Welcome
a note about this guide
I’m so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I’m so honored to document your wedding.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed more than 400 weddings over the past eighteen years, I have learned lots of tips to make your wedding day go smoothly. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
The Process
what to expect from now through the wedding day
01
The Engagement Session
If you opt to do an engagement session, we would start planning that out. It’s a great way for you to get some beautiful photos, and for me to learn what poses and prompts you like best.
The first step is to decide what month or season to do the session. Once we get close, we’ll set a date. If you’re not sure on a location, I’d love to help!
02
Let’s get to the details!
About six to eight weeks before the wedding, I will send you a form to fill out with more details about the timeline, photo locations, VIP list and any “must-have” shots. I encourage you both to go over this, and to include your immediate family if they have any special requests.
03
Your wedding day! Yay!
The big day is finally here. After so much planning, you just need to be in the moment and have the time of your life! I’ll be there all day, documenting every glance and detail, all while making sure things run smoothly within your timeline.
04
You go on your honeymoon - and I get to work!
I make adjustments to every photo that will be in your final gallery. That takes a little while - but not too long! You will get a sneak peek the morning after your wedding, and a lot more previews within the week of the wedding.
Make sure to follow Brett Alison Photography on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss a thing!
05
Get your popcorn ready - you’ve got a lot of photos to go through!
Your gorgeous final gallery will be up within six weeks of the wedding. You can share as your heart desires - family and friends can also order prints or digital downloads through your gallery. Soon after, you’ll get your USB with all the images!
06
What to do with all these photos?
Don’t let your photos just stay online - get some amazing prints, canvas, or albums to display! We will go over the options and you can choose what products you would like.
Engagement Session
I’m a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I’ve created a guide dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more! Let me know what month/season you’d like to do it, and we’ll put it on the calendar as a set date about a month beforehand.
A note about engagement session scheduling:
I have very limited availability on weekend dates from May through October. Most engagement sessions during those months will need to be scheduled on a weekday (I like to shoot about an hour or two before sunset, so it will likely be a weekday evening). Also, a good thing about shooting on weekdays is that the location will be less crowded.
Vendors
who will make your day incredible
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with all of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
travel specialist
lighting
videography
As a photographer, the vendor I work most closely with throughout the day is of course the videographer and their team. So I highly recommend these vendors! If you don’t go with one of these amazing people, I suggest you find a videographer who approaches the wedding day with the same intention as I do (staying in the background, not directing too much, telling the true story of your day). I find those videographers whose values match mine will help you get the best documentation of your day, and we can work together seamlessly.
Is a First Look Right for You?
if you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
That moment you two see each other for the first time on your wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the you choose to wait until the ceremony or choose to do a “first look” prior to the ceremony.
The “First Look” - a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony - has become more popular over the last few years. About three out of four of my couples choose to do a first look. While I value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider doing it. Here are a few reasons why:
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on what this day means before your day takes off. Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full wedding party, and then portraits of the two of you. This generally takes up most of your cocktail hour. If you do a first look, we would do all the photos of the wedding party, and the two of you (although if you’re interested in some golden hour photos, I will pull you aside for a few minutes at sunset as well), and your immediate family photos if they are there. This allows you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
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. Another reason is for all you criers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly 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.
Wedding Day Timeline
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
Whether you choose to do a first look or go the more traditional route, I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, we can take as many photos separately before the ceremony as you’d like (for instance each side of the wedding party, you with your family, etc), or we can save all the formal photos for after the ceremony. Let me know which option you’d prefer, and I can help plan out the times/logistics of where to go, and when.
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking about an hour (I also love grabbing just the two of you for a few additional photos at sunset!).
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, wedding party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work. Please make sure your ceremony ends no later than an hour before sunset.
First Look
example timeline
2:00 - 3:30 pm
I arrive at your getting ready location. I start with the details, then get lots of candids of you getting ready (if you’re both getting ready in the same place, I can go back and forth). If we have time, a few formal photos of you before we head out the door.
3:30 - 4:30 pm
First look, then we go into couple portraits and wedding party (and family if they are there)
4:30 - 5:00 pm
Travel to ceremony site/set up for ceremony/shots of location/guests arriving
5:00 - 5:30 pm
The ceremony takes place
5:30 - 7:00 pm
If we didn’t get the family photos done earlier, this is when we would do them. Also a great time to get some extended family photos. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. After any formals are done, I will go into the reception room to get detail photos of the set-up. After that, I will focus on candids of you and your guests at the cocktail hour.
7:00 - 7:30 pm
Wedding party entrance, first dance
7:30 - 8:15 pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
8:15 - 8:30 pm
If you’re interested in getting a few golden hour photos, I’ll keep an eye on the sky and grab you about 15 minutes before the sun sets. This is usually the best light of the day! (This time is just an estimate, since of course the sun may set earlier/later depending on your wedding date)
8:30 - 9:00 pm
Cake cutting, parent dances, bouquet toss
9:00 - 11:00 pm
Let’s get the party started!
