engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
asteria photography
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Thank you again for trusting us to be part of your wedding journey! If there’s anything I can do to support you or offer guidance along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I'm here for you every step of the way!
I'm so incredibly excited to be working with you and can’t wait to get to know you even more in the months leading up to your wedding! I know that photography is one of the most meaningful parts of your day, and it means the world to us that you’ve chosen us to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories.
After capturing the love stories of over 300 couples in the past 12 years, I’ve been asked every question under the sun. That’s why I’ve created a special guide just for you, packed with everything from timeline tips to planning your engagement session, and even how to handle those unexpected weather moments. It’s all designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and most importantly, excited—so you can embrace every heartfelt moment of this beautiful journey. I’ll be right there beside you, making sure every emotion, every joy, and every memory is captured in the most beautiful way possible.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
I absolutely love engagement sessions—they’re some of my favorite moments to capture. These sessions are about so much more than taking photos; they’re a chance for you to be fully present with each other, letting your love shine in a way that’s real and authentic. I get to witness your unique connection unfold and have the joy of documenting those little glances, laughter, and quiet moments that truly tell your story. It’s a beautiful way to honor this chapter of your lives together in a setting that feels like home to you both.
To make sure this experience is everything you’ve dreamed of, I’ve created a guide filled with outfit inspiration, location ideas, timing tips, and more—everything you need to feel prepared, excited, and ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Engagement Session
videographers
WEDDING DRESS
hair
MAKEUP
DJ
CATERING
content creators
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many 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.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Session Checklist
Bridal sessions in the studio offer the perfect opportunity to create timeless, elegant portraits while keeping your dress pristine. A studio setting provides a controlled environment where we can capture stunning images, rain or shine, ensuring every detail is just right. With a blend of classic backdrops and soft, flattering light, the studio allows each moment to feel like a page from your love story, with a focus entirely on you.
When choosing a date for your bridal portraits, it’s still important to consider your comfort. To avoid the heat of summer or the chill of winter when traveling to the studio, we recommend planning your session during the milder months of spring. However, with the studio’s controlled environment, you’ll always be comfortable, and we’ll find the perfect setup to highlight your unique beauty.
In-studio sessions also provide the chance to bring in special details like your jewelry, veil, and shoes, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding day vision is captured with care. These finishing touches complete your look and add an extra layer of magic to each portrait. We can’t wait to create images that will leave you feeling even more excited and confident for your big day!
There’s something truly magical about seeing yourself through the lens on your wedding day. It’s one thing to admire your hair and makeup in the mirror during your trial, but it’s an entirely different experience to see how beautifully your look comes alive in photos—how it dances in the light, holds up to the breeze, and captures the essence of your joy. There’s a special kind of confidence that comes from knowing your vision is unfolding exactly as you imagined, and that feeling is absolutely priceless.
A Bridal Portrait Session is your moment to bring that vision to life in the most heartfelt way. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the experience—hair perfectly styled, makeup glowing, nails polished, and bouquet in hand. These sessions last an hour, giving you the space to soak in the excitement and let your true beauty and personality shine through.
Gorgeous Photos + practice run for the big day
Bridal Portraits
That first moment when you see each other on your wedding day is pure magic, and a first look lets you experience it in such a deeply personal way. In those quiet, private minutes, you can hold each other close, take a deep breath, and really let the emotions sink in before the day sweeps you away. It’s a chance to connect, feel the joy and anticipation, and let any nerves melt away together. Every tear, every laugh, and every overwhelmed smile is captured, preserving the raw beauty of your love.
Plus, a first look means you get to spend more of your day together, freeing up time after the ceremony to be fully present with your guests. It’s a heartfelt way to kick off your celebration, and I’ll be there to capture every unforgettable moment of your story.
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
If the forecast calls for poor weather on your wedding day, a first look can be a real lifesaver, offering flexibility for photos. If it’s raining after the ceremony, you’ll be relieved to have already captured those beautiful images without worrying about the downpour.
