Eat, Drink, and Get Married! A Hazy Lane Studios Magazine

Married Eat, Drink and Get

WELCOME TO WEDDING PLANNING

A MAGAZINE FOR HAZY LANE STUDIOS COUPLES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS Planning on an e-sesh? Check out some preperation tips here.

8 THE COUNTDOWN You don't plan a wedding every day... Stay organized by ensuring your finishing tasks in a timely manner.

11 TIMELINES Creating a wedding day timeline can be a bit stressful.Take a peek at some sample timelines to understand how photography fits in to your day.

16 TIPS With hundreds of weddings under my belt, I've learned a thing or two.

18 PREFERRED VENDORS Work with the best in the biz!

20 WEDDING ALBUMS Saying that I love my weddings albums is an understatement. Let's create a beautiful heirloom to show your great grandchildren.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

THANK YOU Thank you so much for trusting in Hazy Lane Studios for your wedding day photography. It's truly an honor to be by your side before, during, and after your wedding day. As you move forward with your wedding planning, regardless of where you're at, please do not forget, I am here for you! Whether you need vendor recommendations, a neutral party to bounce ideas off of, or just someone to talk to, I'm always available. I look forward to working with you in the months ahead.

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LOVE LETTER

Kim and Ian "Karey was everything I could hope for in a wedding photographer. She was organized, professional, and fun! I appreciate the fact that she was able to help me outside of just photography day of. She gave me great advice in our pre-planning session. She always made myself and my husband feel very comfortable during both our wedding and engagement session. Her vision of backdrops, especially at Casa Real, is absolutely stunning! I could not recommend her enough!"

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l u f s s e c c u s A s e r i u q e r e g marria e v o l n i g n i l fal , s e m i t y n a m e h t h t i w s y alwa . n o s r e p e m sa PAGE 05

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.

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SCHEDULING Please use the link you were provided at booking to schedule your session. If you're adding on an engagement after booking (or considering it), please reach out and I will provide you a link with my session availability. Session times will vary, based on location and sunset. Sessions last approximately one hour.

THE 'FITS This is always the #1 question I receive... What should we wear?

The most important thing is that you are comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. If you are constantly needing to tug, fix, and adjust your clothing or you don't feel amazing when you look in the mirror, that will be reflected when you view your photos.

You can have up to two outfits for your session. I recommend one that is more dressy (think going out to the city on a Saturday night) and one that is more casual. Coordinate in colors, but no need to be matchy-matchy!

HMUA Consider a hair and make-up trial for your session! This usually helps you feel a little more "done up" for the shoot and can help build confidence. You can check out my preferred vendors page for some HMUA recommendations.

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The Countdown is ON! The invites are out, the dress is in, and the vendors have been finalized, so what now?

6 to 8 weeks

Be on the lookout for a questionnaire and shotlist from me. Make sure to fill this out together. Basic things like, "First Kiss" or "Bride with Bridesmaids" do not need to be placed on the shotlist - if I didn't get these shots, I would not be doing my job! Think of this list more as an aboveand-beyond. Is there a special guest? A pin in your bouquet? A generations photo with mom, grandma, and great grandma? These are the things I need to know!

Most of your vendors will be reaching out to schedule final meetings and walkthroughs too. While you might want to meet with me right away, I should be your last meeting.

4 to 5weeks

Touch base with all of your vendors and organized your final invoices.

Reach out to those guests that have not R.S.V.P.'d yet, and get confirmation from them.

While this is being done, you can also start loosely creating your seating chart.

2 to 3 weeks

Finish favors (if you're doing them) Finalize seating chart Begin writing your vows Designate a few people to be your day-of liaison Meet with me!

Finalize timeline

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1 Week Out

Get your rings professionally cleaned. Try to leave them in the box. No one wants photos of dirty rings!

Self clean any other day-of jewelry Haircut for the groom Place a full invite in a baggie for me Finish vows Mani/pedi appointments Create a day-of tote; sewing kit, scissors, razors, deodorant, safety pins, and Tide-to-go can come in handy in a pinch Drink lots, and lots of water and avoid sodium and sugar. No one wants to be dehydrated on their wedding day!

Day-Of Sit back and relax. You have a dream team of vendors and your family and friends by your side.

Enjoy your day!

After the Wedding

Phew! You did it! Time to pack your bags and take off on that well deserved honeymoon. When you return, get going on those thank you notes and leave reviews for your vendors. While you 'technically' have a year, guests appreciate something in the first few months.

If you ordered an album, start favoriting images once you have received your gallery.

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LOVE LETTER

Kathy

(Mother of the Bride)

Karey was so great to work with! She was very efficient with the time, professional and fun! She knew the venue inside and out, so she already knew what worked and what didn’t. We had a wonderful experience with her, and the photos are absolutely beautiful! Highly recommend!

