Kitchener & Toronto Wedding Photography

The Ultimate Wedding Guide: Everything You Need to Plan a Picture-Perfect Wedding Day

Bride and groom share a joyful first look moment under a tree on their wedding day

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for a wedding photography guide that helps you plan your big day with confidence, ease, and stunning results—this is it. It’s the same guidance I give to all my couples, now crafted into a single blog post you can bookmark, share, and download as a PDF.

1. Getting Started: Your Wedding Vision & Budget
2. Timeline Planning: Your Stress-Free Wedding Day Schedule
3. The Details That Make a Difference
4. Getting Ready Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew
5. The Shot List That Actually Matters
6. Wedding Party Photos That Feel Like You
7. Family Photos Without the Chaos
8. Reception Moments You’ll Want to Remember
9. First Look or No First Look?
10. What to Tell Your Guests (Phones, Photos & Being Present)
11. Self-Care Tips You Might Actually Use
12. Download the Full Guide (Free PDF)

1. Getting Started: Your Wedding Vision & Budget

Before you dive into the to-do list, take a breath. Grab a journal (or your partner) and talk about the big picture: How do you want your wedding to feel? Romantic and elegant? Laid-back and fun? Grand and luxurious? These answers shape everything else—from your venue to your budget. Every couple deserves a wedding photography guide that actually helps.

Vision Questions to Ask:

What three words describe the wedding we want?
Indoors or outdoors?
Classic, modern, rustic, editorial?

Next Step: Set your wedding budget based on what matters most. Don’t just divide it evenly—spend more where it counts for you.

2. Timeline Planning: Your Stress-Free Wedding Day Schedule

A wedding timeline isn’t just for the planner—it’s your secret to a calm, confident day. I always recommend planning your schedule about a week in advance and sharing it with your wedding party and vendors.

Sample Order of Events (Total: 10–11.5 Hours):

Getting Ready & Details: 2 hours
First Look & Couple Photos: 1 hour
Wedding Party Photos: 1 hour
Ceremony: 20 mins to 1 hour
Cocktail Hour / Family Photos: 1 hour
Grand Entrance: 15 mins
Dinner: 1–1.5 hours
Speeches & First Dance: 30 mins–1 hour
Cake Cutting & Tosses: 30 mins
Dancing: 2–3 hours
Grand Exit: 15 mins

Pro Tip: Pad in 10–15 minute buffers between major events. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. The Details That Make a Difference

You’ve spent hours choosing the rings, shoes, florals, and stationery. Let’s capture it all.

Details Box Checklist:
For the Bride: Shoes, rings, jewelry, bouquet, perfume, dress hanger, stationery
For the Groom: Tie, belt, socks, cufflinks, cologne, watch
Others: Vow books, ring box, anything meaningful

Quick Tip: Designate a “drop zone” for details before I arrive. It saves time and keeps everything organized.

4. Getting Ready Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew

These candid, emotional moments are often the most treasured. Think laughter, champagne, and your mom helping with the dress.

Key Tips:

Have everyone mostly ready before the photographer arrives
Choose a space with good light (big windows are gold)
Coordinate outfits or robes for consistency

Hot Tip: If you want to feel confident in your photos, get ready in a way that makes you feel good. You’re not just making memories—you’re preserving them.

5. The Shot List That Actually Matters

Don’t worry about handing me a 40-point Pinterest checklist. I’ve got you. But a short, personalized list? Game-changer.

Use this format:

Family: Must-have combos
Couple: Anything unique to you
Other: Cultural moments, surprise guests, sentimental items

You’ll also get my shot list and a place to write your own. Don’t stress—this is part of your Runway Questionnaire.

6. Wedding Party Photos That Feel Like You

No stiff lineups here. We’ll capture the fun, the fashion, and the friendships.

Typical Flow:

One side
The other side
Full group
Individual with each partner

Go-To Prompt: Have the couple kiss while everyone cheers. Every time, it’s a hit.

7. Family Photos Without the Chaos

Here’s the secret: Communication + a helper.

Tips for Smooth Family Photos:

Tell your family ahead of time
Assign a friend or planner to round people up
Start with the largest group and work down
Grandparents first so they can sit or leave

Reminder: Phones away, eyes on me. It makes a huge difference.

8. Reception Moments You’ll Want to Remember

Once the dancing starts, I go full-documentary mode. But there are a few things we plan ahead:

Common Events:

Grand entrance
Toasts
First dances
Cake cutting
Bouquet toss
Exit

If you want a fog machine or sparklers, let’s talk lighting and timing to get it right.

9. First Look or No First Look?

Here’s the truth: There’s no right answer. But I’ll help you decide what’s right for you.

Why Couples Love First Looks:

Quiet moment alone
More time for photos (and less stress)
You get to hug, laugh, twirl before the aisle

If You’re Skipping It:

That’s totally fine! We’ll plan around it so you still get great couple shots afterward.

10. What to Tell Your Guests (Phones, Photos & Being Present)

Unplugged ceremonies make a huge difference in your photos.

What to Do:

Add a line in your invite
Ask your officiant to announce it
Make a cute sign at the entrance

Bonus Tip: Ask guests not to take photos over my shoulder—especially during group photos. It slows everything down.

11. Self-Care Tips You Might Actually Use

This process can feel like a lot. But here’s what I’ve learned after 28 years:

Things That Help:

Yoga, meditation, walks with friends
Less wine, more tea
Laughing at the chaos
Remembering why you’re doing this

The couples who enjoy their wedding the most? They let go. Not of planning, but of perfection.

12. Download the Full Guide (Free PDF)

Want everything you just read in a printable format with checklists and examples? Every couple deserves a wedding photography guide that actually helps.

👉 Click here to download the full Wedding Guide PDF

It includes: