wedding day tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more
Wedding Guide
Smith & Co Photo
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Hi! We are Jean, Brandon, Katerina, and Penny, a team of portrait and wedding photographers in Southeast Michigan. By now, you have chosen your photographer, and Jean will be taking care of everything behind the scenes. Between the four of us, we have photographed HUNDREDS of weddings, so we are well equipped to help you with everything you need!
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! We know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and we're so honored you chose to work with us! Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day, and we would love to give you some guidance or answer your questions.
Meet your photo team
Welcome
1 week after booking:
We will ask for some basic info so we can come up with a basic timeline so you know how much time you'll want/need for photos throughout your day. We will also discuss the details of your engagement session if you are opting to do that.
2 months before the wedding:
We will touch base to finalize all of the wedding day details and final payment. We will also request a finalized timeline of the wedding day so we can be prepared with that on the day of your wedding.
1-2 weeks before the wedding:
We will check in with an email and call to go over your day and answer any last questions you may have.
Day of the wedding:
We arrive at the scheduled time and quickly run through the course of the day. Then we coordinate with your family and friends regarding scheduled start times for formal portraits and what to expect. Now BREATH. You’ve worked hard for this day, so relax and enjoy!
1 week after the wedding:
All of your wedding images are gathered and culled through, which will then be edited and prepared for your online gallery or
proofs.
1-2 weeks after the wedding:
By this point, we know you are dying for a peek of your wedding day! we will post a preview of your day on our blog and/or social media.
6 weeks after the wedding:
Your images and slideshow will be available in a private online gallery for you to view and download. The gallery will be private, but you will be able to share with family and friends.
6-10 weeks after the wedding:
We work together on the design of your album. The album design and printing process takes about 2-3 weeks.
9-14 weeks after the wedding:
Your album and artwork are ready for shipping!
We completely understand how much goes into planning a wedding
and we want to make your photography experience be as seamless
and smooth as possible. The following will help you understand the
timeline with us from booking through delivery.
start to finish
schedule your session
Shooting an engagement session is important for several reasons. First, this time allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer, figuring out how you work best together before the wedding. Next, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting, as your wedding day is very busy and involves many other people besides yourselves. If you're ready to schedule and plan your session, fill out the form below!
Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are normally done 6-12 months before the wedding date, so you will have plenty of time to mail your save-the-dates 4-6 months before the wedding.
when to schedule
Besides having them forever, use your photos for social media, framed art, albums, reception guest book, reception table displays, and/or save-the-date cards.
how to use the photos
Transportation
tux and suits
Invitations
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
CAKES
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
ViDEOGRAPHY
FLORAL DESIGNERS
LDT Events
Lo & Co Design
Beautiful Day Planning
Luna Soiree Events
WEDDING PLANNERS
We have worked with so many wonderful vendors over the last 17 years. While we can't possibly list everyone, here are a few that we have worked with and absolutely love. This is not a paid list - we just 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
That moment the couple sees 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.
If you're not familiar with a first look, it is a private moment for the couple to see each other for the first time before the ceremony.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely excellent reasons to consider a first look. Below are 3 reasons to consider.
wondering if a first look is for you?
First Look
We have experienced many first looks and have observed two advantages of seeing each other earlier in the day. One, generally nerves are very high and most are relieved once the couple sees each other. Second, a first look allows the couple to enjoy the entire day together, rather than just for the few hours of events after the ceremony.
First Look
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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 the wedding party, and then bride and groom portraits. As mentioned above, if your ceremony is later, this leaves very little time for all of these photos.
Doing a first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for wedding party pictures, bride and groom photos, and family photos. Which in turn allows your family and friends to enjoy cocktail hour and gives the bride and groom the option of attending cocktail, having private time, or doing more photos.
cocktail hour
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enjoy your day together
If your ceremony is scheduled for 4 pm or later, we highly recommend considering a first look. You'll be moving right from your ceremony into your cocktail hour and reception so you'll have a very short time frame for family photos, wedding party photos, and bride/groom photos. With a first look, you'll be able to do all of these photos before the ceremony.
Late ceremony
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With your parents
With a brother or sister
With your pets
With your bridesmaids
With the groomsmen
With the entire bridal party
CREATIVE ideas or ALTERNATIVES TO A FIRST LOOK
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we 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. If you choose to do a first look, we'll do all of your photos before the ceremony (getting ready, first look, wedding party, bride and groom photos).
The following are typical time amounts needed for each event throughout the day. This can be used as a guide as you chat with your vendors over the next several months. We have included a range of time, but the more time, the more ideal for photos.
