Wedding Day Guide

Over the years of helping couples create a successful timelines

I realized that there were always the same questions and a lot of the same concerns about time. Especially the early parts of the day.  So I wrote these pages as a helping hand to reference in your planning process. This is meant as a helpful guide, from my point of view, as your photographer. It is not meant to be a bible. Just a guide. 

What I love about all of my clients, is that everyone’s approach is different. What matters the most to some of you is not even a concern for others. So please take what you can use and disregard the rest. And as always, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask! 

Below you will find my helpful tips for different parts of the day, sample timelines, why I feel like an Unplugged Ceremony is a really big deal and it’s probably not why you think.  You will also find my list of recommended vendors!! These are all folks that made a very good impression on me when I worked with them, are on time and do a fantastic job!

Make sure you save this link somewhere you can easily find it so that you may reference it in the future. Have a great engagement, an awesome time planning and I will see you soon!

GETTING READY

Getting ready images are a perfect way to start the narrative of your wedding day. So many really great moments are happening and good lighting can help capture them in a more elegant way. I highly recommend looking at renting out homes on AirBNB or getting

I recommend my coverage to start around 1 to 2 hours before you see each other, although we may need extra time if we are traveling to the ceremony.

I really love how sacred and special this part of the day is... I will remind you and your friends and family that no one needs to do anything special for me, just enjoy your time together!

When the alterations shop packs up your attire, they usually hang it on a stiff wire hanger, covered in cardboard with lots of padding to help it keep in shape.  While this is great in the zipper bag, it’s not so great if you’d like pictures.  Think about bringing a wooden hanger, a fancy scroll  hanger, or some cool vintage number from an antique store. Anything but a wire or plastic hanger! 

ready at cozy bed and breakfasts instead of stuffy hotel rooms (which unfortunately are usually full of no-smoking signs, sprinklers, and questionable chairs and carpet choices and VERY little actual space).  Leave the hotels for your guests!

If there are any details that are special to you and you would like them photographed, it is really helpful to have them all in one place for me when I arrive. There will be a space on the Day of Questionnaire to tell me about them.

If you have a large wedding party, please think about saving a clean room to get dressed in. This can save us a lot of time and time is very valuable on the morning of your wedding. 

While you are having your hair and makeup done, window light is our best friend and creates amazing drama even in cluttered rooms.  When your Makeup artist arrives, ask her to set up next to a window so the light hits your face.  Your makeup will look it's best and so will your pictures- it's a win win!!

EXTRA TIPS:

**Pack a pair of small scissors- you’ll need them!

**If you have tulle or lace at the bottom of your dress, or inside your dress layers, avoid shoes that have rhinestones or beads in PRONG SETTINGS. They will catch on the holes in the lace and tulle. I have caught several brides in mid fall and even used scissors to cut out layers so they can walk and dance.

**If you are taping your breasts, practice beforehand IN YOUR DRESS. In fact, invite over your bestie or mom or whoever will be helping you on the day of. This can take 20 minutes to get on right on the first try so the practice will save us a lot of time!

** Please DO NOT get a spray tan right before your wedding! 9 times out of 10 if you sweat even a tiny bit, it will leak onto your dress and stain it (yes, I know they tell you it won’t but it does). But even more important, you will also appear very orange in photos and when standing next to other people. In order for me to correct any of that in editing, anyone who is in a picture with you, will appear very pale and blue. Please please don’t do it right before the wedding.

** If you have a lot of buttons on the back of your dress, bring a crochet hook- it will save your friend’s/mom’s nails!

**Tape up a copy of the condensed Timeline in the getting ready room for your Bridesmaids/Friends to reference so they know when and where to be!

THE FIRST LOOK

The First Look is a trend of the last decade that has really taken off. It was developed by one the world's leading wedding photographers as a way to, essentially, get more hours in the day.  By seeing each other before your ceremony, it allows us more stress-free time to make amazing portraits of the two of you, without the constraints of time or the family onlookers, the Uncle Bob’s with their cameras and the rush to make it through Cocktail Hour.  We not only take care of your portraits but we can also shoot all the Family and Wedding Party pictures as well!


Here's my ideal timeline with a First Look without a Second Photographer
(actual time of day is just for reference):

1:30- Sam arrives at getting ready location

2:30- Groom starts getting dressed

3:00- Bride starts getting dressed

3:30- First Look into portrait session

4:15- Wedding Party Pictures

4:30- Family Pictures (this will vary greatly based on the size of your
immediate families and your photo list)

5:00- Guest Arrival/Freshen up for the ceremony

5:30- Ceremony

EXTRA TIPS:

**If you are NOT doing a First Look, think about having Cocktail Hour run for 1.5 hours. This has become a very popular option that allows us extra time for taking the Wedding Party, Family and Couple’s portraits and still allows for you to catch some of cocktail hour (hopefully!) 

