WEDDING GUIDE
engagement session tips, timeline guidance,
vendor recommendations & more!
the wedding guide
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so 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 honoured you chose to work with me!
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.
Having photographed more than 100 weddings over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
- KAYCEE LUNDE
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!
I'm a big 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. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your 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 all of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
HAIR & MAKEUP
Thistle & Sage, Brooks
Blessing Blossoms, Airdrie
Calyx Floral Design, Red Deer
FLORAL DESIGNERS
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
Deborah Ann Makeup & Hair, Airdrie
Studio 150, Airdrie
Makeup by Ashleigh, Olds
Hair Design by Jess, Calgary
Kate Colman Wedding Planning & Events. Cochrane
Three Sisters Wedding Planning, Airdrie
Rare Vintage Rentals, Calgary
WEDDING DRESS
noteable favoUrites
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 last year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself someone who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
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.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for bride and groom portraits and, sometimes, for bridal party photos. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed. And, I can always pull you away from your reception for bride & groom portraits at sunset!
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 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.
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 to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bride "getting ready" photos (where I will be photographing the bride, hair & makeup, details, bridesmaids and bride's family). If you'd like photos of the groom & groomsmen getting ready, I can sneak away for a half hour to photograph those. After the ceremony is done, plan for 30 minutes for family portraits (make sure the family stays close!). Usually we will move to another spot/location to start 15 minutes of combined bridal party 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, I 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, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
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 I have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
first look timeline
12 p.m.
Kaycee arrives at Bride’s getting ready location. If the grooms are close, I can sneak off to photograph them for 15 minutes.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is nearly done. 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.
5 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
5pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. I’ll grab some pictures of your guests & decor while you enjoy!
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6 P.M.
Welcome toasts followed by speeches and entrees.
6pm Dinner
Note: The number one time suck on a wedding day is a dinnertime that stretches on! When the last guest grabs their meal is the best time to start speeches!
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm TRADITIONS
7:30 P.M.
Danging begins.
7:30pm DANCING
8:00 P.M.
Photographer Departs
8:00pm Photographers Depart
TRADITIONAL TIMELINE
1 p.m.
Kaycee arrives at Bride's getting ready location. If the grooms are close, I can sneak off to photograph them for 15 minutes.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is nearly done. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:30 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
2:30pm - Guys Depart
2:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
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.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
530pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
Note: The number one time suck on a wedding day is a dinnertime that stretches on! When the last guest grabs their meal is the best time to start speeches!
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 Departs
9:00pm Photographer Departs
If the forecast is calling for rain or snow, fear not because storms can still be beautiful! If you don't believe me, just take a look at Ryan & Deanna's wedding day. It was blizzarding and very cold, but by giving people breaks to warm up in the barn, I got amazing photos!
If there is snow or cold weather on your wedding day, make sure you have warm boots for walking through snow. Ladies, I always recommend putting leggings or sweatpants on underneath your dress to keep you warm for photos.
Weather Tips
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'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.
Inclement weather-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
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I'll need about 30 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 me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'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 grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in my 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 with a small bucket of extra pieces I can incorporate those in your detail shots!
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
For family portraits, I’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, parents, siblings, etc.
Once I have that big group shot, I’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so I 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 typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
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 + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
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 + 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!
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 I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our 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. 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!
2. 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.
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.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING MORE THAN 100 weddings in the past few years, I'M happy to share a few additional tips
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 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, we 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 reception, I'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
9. I'd 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 aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.
They’re 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 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 kLunde@live.ca.
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. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!
THANK YOU!
xoxo Kaycee
@KAYCEEANNFARM
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