Girls getting ready - 1-2 hours
Guys getting ready - 30-45 min
Family photos - 30-45 min
Wedding party - 30-60 min
Bride and groom - 30-90 min
When planning your timeline, PLEASE keep travel times between locations in mind.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Wedding Timeline
Example Timelines
with a first look and
later ceremony
Wedding Timeline
without a first look
and earlier ceremony
12 pm - Getting ready photos begin
1:00 pm - Bride and groom first look
1:15-2:45 pm - Wedding party and Bride and Groom photos
2:45 pm - Travel to ceremony
3:00 - 3:30 pm - Family photos
3:30 pm - Wedding party hidden
4 pm - Ceremony begins
5 pm - Ceremony ends
5:15 pm - Travel to venue
5:30-6:30 pm - Cocktail hour
6:45 pm - Grand entrance
6:50 pm - Cake
6:55 pm - Speeches
7:15 pm - Dinner service
8:15 pm - First dances
8:30 pm - Dance floor opens
12 pm - Getting ready photos begin
1:15 pm - Travel to ceremony
1:30 pm - Wedding party hidden
2 pm - Ceremony begins
3 pm - Ceremony ends
3:15-3:45 pm - Family photos
4:00-5:30 pm - Wedding party and Bride and Groom photos
5:30 pm - Travel to reception
5-6 pm - Cocktail hour
6:15 pm - Grand entrance
6:20 pm - Cake
6:25 pm - Speeches
6:45 pm - Dinner service
7:45 pm - First dances
8:00 pm - Dance floor opens
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day. Once we arrive on your wedding day, 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 is super helpful for us if you can gather your details and have them ready for when we arrive. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll find the perfect spot.
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (engagement and wedding)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet (if available at getting ready location)
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (envelopes and stamps if available)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards
Vow Books
Perfume
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
Bonus: Florists normally have extra cuts from your florals and often supply us with the extras so we can include them in your details shots. Ask your florist if this would be available.
Shoes
Socks (if they are unique or special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Cologne
Anything else 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 an example/starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
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
example family photo list
While most of our photos have a candid and lifestyle feel, it is important to capture traditional, posed photos as well. Depending on whether you do a first look or not, we'll either be doing formal family photos immediately before the ceremony, or immediately after.
A few tips:
Our normal family workflow to start with the bride's side of the family with the largest group and then break it down to smaller groups of immediate family, and then move to the the groom's side (or vice versa). We can work from this workflow or you can send us a family photo list if you prefer.
We highly suggest appointing someone (planner or family member) to help with the family photo portion of the day to call out names and round up family members.
Please let all family know BEFORE the wedding day to stay close after the ceremony so precious time isn't wasted finding wandering or departed family members (or to arrive early if we're doing family photos before the ceremony).
If you make a list, keep your list of groups short. Please note that each group shot can take a 2-5 minutes and we usually only have around 30 minutes slotted for family photos.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
Speaking of wet days... heavy humidity is also something worth considering. You might want to discuss a "plan b" with your beauty team if the weather forecast indicates wet conditions. Hair and makeup may require adjustments to endure rain and/or humidity. Trust us, we've encountered every type of weather imaginable, and you wouldn't want to have long, delicately curled hair if heavy humidity is expected.
While we can't guarantee that rain won't show up on your wedding day, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
If the forecast is calling for rain, don't worry! Some of our very favorite weddings have been rainy day weddings! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Carly and David's day. It rained the entire day and it was such a gorgeous day!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It might also be good to re-evaluate portrait locations in hopes that we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
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.
Rain Tips
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
We neither request nor expect unplugged ceremonies, but we do admit that it does help in preventing phones from appearing in our shots or people from standing or leaning into the aisle to capture their own shots.
Your day and what you do with it is totally up to you, and this is one of those things that either feels really good or you don't care. Either way, we're flexible and accommodating!
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
The quality and experience of your vendors will make or break your wedding day. Probably not the day to cut corners and bargain shop.
quality vendors
If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, make sure they are dressed in their formal clothing as they won't want to be in their pajamas or robes for these special photos!
First looks for parents
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Given that events often run longer or behind schedule on the wedding day, we recommend adding buffer time into your schedule so your photo time doesn't get cut short.
extra time
If it's going to be hot, wear your hair up and have a cooler of cold waters for your wedding party. If it's going to be cold, plan some type of layering or coats. You may not be wearing them for photos, but they're sure nice while walking or in-between photos!
Prep for the temps
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Some brides forget to eat, some are too nervous, and others avoid it for fear of bloating. But the truth is, not eating often leads to lightheadedness or hanger. And NO ONE wants to experience those feelings on their wedding day.
Don't forget the snacks
tips
Additional
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05
01
Our greatest advice? You’ve hired your dream vendors, curated every detail, planned every last thing. Now it's time to just LET IT GO. Your wedding day will fly by and you don't want to spend it worrying about a small mistake or late vendor.
Enjoy every last second of your day.
let it go
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Ask your parents to have a quick look over your family photo list prior to the big day, as they might have a strong opinion on who is in or not in the family photo (or if you've accidently overlooked an important family member).
family photo list
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
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THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
DO I NEED AN ALBUM?
It's one thing to view your digital photos on a computer or phone, but it is something entirely different and amazing to see, touch, and flip through pages filled with hand-picked images from your wedding day.
These aren’t your parents' wedding albums. The flush mount album you will receive is of superb quality with a leather or photo cover, hard, thick pages, and lay flat binding. They also look fabulous as decor on your coffee table.
THE PROCESS
We will work together to design the album of your dreams. I will ask for your favorite images of the day and those are the images that are enlarged or highlighted in the album. I choose “filler” images that will compliment your favorites and complete the story of your wedding day. Once the spreads are designed, you will be able to view the album online and approve or make changes.
THE TIMELINE
Once you are ready to start the design process and your favorite images are sent over, the design takes about two weeks. Once the design is approved, there is a one month window for printing and shipping.
ALBUM SIZES
12x12 | 40 pages included, additional pages may be added
10x10, 8x8 | Parent album, replica of main album
We can't wait to do this journey with you! If you have any questions or would just like to chat, please reach out.
Thank you!
EMAIL US!