We’re Booked!
… Now What?
You’ve trusted me with documenting such a meaningful chapter in your lives, and for that, I’m truly honored and incredibly grateful. There’s a reason you felt connected to me and my work, and it’s deeply important to me that I not only meet but exceed those expectations.
That’s why I’ve put together this briefing—to make sure you get the absolute most out of me and that we stay perfectly aligned as your wedding day approaches. I want to share the expertise I’ve gained from 14 years of photographing weddings, offer helpful tips, recommend trusted vendors, and learn even more about your vision so I can capture it authentically.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: for you to stay focused on what truly matters and to have one hell of a time celebrating your love. Let’s make this unforgettable.
What to expect moving forward
PLANNING/SUPPORT
I’m not just available to be your point person—I genuinely want to be. With 15 years of experience both behind the camera and in front of it, plus the perspective of being married myself, I bring a well-rounded understanding of the day.
I’m here to be as helpful as you need—whether that’s answering photo-related questions, offering advice, or just being a sounding board for ideas. I’ve seen just about everything, and my goal is to help you get the absolute most not only out of working with me, but out of your entire wedding day experience.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Two months before your wedding, I’ll send over a detailed questionnaire. This helps me hit the ground running and ensures you feel completely confident knowing everything is covered—so you never have to second-guess a thing.
The questionnaire will walk through important details like your timeline, family and friend dynamics, any especially meaningful people or moments you want documented, as well as key addresses and logistics. It’s all designed to make your day feel seamless and stress-free, and for me to be fully equipped going into the wedding.
LAST MEETUP
About 3–5 weeks before the wedding, I like to schedule one final video call to go over everything together and make sure we’re fully aligned. The main focus is the timeline, but we’ll also revisit your questionnaire responses and cover any updates or questions you may have.
If nothing else, it’s a great chance to reconnect and touch base before the big day—so everything feels familiar, comfortable, and dialed in.
*Remember you can access any files, forms and invoices via the portal. Just go back to one of our emails and you should be able to access the portal from a button within the email.
What is a First Look, And Why You Should Consider it…
A first look is something every couple should at least consider. It gives you the chance to see each other on your own terms—without an audience, without pressure, and without expectations. You can react naturally, take your time, and truly soak in the moment together, instead of processing everything while walking down the aisle in front of a crowd. For many couples, this private moment becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the entire day.
Of course, if you love the idea of that traditional aisle moment and don’t feel like you’ll be overwhelmed by it all, that’s wonderful too. But it’s still worth thinking about the practical side. Skipping a first look often means fitting your couple’s portraits, wedding party photos, and family formals into a tighter window before the reception—which can cut into your cocktail hour. That’s time I believe is best spent celebrating, relaxing, and being present with the people you love.
There’s no right or wrong choice—just what feels most like you. These are simply the factors I encourage every couple to consider as they decide how they want to experience seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.
WEDDING TIPS
Mark Ceremony Standing Spots:
It sounds trivial, but couples often stand off-center from the aisle or arbor without realizing it, which can make photos tricky and even block the first kiss shot. You’ll have a lot on your mind, so place a small visual marker (a piece of tape or a rock) to remind yourself where to stand once you reach the altar. Even ask your officiant to help position you once you’re up there so you don’t have to worry about it.
Consider a Planner and/or Day-of Coordinator
Weddings involve many moving parts, and you shouldn’t be the one juggling them. In my 15 years of experience, hiring a solid planner is a total game changer—and having a good day-of coordinator is worth every penny.
Take Time for You
Make time for yourselves. Everyone says your wedding day goes by in a blur—and they’re right. Whether it’s a first look, a short walk together at sunset, or a moment in the morning for private vows, give yourselves space to slow down and be present. Those intentional pauses help you soak in a day that otherwise moves incredibly fast.
The day is about you
It’s natural to want your guests to feel cared for, but at the end of the day, they’re there for you. Don’t let stress creep in by trying to manage everyone’s preferences or comfort. Prioritize your own needs and the experience you want to have together. Enjoy one another’s company, because at the end of the day everyone is just there to just have a good time and celebrate you.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
If you don’t have a coordinator, assign roles—like managing the family photo list or the contact list and timeline, or handling the emergency kit, etc.—to trusted friends or family. The last thing you need is someone coming up to you every 5 minutes with question after question. Take it from me, that gets old VERY fast.