THE CEREMONY

I will most likely cry at some point during your ceremony. Don't worry, nothing's broken.  :)

I feel like there are only three things that I constantly find happening at ceremonies that are worth mentioning:

1. CENTERED: If you have an altar, circle, tree, something that you are standing in front of, it is SO helpful to make sure that you are centered. There is nothing that makes my love of symmetry twitch more than a couple who put so much time and energy into the gorgeous place they stand to get married, and then are totally off center of it. It is such an easy way to ensure your final photos are super pleasing to the eye. 

2. KISS: When you have your first kiss, take your time!! Kiss twice, three times, whatever you want, but think about enjoying the moment longer than a quick peck. This applies for walking back down the aisle too- take your time and enjoy it!

3. SPACE: In order to achieve variety in your images, I shoot from the sides when possible. Allow for some space between you and your officiant when you’re standing up there. It allows me to achieve the first two images below without their book and the mic stand in the way. This is even more important if you have a 4 pole chuppah/altar you are standing under.

EXTRA TIPS:

**Traditionally, Parents sit in the front row on the SAME side as their child. But this leaves them looking at your back. I suggest that your family in the front row (or 2) sit on the OPPOSITE side so they can see your face during the ceremony!

This will be new for them and most people so make sure you explain it!

PORTRAITS

I love making gorgeous portraits for my couples no matter how much or little time we have. Getting creative. Playing with light. Creating art for you while also creating timeless, classic portraits. 

This takes time. I would love to have 45 total minutes with you for portraits and it works really well to split up the portrait session into a few different parts of the day:

30-40 minutes for the First Look, 10 minutes after the ceremony and 5-10 minutes during the reception when the sun is setting and the last of the light is on the horizon.

Splitting up your portraits allows for so much more variation in location and lighting, emotions and energy and before married/after married!

If you haven’t added a Connection Session, don’t worry- I’ll guide you as much or as little as you need and you’ll warm up in no time!

EXTRA TIPS:

**Sneaking out for five minutes towards the end of the reception can be a great time to take a breath together, look back at your party and capture a night shot!

THE RECEPTION

Thinking about lighting during your reception can really make a difference in your images.  There are so many variables here and lighting varies stylistically from person to person and venue to venue, but my vote is always natural looking, warm light.

Italian string lights are a beautiful way to add pretty bokeh (the out of focus orbs in the background of photos) to backdrops. They’re ideal for inside tents and barns, outdoor yards, to make a borders around dance floors and eating areas, and they help to light the perimeter of the reception in a beautiful way.

Don’t forget the power of TALL candles on your tables! This will light your guests faces as they sit at their tables and we all know there is nothing more flattering than the soft glow of candlelight! They also enhance the background of your images! It’s a win win. Tea lights are nice but there is nothing like tall tapers for gorgeous ambiance.

If you’re having an indoor recpetion, and you are choosing to do uplighting for your reception space, it’s best to avoid overly warm colors (red and orange) although my personal preference is spaces that are lit more naturally. Use caution when discussing lights with your DJ. I generally love the party lights that the DJ's bring, however, I am always bummed when I see the red and green laser light ball as there is no way to work around that so always ask your DJ what they use.

EXTRA TIPS:

**Think about your bustle and how easy it can be stepped on while you’re dancing. Ask your seamstress to make sure it’s reinforced or short enough to not be yanked.

PREFERRED VENDORS

WILD BLOOM BRIDAL
Owner’s: Lauren F + Lauren P
Website: https://wildbloomsbridal.com/

CANVAS WEDDINGS
Owner: Corinne
Website: https://canvaswedding.com/

WELL DRESSED EVENTS
Owner: Kristen Ligas
Website: https://welldressedevents.com/

WEDDING PLANNERS

RUFFLES AND TWEED
Owner: Adrienne O'Connor
Website: http://rufflesandtweed.com/

EVENTS BY MERIDA
Owner: Merida
Website: https://eventsbymerida.com

HAIR + MAKEUP

FAYE AND RENEE
Philly and New York
Website: http://www.fayeandrenee.com
Flowers and Event Design

OHANA EVENT + DESIGN
Based in the Hudson Valley
Website: https://www.ohanaeventdesign.com/homepage
Flowers and Event Design


HEART + SOIL
Hudson Valley, NY
Website: https://www.heartandsoilflowers.com/


LIV FLORALLY
Hudson Valley, NY
Website: https://www.livflorally.com/

KINDRED BEAUTY CO.
Makeup + Hair Artists
Website- https://www.kindredbeautyco.com/

HAIR BY ANNALIESE - Fishkill, NY
Onsite Hair + Makeup Team
Website- http://annalieseandcompany.com/
Email - info@hairbyannaliese.com

BRIDAL BY ALEXANDRIA
Onsite Hair and Makeup
Website: https://www.bridalbyalexandria.com/

FLORISTS + EVENT DESIGN

DARK + DIAMOND
Beacon, NY
Website- www.darkanddiamond.com


HOPS PETUNIA
Kingston, NY
Website- https://hopspetunia.com/

VIRIDESCENT FLORAL DESIGN
Hudson Valley, NY
Website- https://www.virifloraldesign.com/weddings-/

