Have a destination!
Plan ahead as to where you’re going after you exit the aisle; you don’t want to just awkwardly stand there all freshly married! Find a somewhat private location where you can take a moment to yourselves (and your photographer spy), but where your family and friends can meet up with you for group portraits (if doing so at this time; otherwise, hide away!).

About that moment…
Take these last few moments alone to celebrate, just the two of you! Sneak another kiss (or two), get the nervous giggles out, update each other on the crazy morning you’ve each had, tell each other how pretty they are… the party is about to begin, so take advantage of these last moments alone!

Family Portraits!
Typically, this is the time I would take portraits: during the start of cocktail hour. I recommend starting with family portraits so that the older folks and the younger kids can get their photo ops done and out of the way, as they are usually the most eager to get to the reception.

Try to give your photographer a list of combinations you’d like to photograph, with individuals’ names! Remember, I don’t know your family and who’s a part of who’s group, and although I’m happy to call out “Bride’s Mom!” or “Groom’s Brothers!”, it’s nice to have names to address your family by.

Wedding Party!
Next up… the wedding party!
If you’re having bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer, or any other special roles, now is their time to get a photo with the happy couple!

Again, I recommend letting to kiddos go first, as they are usually pretty antsy by now.

Couple Portraits!
It’s finally your turn for portraits! That is… if you’d like! We can do them now, during cocktail hour before your entrance to the reception, or you can join the cocktail hour, and we can block out some time at a later point. However, I do find that it’s harder to pull yourselves away from the party once you get there. With that being said, it’s totally up to you! As is how much time you want to dedicate to photos; some couples love being models for the day, others don’t really want the full editorial experience. It’s your day and I want you to spend it how you’d like!

Posing!
When we do get to your portraits, don’t stress over the posing aspect! I will give you some direction on where to stand, what to do with your hands, etc., but mostly importantly, just enjoy each other and this beautiful day! The posing will come naturally if you act and feel like yourselves! We can be as minimal as a few “print & frame” photos, or go all out and play around with the veil, with your rings, with locations. Whatever is going to give you the wedding album you want to have forever!

Post-Ceremony

Overall