Write a detailed schedule with your wedding professional. In addition to formal activities, be sure to include when everyone should be ready; when and where photos will begin and when you need to leave for the church, park, etc.,

Plan to meet with us (your photographer) two to three weeks beforehand. This is a great time to go over the day’s schedule and make sure that you have enough time scheduled to accomplish the photographs you want. Plan to bring a copy of your schedule, a list of family group portraits, as well as the name of the person officiating your wedding, the wedding coordinator, the caterer and the musician.

Make sure everyone in the bridal party and your family knows when they need to be ready and where they should be. The rehearsal dinner is sometimes a good place to remind everyone.

If no one is strongly opposed, we recommend that the group portraits be taken before the ceremony. This then allows everyone to relax, celebrate and enjoy the reception.

The next best time to take the group portraits is immediately after the ceremony, either at the altar, outside the church or at the ceremony site. This way everyone will be available and you will have a minimum of distractions.

Bring a small “emergency kit” of safety pins, straight pins, needle and thread (white, black and the colors of the Bridesmaids’ and mothers’ dresses), aspirin and make-up bag with powder/blotting paper for faces.

Have a cooler with water and juice (clear colors, not red!) in your car, limo or trolley.