And for those who know the emotions will be running high—if you expect happy tears when you see your partner for the first time, a first look gives you the chance to compose yourself and freshen up before walking down the aisle, ensuring you’re picture-perfect for that unforgettable moment.
First Look
03
Without a first look, most photos—like family portraits, bridal party shots, and your couple portraits—have to be done after the ceremony. This means gathering everyone right away, jumping into bridal party photos, and then squeezing in your portraits, often cutting into cocktail hour and leaving less time for you to relax and mingle.
A first look changes all that. It lets you get those key photos done beforehand—bridal party, couple portraits, and even family shots. This way, you’re free to fully enjoy cocktail hour, making the evening feel way more relaxed and unhurried, so you can truly savor every moment with your loved ones.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
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Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
Once the ceremony starts, the day seems to fly by in a flash. A first look is this rare chance to slow down, have a quiet moment together, and soak in what the day really means before the whirlwind begins. It’s a chance to connect, feel all the emotions, and savor the calm before the excitement takes over.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
01
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we 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, bridal 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.
Regardless of which you choose, I’ll help create the perfect timeline to make sure your day flows seamlessly. If you go with a first look, we’ll plan for that calm, intimate moment before the whirlwind starts, allowing you time to connect, breathe, and ease into the celebration together. This choice also means we can capture many of your photos beforehand, freeing up more time for you to enjoy cocktail hour and relax with loved ones.
If you choose to wait until the ceremony for that first moment together, we’ll structure the timeline to accommodate essential photos afterward without feeling rushed. You’ll have time to celebrate with your bridal party, family, and guests, while I capture every special detail. No matter what, we’ll design a timeline that lets you savor each part of your day, stress-free.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often hair and makeup.
Caroline arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Natalie arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
12 p.m.
12:00pm
Groom + groomsmen depart first look location.
1:15 p.m.
1:15pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for first look location.
1:30 p.m.
1:30pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, a pre determined location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
The first look takes place.
1:45 p.m.
1:45PM
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:30 p.m.
3:30PM
Family portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. 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. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
** If time allows we can also do immediate family portraits before the ceremony so that you can go enjoy cocktail hour!
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots OR you can go enjoy cocktail hour!
4:30 P.M.
4:30pm
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
4:30 p.M.
4:30pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:00 P.M.
5:00 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by entrees and speeches. We recommend doing speeches at the end of dinner so our reaction shots of guests don't involve chewing! And that way everyone can focus on the delicious meals you provided.
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day! If you want to opt for a different vibe we can always skip sunset and go for direct flash pictures of you two to end the night!
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
6:30 P.M.
Cake cutting
6:30pm
Parent dances
6:45 P.M.
6:45pm
Open dancing begins!
This is also a great time to get some fun direct flash pictures of just the two of you. Photography ends at 8 pm but coverage can always be extended!
7:00 P.M.
7:00pm
Caroline arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Natalie arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often hair and makeup.
2p.m.
2:00pm
Groom + groomsmen depart portrait locations & take pre-ceremony group photos. ** This location will have to be in a place where they'll avoid seeing the bride.
2:30 p.m.
2:30pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for portrait location and take pre-ceremony group photos. **This location will have to be carefully chosen to avoid seeing the groom.
2:45 p.m.
2:45pm
The ceremony takes place. The ceremony is beautiful, but the groom may be more reserved with all eyes on him. Emotional reactions usually happen during the private first look.
4:00 p.m.
4:00PM
4:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. 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. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
3:30pm
5:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
After family portraits, we’ll quickly move to bridal party and couple portraits. I suggest doing just one big group shot so the bridal party can enjoy cocktail hour, allowing us more time for bride and groom portraits. If things run late, this part may feel rushed, and the bride and groom often miss cocktail hour anyway..
5:00pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:30 P.M.
4:30pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by entrees and speeches. We recommend doing speeches at the end of dinner so we can capture reaction shots of friends and family without them chewing! That way they can focus on the delicious meals you provided!
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:00 P.M.
