Since every wedding is unique in its requirements, hence we do not have a ‘General Formula’ that apply to all weddings. However, many weddings share some common core aspects. Therefore, we created a generic guide to help you in planning your special day from the perspective of a photographer. We hope this planning guide will help you better understand all that we can accomplish for your wedding and aid in creating a simple and yet a smooth plan of your event. Throughout the many events we have serviced, these are some essential aspects of a successful wedding day:

• Getting Ready
• First Look
• Family Portraits
• Wedding Ceremony
• Cocktail Hour, Reception, & Party
• Creative Night Photos

Getting Ready

The first segment of our guide starts with the getting ready shots of the bride and groom. It is a special pre-wedding segment that should not be overlooked as it captures creative, tender moments between family members and the bride and groom. The shoot typically begins with shots of the bride in the midst of getting her hair and makeup done; for the groom, shots of family members fixing a tie or buttoning a jacket are captured. Our photographers can capture both the bride and groom simultaneously. Next, essential shots we prioritize are creative pictures of shoes, jewelry, wedding rings, and other items of importance to the bride and groom. Once the significant details are photographed, our photographers will discuss with the bride and groom the plan for the day, as well as any important shots to look forward to. We prioritize this moment so that the bride and groom feel comfortable and informed about the events to come.

First Look

The next segment is optional, but definitely one of our favorites. Depending on whether the bride and groom want to capture the surprise of their first look, our photographers have the ability to photograph a very special moment. This segment allows for beautiful shots of the couple in certain areas of the venue before it gets hectic or filled with guests. Pictures of the bridal party and essential family members can also be taken at this time to ensure there is time to enjoy your wedding day. Depending on the timeline of your special day, our photographers can capture these group portraits so that the bride and groom do not have to worry during later segments, such as the cocktail hour or reception.

Family Portraits

The third segment is typically when portraits of the family and guests are taken with the bride and groom. It is necessary to either provide a list of immediate family members or assign someone to aid in the flow of family portraits. While our photographers do their best to familiarize themselves with immediate family, it can be hard to distinguish them during the event. That is why it is very helpful to assign for coordination.  

Ceremony

The ceremony segment is an essential art of a wedding day, and we pride ourselves in capturing natural shots in the style of photojournalism. Hiring two photographers will allow for us to capture intimate moments between the bride and groom, as well as reaction shots of family members and guests. This ensures that everything you want to remember from this special day is photographed for your viewing pleasure.

Cocktail Hour, Reception & Party

The next segment depends on what is chosen during the first look. If the bride and groom chose to take pictures with bridal party and immediate family during the first look, then the cocktail hour can be spent mingling with guests while our photographers take essential candid of the guests and detail shots of the venue. However, if they chose to delay the bridal party and family portraits, the bride and groom must squeeze in time to complete those. Additionally, time must be factored in for our photographers and crew to set up in the reception hall. This is to ensure that the entrance of the bride and groom, as well as the bridal party and immediate family, can be captured in a timely manner. Once the reception starts, our photographers will be in place to capture speeches, cake cutting, and first dances.

Creative Night Photos

The final segment of a generic wedding day is another one of our favorites—the night portraits. Depending on whether the bride and groom specifically want this photoshoot and on the timeline of the night, a night shoot is usually completed during a short moment of free time during the reception. Our photographers will seek out the perfect spot beforehand and will coordinate with the couple when to head out there for a special and intimate moment we love to capture.

Engagement sessions are essential and enjoyable shoots that captures a couple in a laid back, visually creative light. These sessions are typically 90 minutes in which the couple is allowed to bring extra clothes for an outfit change to optimize the time and services we provide. Engagement sessions also allow the couple to familiarize themselves with our work and style of photography, and allows the photographers to understand the couples expectations and interests for their photography. This is a necessary step when it comes time to photograph the wedding day because all parties involved are already familiar with the styles and interests in mind.

Engagement Locations

When it comes time to find a specific location for an engagement session, couples will often know the exact spot they want as it may represent where they first met or a spot that has a meaningful importance. However, we will happily offer suggestions in New York City that are just as beautiful and picturesque!

Something to keep in mind when choosing a location in NYC is that it is constantly packed with tourists that may be in the background of many shots. Our photographers do their best to counteract these distractions by taking creative shots from various angles or simply waiting for an area to clear. This, however, is an unavoidable problem that must be considered. Optimal times to avoid large crowds and distractions will be to book sessions in the morning rather than later in the day.

ICONIC Locations

Here is a list of popular locations and attractions that are especially beautiful in the spring and summer months:

New York City

• Central Park
• Grand Central Station
• Washington Square Park
• Riverside Park
• Carl Schurz Park
• Battery Park
• South Street Seaport
• Fort Tryon Park
• Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge Park
• New York City
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Prospect Park
• Coney Island

Westchester County

• Untermeyer Park & Garden

Long Island

• Planting-field Arboretum
• Morgan Memorial Park
• Old Westbury Gardens
• Sands Point Preserve & Hempstead House

New Jersey

• Liberty State Park
• Grounds for Sculptor
• Deep-cut Gardens
• New Jersey Botanical Garden

Best Time to Shoot & Weather Challenges

Depending on whether the shoot will be outside or indoors, the timing of the session is an important factor to consider when booking. If outside, late afternoon or early in the morning create a special ambiance for the photos. The glowing light shines beautifully on the subject and will ultimately create beautifully lit pictures. If indoors, our photographers can manipulate the light to also create that same ambiance.

The weather is also a factor to consider with outdoor shoots because it will alter all that our photographers can accomplish with your photos. However, they are very skilled in working with different types of weather patterns and can still accomplish a quality finish. Rescheduling engagement shoots are always recommended if you have a certain vision in mind for your photos. We require a 48-hour notice in order to reschedule your session.

Miscellaneous Tips:

Depending on whether the shoot will be outside or indoors, the timing of the session is an important factor to consider when booking. If outside, late afternoon or early in the morning create a special ambiance for the photos. The glowing light shines beautifully on the subject and will ultimately create beautifully lit pictures. If indoors, our photographers can manipulate the light to also create that same ambiance.

The weather is also a factor to consider with outdoor shoots because it will alter all that our photographers can accomplish with your photos. However, they are very skilled in working with different types of weather patterns and can still accomplish a quality finish. Rescheduling engagement shoots are always recommended if you have a certain vision in mind for your photos. We require a 48-hour notice in order to reschedule your session.