What’s Next After Getting Ready?

When everyone is dressed, and all the getting-ready photos are captured, it is time for the First Look or the ceremony. If you are not doing a first look, your photographer will proceed to the ceremony location. Otherwise, the first look photos will commence.

The couple’s photo session will follow immediately after the first look. Then followed by the wedding party and family photos. It would be best to let your immediate family members know you will be doing family photos before the ceremony so they can dress and be ready for pictures.

Your photographer will proceed ahead of the wedding party to get the ceremony detail shots and the guest’s arrival. Whenever possible, I encourage you to have an unplugged ceremony. An unplugged ceremony allows your guests to put away their cell phones and submerge them self in your marriage ceremony. It lets the photographer capture your story without your guests obstructing the shot. Here are a few things to be aware of during the ceremony:

1. Don’t turn your back on your guests. Instead, stand facing each other so your photographer can get a side profile of you and your partner.

2. Relax and smile - live in the moment! Soak it up and enjoy every bit of it.

3. When doing the ring exchange, do it slowly to give the photographer enough time to get beautiful pictures.

4. Hold the first kiss a little longer than usual for the camera.

That is it for ceremony photos. My biggest pet peeve at wedding ceremonies is the guests blocking my view to take pictures with their cell phones! Often times your officiant will want to have a photo with the newlywed. Also, you may need a few minutes to sign the marriage license.

The COCKTAIL HOUR often proceeds immediately after the ceremony. Think of the cocktail hour as an elegant happy hour. It is a time for small bites, drinks, and social mixing. It’s the prelude to the reception party.

You could enjoy the cocktail hour with your family and friends if you did a first look, wedding party, and family photos earlier. Otherwise, the wedding party, family, and couple photos immediately follow the ceremony. Here are some tips to help you get the best images:

1. Remember that ninety-nine percent of the time, cocktail hour is only an hour long. You will want to take all the pictures and have some time to freshen up for the grand entrance. So, you must leave the ceremony and go to the selected location for photos. You will not have time to do a receiving line or be congratulated by your guests. Your planner/coordinator should be on top of this!

2. You must select a family member who knows the entire family to help the photographer gather everyone for the family photos.

3. Although you will be away from the cocktail hour, you still need a snack and something to drink. But, again, your planner/coordinator will be on top of this.

4. Ladies, hang on to those bouquets. We are

After the cocktail hour and photo session, it’s time for the grand entrance. Let the celebration begins!

Reception Photos!

The reception is the grand finale of your wedding day! It consists of several key events, beginning with the grand entrance and ending with the grand exit. The reception events generally unfold fast - back to back. Therefore your photographer must have an accurate timeline of all the events so they can be prepared to capture them.

Congratulation, you have done it! You are now Mr. and Mrs. While you are away honeymooning, your photographer will be busy polishing up those beautiful memories and getting them ready for delivery.

Here at White House Wedding Photography, we have a 4 - 6 weeks turnaround time. However, we will keep you posted along the way. Also, when the photos are close to ready for delivery, we will contact you to set up a gallery release date and time.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your questions, comments, or suggestion.

You are our greatest asset!

XOXO