McKenzie and Karl

My husband and I got married at Elliston Vineyards in November 2019, so this is a long time overdue! The ONLY reason this review is so late, is because life is crazy and I wanted so badly to do Karey justice that I put it off until I had time to sit down and really put how much she meant to us down in words. Karey is incredible. First of all, her photos are works of art, seriously go look at her albums and they speak for themselves. What her photos can’t tell you but I will back 10000% is that Karey was so much more than a photographer to us on our day (and those leading up to it). I was so nervous and overwhelmed the day of, and the moment I stepped foot onto the venue grounds, Karey took complete charge, telling everyone where to be when to be there, all while taking incredible photographs. She made me feel at ease and helped me with more than she realize (she literally told me how I was supposed to cut the cake, since apparently neither me nor my husband thought to practice that part). Cue corny part, but I am absolutely convinced Karey has magic powers, she was literally everywhere at once, but so discrete and professional that most people don’t even remember seeing a photographer (and she had an assistant there too!). Unruly bridal party or family? Not to worry, Karey is a master at getting everyone where they need to be, fast and firmly. I seriously can’t say enough good things about our experience working with Karey (engagement shoot and wedding)! I can guarantee we will be looking to work with her again when we decide to start our family. We love her and you will too!

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Wedding Day

Creating A

Timeline

A Joint Effort Creating a timeline that is efficient and meets the needs of everyone, can be challenging at times.

Prioritizing the wants and needs of the newlyweds, while managing the expectations of the wedding party and family can make for some interesting conversations around the planning table.

From a photography standpoint, the biggest consideration is sunset time. While the listed sunset time changes daily, you also need to consider external factors that may change this time, including west-facing hills, mountains, and buildings that may effect this time.

In the subsequent pages, you will see some timeline samples of what works best for all involved.

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Spring/Summer Timeline Here is a sample timeline for Spring and Summer (and even early Fall) weddings. During these months, the sun will set later in the day.

While a first look is not necessary, if you would like to do one, we will usually place this after the bridesmaids photos.

Photography starts.

2:00

2:30

When I arrive, I will usually touch base with the coordinator, and then come see the bride. From there, as the bride and bridesmaids settle in, I will begin taking detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry) that cannot be taken at a later time.

Bridesmaids will be getting dressed at this time. Once complete, the bride gets dressed!

Bride/Bridesmaid Photos, & Groom Arrival

Once the groom is confirmed being on-site (and out of sight!), I will pull out the bride and bridesmaids for their photo session.

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3:00

3:30

Bride/Bridesmaids Tucked Away, & Groom/Groomsmen Photos After the ladies are done and tucked away from arriving guests, I will do the Groom and Groomsmen portraits.

Prep for Ceremony

While your coordinator gets you ready, I will be taking detail shots of your ceremony and reception areas.

Ceremony

4:00

It's time to say, "I do!"

While I do move around during the ceremony, I keep it at a minimum in an effort not to be disruptive. I have all the lenses to get those up-close photos without being in your face or blocking your guests.

If you're getting married at a church, please remember I am bound by their limitations and that of the pastor or priest.

Family Formals

4:35

4:55

5:15

Directly following your champagne toast, we will move directly to the agreed upon location for family portraits. It's imperative that you communicate this with all of the family members you want in your photos. Waiting for people or having to "hunt them down" creates unnecessary stress and delays.

Rest and Relax!

Take some time prior to your reception to rest and relax before the party begins!

Your coordinator will come get you when it's time to prep for your grand entrance.

Reception Begins!

Wedding Party & Couple Portraits

5:45

Once family formals are completed, we will move directly into the Wedding Party Portraits. Depending on your venue we usually limit this to two locations. We will often do some couple portraits here too once the wedding party is finished.

The party has started! After your grand entrance, I highly suggest doing something here. Whether it's your first dance, a Thank You toast, or a prayer for your meal, your guests will expect (and appreciate) something here.

Your venue and DJ will run the timeline from here until the remainder of the evening.

Sunset Portraits

7:00

Depending on your venue location, sunset portraits usually begin 30 to 40 minutes PRIOR to the listed sunset time. These portraits take about 20 minutes. Not only do these portraits allow for a nice break, but allows you some 1-on-1 time to enjoy the sunset on your wedding day. Couples often take an extra 5 to 10 minutes on their own, because they love this time so much!

Karey is amazing! She kept us on schedule all day which allowed us to spend as much time as possible enjoying our special day with friends and family. She knew the best locations to take photos at our venue and we couldn't have been happier!

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Late-Fall/Winter Timeline Here is a sample timeline for Fall and Winter weddings. During these months, the sun will set earlier in the day.

While a first look might not always be necessary, it is highly recommended, especially if your ceremony your ceremony start time and the listed sunset time is within 60-75 minutes of one another.

Photography starts.

1:45

2:20

I typically arrive earlier than normal for weddings after Daylights Savings due to the additional time constraints that may occur. Once I check in with the coordinator, I will then come see the bride. From there, as the bride and bridesmaids settle in, I will begin taking detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry) that cannot be taken at a later time. Bridesmaids will be getting dressed at this time. Once complete, the bride gets dressed!

Bride/Bridesmaid Photos, & Groom Arrival

Once the groom is confirmed being on-site (and out of sight!), I will pull out the bride and bridesmaids for their photo session.

2:40 2:45 3:00

3:15

First Look

For Winter weddings, this is almost a necessity. The exception to this is if you have an earlier ceremony.

Wedding Party Portraits Always done directly after the first look as everyone is on-site.

Ideally, immediate family (including grandparents) will be arriving at this time.

Family Portraits

Immediate family portraits. No extended family here! Inviting extended family here, is like Pandora's Box. It doesn't go well a majority of the time. While there are exceptions that can be made, we need to take a close look at timeline and your requested shot list.

Bride/Bridesmaids Tucked Away, & Groom/Groomsmen Photos After the ladies are done and tucked away from arriving guests, I will do the Groom and Groomsmen portraits.

Karey was so amazing from beginning to end. We were referred to her by a family friend. She was extremely responsive and so helpful. She took time to get to know us and understand what we wanted. I had no idea what to do about our timeline. She made it so easy by guiding us and creating one for us. When it came time for the big day, I was so comfortable with her, I didn't worry about a thing. She was gracious but firm when she needed to be so we could get the pictures done quickly so we had more time with our guests. We could not have been happier with the outcome. The pictures were beyond perfect! We have so many favorites! She PAGE 14 is so talented!

3:35

Prep for Ceremony

While your coordinator gets you ready, I will be taking detail shots of your ceremony and reception areas.

4:30

Ceremony

4:00

It's time to say, "I do!"

While I do move around during the ceremony, I keep it at a minimum in an effort not to be disruptive. I have all the lenses to get those up-close photos without being in your face or blocking your guests.

If you're getting married at a church, please remember I am bound by their limitations and that of the pastor or priest.

Sunset Portraits

These portraits take about 20 minutes.

Once we're done, you're free to relax alone or join your guests' cocktail hour.

Alternatively, we can do this right before the ceremony if your venue has some "hidden from view" spots. *If you have requested some extended family formals, those will be done upon our return during "twilight" outside or at a well lit indoor location.

Reception Begins!

5:30

It's not unusual for cocktail hours to be shorted this time of year due to the early sunset. Bonus!

More dancing time!

After your grand entrance, I highly suggest doing something here. Whether it's your first dance, a Thank You toast, or a prayer for your meal, your guests will expect (and appreciate) something here.

Your venue and DJ will run the timeline from here until the remainder of the evening.

WEDDING DAY TIPS Your wedding day is quickly approaching and everyone is offering their advice from their personal experience. While this can be overwhelming (and sometimes unwelcome), their heart is always in the right place. Typically, their advice usually comes from only experiencing a small handful of weddings. With hundreds of weddings under my belt, there are defintely somethings I would advise, and not advise, to help ensure your wedding day goes smoothly.

1.

Communicate with your family and your wedding party. Make sure to clearly state not only your timeline, but your wants and needs as a couple too. Additionally, make sure to communicate your family formal shot list. Sometimes family members have different expectations...

2.

Don't sweat the small stuff. It can be hard not too, but everything will work out just fine.

At my wedding, the cake got locked in a hot car for 3 hours, my dad stepped on my veil moments before I walked down the aisle, and my flowers were not the color I wanted. At the end of the day, no one knew and people are still taking about the great party we had nearly 20 years later.

Thinking of you keeps me awake. Dreaming of you keeps me asleep. Being with you keeps me alive. Unknown PAGE 16

I love you more than coffee, but please don’t make me prove it."

Elizabeth Evans

3.

Trust your vendors to do their job. You did research on your vendors or they may have been recommended by your venue trust them! Venue referrals and reviews are tried-and-true and have a proven track record with not only their work, but their ability to understand couples and the expectations of the wedding day.

4.

Make a point to see all your guests. This can be overwhelming, especially if you have a larger wedding, but it's oh-so important. I recommend "Table Touches," where you spend one or two minutes per table to say hi and have a quick toast with them. We can do photos here too, and believe it or not, that helps speed things up in this department (and it makes everyone feel important as they're getting a photto with the bride and groom!

5.

If you're choosing to do table touches or visits, do this together! Better yet, hold hands while doing it as much as possible. This will keep you on the same page and what is better than holding hands on your wedding day!

6.

Drink water! I know this might seem silly, but you do not want to end up dehydrated on your wedding day and end up missing part of your party. Good hydration starts days before your big day - so plan ahead!

7.