Aisle Reveal
example timeline
3:00 - 4:30 pm
I arrive at your getting ready location. I start with the details, then get lots of candids of you getting ready (if you’re both getting ready in the same place, I can go back and forth). If we have time, a few formal photos of you before we head out the door.
4:30 - 5:00 pm
Travel to ceremony site/set up for ceremony/shots of location/guests arriving
5:00 - 5:30 pm
The ceremony takes place
5:30 - 7:00 pm
We will do all the formal photos at this time, starting with your immediate families (your parents, siblings + their spouses and kids). Please let your families know to stick around after the ceremony so we can get started right away. Then we’ll get photos of the wedding party, and ending with the two of you as a married couple. I will then go into the reception room to get details of the set-up. If we have time, we can do extended family photos, or save them to do during the reception.
7:00 - 7:30 pm
Wedding party entrance, first dance
7:30 - 8:15 pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches & entrees
8:15 - 8:30 pm
If you’re interested in getting a few golden hour photos, I’ll keep an eye on the sky and grab you about 15 minutes before the sun sets. This is usually the best light of the day! (This time is just an estimate, since of course the sun may set earlier/later depending on your wedding date)
8:30 - 9:00 pm
Cake cutting, parent dances, bouquet toss
9:00 - 11:00 pm
Let’s get the party started!
Rain Tips
if the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we all can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 15-20 minutes to capture and style details.
It would be wonderful if you could have your details items ready for me when I arrive. If applicable, please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll find a beautiful spot in your getting ready space to hang it.
Details Checklist
Dress/Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes)
Any other paper stationary you may have, like program cards.
Vow Books
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
If you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in the detail shots.Bonus: I’d love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply me with a couple of extra pieces, I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonniere
Formals
If we’re doing all the formal photos after the ceremony, I always start with the immediate families (parents, your siblings plus their spouses and kids). Please let everyone know ahead of time where to be and we’ll be able to get through them much more quickly!
When I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces).
Tip: have someone be a photo “point person” for each side of the family - if you want to do some extended family photos, for instance - they can go find everyone. Don’t ask your parents/siblings or anyone in your wedding party to do this, as we’ll need them for other photos while we are gathering the larger groups.
I’ve listed the standard combinations I take of the wedding party and immediate families below. We can add to or take off anything from the list.
wedding party checklist
You with your side of the wedding party
You individually with each person on your side of the wedding party
Your spouse with their side of the wedding party
Your spouse individually with each person on their side of the wedding party
You and your spouse with any flower girls/ring bearers
You and your spouse with the full wedding party (with kids)
You and your spouse with the full wedding party (without kids)
family portrait checklist
You with your parents
You with your siblings
You with parents + siblings
You and your spouse with your parents, siblings + spouses + their kids (your nieces/nephews)
You and your spouse with your parents
Your spouse with their parents
Your spouse with their siblings
Your spouse with their parents + siblings
You and your spouse with their parents, siblings + spouses + their kids (your nieces/nephews)
You and your spouse with their parents
Consider an unplugged ceremony
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange request to ask guests to put down their phones, there are some pretty good reasons for it! First of all, it helps your guests be in the moment with you, and actually see what’s happening in front of them, rather than through a screen.
Also, I’m sure you’d rather not have the photos of your ceremony filled with phones, tablets and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
Additional Tips
1. If you're doing a first look and wearing a dress with a train, keep in mind that if you do not have it bustled, it will likely get dirty before the ceremony.
2. Have your dress unwrapped and on your special hanger (if you have one) when I arrive.
3. Try to have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If your venue allows it, please keep the reception room closed off to guests long enough that I can get in and take photos of the set-up while it is still untouched.
5. Put a little padding in your timeline, especially towards the beginning of the day. Hair and makeup often runs long, or people need touch-ups.
6. For “getting ready” photos of wedding party members wearing suits, I like to arrive at the point where they’re putting on ties/suspenders. Ask them to wait for me (or the second photographer), before finishing getting dressed so we can get some of those details and candid photos as they’re tying ties, putting on shoes, etc.
7. If you don’t want to be seen before the wedding, I recommend you go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony. That is when guests typically begin to arrive.
8. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like (outside of my standard list). I’ll have you make a list before the wedding so I can make sure to shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
9. Get a “point person” for each side of the family if you want to do extended family photos. The point person can find everyone while we’re doing other photos. Do not ask your parents/siblings or wedding party members to do this, as we will need them for a lot of the formal photos.
10. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I’ll be getting lots of candid photos. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
11. Leave your phones at home - or at least put away somewhere. Everyone you love will be with you!
12. I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call!
You can find even more advice on the blog!
Albums
the perfect way to remember your day
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
After the Wedding
You can expect a preview of your photos on social media a few days after the wedding (I also usually put up one or two favorites the morning after the wedding!).
Editing takes about six weeks, and I’ll send you a link for your gallery which you can share as you’d like. I’ll also send you your USB of images at this point.
Your print credit does not expire, but I do encourage you to decide how you’d like to use it while your online gallery is still up (it will be up for two months).
thank you
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at brett@brettalison.com, or call/text me at 781-913-3847.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I’m here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!
