The Wedding Guide
Welcome to Sarah Haley Photography!
I am so excited that you are here and that I am going to be documenting one of the biggest days of your life.
This guide is basically everything I know about weddings and photography. I have been able to experience so many different weddings over the years and I have learned so much from every single one. I am here to help you along the way to create your dream day.
Something to think about in terms of photos is that they are made up of two important things, the photographer and what is being photographed. Essentially, photos with amazing lighting is not only because of a great photographer but also was taken when the light was amazing. Photos with breath taking backdrops were taken in breath taking locations. Relaxed and authentic photos were most likely taken in relaxed moments. I know this seems obvious but it is something to think about as we plan out your day!
As your photographer it is my job to create stunning photographers no matter what! I will make anything work but I just want you to know these things as a friend. I want to send you my very best work rather then just making it work. I want you to absolutely love every photo!
This is exactly why I am sending you this guide. From my experience shooting weddings this is everything I have learned. From what works well to what doesn’t, what makes it more difficult and what makes it easy, what to expect while working with me and everything in between!
Getting Ready Photos
est time: 1-1.5 hours
Getting ready photos are some of my absolute favourites. People sometimes skip them for various reasons but I always recommend getting a few! It is such a special part of the day and creates beautiful photographs with your friends and family.
Start of the day: Keep in mid wedding days start slow and a little unorganized. Give yourself lots of time for this to happen without getting stressed. If you can, try to have a getting ready space and a time set aside for each group. Sometimes on the day no one will know exactly where and when they are supposed to be getting ready. Setting up these expectations beforehand is really helpful!
Choosing a space: When choosing a space to get ready try to find somewhere with as much natural light (windows) as possible. Also making sure it is uncluttered and has bright and neautral walls. You can ask your venue if they have a bridal suit! As much as possible try to stay away from rooms with no windows, fluorescent lighting or small spaces. Try to make sure that you and your bridal party do your best to keep the space clean of messy makeup stations, hair products etc. The cleaner the space is the more you will all stand out in photos!
The pre first looks: Thinking of doing a first look with your bridesmaids? It is really great and I always suggest it! They can leave the room while you get your dress zipped up, by family or your MOH potentially, and we can call them in and capture their reaction. Also, doing a first look with your dad, mom or a special family member or friend is so sweet and will mean the world to them!
The Details
When I arrive the first thing I will often ask for is your details so I can grab some shots!
I try to make sure that this part is not rushed, they may not be the most important photos of the day but they still mean a lot. If you prepare these beforehand it will help things run smoothly!
Some details include:
Both wedding bands and engagement ring
Wedding bouquet
Official wedding invitation
Both pairs of shoes
Groom’s tie, socks, belt, etc..
Wedding dress/ veil
Handwritten vows
Anything else that you might want in the photographs!
The First Look
est time: 1-2 hours
First look ideas and tips:
A first look means taking a moment to see your partner face to face alone before the ceremony (and I will be there to photograph it). This moment usually flows into time to take photos with just the two of you!
It is totally up to you whether you want to do this. If you are keen, I will help you plan it out for your day. First looks can create a much easier flow to the day. This way you can take photos before the ceremony as opposed to after the ceremony when we will normally be getting family photos. It has helped couples in the past calm down before the ceremony when they see their partner beforehand as well.
If you are writing your own vows and are feeling a little nervous to say them in front of everyone. You could always read your vows to each other at your first look or you could bring a note to read to your partner during this moment.
Choosing the best location:
I will be sure to scout out the best locations for your first look, couple photos and bridal party photos on the wedding day. If your venue doesn’t provide the perfect spot we can always look at what is close by. Maybe an open field, beach or forest is a quick walk down the road, we can always fit the travel time in!
When thinking of lighting we are going to want to try to take photos in the early morning or late afternoon. Or we can try to find consistent shade in a forest for these photos.
Bridal Party
est time: 30-45 mins
This is a rare moment when you are with all of your favourite people so don’t forget to take it all in! Instead of getting caught up in the typical bridal party photos. Take moments to just enjoy the company and be yourselves!
