The big day is coming up; you are getting married. Decide in advance not only what the day will look like but also what is important to you on this beautiful day. It's all about the preparation.
With whom should you absolutely have your picture taken and when do you expect the wedding photographer to be present. Together we go through this planning and wishes in advance. The planning is obviously very important. Keep in mind the distances between the locations and possible traffic jams.
By now I have gained a lot of experience and therefore below you will find some tips for inspiration. Because Fridays and Saturdays in spring and summer are very popular days to get married, we advise you to bookas soon as possible, as soon as your wedding date is final!
The preparation
On the day itself you start preparing for your wedding. It is nice to record this as well. It is often a beautiful moment with family or friends helping you with the decoration. A mother helping her daughter with the dress or a father tying the tie. The finishing touches on makeup or hair.
Reserve 60 minutes for this.
First look
The moment that is so fun to capture that first look of the groom when the door opens and sees his bride in her dress for the first time. The first look can be at home but also on arrival at the wedding venue or at the ceremony. As a wedding photographer, I make sure I am in the right place at the right time.
Reserve at least 20 minutes for this
The ceremony
The legal wedding ceremony takes place at a town hall/city hall or designated location where a (special) registrar of births, marriages and deaths does the ceremony. In addition, it is also possible that you want to have this blessed at a house of worship of your religion. As a wedding photographer, I make sure that I am in the right place at the right time. For the legal wedding I recommend to reserve 45 to 60 minutes.
The group photo
After the ceremony it is often the right time to take a group photo, because usually all your family and friends are present. You decide in advance with whom you all want to be in the photo together. I make sure that everyone is smiling in the photo. Often the town hall is a nice location because there is a staircase, of course you decide where and when these photos are made. Reserve 30 to 45 minutes for this.
Loveshoot
The loveshoot is the moment for you together. Where you will be photographed on one or more locations. Also consider an alternative location if the weather is different than predicted. These are also the photos that are central to most couples' weddings and are often enlarged as photos.
Reserve 60-120 minutes for this (excluding travel time).
Reception
The moment of congratulations, gifts and toasts. Possibly this is the moment where you cut the wedding cake. I will, of course, be on hand to photograph you and your guests. Reserve 60 to 90 minutes for this.
Dinner
At the start of dinner I will take photos of the buffet, the beautifully set tables and your guests. Ofcourse also the moment when there is a toast or when someone makes a speech.
Then is also the moment when I let you eat in peace and take a break myself to eat.
Reserve between 120 and 180 minutes for dinner.
The party evening
After an unforgettable day, we have arrived at the party evening. The first dance is of course the focal point, which is also the moment to photograph you beautifully. After that, I capture the mood photos that will bring back the feeling of that festive evening when you receive the photos. If you want to pop another champagne bottle, that is of course a nice ending to the evening and also another great photo opportunity.
Final words
In the above ‘manual’ I give an indication of how long each part could take or how much you should take into account. Of course, this may vary in your planning or certain parts may not be present in your wedding at all. Creating rest and space for yourselves during the day is very important. Also make sure there is something to eat and drink in the wedding car. In addition to travel time, take parking into account. If possible, you can arrange this in advance for yourself and the photographer.
