The wedding guide
Love is Magic
Having photographed over 200 weddings over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I put together a guide that walks you through what to expect during your wedding photography experience! I'm so excited to give you this guide and with it my knowledge from 13 years of photographing weddings, planning timelines and making your life easier!
Be sure to bookmark this page now, because it's going to be your BESTIE as you plan and prepare for your big day!
welcome to the guide
I’m Chanelle, Southern California and Edinburgh based Photographer, movie buff and fun-seeker. Obsessed with Hogwarts, Halloween and wonderfully bad Nick Cage movies. I'm passionate about human connection and storytelling. I was raised on the cinema and inspired by it, so I bring that magic and wonder into everything I photograph.
I'm passionate about human connection and storytelling. Photographing you is like meeting you inside of your movie. I get a glimpse into your life and I'm honored to creatively capture your connection, your vibrance, your world. My photos are bold and colorful, with a cinematic aesthetic.
My work is a collaboration, I want to tell your story and I do that best when I know more about you. I like to add a personal touch and do things differently. My couples tend to be madly in love, adventurous and even non traditional, choosing to do activities that feel more personal on their day. And I want to be there to document your story, whether that's morning golf descending into cart races or sneaking away to the hotel room to take a few intimate newlywed pics! I want to give you photos of exactly how your relationship feels.
meet your Photographer
Recommended Vendors
KS DJ | RICHARD 626-705-9242
THE AMBIENCE COMPANY
Dj
LADY MOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Meridian Visuals
Videographer
AH, LOVE
THE AMBIENCE COMPANY
Planner / Coordinator
ENGAGEMENT
session
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
This session will make a HUGE impact on how the wedding day flows. I’ll arrive on your wedding day already knowing how you two interact, what your best poses are and how to photograph you in a genuine way! What I will learn about you during your engagement session is invaluable!
You will feel like such a pro on your big day because of the great practice you had during your engagement session! Since this is likely your first professional photo shoot, these tips will help you prepare.
HOW TO PREPARE
Don’t try to match, try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead. Don't wear the exact same color.
Do wear the same color family, like a dark and a light of the same color. Try pastels or light colors contrasted with bold color.
Accessorize and make your outfits your own! Try bold jewellery or shoes with solid colors.
Avoid graphics and overwhelming patterns. Avoid bright Red and Neon colors becasue they can cast color shadows on your faces that is difficult to edit out.
Fitted clothing photographs better than loose clothing but a flowy dress is more fun and carefree than a mini skirt.
Start with a casual outfit and bring along a formal one too. This will give your shoot two totally different looks.
It's a great time to have a trial run with your makeup artist and hairstylist. You should look and feel your best on the day of your session.
Relax! You don’t have to be a pro at this! I am going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast. Enjoy this time together and make a date out of it. Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!!
what to wear
Don't drink the night before you have photos taken. Drinking dehydrates your skin and makes your eyes puffy.
BE ON TIME: We typically plan your start time based on sunset time. If you are late, it cuts into the sunlight we have available! No one wants dark photos, so arriving on time will ensure we have gorgeous light to work with.
BRINGING THE DOG: The best way to include pups is to have a friend come along to leash and watch the dogs during your session.
CLEAN THE RING: Your ring will be a focal point of your photos, and I'd love to grab a few up close shots of just your ring while you change outfits! Cleaning it will ensure it's nice and sparkly for photos!
EMPTY YOUR POCKETS: Especially for guys, make sure you don't have anything in your pockets!
GET YOUR NAILS DONE: Make sure your nails are freshly painted! Chipped nails will be noticeable in your photos. Neutral colors and pastels photograph beautifully and will match any outfit!
BRING COMFY SHOES: If you're wearing heels, bring a pair of flip flops or comfortable shoes to walk from spot to spot. Your feet will thank me later!
tips for success
Let's talk locations
I encourage you to think of session locations that have MEANING to you. This will allow us to capture more genuine images that reflect your personality. Think: Favorite activity, where you met, your proposal spot, your home, where you had your first date, etc. If you're totally stumped for locations, have no fear!! These are some of my favorite photo locations.
