WEDDING
GUIDE
TABLE
CONTENTS
Learn how I work with you to plan a stress-free & fun day
of
01
WELCOME AND INTRO
02
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
03
wedding day timeline
04
getting ready & first looks
05
ALLLLLLL THE PHOTOS
06
VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS
07
TIPS & TRICKS
I'm so glad you're here.
I am, cheerfully, at
your service
As a former groom, I know just how much time and energy goes into planning & executing every detail of a wedding. You put blood, sweat and, sometimes, literal tears into crafting your amazing celebration. It’s my goal to fully document, not only all your beautiful moments, but all your beautifully thought out details as well. I find joy in capturing your hearts behind the details and the celebration that surrounds your love.
So sit back, relax, pour a little bit of wine or coffee (or if you’re like me, some tea), and take a look through this guide – it’s all for your benefit – and my hope is that it’ll make your planning a little bit less stressful and just that much more smooth. This guide is to help you get a better feel for my work, my style and workflow and to help you think through some important areas of focus in order to have your wedding run beautifully and captured authentically.
Congrats!
okay, let's dive in
ENGAGEMENT
session
it's more than just an engagement session
I really enjoy engagement sessions. They’re always so much fun; it’s a perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other better and for you both to get comfortable in front of the lens before your wedding day. I truly believe engagement sessions make for better wedding photos.
Consider it like a practice round - (1) I'll learn more about the ways you naturally interact, (2) you'll learn how to pose organically in front of a lens and (3) on your wedding day you'll both be pros.
Even more importantly, It's an opportunity to capture this season of your lives. The engagement is easily a time that is very easily overlooked but you won't regret immortalizing it. I grew up looking through photo albums of my grand parents engagement period. It's such a nostalgic shared experience.
And to top it off these special photos can be used for save the dates, invitations, for use on your wedding website, and make great guest book albums for your wedding!
so... what's the point?
This is when we really get to know each other
Includes all of the following
unlimited locations
unlimited hours but generally two hours
unlimited outfit changes
HIGH RESOLUTION GALLERY
50+ Edited photos
Location
suggestions
A little side note:
On the date of your engagement session, make a whole day of it. Take each other out for brunch or coffee and remind each other why you both fell in love. No wedding talk, just being present. This will inevitably seep into your engagement session & make for beautiful moments
Where they Proposed
Where you first Met
A Beautiful Farm
A romantic Beach
Images with your Pet
Run around Downtown
Seasonal
Your Favo(U)rite Coffee Shop
Catch the nuances of the season, including everything from a winter wonderland to flower fields in spring
I absolutely adore animals and to authentically capture your new family, including a beloved pet is key.
What’s not to love about rusty farm machinery, old barns and green fields or golden wheat as a backdrop. A perfect balance of being whimsical and carefree.
After all, what better way to capture an engagement than the place it all began. It's such a special moment to relive the moment he goes on one knee.
Meaningful memories happen with food, ambience and your special song playing in the background
Fun & modern photographs in alleyways or in undiscovered locations make for a more intimate view of your city
When the sea meets an endless sky, it brings a feeling of forever. This setting is awesome for flowing dresses and inevitable piggyback rides
Whether your first meeting was a discussion at the library or fumbling for the door at the local coffee shop, going back to the start is a marvellous memory
Outfits that compliment each other in color and in style
OUTFITS THAT DON'T COMPLIMENT & CLASH IN COLOR AND/OR IN STYLE
Wear this
What
to
wear
I recommend wearing two outfits: One dressed up and one casual. Feel free to go as dressy as you want, and think "weeknight out" for your casual outfit. Wear outfits that compliment each other, not the same exact thing.
Not that
ONE DRESSED UP OUTFIT AND ONE CASUAL OUTFIT
YOUR FORMAL WEDDING OUTFITS
SOLID COLORS WITH MAYBE ONE PATTERN
BUSY PATTERNS AND OVERWHELMING COLORS
CLOTHES THAT YOU FEEL GOOD IN
UNCOMFORTABLE OR TOO SMALL CLOTHES
Every season brings it's own beauty and character and i like to lean towards coordinating your outfit to to match the feel of the season. From the whimsicality of summer to the warmth & layers of the fall, your outfit can embody that. Spring and Summer call for bright, neutrals and pastels. Fall & Winter call for cool & earthy tones such as maroon, burgundy, black and greys
I always encourage my couples to choose their clothing based on more neutral or pastel colo(u)r palettes. My editing style actually pairs very nicely with these colo(u)rs as oppose to bold neon colo(u)rs. Perhaps a blue patterned shirt & khakis for him and a nice blush blouse and white pants for her. Grays, cream, beige and tans complement really well with pastels.
