Wedding
guide
I am so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait to get to know you both better. I know photography is one of the most important investments you're making for your wedding - and I am so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a planner or just having a simple wedding, there are a lot of moving pieces leading up to the big day. I put together this guide to walk you through the process and answer many common questions.
Welcome!!
WHAT TO EXPECT + WHEN
SESSION
WHEN: 6 wks after wedding, via email
You'll receive a sneak peek a week after your wedding, and your full gallery will be delivered in 6 weeks.
DELIVERY
On your wedding day, I gently guide you - and act as an engaged observer - capturing the moments with as little disruption as possible.
MEETING
DAY
WHEN: 2-3 wks before wedding
We will have a final meeting to make sure I have all the details right!
Click here for more info on my approach to photography and editing.
Your gallery store will have a selection of heirloom albums, framed prints, and other tangible printed items to help you re-live your day.
WHEN: 2-3 mos before wedding, via email + client portal
This questionnaire helps me get really familiar with your vision and what matters to you.
QUESTIONNAIRE
WORKSHEET
WHEN: 6-8 mos before wedding, via email + client portal
You fill out a quick worksheet so I can put together a rough schedule for your day - start to finish.
WHEN: 1 day after booking, via email
Please review this wedding guide - and bookmark it for future reference!
due
WHEN: 1 mo before wedding
Final payment is due one month before your wedding day. You can pay this at any time via your client portal, and I will also send out a couple reminders.
WHEN: 2wks after booking, via email
I make the process super easy in terms of selecting a location, scheduling and prep. Link below to my engagement session guide :)
I am generally available Mon-Thurs 9-5pm for routine questions, and anytime for pressing concerns. Contact me via email at nicolemarcellephoto@gmail.com or via text/sms at (917) 587-5991.
HOW TO CONTACT NICOLE
You can access your image gallery via my client gallery page. I will also send you an email that includes a link to your specific gallery when your images are ready.
CLIENT IMAGE GALLERY
Client Galleries >>
Your client portal provides you with one place to log in to view your account with my studio. In the portal, you can view and print your contract and paid items, pay upcoming invoices, access your questionnaires, and update your contact information.
CLIENT PORTAL
CLIENT PORTAL >>
WEDDING DAY SCHEDULING FOR STRESS-REDUCTION
When you attend a wedding that goes well, things seem to seamlessly flow from one part of the day to the next. This is the result of intentional planning. The document that outlines this flow is the wedding day timeline - and it is super important because it will allow you to enjoy your wedding day with as little stress as possible. Here are three preliminary timeline tips regarding photography that will help the day flow seamlessly for you and your guests.
Group portraits take time. Plan on at least 60-80 minutes - for the standard family and wedding party photos.
Schedule time just before sunset for a few extra portraits of you two. This will give you a few minutes away together, and the photos will be gorgeous.
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Daylight for group photos is VERY important. If possible, schedule your day so we can take advantage of daylight (outside, from windows, etc.) - for portraits.
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PRELIMINARY ADVICE
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
Engagement GUIDE >>
A couple weeks after booking, I will email you to schedule your engagement session. As a documentary style photographer, I do engagement sessions to get to know you as a couple....
If the forecast looks like rain, fear not because you are in good hands. My approach to weddings is to capture them as they happen - and some of my favorites included rain!
Ultimately, we cannot change the weather, so my advice is to ensure your wedding has a back-up plan for rain, and otherwise embrace it as it comes!
I also always include a rain plan for portraits, which I will discuss with you at your final prep meeting.
Rain Tips
There are a few reasons a couple might not want to see each other prior to the ceremony and if you are committed to that, I won’t argue! But, it you are on the fence, even a little bit...
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, a first look will give you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
You will have more flexibility in your timeline - and photos will take less time, because there are fewer distractions (no pulling people from post-ceremony greetings or cocktail hour). By getting group photos out of the way, you and families can enjoy the wedding without interruption - and you guys can go to cocktail hour.
It makes time for pictures AND cocktail hour
MORE FLEXIBILITY IN CASE OF bad weather
You can spend some intimate moments with your partner before the day takes off. This will help you relax and and give you a special, private moment together.
A first look cuts through the chaos
For late fall, winter or early spring weddings: if you don’t see each other prior, you risk running out of natural light for portraits unless you have your ceremony early in the day.
NATURAL LIGHT IS IDEAL
FIRST LOOK?
Ultimately, if you do a first look, you will end up with more portraits overall. That is because there is simply more time - and everyone looks their best, so there are more keepers.
MORE PHOTOS OVERALL
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In terms of photos, I have a quick “scheduling worksheet” that I send you so I can help you draft a rough schedule - mostly for the early part of your day. This is helpful for understanding how long things will take given the size of your wedding party and given any travel between various locations. In the meantime, here’s a basic idea:
SAMPLE
TIMELINES
- Getting ready (1-2hrs)
- Ceremony (Note: Please schedule your ceremony to there's time to do all portraits before sunset.)
- Group portraits (60mins - immediately following ceremony)
- Couple portraits (30 mins) during cocktails or at sunset
- Guests seated for reception
- Introduction, first dance, speeches, parent dances, cake cutting, dancing
- Getting ready (1-2hrs)
- First look + couples portraits (30 mins)
- Wedding party photos (30-45mins)
- Family photos (30-45mins)
- Ceremony
- Couple joins cocktail hour (30-45mins)
- Photographer shoots cocktail hour + details (30mins)
- Guests seated for reception
- Introduction, first dance, speeches, parent dances, cake cutting, dancing
- Sunset photos with couple (15mins)
with first look
without first look
GROUP PORTRAITS 101
The only way to make sure we get the group portraits you want is to make a list. About 2-3 months prior to your date, I will send you a questionnaire that asks for the “who’s who” of your wedding day. Then I will draft a list for you to review. In the meantime, here are answers to some common group photo questions:
With a first look, before the ceremony. Or if you prefer not to see each other before, then immediately after the ceremony.
WHEN SHOULD WE DO OUR GROUP PORTRAITS?
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Usually about 60-80 minutes for the standard wedding party and family photos.
HOW LONG WILL GROUP PHOTOS TAKE?
The thing that takes the most time with portraits is gathering everyone together. If we have to gather various groups more than once, it cuts into your schedule and takes time away from you enjoying your wedding.
WHY DO GROUP PHOTOS ALL AT ONCE?
CAN WE DO EXTENDED FAMILY PHOTOS?
CAN WE DO GROUP PORTRAITS AFTER DARK?
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FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
If you are interested in capturing your wedding day as a treasured but fleeting experience between you and your loved ones (and you have it in your budget) adding film is a lovely, serendipitous way to do that.
More About Film >>
Nothing I say now can prepare you for how important your photos will be after your wedding. Albums make the photos real. I offer heirloom quality albums at affordable prices in a variety of sizes and colors. Check out the guide below for more info.