Talk About me to Your Guests
Talk about your photographer—and I promise, it’s not a narcissistic request. Your guests will feel more at ease if they feel like they know who I am, so it helps when you refer to me by name rather than simply “the photographer.” Treat me like a friend (which I hope to be!), and it becomes much easier for everyone to relax and be themselves when I’m present. That comfort is what allows me to photograph your day in a natural, honest way.
Ways to Get Even More Out of Your Experience
Below are some popular, optional additions to consider as you continue to plan your wedding…
Engagement Sessions
Or as I like to call them…
Lifestyle Sessions
Enough with the cheesy, checklist-style engagement sessions in the local park. An engagement session deserves more. It’s more than photos for your save-the-dates—it’s a chance to truly connect with your photographer, to get comfortable in front of the camera, and to document a fleeting chapter of your life.
The goal is to get to know you beyond the surface and collaborate on a location, a mood, creative direction, and even wardrobe so your photos look and feel like you. I go the extra mile to make these images meaningful, intentional, and emotionally grounded—because when the moments are real, the photos become something you genuinely connect with.
Film Photography
Chances are, the collection you’ve booked already includes film photography — but if not, take a moment to look through some of the film scans below to see how beautifully different film feels. Film carries this almost indescribable sense of nostalgia: the soft grain, the dreamy tones, the way it captures light with such honesty and emotion. There’s a timeless quality to it that digital simply can’t replicate. Incorporating film into your wedding photography collection adds an artistic, romantic layer to your gallery, giving you images that feel both nostalgic and completely unique to your day. It’s not just a format — it’s a vibe, an experience, and a beautiful way to preserve your memories with a touch of magic.
PHOTO BOOKS & ALBUMS
These elegant, photographer designed photo books are masterfully crafted with the best materials available. They are thoughtfully put together to tell the story of the day without unnecessary, excessive or distracting fluff.
Standard sizing is 10×10 and either 20 or 40 pages, depending on the product choice, but dimensions, page count, cover text and color are all customizable.
If your wedding collection doesn’t already include it, you’re more than welcome to add one to your contract now at a 15% discounted price.
Videography
When it comes to documenting your wedding, vendor fluidity is one of the most underrated but impactful parts of the planning process. Hiring like-minded creatives—especially when you’re blending two different mediums like photo and video—creates a seamless experience from start to finish. When your photographer and videographer share a similar creative approach, visual style, and mindset, everything just flows: the way they direct, the way they move through the day, the moments they prioritize, and the energy they bring into your space.
This cohesiveness translates directly into your final product. Instead of two separate bodies of work that feel mismatched, you get a beautifully unified storytelling experience—consistent tones, complementary compositions, and a shared artistic voice that elevates your entire gallery and film. It also means less stress for you. Like-minded creatives communicate intuitively, work efficiently, and support each other’s process, ensuring that every moment is documented with intention instead of competition or chaos.
In short, choosing vendors who align creatively isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating harmony on your wedding day and walking away with a collection of memories that feel beautifully, thoughtfully, and cohesively you.
Rose White is, without question, my top recommendation for videography. Rose and I go back over five years, and we’ve worked together at more weddings than I could count. We share the same values, the same creative instincts, and the same vision for how a wedding day should be documented—with intention, artistry, and heart. Because we’ve collaborated so many times, we’ve developed an effortless rhythm: we know how to move around each other seamlessly, support each other’s process, and elevate one another’s work rather than simply trying to stay out of one another’s way.
That mutual respect translates into a truly cohesive experience for you. Instead of two separate vendors working independently, you get a unified team that communicates, collaborates, and blends our strengths to create a fuller, richer, and beautifully intertwined documentation of your day. When Rose and I work together, the final result isn’t just consistent—it’s harmonious, balanced, and intentionally crafted from both sides of the lens.
Rose White is 10/10 stars.
Extra Day Coverage
I love being included in welcome parties or events the day before. It gives me a chance to meet your people early, connect with them, and build trust—so when the wedding day arrives, they’re already comfortable with me, which leads to much more genuine photographs. Plus, documenting these extra moments adds so much depth and fullness to your final gallery.
THANK YOU!
From the bottom of my heart thank you for including me in your wedding. I cannot wait to be part of the celebrating and document all of the moments both seen and unseen so you and your kids can relive this experience forever to come.