Gone are the days of matching white polos. Patterns, prints and complementing colo(u)rs are capturing people’s eyes and the key to cohesive photos. I recommend avoiding what I call the “matchy-matchy” look. I usually tell couples to start with the lady; find the perfect dress/outfit for her and then find a complementing outfit for him.
For example: If she’s wearing a solid blue dress/blouse, then the man should go for a striped or slightly patterned button up. If it’s a floral blouse, have him wear a solid gray shirt. The idea is to mix a solid with a print or pattern to add dimension and a flattering combination
As mentioned above, I like to advise my couples to bring separate outfits to choose from (or use both); one casual and one classy. Generally, the casual one gives you plenty of comfort to dance and play. For ladies, this could mean jeans, a cute blouse or sweater with brown boots. Perhaps even a "flowy" dress, depending on the season. For guys, jeans and a nice t-shirt or button up will do just fine. Avoid shorts, graphic tees and baseball caps.
For the classy look, it’s simply casual but more elevated. For ladies this could mean a long maxi dress and for the men, dark jeans, a nice button up and a sports jacket or leather coat. In both looks, pick clothes that reflect your personality and you are comfortable with.
Embrace the seasons
Neutrals, not neons
Coordinate Colo(u)rs
Casual + Classy
cont'd
For your benefit I've Included example outfits based on the season
Disclaimer
Rules are meant to be broken! My style tends to benefit from simple, coordinated outfits but if you feel none of the following really encapsulate your style, then wear what you’re comfortable in. If you feel stiff in your clothes, it’ll translate into the camera. So, wear clothes you’ll feel great in.
Disclaimer
What
to
wear
TIPS & INFO
Weather & Rain
Weather can be unpredictable. We will keep an eye on the weather as your day approaches so that we can reschedule if needed. At the end of the day, sometimes we have to embrace the rain. Let's grab some clear umbrellas and make it romantic!
01
Locations
I love it when couples pick a location that is special or sentimental to them in some way! I can also help you decide on a location. Lighting & backgrounds are very important so keep that in mind!
02
Planning
I normally suggest booking your engagement session about 1-2 months in advance of when you want to send out your save the dates. Do not wait until the last minute because you will have plenty on your mind as your big day approaches.
03
WEDDING DAY
timeline
EXAMPLE OF A TIMELINE (No worries, I send out timeline guides specific to the amount of hours you chose)
Getting Ready
I'll typically arrive 3-4 hours before the ceremony to capture getting ready shots of the bride and groom, as well as any details such as the dress, shoes, rings, and flowers. I'll come to photograph your details first and once HMU is finishing up I will begin photographing the humans in your life. Typically takes between 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. Leaving a lot of buffer allows for this time to be very relaxed.
01
First Looks
If you chose to do a first look, this is usually done 2 hours before the ceremony to allow plenty of time before guest arrive. An incredible opportunity to slow down and get present. Typically last between 15 mins to 30 mins.
02
Bridal Party
I'll then move on to taking photos of the bridal party. This includes shots of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other family members or friends who are part of the wedding party. Depending on the size and if you have a second photographer, this can take 15 to 30 mins.
03
Family Formals
Afterwards, I'll typically take formal family portraits of the immediate family. A shotlist will be created to ensure none of VIPs will be missed. Depending on size and amount of combinations, can take between 15 to 30 mins.
04
click for MORE
12:00PM
2:00PM
2:30
3:00PM
Ceremony
During the ceremony, I will capture key moments such as the bride walking down the aisle, the exchange of vows and rings, and the first kiss whilst ensuring all the in between moments get a spotlight as well.
05
Cocktail Hour
Typically, this is when all extended family formals are taken. If a first look took place, this is a time where you get to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests while I grab all the candids
06
Reception
Before your guest enter, I will capture shots of the decor (sometimes this happen at cocktail hour). This is the perfect time to capture all formalities as well as everyone's experience of the night. Oh let's not forget Golden Hour photos and the dance party.
07
Departure
If you are doing a formal exit, such as a sparkler or bubble send-off or fake snow or fireworks. I typically make sure you guys take it slow and take in all the moments.
08
BACK TO BEGINNING
4:00PM
5:30
6:30pm
9:00PM
Your Big Day
Take a deep breath,
You Got This
Take a deep breath, You Got This
DON'T WORRY I WILL BE THERE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
GETTING
READY
Your wedding day is the single most important day of your life
I love capturing all the minute little details you’ve chosen to be a part of your very special wedding day! Once I arrive at your location, I take about a half an hour to an hour to photograph and style the details. I highly recommend choosing a getting ready location that has natural soft lighting and keeping the area clean of food & trash. If you booked a hotel room, it would be a good idea to call house keeping to make your bed in the morning.
