(A No-Fluff, No-BS Guide for Real Couples Who Want Real Moments)

You’ve probably seen those Pinterest-perfect wedding timelines. You know the ones—color-coded, to-the-minute, and written like a fairytale. But if you want the truth about how long things actually take on your wedding day? You’re in the right place.

I’m not a fan of timelines that are to the minute. It’s incredibly excessive and doesn’t leave room for error. Or breathing. I prefer to have 30-60 minute blocks.

Let’s break down what goes into crafting a timeline that’s not just pretty on paper—but that actually supports your day, your vibe, and your experience.

First Look vs. No First Look: The Timeline Split That Changes Everything

Let’s start with the big one: Are you doing a first look, or not?
That one decision shapes the entire flow of your day.

First Look Timeline Example 

2:00 PM – Coverage begins (tail-end of getting ready — typically last 30–60 minutes)
2:45 PM – Get dressed
3:00 PM – Your partner finishes getting dressed
3:15 PM – First look + couple portraits
4:00 PM – Group photos + drinks + snacks with your wedding party
4:30 PM – Family photos
5:00 PM – You hang with your crew (family + wedding party) while guests begin arriving
→ I’ll float between candid guest arrivals and the good stuff going down with your closest people
5:30 PM – Ceremony
6:00 PM – Cocktail hour with guest candids / Reception details photographed
6:50 PM – Guests enter reception space
7:00 PM – Reception begins // welcome from couple
7:10 PM – Cake cutting
7:15 PM – Dinner served
7:45 PM – Toasts
8:15 PM – Special dances
8:30 PM – Dance floor opens
9:00 PM – Coverage ends

No First Look Timeline Example

No first look? Totally fine. But just FYI: everything after the ceremony gets stacked, and we’ll be working fast to keep things moving.

2:00 PM – Coverage begins
2:45 PM – Dressing (Partner A)
3:00 PM – Wedding party photos (Partner A side) + family photos
3:30 PM – Final touches for Partner B
3:45 PM – Wedding party photos (Partner B side) + family photos
4:00 PM – Guests arriving
4:30 PM – Ceremony
5:00 PM – Family photos (with both of you)
5:15 PM – Full wedding party group photo
5:20 PM – Couple portraits
5:45 PM – Couple joins cocktail hour, reception details photographed
6:00 PM – Reception begins
6:10 PM – Cake cutting + welcome
6:15 PM – Dinner served
6:30 PM – Toasts
7:15 PM – Special dances + dance floor opens
8:00 PM – Coverage ends

Timeline Notes & Hot Takes

Getting Ready: 30–60 Minutes

I photograph the last 30–60 minutes of getting ready. That’s when the real shit happens—the quiet, emotional moments, the chaos, the nerves, the hype. If you’re getting ready in two locations within 10–15 minutes of each other, I’ll hit both.

This is not gender-based—it’s just logistics. Whoever is getting ready second, I typically go there first so I can spend more time at the end with the group that takes longer to get dressed.

First Looks: Let’s Talk About It

Here’s the thing—first looks can be beautiful, but when you’re planning five of them (bridesmaids, dad, mom, brother, dog) you’ve crossed into full-blown performance mode.

Want your people to see you for the first time? Let it happen organically. That’s where the magic is.
You don’t need a grand reveal with a perfectly placed group of onlookers and a rehearsed gasp. You need to feel it—not produce it.

I think a lot of couples hear horror stories about “missed moments” and attempt to micromanage everything to the point of performance with the thought that if it’s planned and orchestrated, there’s no chance of something being “missed.” This is where you have to trust your photographer to do their job.

I’m not texting or filming BTS reels. I’m not perpetually “chimping” my camera (“checking” everything). I’m not scrolling while things are unfolding. I don’t need to double check every other image and zoom in to pixel level to self-soothe. I’m confident in my abilities, my work, and my gear.

I’m working: I’m watching, observing, and waiting for a precise moment. I’m documenting the hell out of your day without inserting myself into it.
That’s the job—and I take it seriously.

There’s always a story happening. Always a moment unfolding. You do you. I’ll handle the rest.

Wedding Portrait Time (a.k.a. YOUR Time)

Right after the first look—if you’re doing one—we usually move into a little time for just the two of you.

I don’t call your photos “romantics” or any of that flowery fucking bullshit language because let’s be honest—not every couple is romantic. My spouse and I definitely aren’t, and that’s okay. You don’t need to pose like a romance novel cover or act out a love story that isn’t you. You just need the space to be yourselves, without the pressure of expectation. (And denoting such a strong adjective like romantics to a section of portrait time is most definitely a prime example of your photographer’s expectations.)

This is YOUR time. On YOUR wedding day. To do whatever the hell YOU want. I have no expectations for you or for this space other than I want ya’ll to feel comfortable and enjoy your time together.

Want to walk around the venue and catch up on the chaos of the morning? Do it.
Want to hug it out and cry it out in a quiet corner? Hell yes.
Want to grab a drink and make out in the alley behind the building because it’s got good light and no one’s around? I’m here for it.

This isn’t my time to make you perform for the camera. This is your space to just be.
To reconnect.
To tell each other all the weird, funny, messy, wonderful shit that’s already happened today.
Because at the end of the day, your partner is your bestest best friend—and the world can wait while you two take a second to breathe.

I’ll be there, documenting—not directing. That’s the whole point.

Wedding Party Photos: Real Talk

Wedding party group photos? 10–15 minutes if you’re all together. If you’re not doing a first look, add 10 minutes per side, plus about 5 minutes post-ceremony for the full crew.

But here’s the spicy truth: you’re not hanging those photos. Group shots are great for documentation, but your experience with your favorite people shouldn’t be limited to a few stiff poses.

Better idea: Do something together.
Grab drinks, play lawn games, hit a dive bar, go bowling. If you’re staying at your venue, use the time for a quick bite and a beer. You’re all dressed up—might as well make some fun memories while you’re at it.

Family Photos: Efficiency Matters

With no first look, I’ll knock out as many family photos beforehand as possible. That way, post-ceremony, we just need the big groupings with both of you in them—usually four shots max, done in five minutes.

Then your families can go do what they love: hosting, mingling, getting that cocktail hour charcuterie plate.

Your Wedding Ceremony: 15–90 Minutes

Outdoor or non-religious ceremonies usually last 15–30 minutes.

If you’re planning a church wedding ceremony, you’re looking at 30–60 minutes on average. For a full Catholic Mass with communion and a chatty priest? 65+ minutes easy. Pack a snack and don’t lock your knees.

If you’re writing your own vows and need a little help to get started, I have a resource for that!

The Cocktail Hour: 45–60 Minutes (Usually)

If we didn’t do a first look, this is where the group portraits happen. We need time for family, wedding party, and couple’s portraits.

Couple portraits? Typically 15–20 minutes. Long enough to slow down, reconnect, and take it in—or short enough to get you to cocktail hour fast. Your call.

Your Wedding Reception: 2–2.5 Hours of Coverage

I typically photograph the first two-ish hours of the reception—through entrances, toasts, dances, and some wild dance floor energy.

And trust me: you don’t want me photographing your reception at hour four. Once the sweat hits, the makeup melts, and the tequila kicks in, blurry phone photos will do just fine.

One More Thing: Not Every Moment Has to Be Photographed

Just because it’s not photographed doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
We used to just exist in the moment. Now we’re obsessed with documenting every second.

But real life? It’s about presence.
Real connection. Real experience. And if there’s one time in your life to unplug and be fully immersed—it’s your wedding day.