WEDDING
getting ready
TIMING
1. I find that 1.5 hours of coverage is the sweet spot. It gives me enough time to settle in, get photos of your details, photos of you actually getting dressed, and all the sweet and happy moments in between. Here are my top tips for Getting Ready.
2. Get ready somewhere within a 10-15 minute drive of your ceremony or venue! If something happens and sets you back by 10-15 minutes, it will be extra stressful knowing you have a 30 minute drive with possible traffic than if it’s right down the street!
3. Have your florist deliver your bouquet and boutonnières BEFORE I am scheduled to arrive. This ensures they will be included with all of the other pretty details!
4. Add lots of buffer time for your hair and make up. This tends to be the thing that sets everything behind schedule, so be sure you have a large enough window between when your MUA finishes and when you need to be out the door. I’d say 1 hour is safe. It may seem like a stretch but trust me, if it means avoiding rushing to your Ceremony, you won’t regret it. Plan for all of your family/wedding party to be done and dressed by this time as well so i can photograph them helping you into your dress.
TIPS FOR BETTER PHOTOS
1. Don't drink the night before you have photos taken. Drinking dehydrates your skin and makes your eyes puffy. A few the morning of is totally fine as long as you Hydrate before AND after you pop the champagne or toss back the shots.
2. Make sure to eat while you are getting ready. Grab a sandwich platter for the bride and bridesmaids and the groom and groomsmen.
3. Choose getting ready rooms with lots of natural light, the more windows, the better.
4. Keep the bridal / groom prep areas neat and tidy. The background of your photos matter!
5. Wear something nice before getting into your gown.
6. Refrain from putting any jewlery on. I love shooting all of those final steps once you’re in your gown!
7. If your gown is on a plastic hanger, bring a wooden hanger along for picture sake.
8. Gather every detail you want photographed beforehand and leave it all together. If they’re all in one place when I arrive, I won’ t have to bug you or distract you and you can just focus on getting ready!
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1. Will you and your groom exchange gifts or letters during this time? If so make sure we are present when you open them.
2. Are there certain women in your life who would appreciate seeing you get into your gown?
3. Do you want to share a “first look” with your fiance, your dad or any other person who plays a huge role in your life?
BOUQUET
GARTER
INVITATIONS
BORROWED & BLUE
BRIDESMAID GIFTS
LETTER FROM GROOM
DRESS
VEIL / HAIR PIECES
RINGS (ALL THREE)
SHOES
JEWELRY
PERFUME
WHAT TO GATHER
Bride Details
WATCH
COLOGNE
BOUTINEERS
GROOMSMEN GIFTS
LETTER FROM BRIDE
SHOES
BELT
SUSPENDERS
TIE
CUFFLINKS
Groom Details
Boudoir photography is a fun and sexy trend that's especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her groom. Many brides like to have the best of their boudoir photos bound in a mini album just for their hubby. Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little, or well, nothing at all.
Schedule a boudoir session a few weeks before your wedding day in addtion to or as an alternative to an engagement session. A fun and pampering photo shoot, before the big day is a good way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Or let me know you want to add a mini shoot the morning of your wedding. All we need is a private space with natural lighting. It will take about 15 minutes, after hair and makeup and right before you get into your dress.
The most important thing—choose outfits that make you feel confident and sexy. A good rule of thumb: Bring something white, something black, and something in a bright color or a sheer robe so you can mix and match. In addition to lingerie, don't forget shoes, jewelry, veil, garter and that engagement ring.
SEXY & FUN
Boudoir
FIRST LOOK
why its worth it
That moment when you see each other for the first time on your wedding day is magical! About half of my couples choose to do a First Look. I’m all for tradition and you are in no way obligated to do a First Look, I only recommend it because I want the best for you. A first look gives the two of you a private moment to share before the rest of the wedding day craziness. Remember why you are getting married – because two people fell in love. Here are a few reasons to choose a First Look:
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 pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
If you know the tears are going to fall the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, 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.
AVOID POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER AND/OR HAVE TIME TO FRESHEN-UP AFTER CRYING
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures, full bridal party pictures, and then bride and groom portraits can feel a little rushed.