It would be best if you can put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, accessories, invitations and anything you want photographed separately in one spot for me. Unwrap your dress so that I can photograph it as well, don’t worry about styling it – I’ll hang it in the best place! And don’t forget a nice wood or metal hanger for your dress.
As we might’ve discussed at our client meeting, I love coming in and taking a fly on the wall approach, because these moments are for you, your bridesmaids and perhaps anybody else who is getting ready with you).
On the morning of, there's nothing more fun than gathering you girls for breakfast, cocktails, primping, and quality time. To make this time even more special, you'll want to ensure that you're getting ready in a way you'd want captured on camera.
How you do this is entirely up to you – you may have asked your bridal party to coordinate attire or even gifted them personalized robes/shirt while they have their hair and make-up done. You may have chosen a unique place to get ready, perhaps your childhood home or favo(u)rite spa.
No matter what you wear or where you’ll get ready, remember that this time will be highly photographed. So, it’s important you look and feel great by the time I make it to your bridal suite.
If you don't have access to a bridal suite, I recommend booking an Airbnb over a hotel (make sure it is booked for the night of the wedding as well so we are not kicked out too early). Typically, Airbnbs have a more unique interior and personalized décor as well as no ugly exit signs or overhead sprinklers.
If you do book a hotel room, size does matter - aim to book a large suite with one bed as small rooms get cluttered very quickly & ask for a room with a lot of natural light.
Flowers
Getting ready
bride checklist
heels/flats
family heirlooms
handwritten notes
invitations
All jewelry
rings (including all bands)
dress on a hanger
Perfume
hair accessories
Veil
Vows
Suit
Getting ready
groom checklist
tie
watch
boutonniere
shoes
cufflinks
tie Clips
cologne
Socks
hair accessories
whiskey glasses
sunglasses
THE RINGS
I will be taking phots of all the rings (both wedding bands and engagement rings) so it is important that you have all the bands with the details and not with the best man to hold. After I am finished with the details, I will then hand them out to the dedicated person to look after the rings.
Don't forget
CLEAN & POLISH YOUR RINGS
To do these things
SET THEM OUT SEPARATELY FOR ME
DEDICATE ONE PERSON TO LOOK AFTER THEM
This is the moment when you see each other for the very first time but before the ceremony. They're a great way to take a breather before the craziness of your wedding day. The photos capture you both in a quiet and sweet moment. This allows the couple to share this special moment in a more private setting as oppose to seeing each other with an audience gawking.
FIRST LOOK
should we do a first look?
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
5 Reasons to do a first look
Tips
On the fence, no worries. You can always opt to not do a first look, but here are some reasons why you should.
Calm those wedding nerves: first looks slows everything down and gives you the chance to get out the jitters and bask in the affection you both have before the frenzy of a wedding day.
Get that alone time: Ironically, first looks are one of the very few moments where you’ll get to enjoy each other’s company, alone. The rest of your day is filled with family and friends that can’t help but share their love and excitement with you! This is also the perfect moment to get your formal couples session finished before moving onto group photos.
The feelings do not go away: I’ve seen some AMAZING moments when couples opted out from doing a First Look. In the same breath, I’ve seen incredible emotion at the ceremony just moments after doing a First Look. If the love is really there, it's going to come out regardless of what you choose to do
Open up your timeline: This provides the opportunity for you to do all your wedding party and family formals before the ceremony.
Spend time with your guests: Now that your timeline's opened up, you can do the seemingly unheard of, spend more time with your guests during the cocktail hour. Cocktail hour food? Yes please! Candid magic.
The first touch is a great alternative for couples who want to honour the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, while still having time away from the hustle & bustle of the wedding day. Remember, your wedding is all about you, so it’s your decision which traditions or non-tradition you incorporate into your day.
A first touch is possibly even more emotionally charged than the first look. It’s awesome when couples decide to meet up before their ceremony, choosing to hold hands, but not see each other. Some couples read letters to one another, others exchange cards & gifts, and some even pray together in the peace of their moment alone. The rush of feelings that come from anticipation and being close to one another while still remaining hidden never ceases to bring a tear to the bride and grooms’ eyes (and maybe sometimes myself).
FIRST TOUCH
Waiting until the alter to see each other is probably the most timeless traditions of a wedding ceremony. Not only is it a moment shared between you two, but also allows the moment to be experienced in the presence of all those near and dear to your heart. Waiting until the alter allows your first look to be an event that can be celebrated by your entire community. A moment that melts away all anxieties and craziness of the day; the room might be filled with eyes looking at you, but you two will only be looking at each other.
