- cheyenne 

Thank you again for choosing to work with my team and please don't hesitate to let me know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!

I am truly honored to be part of your wedding season and so excited to get to know you over the coming months. Choosing a photographer is one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make for your wedding day, and it means so much that you’ve trusted us to document something this personal and lasting.

Whether you’re working with a full planning team or creating something more intimate and intentional, we know there are many moving pieces behind the scenes as your day comes together.

After photographing more than 100 weddings, I've learned that the most beautiful, effortless images happen when our couples feel relaxed, confident, and fully present. That’s why I've created this guide — to walk you through everything from timelines and engagement sessions to weather plans and thoughtful details — so you can relax and enjoy the experience while we take care of telling your story beautifully.

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Welcome

plan your session

I am a fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they 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. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!

Engagement Session

Shaytionary Designs
 Signs and Sealed
 Ciarra Claire Shop

Invitations

Detroit Glam
Ronda Akande Bridal
Hannah Wagner Design
Lacey Gepford Artistry

HAIR & MAKEUP

JellieFish Productions
 LuFru Entertainment
Bluewater Kings Band
Brena

DJ & BANDS

Alex Mitchell (heyheyitsatm)
Caleb G Films 
A Celec Films

ViDEOGRAPHY

 Jen House Design
 Modern Day Collective
Clare Pravato 

FLORAL DESIGNERS

Haley Makay Events
Lauren Jacks
Tricia Finn Events 


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 we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we 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 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 our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.

While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:

IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE

First Looks

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 for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.

And reason 3b 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.

First Look

03

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.

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 we 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.

It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour  

02

Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look  

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. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.

A first look helps cut 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 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, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.

All this said, I know that no two weddings are exactly alike, and we take all of your details into consideration when helping you create the perfect timeline.

Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional down the aisle, 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 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 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.

tips for a seamless wedding day timeline

timeline

Wedding Day 

building the perfect

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 I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I 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!

If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! 

If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure I 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

I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once my teams arrives at your wedding, we need about 30-40 minutes to capture and style details. I 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! 

Details

Wedding Day 

Dress
Dress Hanger 
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
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 rosary. 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! When making groupings keep in mind where you want to prioritize your portrait time as well.

print + adjust this checklist

Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family (if you choose to do so)
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 (unless we take before cereomy)
Bride + Dad (unless taken before ceremony)
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family (if you choose to do so)
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  (unless taken before ceremony)
Groom + Dad (unless taken before ceremony)

Family Formals Checklist

For family portraits, typically I place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (if you choose extended family), siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’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 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 I send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members , small children & 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 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

05

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

Ask your florist for any spare blooms to add for details. Make sure to 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! Drink lots of water the days before and of as well!

Don't forget the snacks

01

tips

Additional

I love to help plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call! I also take a proactive approach and will work with your planner and other vendors on this as well.

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. I love being your personal paparazzi! 

Photo anyone?

08

Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family are made aware of the plan. If you supply 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. 

Make a list

07

I recommend the bride go into hiding 30-40 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.

Hide the bride

06

I 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 me any time at hello@weddingsbycheyenne.info.

If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through the guide!
Remember that it's just that, a guide. This is your day and I am willing to help and adapt where we can to assure things go just the way you dreamed!

Thank you!

- Cheyenne