Things to consider on your wedding Day

Rooted in presence. Grateful to witness.

I believe weddings are more than timelines and to-do lists — they’re about people coming together, carrying their own histories, quirks, and love into one shared day. My work is about noticing those moments you might miss: the squeeze of a hand before the vows, the laughter spilling out from the kitchen, the way your community shows up for you.

What You Can Expect From Me

  • Quiet care. I’ll step in when needed — whether that’s pinning a boutonniere, making sure grandma gets into the portraits, or sneaking you outside for a breath of fresh air before the dance floor kicks off.

  • A grateful eye. I don’t take lightly what it means to be invited into such an intimate moment of your life. My role is part witness, part guide — always grounded in gratitude.

  • Space to be yourselves. I won’t ask you to perform or pretend — you don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands or how to stand. Just live your day, and I’ll take care of documenting it. If you don’t hear from me, it means everything is unfolding beautifully and you can simply relax. The only time I’ll step in is if it adds to the moment — usually something gentle like, “Hey, hold hands and walk this way.”

    And yes, I get a little extra excited when the light is good — so if you hear me say, “Okay, last one, I promise,” know that, it probably won’t be the last! But it will be worth it.

I’m here for you

Please know you can always communicate your needs—big or small. On wedding days, I’m here for more than photos—I’ve pinned boutonnieres, bustled dresses, even folded pocket squares on the fly. Whatever comes up, I’ll do my best to help (and if I can’t, I’ll find someone who can).

If certain details—like florals, invites, jewelry, or gifts—are important to you, keep them together in one spot so I can photograph them quickly and then get back to what matters most: the people around you.

And if your timeline shifts or you’re planning a surprise (outfit change? flash mob? yes, please!) just give me a heads up so I don’t miss it.

First Looks

If you’re doing a first look, make it count. This is your moment together. I’ll be there with my camera, but honestly? Pretend I’m not—ignore me ;) Hug each other tight, laugh, cry, kiss, whisper something only the two of you would get.

It’s one of the last quiet pauses in your day where time can actually stand still, just the two of you before everything else unfolds. Let it be slow, let it be sweet, and soak it in before the whirlwind of love and celebration begins.

Your Ceremony

When it comes to your ceremony, slow it down. Take a deep breath. Soak it all in. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and it flies by quicker than you’d think. When you share your first kiss as a married couple—linger in it. Look at your partner, then take a second to notice all the people who showed up to celebrate you.

Hold hands if it feels natural (and if you can’t quite reach, just scoot in a little closer). You don’t need to stand far apart. And don’t forget to hand off your bouquet to your designated person before the vows begin, whether they’re standing with you or sitting in the front row.

After the ceremony, as you walk back down the aisle, consider pausing at the last row for a wide shot—just the two of you up front with all your people cheering behind you. It’s a photo full of joy, and a moment you’ll be glad you slowed down for.

Family Photos

If you’re not doing a first look, we’ll head into family photos right after the ceremony. You’re going to get hugged, kissed, and congratulated by everyone (and honestly, it’s the best!). But if you get swept up in that moment, it can eat into the time we need for family photos—which just means less time for you to enjoy cocktail hour.

So here’s the plan: once you pause for that last kiss or dip at the end of the aisle, walk off together and take a moment to just be a newly married couple. Maybe your planner has a little tray of bites and champagne waiting, or you sneak a private toast before meeting me (and your family) at our designated photo spot.

If your family knows ahead of time to stick around for photos before heading to cocktail hour, we can fly through the list, get all the important groupings, and send you back to the celebration with drinks in hand. And if you think of a fun extra grouping later, no problem—we can always grab it during cocktail hour or the reception.

Taking a Break & Remembering to Eat

Your reception will be all kinds of wonderful—everyone will want to hug you, chat with you, and pull you onto the dance floor. It’s the best, but it also means you two can easily get separated in the swirl of it all. Make little check-ins part of the night: share a quick dance, sneak outside for a breath, or even just find each other’s eyes across the room. Those tiny reconnections light you up from the inside—and it shows in your photos.

And about food—let’s keep it real: the best time for us (your photographers and videographers) to eat is when you eat. No one wants photos of themselves mid-bite (except maybe cake cutting or oyster cheers). If you can share this with your planner or catering team, it helps so much. Sometimes vendors get fed after all the guests, which usually means we don’t eat at all because as soon as plates are cleared, it’s time for us to be back in action for toasts, dances, and everything else. Eating when you do keeps us fueled and ready—so we don’t miss a beat..

Golden Hour Portraits

Golden hour portraits on film

Golden hour—the last bit of light before the sun sets—is pure magic. The light turns soft, warm, and golden, and it’s one of the best times for portraits. We’ll plan for about 30 minutes, though I’ll do my best to have you back to the party in closer to 20 (unless we’re heading off-site, then we’ll plan accordingly).

And here’s the bonus: it’s not just about the photos. Sneaking away at golden hour gives you a chance to breathe, laugh, and soak in the day together before jumping back into the celebration. Your guests won’t even notice you’ve slipped away—and when you come back, you’ll be glowing..

Sunset

Grand Exits

If we have more than 6 hours of coverage—or if we’ve customized your day—you might be dreaming of a grand exit. Sparklers sound fun, but since it’s California and fire season is a very real thing, so they’re usually a no-go. The good news? There are so many other options: bubbles, glow sticks, ribbon wands, flower petals, or even a staged send-off earlier in the night so everyone gets to join in.

If this is something you’d love, just let me know ahead of time so we can plan it with your wedding team and your guests. That way everyone’s ready, the timing is perfect, and you get to simply enjoy the magic of your send-off.

Soak It In

At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about—being present, celebrating with your favorite people, and making memories that feel like you. The little details and timelines help us flow smoothly, but what matters most is that you’re there, fully in it.

And remember—we’re a team. I’ll be there to keep things moving, capture the real moments, and make sure you actually enjoy your day.

Need more tips, planning tools, or a little extra support as you head into it all? Just click below.