With all that in mind, what you choose to do for your first look is entirely your decision. It should reflect you two as a couple. So, whatever decision you make, it'll be a moment you will constantly cherish and go back to. If you choose for seeing each other at the altar, opting to get a second photographer ensures no reaction is missed.
AT THE ALTAR
ALLLL THE
photos
let's let loose and some fun with these candid shots
WEDDING PARTY
I't called a party for a reason. These are all your closest and most fun friends.
This is when I take group shots of your wedding party, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as any flower girls, ring bearers, or ushers. Be creative and have fun with the poses, it's not a time to be perfect but definitely a time to lean in. It's the opportune time to capture candid moments with your wedding party, such as laughter, hugs, and special moments. These photos can be some of the most memorable.
Generally, I need 30 minutes to make this smooth and fun without feeling rushed.
FAMILY PHOTOS
Family wedding photos are an important part of capturing memories from your special day. I like to allot 20 minutes for immediate family and an extra 10 for extended family.
Wow, all your loved ones in one room and everyone looks great.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you take great family wedding photos
Create a list: During our timeline consultation, i'll ask for a list of all the family photos you want to take. Include immediate family members & any other important family members.
Assign a liaison: Assign a family member or close friend to be your family liaison. This person can help gather family members for the photos.
Choose a location: Select a location that provides a nice background and lighting for the photos or a location that has sentimental value to your family. I can always help with this as I do a location scouting of your venue two weeks prior to your wedding.
Be patient: Taking family photos can be a bit chaotic, so be patient and flexible. Remember to enjoy the moment and have fun with your family. A great tip is possibly having the venue bring drinks and hor d'oeuvres to keep you and your people in good spirits.
Couple Formals
La piéce de résistance. Where editorial meets photojournalism
This is the time where a lot of magic happens (again, if we did an engagement session together then we've already broken the ice and can hit the ground running). It’s a moment where the photos are all about you and your love for each other. I’ll be there to give you direction and prompts that are natural and organic which will enable me to genuinely capture your love. I encourage you both to be silly and energetic or as quiet as you’d like to be. My job is to capture your love and your authenticity.
So, don’t fret, get comfortable. I love getting bold & courageous with my couples and making your photos look like a grand adventure. Just a little tip for the bride, having a good pair of flats can really help. I usually need 30 minutes for this time but will work whatever time is available. Doing golden hour photos and night time portraits are a great addition if our couple formals time is tight.
CEREMONY
Wedding ceremony photos are an important part of any wedding photography shoot.
I will take a photo of the ceremony venue before guests arrive. This will capture the ambiance and decor of the space and set the stage for your telling of your "I do's". I will be sure to capture photos of the bride and her escort walking down the aisle. People's reactions from multiple angles. And of course, grab the groom's face as he sees the bride walking down the aisle. This is often an emotional moment that the couple will want to remember forever. A second photographer is paramount for ensuring grabbing all the moments from different POVs. The front of the dress as the bride walks down, the reactions from the escort, mom's and the groom. Even the back of the dress as the bride processes.
Tips
A couple tips to get the most out of outdoor ceremony photos
Open Shade: Try to have your ceremony space in a shady area. It allows the whole area to be evenly lit and can provide cover for all your guests. If the whole ceremony can’t be in shade, aim to have at least the bride & groom or bridal party under shade, such as underneath tree cove. Guests can wear sunglasses but wedding party's generally don't. This helps protect you from squinty eyes and racoon eye shadows.
Sunset Glow: If you are doing an evening or sunset ceremony, I recommend considering where the sun is going to set when thinking about your layout. Having the sun setting behind you two gives incredibly beautiful back light that helps give your photos an ambience from amazing golden hour glowy light.
Unplugged Ceremonies
You’ve poured in countless hours of deliberation, planning and executing. The last thing you would want is one of your guests standing in the middle of your aisle trying to get the best angle for their personal camera roll. Below are a couple reasons why you should have an unplugged ceremony.
2. Staying Present
Informing guests to put away their phones gives them the opportunity to be fully present, and enjoy all the beautiful moments unfold with their eyes & not their devices. It allows your guests to be fully immersed in the experience and they'll unconsciously love the situation because of it.
Family members and friends who get out of their seats and stand in the aisle can sometimes get in my way and keep me from being able to do the job you hired me to do. They mean well and having an unplugged ceremony doesn’t mean your guests are not allowed to bring out their phones but it does mitigate the amount of unwanted distractions that could happen during your ceremony.