A first look can help your wedding feel a lot more laid back, your Portraits aren't rushed and you will have more time to hang out with your Bridalparty before your Ceremony. You'll maximize the number of Couple Portraits you'll get because you will have 2 rounds of Portraits; plus splitting the time won't make Photo taking feel painfully long. Lastly, you'll get to enjoy part of your cocktail hour!
YOU'LL HAVE MORE TIME FOR PICTURES WITHOUT SACRIFICING COCKTAIL HOUR
Couples who are not interested in a First Look usually think that by seeing each other beforehand, it will not be as emotional or as intimate. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle he can’t tell you how amazing you look. he can’t touch you, embrace you or even speak to you. And most Grooms tell us that they feel so much pressure to have the right reaction with all of your guests eyes on him.
A First Look is an opportunity to enjoy an intimate moment alone, and reflect on all this day means for you both. And you'll be SO much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony! Our Couples have told us the First Look was the only time they had alone together all day!
A FIRST LOOK CUTS NERVES AND gives you an intimate experience
CEREMONY
tips and timing
Plan your schedule around the sun, especially if your ceremony is outdoors. Lighting is the most important element of good photos! Ceremony lighting is really important, if you get married outdoors at 12pm, the lighting will be extremely harsh and not only will there be harsh lines of light on your faces, you will also be squinting. I suggest planning an outdoor ceremony 2 hours before sunset if you are having a First Look. If you are not interested in sharing a first look, then I would suggest having your ceremony 3 hours before sunset to ensure that you will have plenty of time for all of your portraits afterwards. The lower the sun, the more romantic the lighting. If you are having an indoor ceremony, it is always best to have even lighiting at the altar. If there are two spotlights on the bride and groom, I will not be able to expose the rest of the bridal party. It is better to have soft, even light across the whole altar.
Imagine this, you are standing at the front of the aisle and you cannot see your fiancee becasue guests are leaning and standing in the aisle to take a shot of you. You can’t see the expression on your fiancees face, but you do see him straining to see you. Then you notice one of your close friends not looking at you, but at her cell phone. Everywhere you look you see your favorite people staring at their devices. All in all it wasn’t the moment you thought it would be–people seemed more interested in taking pictures than being present in the moment with you.
When your photos come back from your wedding photographer, all of your Ceremony photos are framed with guests holding devices. People are smiling, but they're all staring at little screens.
I know that it can be super-frustrating to spend a small fortune on wedding photography and have guests block your photographers shots, or spend your entire wedding with a phone in front of their face.
But how do you get family and friends to understand that you want to have them present and not using devices during the ceremony? Post a sign as people enter the ceremony space, include instruction in your printed program and before the Ceremony begins have a family member or officiant read a short request.
Ceremony
Unplugged
I absolutely love meeting couple’s families on the wedding day! Family formals are normally my first interaction with them and so I love to have a game plan for this part of the day. I tackle family formals by starting with a big group photo of both sides of the family. Then I ask one side to step out and work my way down to smaller and smaller groups before asking the other side to step back in. Below I have listed the standard photos I take. Four weeks before the wedding, you’ll receive a questionnaire from me that will ask you to list any additional family formals you want us to capture and notify us of special family situations (like divorses and disabilities).
We do have to limit the family formal time in order to ensure that we have plenty of daylight for your romantic portraits. However, any large family group shots that we don’t accomplish during family formals, we can be sure to capture at the reception! Keep in mind that family formals are for immediate family. At the reception, we take group shots with each table as you go around greeting and thanking your guests. So don’t worry we will make sure you get a photo with everyone!
EXPLAINED
Family Formals
B&G with Bride’s Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
B&G with Bride’s Parents & Siblings
B&G with Bride’s Siblings B&G with Bride’s Grandparents
B&G with Bride’s Parents
B&G with both sets of Parents
B&G with Groom’s Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
B&G with Groom’s Parents & Siblings
B&G with Groom’s Siblings
B&G with Groom’s Grandparents
B&G with Bride’s Parents
Sunset portraits are literally the BEST ten minutes of portraits you'll get on your wedding day. Typically we'll sneak out for 10 minutes during your reception or right after family formals to grab a few of these glowy, swoon-worthy photos! Trust me, they are WORTH IT!
PRO TIP: Bring the veil + bouquet! This looks DREAMY with sunset lighting!