As for logistics, it is super important for your entire bridal party knows where they need to be, when they need to there. Often things get forgotten, like a bouquet or a boutonniere, so it is good to remind everyone to have their personal items with them. While also leaving their phones/ wallets out of pockets when we are taking photos.
It is super helpful if you have some ideas on what you might want for your bridal party photos if you are looking for something unique! I always get individual shots with each person as well.
This part is important to either avoid the mid day sun or to find some consistent shade. We want to avoid dappled light and harsh backlighting so shade is great!
Family Photos
est time: 30-45 mins
These are not the most artistic part of the day but I think they are some of the most important!
It is so helpful if you prepare beforehand exactly what photo combinations you want. I always recommend writing me a list of each combination and send it to me before the wedding day. If you have a family member who is keen to help and organized they can help me gather family members to make this part of the day run smoothly.
Make sure family members are informed of exactly where to be and when they need to be there as well!
Personal tip: Try to emphasize the family, and friends, that mean the most to you for these photos. Take a photo alone with your grandma or parent! And don’t feel pressured to take photos with your entire extended family if you don’t think it is something you need.
The Ceremony
est time 30-45 mins
The moment we have all been waiting for! This is a time to be completely present and take it all in. One way to help you do this is to take a moment alone for some peace and quiet before the ceremony and the reception. Blocking off 20-30 mins of “do nothing” time before the ceremony is perfect for you to take a deep breathe and relax while your guests arrive.
Ceremony Spaces
If your ceremony is indoors, windows are going to be what you are looking for! I can work with any lighting but if I depend on camera flash for light then the photos of your ceremony might look different to my work you have seen. Avoid, if you can, any fluorescent lighting. Indoor ceremonies can be beautiful, but natural lighting is very important!
If your ceremony is outdoors, keep in mind that it could rain and try to have some sort of backup plan (even if that just means bringing umbrellas). I actually love rainy ceremonies and the photos come out beautifully so don’t be too worried about this! As for lighting I would recommend holding your ceremony in the early morning or late afternoon/ evening to avoid harsh light. Ideally making sure the sun is coming from behind the alter rather then directly at it. Or if there are trees nearby holding the ceremony in the shade will avoid harsh shadows on peoples faces and keep guests, and yourself, cooler on hot days.
The Reception
This is the time of the day that gets really fun and I want you to remember the whole celebration!
It is completely up to you whether you want to do first dances with your new spouse or one of your parents. The photos always turn out really special and it is perfect time to open up the dance floor!
Once again, natural light is going to be so important for photos. If you have a big barn make sure to open the doors and windows. If it is an indoor venue make sure the curtains or blinds are open. If possible try to have the head table facing the light as opposed to having the light behind your faces. Having you reception outside under a tent is perfect!
If you can, request that your DJ only use neutral white lights on the dance floor, mainly for the first dances. Using multi coloured lights will create really funky coloured photos, which is great if you want that but it is something to think about!
Sunset Photos
You know that soft glowy light that happens an hour before the sun goes down? It is pretty incredible. I always recommend sneaking away for a few sunset photos of the two of you! These are always some of mine and my past clients favourite photos from their day.
We will want to go out to take photos about an hour before the sun dips behind the mountains. I will keep an eye out for it and let you know what time I am thinking. This time of the day is not only great with lighting but also is a time when the responsibilities of your day are over and you are both relaxed.
I will come steal you away during your reception when people are mingling or dancing. We probably won’t have to go far and it won’t take long at all. You will only be away for 15-20 minutes!
The Experience
From start to finish heres what to expect as we work together…
Today (Booking day)
Your day is officially booked on my calendar and I am so so excited about it!
Now until wedding day
This is the time to come to me with anything about your wedding. Send me your Pinterest boards and mood boards, photos of your dress, ask me about my favourite vendors and any other questions.
Engagement photos
Have you booked an engagement shoot with me? We can get that date booked in and start thinking of a location and wardrobe for the shoot!
3 weeks from the wedding day
I will schedule a meeting with you, either in person, over video chat or on the phone to chat about all of the details and figure out the timeline for your day.
Wedding day!
I will text you the morning of to let you know that I am so excited that is finally your wedding day! Then we will run around together and take the most beautiful photos.
