If you’re envisioning a wedding album filled with shots of the couple getting dressed, playful interactions between the groomsmen, the bridesmaids doing silly dances, shots of the altar and reception area without any guests, and shots of every well-thought detail that went into the 12-month planning of your wedding day, then make sure you prepare your photographer for success!  The only way to guarantee you get a wide array of wedding images like this, is to plan ahead.  Planning is key. In the Army, we used the saying “setting me up for failure” to refer to when you were asked to do something, but weren’t given all the necessary tools or information.  What I want to cover today is setting up for success!

If you want lots of images of you and your groom, prepare for it.  You want images getting ready, prepare.  You want detail shots of the rings, tablescapes,  signage, then prepare.  You want to capture that loving glance your parents give you right before the ceremony, prepare.  Again, preparation is key, vital, essential.  I can’t stress this enough.

1. Make realistic goals for each item on the timeline.
2. Add cushions of time to the really important items.
3. Always add time for the hair and makeup routine.  An extra 30 minutes is ideal!
4. If there are different wedding day sites involved, allow for travel and traffic.
5. Want to enjoy more of the cocktail hour?  Plan for a first look.
6. Know what time the sun sets.  Schedule a short session during the golden hour 30-45 minutnes prior.
7. If you want sunset images, make plans to steal away for a few minutes during the reception.
8. If you want pictures of both you and your groom getting dressed, select a collection with a second shooter.
9. Enlist the help of your maid-of-honor to round up family members for group shots.
10. Just prior to the cocktail hour officially beginning, plan to briefly clear out the reception area (of staff and guests) for a clean photograph.
11. If the timeline starts to slide, don’t panic.  Deal with it and reasonably try to make up the deficit.
12. Make sure your photographer reviews your timeline at least 45 days prior to the wedding and again at two weeks out. That way, if scheduling changes need to be made (hair dresser, etc.), chances are they still can.

Being that the wedding photographer is the only vendor you book that will be spending the entire day with you and also responsible for documenting it all, I believe your timeline is key to maximizing your wedding photography experience and to adequately allow for each part of your story to be captured!  The goal of a timeline is not to rearrange the overall flow of your day, but to plan around your static details like the ceremony and reception.  This will ensure the wedding day will be fluid and have plenty of time for photos.  Ultimately, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day!

Wedding Day Timeline

Here is a very basic wedding day timeline to get you started:

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, The Importance of a Wedding Day Timeline, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.