Forget your phone and grooms, your wallet too! You don't need either on your wedding day. All too often I have seen grooms walk down the aisle with a large, bulky phone or wallet in their pocket... Let's just say it's a bad look...

8.

Brides, in the first moments you walk down the aisle, look at your escort and pause. Trust me on this.

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PREFFERED VENDORS

Florist

Videographer

LC Floral Design Delford West Enchantment Floral Bloomies Studio

Reiss Films Matter Video Fantasy Sound Imperial Productions

HMUA

Status Salon Make up by Adele Jennifer Hatcher Bay Area Beautiful Shawna Jarnagin Stephanie Wineapple

Jewelry

DJ/Bands

Spintronix Rich Media Company Fantasy Sound Event Services DJ Jeremy Productions Lucky Devils Band The 415's

Padis Jewelry B. Allan Jewelers Porter Gulch

Bridal Store J'aime Bridal Flares Bridal Bride and Bustle

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Rentals

Pleasanton Rentals Standard Event Rentals

Bakery

Photo Booth

Ma Petite Maison Cake Delight Danville Bakery The Bay House Cakery

Fantasy Sound Event Services Amos Productions DasBus Bay Booth 360 Super FlipBooks

Other Vendors

Harvey's Donuts Box and Bow Gifts Tea Drops MelodyWed The Poetry Store

Other Vendors

Coordinators Plan to be Wowed Hitched by Haley Pins & Petals

Sketch Playground Jon Casey Caricatures Krista Strader, Harpist Elegant Touch of Strings

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YOUR WEDDING ALBUM

Preserving your memories for generations to come.

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CHOOSING YOUR IMAGES Fine Art Albums hold approximately 100 images comfortably. Try and choose, at minimum, a few images (3-4) from each point of your wedding day, including detail photos. If choosing more than 100, we will likely need to add spreads (2 pages - a left and a right). Albums can be expanded to hold upwards of 250 images. The cost for additional spreads will depend on how many you need.

ALBUM PROOF Once you are done selecting your images, please let me know via email. I will then begin building out a proof for you to view. Proofs usually take about a week to create, sometimes more during busier seasons.

Once your proof is ready, you will be able to view the pages and request and changes you may like. Each album has a maximum of three revisions.

APPROVAL Once you approve your album proof, you will be provided with an album printing agreement. In this agreement, you will provide. your cover choice and your shipping address. Albums typically ship out within 6 weeks of approval.

COVER OPTIONS There are a variety of cover options and customizations, making your album truly one of a kind.

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Frequently Asked Questions When do we receive our photos?

Our contract states 6 to 8 weeks for full gallery delivery. Typically within a week or so, I provide you with some sneak peeks, and will often post a teaser image or two on Instagram.

While you'll be able to download your photos immediately, if your collection has a USB, I send this out shortly after your gallery delivery. If you've ordered an album, your USB will ship with your album.

Do you work with a team?

Yep! I will almost always have an assistant with me. The only exception to this is small weddings and some destination weddings. For larger weddings, I might have two assistants. If you've requested a professional second shooter, they will be with me as well!

How many times do we meet?

Unless we have an engagement session scheduled, we will typically only meet once prior to your wedding day to review your shot list and timeline. It will take place after you've had your final meeting with your venue (meeting prior would be counterproductive). Of course, if you're too busy, this meeting can always be conducted over the phone as well.

As always, never hesitate to email or text me as much as you need!

How many hours do we have you for?

I do not pinhole my couples to a specific number of hours. Coverage begins two hours before the ceremony and ends with the last major event of the evening, or after 30 minutes of open floor dancing. Which ever is last. Plan your reception the way you want it!

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What happens if we loose our USB? I got you! Let me know, and I will reactivate your online gallery. From there, you'll personally download your images and save on a new USB. Yes, it's happened.

Yes, more than once.

Yes, I still have my very first wedding digitally stored - both in the cloud and on a hard drive.

We've hired a coordinator, do you need to meet them?

Coordinators are so wonderful! I do not need to meet them prior to the wedding.

While we will communicate over email and on the phone, we don't need to meet face to face.

We're interested in a videographer.

Your contract states no other professional photographers.

Not to worry, videographers are not photographers. While we both use cameras, it is two very different art forms (and a completely different set of skills)! I work very well with videographers and we typically have a lot of fun together!

Everyone says we should do a first look. I'm not sure.

First looks are personal to the couple. About 80% of my couples do not do a first look. Contrary to popular believe, it does not save time nor does it result in more photos. If anything, your preceremony timeline will be more tight. The only exception to this is winter weddings, where the ceremony starts 75 minutes (or less) before sunset.

Do we have to...

No. You don't have to do anything! It's your wedding day and it should be exactly what you want. While it can be hard to drown-out the nay-sayers or that opinionated family member it's your day, not anyone else's.

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