72 hours after your wedding
I will send you the first previews from your wedding day gallery so you have something to enjoy from your day!
6 weeks after your wedding
I will send you the full high resolution gallery with all of your wedding photos! I promise to put everything into them and will be so excited for you to see them.
Then what?
I always encourage my clients, if you loved working with me, to reach out when you need a photographer again! I love shooting anniversary photos, maternity shoots or family photos for past clients. It is so fun seeing your name pop back into my inbox!
Engagement Photos
Have you booked an engagement shoot with me?
If you haven’t yet, I couldn’t recommend it more! Engagement shoots are such a good way for us to get to know one another, get comfortable shooting together and it makes wedding day photos so much less intimidating.
One of the first questions I have for couples is whether they have a vision for the shoot. If you have something in mind that you would like to make a reality! Even just a few inspiration photos you have seen off of insta or Pinterest is a great jumping off point.
Either way I am here to help! I typically will only do engagement photos in the early morning or late afternoon to make sure we get the best light. If you don’t have any ideas in mind for the shoot dont worry! I am here to help you through the process of finding a location and your outfit. Either way my biggest piece of advice is to make it feel like you. I always like to get my couples in their element so they feel comfortable and like themselves.
Before or After Coverage
Do you want to wear that wedding dress more than just once? Want to take most of the pressure off of the wedding day photography? Want to take some photos in a completely different location than your wedding venue?
Before or after coverage would be perfect for you!
This is a photoshoot with you and your partner on a completely separate day from your wedding in a location of your choice wearing your wedding day attire. This will give you a more relaxed, intimate and creative experience with taking photos! And I promise you, you will absolutely love the photos from this shoot. This also takes almost all of the pressure off of your wedding day by getting photos before or after.
Wedding days can be overwhelming when you are trying to squeeze everything into one day. And you want to actually have time to see all of your favourite people who came to celebrate you, rather then thinking about having to run away to take photos. If we plan to get together to take photos before or after the day then you can be completely present on your wedding day and enjoy every moment with your loved ones! I absolutely love these sessions so let me know if this is something you might be interested in and we can chat more about it!
A few common questions:
What if it rains on my wedding day?
I actually absolutely love the rain! It creates the most stunning photographs. The only thing that would make my job more difficult is if couples are unwilling to take photos outside. We can grab umbrellas and make sure we aren’t trying to take photos when it is absolutely pouring. Rain is actually so romantic and beautiful if you stay positive. Some of my favourite photos come from rainy days, so there is nothing to worry about!
What if I am reading through your guide and there are a lot of tips that I can’t make happen?
Don’t worry about it at all! This guide is simply created to help you, not stress you out or pressure you into things you don’t want to do.
What if I am realizing I need you there for more hours?
No problem! I have more than likely dedicated the entire day to your wedding, so if you need me for longer we can add hours as late as day of!
Will my dress get dirty for the photos?
That is completely up to you! But, honestly, I would say don’t worry about getting it a little bit dirty! This is probably going to the one day if your life that you get to wear this beautiful dress. Don’t be afraid to walk through the forest or tall grass. People are never looking at the bottom of your dress and it won’t get as dirty as you think.
Have you shot at my venue before? And how do you know it will work for you?
For every wedding venue I haven’t seen yet I will show up early to scout the location. But, that being said, I have worked at so many different wedding venues and I know fairly quickly which locations are best with a short scouting walk.
I didnt book a second shooter but now I am thinking I want one. Is that possible?
Absolutely! I would love to add a second shooter to the wedding package. Just let me know and I will add it on to the day!
Will my wedding still look pretty if I have a lower budget?
Of course!! Some of the most stunning weddings I have been to were “low budget” weddings (whatever that means).
Where would you like to be seated at the reception?
Either way is fine! It is easier to be seated at a separate vendor table, or if there are no other vendors present I am happy to sit at a table on my own! I prefer to sit away from other wedding guests because I will be coming and going throughout the reception and probably eating sporadically. Also, it can be easiest if I eat at the same time as you so we both finish eating at the same time and I can get back to taking photos quickly!
