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!
Wedding Planning Timeline
Start discussing budget. Tour and choose wedding venues and set a date. If your budget allows, start by hiring a wedding planner. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier! Hire your photographer as they are currently booking 12-18 months out.
Decide on a theme or wedding day aesthetic. Start shopping for wedding day attire. Go dress shopping! Choose your florist. Contact bakeries for cake testing.
Hire most important vendors- videographer, caterer, officiant. Create your guest list and choose your wedding party. Plan and attend your engagement party.
Start researching honeymoon locations. Make your wedding website. Consider purchasing a wedding insurance policy.
Go bridesmaids/groomsmen attire shopping and choose wedding party attire. Create your bridal registry. Choose save-the-dates. Begin booking rentals. Have your engagement session.
Order your invitations. Plan the bachelor/bachelorette party. 1st dress/tux fitting. Plan your menu. Finalize ceremony program and choose special music.
Mail out save-the-dates. Do your hair and makeup trial. Purchase your wedding bands. Choose invitations. Renew passports if going abroad for honeymoon.
File for your marriage license. 2nd dress fitting/ alterations for Groom's attire. Start writing your vows. Choose a guest book. Purchase plane tickets for your honeymoon. Enjoy you bachelor/bachelorette party!
Send wedding invitations. Purchase wedding day accessories. Choose a cake topper and serving set. Attend your wedding shower. Confirm wedding day transportation.
Pack your clothes for the wedding. Pack your details for your photographer. Clean your wedding rings. Write your partner a day of note and package their gift. Get a massage! Relax and trust your vendors will make this the best day yet!
Finalize seating chart. Put together the favors. Purchase thank you gifts for family and wedding party. Make final wedding attire alterations. Finalize details with photographer and caterer.
Gather all your details together for your photographer (don't worry - I send you a checklist!). Make sure everything is staged to walk out the door so you're less likely to forget anything. Drink a glass of water and GET SOME SLEEP!
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
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
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
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!)
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