SUNSET PORTRAITS
Don't freak out! Overcast skies = perfect lighting. Sunlight, especially mid-day, is actually very harsh. Rainy days give that perfect, soft, natural lighting, no matter where you take your photos! This gives you perfect lighting + the ability to use a lot more locations. It also tends to make colors look more vibrant.
PRO TIP: Be willing to go outside! I bring along cute, clear umbrellas that keep you pretty darn dry and they look adorable!
RAINY DAY
Taking these photos in the morning will ensure we will not feel rushed after the Ceremony. If you choose not to do a First Look, I will take the full Bridal Party group photo immediately following the Ceremony. These will be really quick since we will have already taken the majority of the Bridal Party Formals.
PRO TIP: Make sure there is a Non-Bridal Party, kid rangler available for the flower girl and ring bearers.
BRIDALPARTY
LET'S TALK PORTRAITS
Reception
party time, excellent
Receptions can be a blast! Much like the ceremony, you have the freedom to make your reception your own! It’s your party, it should be exactly how you want it to be! Make sure that you plan out all of the aspects of the evening. Your coordinator and your DJ will help you plan the flow and design of the reception but I do have a few recommendations for you based on my experience.
It is my recommendation that you take care of formal traditions at the start of the Reception, one right after another. Formal traditions are events like the Bridal Party Introductions, Toasts, First Dance, Parent Dances, Cake Cutting, etc. If you eliminate the wait time guests spend between events, you will guarantee that everyone will be present to enjoy these moments with you. This is especially important if you have elderly guests or families with children that are not able to stay until the very end.
The biggest benefit is that you will spend more time celebrating and dancing with your guests if you have all of the reception traditions out of the way early on.
I also recommend ending the formal traditions with one of these events: Money Dance, Bouquet & Garter Toss or a Large Group Photo. Since most guests will be up and away from their tables, the DJ can easily transition into the open dance floor portion of the night.
RECEPTION timeline
There are SO many options when it comes to exits. Sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks, rose petals... there's so many options!
If your coverage ends before your exit, you have the option of planning a mock exit with your bridal party. This is more common than you may think. Instead of saving your exit until the very end, you can plan a mock exit with just the members of your bridal party and your immediately family members. This allows us to have more control over these shots and the party never has to stop. In most cases, no one even notices that the bride and groom are missing for a few minutes. Also, it’s almost impossible to tell that the whole wedding isn’t there waving sparklers and sending off the happy couple. This suggestion will help you save money and still have all of the photos you've dreamed of.
Mock Exit
timeline
Sample
This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for your first look and portraits, when we arrive in the morning prior to the getting ready portion of the day. Don’t stress about that one bit! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as
possible. The
presense of the Bridal Party is optional.
FIRST LOOK
2:30 - 2:45
During morning prep
I will sneak away to photograph the
ceremony site, before guests arrive. Check with your Coordinator and Florist to find out what time the site will be decorated and ready for photos. If your Ceremony is at a different location than your prep site I will sneak away later in the day. Ask your
Coordinator to have the Ceremony site ready to photograph at least 1 hour before the Ceremony begins.
CEREMONY details
2:00
After hair and make up is done, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress, near a window! This is a big moment! The mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids should be dressed by this time. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits! Let your MUA and Stylist know you must be ready at least 45 minutes before we leave for the First Look or Ceremony.
GETTING READY
1:00 - 2:30
Collect all of your
details before I arrive so that I can begin quickly. Don’t forget to give all 3 rings to the Bride. Make sure and have your Florist deliver the bouquets and bouts to the bridal suite before photogs arrive. So we can get some shots of them in the AM. I like to allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day.
DETAILS
12:00-1:00
It’s time to get married!! Most ceremonies are 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 mins, we’ll make
adjustments to the timeline. Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly! Let us know if your Church or Venue has
specific rules on where we can stand or the use of flash.
CEREMONY
4:00 - 4:30
If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, I will use this time to shoot the reception decor, untouched by your guests. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, I recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area, so that I or my second shooter can grab some great shots. Ask your Coordinator to have this area ready to photograph at least 30 minutes before the Grand Entrance.
