A lot of couples have never been in front of a camera for a full day before their wedding. That's normal. So here's what to expect from your wedding photographer when it's me, from the morning I walk into your getting-ready suite to the last song of the night.
My goal is not to be a vendor you manage. It's to be a friend on your wedding day, someone you feel comfortable around. For most of the day I'm a fly on the wall. When it's time for portraits, I'll put you in the best light and walk you through it.
What to Expect From Your Wedding Photographer Before the Day
The work starts before the day itself. Every collection I offer includes help building your timeline, and about a month before the wedding we hop on a call to go over the final timeline and your family photo list. If you have a planner or a day-of coordinator, I'll coordinate with them directly. My wife Anette runs Leiton & Co, so I've seen a lot of days from the planning side too.
A few things that help a lot:
Your family photo list. Names and groupings, written down. This one list saves more time than anything else.
Addresses and contact names. Getting-ready locations, ceremony, reception and a day-of point person who isn't you.
Your sunset time. I build portraits around it. My guide to the best time of day for photos in Miami has sunset times month by month.
If you're still comparing photographers, my list of questions to ask before you book is a good place to start. If you're still figuring out how many hours you need, start with my post on Miami wedding timelines and photo coverage.
Getting Ready
When I arrive, the first thing I photograph is usually your details: the invitation suite, rings, shoes, perfume, jewelry and anything with a story behind it. Have them in one box or bag so nobody has to hunt for them. I wrote a whole post on setting up your getting-ready room for photos, because the room makes a big difference.
Then I move to the people. Hair and makeup finishing touches, your mom or best friend helping with the dress, the groom's side fixing a bow tie. With my full wedding collections there are two photographers, so one of us can be with each of you. Micro weddings are just me, with a second shooter available.
Plan to be fully dressed about 30 minutes before your first look or before you need to leave. That buffer keeps the morning calm.
The First Look and Couple Portraits
If you're doing a first look, I'll set it up somewhere quiet with good light, away from guests. Then I step back and let it happen. After that, we go straight into portraits while you both look fresh.
This is the part couples are most nervous about, and it's the part I direct the most. You don't need to know how to pose. I'll tell you where to stand, where to look and what to do with your hands, and most of the time I'm just giving you something to do together so the real moments happen on their own.
If you'd rather wait for the aisle, that's totally fine. We'll plan a bigger portrait block after the ceremony instead. If you're still deciding, read my post on whether a first look is worth it.
The Ceremony
During the ceremony I'm quiet and out of the way. I'll photograph the processional, both of your faces during the vows, the ring exchange, the kiss and the recessional. With two photographers, one of us faces you and one faces your guests, so we get both reactions.
If you're getting married in a church or a venue with rules about where photographers can stand or whether flash is allowed, I'll follow them. I go over this in my post on Catholic church weddings in Miami.
Family and Wedding Party Photos
Right after the ceremony, while everyone's still together, we do family photos. With a list and someone who knows your family calling names, this part goes fast. I'll plan the block around how many groupings are on your list.
Then the wedding party. I like to mix a few classic group photos with some fun, editorial ones, and I keep it moving so your friends can get to cocktail hour.
Golden Hour
Even if we did portraits earlier, I'll ask you to step away from the reception for about 15 to 20 minutes around sunset. Every time a couple does this, it ends up being some of their favorite photos. In Miami that warm low light doesn't last long, so we plan for it ahead of time instead of hoping it lines up.
The Reception
Before guests walk in, I photograph the room: tables, florals, candles, the cake. Then the night moves fast. Grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, toasts, cake cutting and then the dance floor.
At the reception I mix candids with a bit of direction. I'm watching for your dad laughing at the toast, your friends pulling you onto the dance floor and those little moments you'll miss because you're busy being the bride or groom.
One practical note: if dinner falls during coverage, please plan a meal for your photographers. I eat when you eat, so I'm back on my feet when you are.
The Last Dance
How the night ends depends on your coverage. With a full collection of 8 to 10 hours, most couples get through the dance floor, and some plan a send-off or a last dance with everyone circled around them. If your timeline runs past my coverage, we can talk about adding time.
After the Wedding
Sneak peeks usually arrive within 7 days. Your full gallery is delivered within 90 days, and it's usually sooner. I don't cap the number of images. If a photo is a memory worth keeping, it's in your gallery.
If film is part of your day, those scans come with their own timeline. I explain how film fits into the day in my post on adding film to your wedding.
I've been on your side of this too. My wife and I eloped in Costa Rica, so I know how much it means to get those photos back and relive the day.
FAQ
What does a wedding photographer do on the wedding day?
I photograph your details, getting ready, the first look, the ceremony, family and wedding party photos, couple portraits and the reception. I also keep an eye on the timeline and give direction during portraits so you never have to wonder what to do.
How long does a wedding photographer stay?
As long as your coverage. My full wedding collections cover 8 to 10 hours, and micro weddings come in 4, 6 or 8 hours. You can see the details on my wedding collections page.
Do we need a second photographer?
For a full wedding, I really recommend it. My full collections include a second shooter, so we can cover both of you getting ready and get both angles during the ceremony. I explain more in do you need a second shooter.
When will we get our wedding photos?
Sneak peeks usually come within 7 days. Your full gallery is delivered within 90 days, and usually sooner than that.
What should we give our photographer before the wedding?
Your final timeline, your family photo list, addresses for each location and the name and number of a day-of contact. We go over all of it on our call about a month before.
Let's Plan Your Day
If you have a date and a venue, I'd love to hear about it. Take a look at my wedding collections, read my FAQ or reach out here and we'll start building your timeline together.