1. Uncompromised Photos
If you decide to go unplugged for your ceremony, here’s an example script you can give to your officiant to say prior to the processional of your ceremony. “Welcome beloved family and friends. The bride & groom request the joyful sight of your eyes and smiles, without the distraction of your phones or cameras. Please take a moment to put away your cellphone, personal camera or any other electronic devices until after the ceremony."
Another option is to actually provide a time where everybody can take their phones out and snap photos and "get their fix". Usually after the processional, the officiant can make an announcement and say "the couple prefers for this to be an unplugged ceremony but for the next 60 seconds this will be a time where you can take as many photos as you want without any shame! After this time, please silent your phone and put it away, the last thing you want is for you to be the reason why their wedding photos are ruined because you decided to take out your phone"
Good food and all your loved ones in one place. What more do you want?
COCKTAIL HOUR
When the meeting of the families come to a head and the celebration begins.
The cocktail hour is when the celebration of your union begins. Both a reunion and new union collide as your families begin to intermingle. Drinks are shared and boisterous laughter and curious conversation ignite. It's a time where people faun over your detail decisions and swoon over your love story. The main thing to keep the cocktail hour engaging is to simply have good food, drinks flowing and an activity that allows the extroverts shine and the introverts busy.
Pro Tip: If you choose to not have a first look and have all your formals (family photos, wedding party photos and couple photos) during your cocktail hour, then one of the best thing you can do is to extend your cocktail hour to an hour and a half. This allows you to not feel rushed during your photos but gives you the freedom to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guest and not miss all the food and apps you carefully selected.
RECEPTION
Reception photos are just as important as ceremony photos as they capture the fun and excitement of the celebration. Drinks are flowing, and stomachs are full and so this is when your guests are at the height of their emotions. About three months prior to your wedding day, we will hop on a call to do your timeline consultation and get in sync with all the important moments of the reception.
Good to know
shot list
Candid moments
Detail Lists
First + Parent dances
Toasts + speeches
Cake cutting
Champagne Toast
Last Dance + Exit
Sunset Formals
Flash Formals
Food for Thought
Plan ahead: Work with your wedding planner, caterers and, of course, myself to create a smooth reception timeline that let's me be a fly on the wall.
Don't be afraid to let loose and have fun: the more relaxed and natural you feel, the more authentic and memorable your reception photos will be. Don't be afraid to have lingering conversations and intimate touches.
Guest Photos at each table: there are ways to do this so it's smooth and fun. Ask me about "drive through" or "table dash". Keep in mind that the reception is the first time I will have an opportunity to eat and oftentimes the table photos can overlook that. A great time for me to eat is at the same time you are eating. Talk to your caterer to make sure that the vendor meals are actually served first or at the same time. This ensures I'll never skip a beat.
Wedding Planners
MK your dream day
Hair & Makeup
Videographers
VENDORS
I've had the pleasure of working with many of these vendors and absolutely enjoyed their workflow and perspective they bring to the wedding day. A well coordinated team is one of your strongest weapons to ensure a successfully smooth wedding day.
honeycomb event planning
lauren wilson events
contagious events
leather & lace artistry
kalypsoh beauty
glamour cosmetics
boston beauty by angella
jonny havens
bmoye productions
salt & pine films
earth sun co
Florists
fleurs petite
Rentals
DJs or Live Bands
the dirt empress
botanique cape cod
little blooms
PEAK events
bjj la tavola
inspiration events nh
refined rentals
Sugarbabies
Hire professionals
Consider hiring professionals wedding planner or at the very least, a day of coordinator, to help ensure that all the small details are taken care of and that your wedding day is stress-free.
01
EXTRA TIPS &
tricks
Get enough sleep
It's important to get a good night's sleep the night before your wedding day to ensure that you are well-rested and refreshed for the big day. Don't go overboard at your rehearsal dinner the night before.
02
Eat a healthy breakfast
Make sure you eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast on your wedding day to keep your energy levels up. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. A savoury breakfast will keep your blood sugar levels constant throughout the day.
03
Delegate tasks
Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to family members, bridesmaids, or groomsmen. This will help take some of the stress off you and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
04
Take breaks
Schedule in some downtime throughout the day to rest and relax, and to take in the special moments of your wedding day. Times like first looks, a little alone time after the ceremony or pulling away to do a dress change are amazing breathers.
05
Enjoy the moment
Remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Your wedding day is a special and memorable occasion, so take the time throughout the day to acknowledge all your senses. What do you see? What do you smell? How does it feel?
06
You're the best
THANK YOU
email me
hello@zhaunfriasphotography.com
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