RECEPTION DETAILS
3:30 - 4:00
During Bridal Party formals, we will make sure to take some geat shots of the group, the guys and the girls!
Taking these photos in the morning will ensure we will not feel rushed after the Ceremony. You'll also get to spend more time with your Bridal Party and there is a high likely hood that you will get to enjoy a portion of your Cocktail Hour.
BRIDAL PARTY
3:00 - 3:30
After the bride and groom take their time with the First Look, I will begin taking a few romantic portraits of the couple while the initial excitement is still present!
Remember, the LIGHT determines where we shoot and so I can’t decide on the portrait locations until the day-of. As we shoot these portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to us for Bridal Party formals.
PORTRAITS
2:45 - 3:00
8 hours of coverage ensures I can be present for the main events of the recepetion and about an hour or two of dancing. If you’re interested in having your exit photographed, there are several options for this! You can either add additional coverage, plan a bubble or streamer exit after your ceremony or plan a mock sparkler exit with just your bridalparty and close family.
THE EXIT
8:00
This is when the bridal party lines up for introductions and the party begins!! It is best to schedule your big events immediately following dinner - bouquet/garter toss, cake cutting, first dances, etc. A good portion of wedding guests tend to leave a little bit after the meal so having the main events while guests are still around looks best for photos, and allows you to share those events with those who have to leave early.
RECEPTION BEGINS
5:30
1-2 hours before sunset is the best time of day for portraits. This is when the sun is glowy and golden. I love having a few extra minutes with the bride and groom to take a few “Just Married” portraits right after family formals.
Let me know if you want to sneak out, during your reception, for a few night
portraits.
2ND PORTRAITS
5:00 - 5:30
Family Portraits
normally take place immediately following the ceremony. it’s best to save all of the family formals until after the ceremony because ALL family members will be
present at that time. We have a great system for working through these shots, so you do not have to worry about creating a shot list. If your Ceremony is in a church, make sure we can use the site for at least 30 minutes for family photos after the Ceremony.
FAMILY
4:30 - 5:00
BOUDOIR PARTY
I'll tag along to your Bridal Shower and take Boudoir photos of you and your Bridesmaids.
REHEARSAL DINNER PHOTOS
I'll capture all of the laughter at your Rehearsal Dinner!
COUPLES BOUDOIR
A couples boudoir session, in your hotel room or Airbnb the morning of or morning after your wedding.
Heirloom albums are the perfect way to remember your big day. You can order one anytime before or after your wedding day! Reach out if you are interested in ordering one!
8x8 ALBUM: $600
10x10 ALBUM: $800
12x12 ALBUM: $1000
• Vegan Leather or Linen Cover
• Additional Spread: $50
• Custom Engraving: $100
Albums
ALrEADY getting AN ALBUM? HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT...
4-6 weeks of approving your album design, you'll receive your album at your doorstep!
Delivery
You get two revisions with your album design. It's all set up online so it's really easy to make changes! You have an unlimited amount of design changes + image swaps within each revision.
Two Revisions
One week after you receive your full gallery, I'll send you a link to your initial album design. After designing over 50 albums, I have a pretty good idea of the images most couples choose.
Initial Design
getting AN ALBUM? HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT...
A storybook album goes beyond the images and tells more about your story. The album is made from wedding, engagement, and your personal scanned photos alongside written passages with your best relationship memories. This album is a collaboration with the two of you. I will either interview you on the day of your wedding or send you a Questionnaire. 100 yearbook style pages.
$1000
Storybook
Album made from Engagement photos with space for your guests to write messages at your Reception. Order at least 2 months before your wedding.
Guestbook
Album made with 20 thick, layflat pages, with around 50 photos. This is my most popular album.
Fine art album
Choose your favorite engagement photo to be printed on Canvas, Metal or Wood. Display your photo at the Reception entry for guests to sign. Stand not included. Venues typically have stands available upon request.
16x24 $300
24x30 $400
Entry photo
Wedding Items
These wedding films are something I'm very, very proud of. Shot entirely on analog super 8 film they capture the true feeling of the day in a way a photograph can't. I am convinced these films will be passed on and shared with your family long after you're gone.
$800
There’s a reason why stories have been told in
books and movies for so long.
super 8 video