FLOWERKRAUT
Hudson, NY
Website: https://flowerkrauthudson.com/

VIDEOGRAPHERS

BANDS: 

THE MOD SOCIETY BAND
They are ridiculous. Your friends will want to get married again just to hire them. Your wedding will go down in epic wedding history. I’m so for real. They are worth Every. Penny.
Website- http://www.modsociety.com/weddings

THE GROOVE SHOP
Big Band with incredible talent. Not your mama’s wedding band. Like, 13 pieces big. 4 singers. 4 horns players. INCREDIBLE! No one sits when they play.
Website: http://thegrooveshop.com/

PARTY CRASHERS
These guys have great energy and a really good sound!
Website: https://www.greenlightbooking.com/party-crashers/

ATOMIC FUNK PROJECT
So so so good. Very professional and sound amazing. These kids can play!
Website: https://atomicfunkproject.com/

SOUND SOCIETY
Great big band- very professional and voices that will stop you in your tracks.
Website: https://www.soundsociety.band

SILVER PRO ENTERTAINMENT
A classy wedding band that your Parents will love but your friends will throw down too also!
Website: https://www.silverproentertainment.com/

THE ROVING BAR
Mobile Prosseco and Beer taps set up anywhere at your venue!
Website: https://www.therovingbar.com/

VW BOOTH BUS
Super Fun Photo Booth inside a Volkswagon bus! He even has laser lights, disco balls and a smoke machine.
Website: https://www.newyorkphotobus.com/

UPSTATE JAMBOREE
Beautifully made, old school but modern lawn games
Website: https://www.upstatejamboree.com

ROSE & DALE PHOTOBOOTH CO
Airstream Photo Booth
Website: http://www.roseanddalephotoco.com/

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ'S:

SUPERFLY SOUNDS
Zane is super good. He eases the older folks on to the dance floor and then ends up like a club DJ. He has amazing taste in music without all the cheesy DJ stuff.
https://www.superflysounds.com/

74 EVENTS
I have worked with many different DJ’s from here and they were all amazing! Both of the James and Joel are my favorites!
https://www.74events.com/

SOUND OF LIFE ENTERTAINMENT:
Great DJ, has a lighting set-up that’s not over the top, great taste in music and super easy to work with!
http://www.soundoflifedj.com

JOE DEL BUONO
Great DJ, Great MC, super professional and easy to work with. Has great taste in music!
https://delbuonogroup.com/

EXTRA FUN:

HUDSON HORNS DJ
They are an acoustic and interactive group that plays over the tracks along with your DJ. HH DJ will play multiple short sets over the dance portion of your party and get the crowd on their feet. This group ranges from 3-5 players which includes a hand-held percussion instrument and horns. They even lead a Second Line to take your guests from the Cocktail Hour to the Reception.
https://www.hudsonhorns.com/hire

CATERING

EXTRA FUN

KRISTI DICECCA
Onsite Makeup
Website: https://www.kristiedicecca.com

MG HAIR + MAKEUP
On site Hair and Makeup Team
Website- https://www.mghairandmakeup.com/

BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO TO GO
Mary Anne and her Chef husband Richard are SO fantastic. I have seen them set up entire kitchens in the middle of a field and make it look easy. They are really easy to work with and their food is top quality. I’m always impressed!
Mary Anne Erickson
948 Rt 28, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 845-340-9800
Website:  www.bluemountainbistro.com

HEIRLOOM FIRE
There is nothing I can say about them that will even come close to describing the badassery that is this crew. Open fire cooking like you’ve never seen before. Impeccable service. This the team you want when you’re out in a big field, or near a lake or in the Catskills or really, anywhere. One look at their website and you’ll know what I’m talking about!
Website: https://www.heirloomfire.com/

These folks are not local but LOVE to travel and are amazing:

Steelhead Cinema

A Little Long Distance

Happy Camper Films

Roman Howell Films

LOLA’S CAFE
Lola's is a High end, boutique style, off-premise catering company local to the Hudson Valley. They bring in seasonal menus, local ingredients and they always blow me away with their food. Approachable and creative with out being over the top.
Website: https://www.lolascafeandcatering.com/catering/

GROUNDED NY
Grounded Catering creates unique and delicious cuisine for events and celebrations in the Hudson Valley area. Led by Chef Linda Laestadius, Grounded Catering is dedicated to providing the freshest food, based on local, organic and bio-dynamic ingredients and a commitment to sustainability.
Website: http://www.groundedny.com/

ABOVE ALL LET’S HAVE THE BEST TIME!

Please remember that these are tips based on things that come up again and again but every wedding is different. Just because I mention something in here doesn’t mean you have to add it your wedding- remember, there are no supposed to’s! Let’s do whatever works best for YOU!

I’m here for you so always feel free to reach out with any questions!

xo sam june