engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
alayna parker photography
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can help in any way throughout the wedding planning process!
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so so honored you chose to work with me! 🥹
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed hundreds of weddings over the years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions to inclement weather.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in an easy setting that is significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations, and more!
Engagement Session
Over the years, I've learned the important that role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors listed and can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
go to the guide
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of my couples choose to do a first look.
While I respect the decision of each couple, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look if you're on the fence. Here are 3 reasons:
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for photos. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance!
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there 😭 If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special!
03
When there is no first look, the majority of the photos have to be taken after the ceremony. Family photos are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to gather everyone. Next up is full wedding party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding party photos and sometimes, for a few family photos. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
It makes more time for photos without sacrificing cocktail hour
02
Avoid possible bad weather and have time to freshen-up after the first look
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on everything that this day means before the rest of your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
01
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1 1/2 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos after you're officially married and also at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party, and your couples photos. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make a traditional plan work.
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional wait for the aisle, I will work with you on making sure we have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about 30 minutes of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about 30 minutes of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's photos after the ceremony if you're not doing any photos together until after the ceremony.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
wedding day
building the perfect
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HMU. If the Groom is within a few miles of the location, we'll make time to capture him as well.
Alayna and Breanna arrive at Bride’s getting ready location.
12 p.m.
12:00pm
Groom and groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
1:15 p.m.
1:15pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30 p.m.
1:30pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! And I'm happy to offer suggestions if you'd like.
The first look takes place.
1:45 p.m.
1:45PM
Bride & Groom and wedding party photos.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
Family photos
Note: Some couples like to do the family photos before the ceremony since most often, immediate family members are there early. This way you can enjoy cocktail hour or have some time to yourselves before the reception! We’ll create a list of family photo combinations before the big day.
3:30 p.m.
3:30pm
Additional newlywed photos
Note: I typically prefer to spend about 10-15 minutes getting photos. The vibe is always different since you're actually married!
4:00 P.M.
4:00pm
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests or the reception space while you enjoy the hour.
4:30 p.M.
4:30pm
Introductions and First Dance
5:00 P.M.
5:00 PM
Welcome toasts and salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Golden Hour Photos
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
6:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
6:30pm
Dancing begins
7:15 P.M.
7:15pm
Photographers Depart
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Alayna and Breanna arrive at Bride’s getting ready location.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HMU. If the Groom is within a few miles of the location, we'll make time to capture him as well.
1 p.m.
1:00pm
Groom and groomsmen depart for ceremony site and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15 p.m.
2:15pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
Note: We typically do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I'll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
3:30pm
4:00 P.M.
Wedding Party and Bride and Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
4:00pm
Introductions and First Dance
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Welcome toasts and salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:30 P.M.
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:30pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Dancing begins.
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
Photographers Depart
9:00 P.M.
9:00pm
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe me, just take a look at Victor and Teresa's wedding day. It rained the entire first part of the day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
If you don't own a pair of cute Hunter boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations!
Rain Tips
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations, and other keepsakes together in one spot for me!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes and stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in the detail shots.
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply a small bunch of extra pieces, I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
Shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Gifted liquor
Watch
Anything else that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I start with grandparents, then children, and then move from there.
I'll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we talk about the wedding day timeline, I'll ask you about your immediate family members, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members, etc.), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find a typical list below.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange request to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads, and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "cushion time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still untouched by guests.
cushion Time
05
If you're planning on having a first look with your bridesmaids or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having paper towels ready can help.
Extra Florals
03
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Prep for the heat
02
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your wedding party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to let me know!
I'm here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll keep an eye on you and guests. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to give their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply me with a list ahead of time, I can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
Make a list
07
I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to only exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced, and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments that were captured.
Think about this fact: not long ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I deliver will eventually fade away.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen and leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
After your gallery is delivered, I'll work with you to order prints and design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
Albums must be prepaid before printing begins and typically take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete (including revisions).
With the exception of printing errors, all albums are non-returnable. Albums may be ordered up to a year after the wedding day. The holiday deadline for beginning an order is October 15th.
4x4: $20 per spread
8x8: $44 per spread
10x10: $68 per spread
12x12: $80 per spread
priced per spread
PRICING
Wedding albums are available a la carte or as part of your wedding collection.
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you more! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email (hello@alaynaparker.com) or text (614-507-7121) any time!
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am so here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through the guide!