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WEDDING GUIDE
The WRITER & BELOVED PHOTOGRAPHY
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm very excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a smaller scale wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
I thought it would be beneficial if I provided a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
- Kassandra
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
plan your session
I always encourage my couples to have an engagement session, here's why. Not only do e-sessions allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I put together an an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with some of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough. These vendors are not paying me to include their names -they've been included based on their reputation in the industry for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day. You don't have to work with anyone on this list, but I am happy to make the connection if you'd like. The vendors vary in price points so feel free to peruse multiple portfolios from each list. The vendors vary from more affordable to higher end, but all have a solid body of work from what I have seen from their online portfolios or from working with them personally.
Your Sweetest Day Events, PA
Arielle Fera Events, East Coast
Ang Weddings & Events, NYC
Honour & Blessing, Worldwide
WEDDING PLANNERS
Forte Florals
Wild Indigo
Rosewood Floral Co.
Floral Designs by Sofie
Twisted Willow Flowers
Winsome Florals
FLORAL sTUDIOS
Solidity Films
Little Kings Media
The Herrintons
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
To be updated..
DJ & BANDS
The Birdhouse NYC
Sarah Ahn / Brides by SB
Kate Make Up Artistry, Lancaster PA
Stephanie | Your Local Boho Stylist, Lancaster PA
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Invitations
CALLIGRAPHY
venues
The Prospect Park Boathouse | Brooklyn, NY
Conestoga House & Gardens, Lancaster PA
Lauxmont Farm, Wrightsville, PA
Terrain at Styers, Glen Mills, PA
Parque Ridley Creek, Newton Square, PA
Glen Foerd Mansion, Philadelphia, PA
Bottinos NYC | New York, NY
Ultimately, you two should make the investments that best suit your budget & tastes. Being fiscally responsible is the happiest way to start a marriage. My encouragement is to invest in the vendors who's work speaks to you, while being mindful of the investment you planned to make. Sometimes when planning a wedding we discover that we greatly underestimated costs, and we must arrive to more realistic budget parameters for the wedding we hope to have. While on the other hand sometimes while planning we learn that scaling back the budget can still afford for an amazing celebration. In my experience the more thoughtful the couple's choices, the more balanced and beautiful.
Remember these are just some of the fabulous vendors out there, I will be happy working with anyone you choose.
Most of the Vendors listed serve the East Coast or the entire US & range in investment*
The majority of your bridal portraits and detail shots will be taken in front of a large window with great light. The room doesn't have to be grand or elegant, it just needs to be tidy and well lit.
And don't worry! if for any reason your getting-ready-location is not as well lit or spacious as we might need it to be, I have a solution for those instances too. I will take a bride who is already in her gown to recreate such shots outdoors. So think, bridesmaids fluffing your dress, or a beloved matriarch buttoning those last buttons on your dress. This is often the case when there is a larger bridal party or when the day is a little gray and there isn't enough natural light illuminating the getting ready space.
Bridal Portraits
The getting reading portion of the day can feel hectic and overwhelming, but with a little preparation and some small tips it can be smooth sailing.
Think of the moment when your wedding album first arrives at your doorstep. You carefully open the box, and unwrap the packaging. You open up your album to the first page- and there it begins, the re-living of one of the most incredible days of your life. The album usually opens up... to your getting ready photos.
It's those exciting, butterfly moments of the day when the house or hotel room is buzzing. Bridesmaids are getting ready, the bride is in hair and make up, veils and gowns, shoes and rings.
Great Light
Dress
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
A tidy space absent of miscellaneous items, such as water bottles and shoes etc.
Bridal PortraitS
Checklist
MY Favoritre THings
Sometimes there are people who we wish could be here but who are no longer with us. If you want to bring a small token that reminds you of them, feel free to do so, I will tastefully incorporate it into some of your detail shots.
Light
The best tip I can give to the bride-to-be is to be very thoughtful about choosing this location. A nice size window with great access to natural light is a must. My clients often tell me that what gravitated them to my work was the light, soft film-like look to my images. They love the light and airy images and want that for their special day. The way I get that soft look is through natural light.
Heirlooms
I. Florals & Fresh Fruit. Adding fresh figs, or pears to your reception tables is a beautiful, affordable way to add charm to your tablescape while pleasing your guests with something fresh and edible. It's timeless & tasteful.
II. Simplicity. Simplicity is a great approach to achieving understated elegance on the wedding day. Soft earth tones over vibrant colors, soft loose florals over highly stylized floral pieces. A nice white tent, a timeless wooden bar rental. An estate or vineyard backdrop.
An intimate restaurant or historic room. Let the location shine and embrace simplicity in everything else to focus on one another and the celebration of your nuptials.
III. Welcome Them. Welcome them into your story. Sharing something you both love with your guests is something that neither you, nor they will ever forget. A song, a pastry, a cocktail- anything.
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
I love both options equally! But if you have never heard of a first look or haven't considered it before, here are three reasons why more and more couples are choosing to have one.
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour and requires gathering everyone up and keeping them close by.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although I prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options & control for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3 is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 20+ minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 20+ minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I 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, I respectfully ask that that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding and that you remind guests to not obstruct the ability for your photographers to capture the sweet moments leading to and at the altar.
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.
12 p.m.
Kass arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Kass's assisting photographer arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1:15 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I'm happy to make recommendations.
2:00 p.m.
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
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.
4:00 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
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.
5:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5pm Introductions
5:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm 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!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
8:00pm Photographers Depart
1 p.m.
Kass wraps up getting ready photos and begins photographing details (gown, bouquet, boutonnieres jewelry, invitations etc.)
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: By the time I arrive all of the details should already be collected and set aside for me to photograph so that no time is lost searching for them the day of.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that I’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
I’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. We recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
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.
Bridal DETAILS 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.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her late mother's perfume bottle. 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: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply me a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots. This will create a beautiful cohesive color story throughout your gallery & wedding album.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When I can, I 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
Note: If cleaning your ring yourself, make sure to do it in a safe space, far away from floor grills and drains.
For family portraits, I'll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then I'll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
I'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 I'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 I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'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 my summary list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's 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 + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows! Additionally, we need to discuss how the current pandemic may affect group photos at your wedding.
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for my photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
1. Stay as true to yourselves as possible. Think deeply about what matters to you and how your stories, first individually and now as a couple, will be brought to life on your wedding day. Nostalgia, sentimentality, comedy, poetry, music, dance- these are all things you don't have to shy away from while accommodating for your wedding guests. Embrace who you are individually and how that brought you together.
2. On some occasions couples want to capture the bonding time they share with their bridal party the morning of the wedding. They will get matching (or non-matching) robes, light a cigar, pop a bottle of champagne or even throw confetti. In these sweet moments of the "getting ready" hours of the big day, they bond, laugh & play. If this sounds like something you would want to do, perhaps account for 10-30 minutes in your timelines that will be separated to photograph these kind of moments.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Additional Tips
After Shooting Weddings for the past four years I'm happy to share a few additional tips
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some time in your timeline specifically so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests. You worked so hard to pick every detail, I wouldn't want to miss a thing.
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 15-20 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying me with a list ahead of time, I can go over it and make sure I shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
9. Assign a trusted friend or family member who can have snacks & water on hand. I have personally witnessed a bride faint on her wedding day because she hadn't eaten all day.
10. I love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call!
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.
These albums are heirlooms, built to be passed down. They’re also modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
I can't wait to get to know you guys better! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at Writerandbelovedphotography@gmail.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!