a camera.

Dripping Springs, Texas

Angela + Josh

I got so many compliments about you, specifically, from our guests. They raved about you (completely unprompted, they were the ones bringing you up)! Thank you so much for going above and beyond on our special day. I truly feel like I cannot thank you enough.

Garden Ridge, TX

Jessica + Aaron

,,

(over lattes? Yes please!)

I’m so happy you stumbled on my site. If you’re ready to book, just fill out the form below.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram if you like, and keep in touch with me that way!

Send me some details, ask me some questions! I am so excited to work with you!

Let's make it a
Date!