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
If you'd like to forgo the sunset pictures we can opt for some direct flash pictures later in the evening.
7:00pm
Parent dances followed by cake cutting!
7:30 P.M.
7:30pm
Open dancing starts
8:00 P.M.
8:30pm
Direct flash portrait session (can be done earlier in the night as well)
Photographers depart at 9 pm
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
If you’re not working with a planner, it’s a smart move to check in with your vendor team to make sure everyone’s ready for the weather. Your hair and makeup artists might want to plan for humidity, and if your celebration is outdoors, your DJ or band may need to take precautions for their equipment. A reliable rental team can also help keep things elegant by minimizing mud at outdoor events.
Together, we’ll create a plan that lets you fully embrace the day, rain and all. We’ll make sure every detail is covered so you can focus on the joy of your wedding while we handle the rest. Rainy weddings just call for a bit of extra flexibility, and they can be just as magical as sunny ones—sometimes even more so, with those unexpected moments adding a unique layer of beauty to your one-of-a-kind story.
If the forecast calls for rain, don’t stress—rainy days can be incredibly beautiful! Rain adds this romantic, intimate vibe that really shines through in your photos, turning what might seem like a challenge into something totally unforgettable.
If rain’s in the mix, grab a couple of clear umbrellas from Amazon. Not only will they keep you dry, but they also make for stunning, timeless photo props. We’ll adjust portrait spots as needed, and if it means venturing offsite to find the best natural light, I’m all for it!
Another tip: choosing a beautiful hotel with natural light can be a perfect indoor backup for portraits, giving you flexibility and peace of mind no matter the weather. Rain or shine, we’ll capture the magic of your day!
Rain Tips
I love capturing the little details that make your wedding day uniquely yours—the ones you’ve chosen to reflect your love story. From the lace of your dress to the special touches in your jewelry, each piece tells part of your journey, and I can’t wait to preserve these moments for you.
When I arrive, I’ll need about 30 minutes to style and photograph these details. Choosing a getting-ready spot with natural light really helps each item shine, and a clutter-free area keeps the focus on what matters most.
If you can gather your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, perfume, invitations, and any keepsakes in one spot, that’s perfect. And for your dress—unwrap it, then leave it to me. I’ll find the best spot to showcase it in a way that will take your breath away.
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you’ve been to a wedding recently, you might’ve seen a sign asking guests to stay “unplugged” during the ceremony.
It may seem like a weird ask, but there’s a good reason! You’ve invested in pro photography, and the last thing you want is for your ceremony shots to be filled with phones, iPads, or relatives stepping into the aisle for their own pics. To help us capture everything perfectly, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony—so everyone can be fully present, and your photos come out as amazing as possible!
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
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If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and 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.
Extra Florals
03
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Prep for the heat
02
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
I'd love to help you create the perfect timeline for your day. Let’s chat and design a schedule that ensures everything flows seamlessly and captures all the moments that matter most to you!
We're here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits run more smoothly when we create a detailed list ahead of time. We recommend keeping it to 20 groups or fewer—10 for the bride and 10 for the groom. This keeps the process relaxed, allowing us to capture each meaningful connection without feeling rushed. A longer list can disrupt the natural flow of the day, so keeping it simple lets us focus on the special moments with your loved ones.
Make a list
07
We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
We’re big believers that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
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. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
After we deliver your gallery, we'll work with you to order prints and design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
Albums must be prepaid before design begins and typically take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete (including revisions).
With the exception of printing errors, all albums are non-returnable. Albums may be ordered anytime before or after the wedding day. The holiday deadline for beginning an order is November 1st.
(8x8, 20 pages)
Linen: $450 each for Linen
Leather: $650 each
Additional 2-page Spread: $40 each
DUPLICATE PARENT ALBUMS
Linen: $950 for Linen
Leather: $1150
Additional 2-page Spread: $50
20 page 10x10 album
PRICING
Wedding albums are available a la carte
We 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 us any time at asteriaphoto@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. We can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!