Your wedding day is not a photoshoot…it’s your legacy unfolding in real time. Every laugh with your best friend, every tear your dad tries to hide, the way your partner looks at you before you walk down the aisle… these moments are too precious to rush.

And yet, a thoughtfully built timeline is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself on your wedding day. It’s what allows you to be present while ensuring your photos are artful, intentional and filled with real emotion.

Here’s how I guide my couples in building a wedding day timeline that creates space for the in-between moments to unfold naturally.

1. Start with What Matters Most

Think about the parts of your wedding day you’re most excited about. Is it a private first look in the gardens? Sunset portraits on the course of the country club? A quiet moment with your girls before the ceremony?

We’ll anchor your timeline around these moments, giving them the space they deserve so they never feel like an after thought.

2. Plan Buffer Time (Trust Me on This)

Weddings almost never run on a minute-by minute schedule (and when they do, I can promise that everyone… especially the couple, can feel the stress of it) By building in intentional buffer time between hair and makeup, getting dressed, traveling to locations and formal portraits, you’ll be able to breathe and enjoy your day without stress.

It also means that if you need an extra minute to soak in the moment of the day… you can. Often times these unscripted pauses become favorite memories and photographs.

3. Prioritize Light

As your Photographer, I’m always considering light when helping you build your timeline. If you want to avoid the harsh mid-day outdoor lighting, perhaps consider a late afternoon ceremony. If you love that golden, romantic glow for portraits, I’ll help plan a window of time during sunset to sneak away for some portraits.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’ll miss your cocktail hour or the party on the dance floor. We’ll plan intentional windows for portraits so you can spend your day with the people that matter most!

4. Allow Candid Moments

The best images often happen in the in-between… your best friend adjusting your veil, a private walk with your partner, your flower girl peeking into the mirror. These moments can’t be forced, but they can be made possible with the right timeline.

By leaving open space in your timeline and resisting the urge to overfill your day, you’ll allow the authentic, candid moments you’ll treasure forever to happen organically.

5. Trust Your Vendors

You don’t have to know how long family photos take or when the best light hits your venue. That’s what your team of Vendors are here for. When you book with me, I send a detailed wedding day planning questionnaire and work with you (and your Planner/Vendors) to build a timeline that feels like you while ensuring your photos reflect your day honestly and beautifully.

Remember This is Your Day, Your Story

At the end of the day, your wedding is not about checking off a shot list: It’s about the way it felt to be surrounded by the people you love most, beginning your marriage with intention and joy.

A thoughtfully crafted timeline allows you to step fully into your day, confident that your wedding day and the memories that come from it are being preserved with care, artistry and a deep respect for your story.

If you’re currently planning your wedding and want a Photographer who values your experience as much your images, I would love to document your day. Inquire about your date here and let the planning begin!

Tori and Dorian’s heartfelt wedding at Aurora Meadows was everything you envision for a beautiful wedding day, a sunny day full of joy, lots of love and meaningful moments.

A LOVE STORY THAT WAS A DECADE IN THE MAKING

Tori and Dorian’s story starts back in 2012 when the two were just highschool friends. While they didn’t start officially dating until the end of 2020, they like to say they have “unaccounted for years” because it seemed no matter where life took them, they always found their way back to one another.

TORI & DORIAN’S ROMANTIC WEDDING AT AURORA MEADOWS

getting ready at aurora meadows

The day started with Tori, Dorian and their closest friends getting ready in the separate getting ready suites at Aurora Meadows. Tori had her Mom and Maid of Honor help her slip into her stunning dress from Luxe Redux Bridal, which was customized with touches of lace from her Mother’s wedding gown. Meanwhile Dorian and his Groomsmen did their big game day entrances sharing laughs and drinks.

First Look & Private vows

Tori & Dorian chose to do an intimate First Look in a beautiful open field, just the two of them. They shared lots of smiles, laughter and some tears as they followed with the reading of their private personalized vows. They took the time to take in these last few moments before becoming husband and wife and capturing portraits before the ceremony.

A sunset ceremony

The outdoor ceremony on the beautiful grounds at Aurora Meadows was simply stunning, with the early November sunset bringing the soft golden light through the trees. Their pup Freddie at Dorian’s side and a special reading from Tori’s Mother. The two said “I do” surrounded by the love of their closest friends and family members, and ended with a bubble sendoff down the isle.

Reception in the ballroom

The reception took place inside at Aurora Meadows and was decorated to match Tori and Dorian’s elegant vision for the space. Candles lit the tables, cocktails were flowing and their grand entrance was met with the cheering of their loved ones. The two then went on to cut their cake, had heartfelt special dances and heard speeches that brought tears and laughter from their loved ones.

Dancing all night long

After dinner and a stop at the dessert table, the party was in full swing. The fun-colored DJ lights and upbeat playlist kept the dancefloor packed and the party going until the very end. Tori and Dorian, in the middle of the dance floor, danced the night away surrounded by those they loved most.

SHOUT OUT TO THE AMAZING VENDORS

Venue: Aurora Meadows Events
Photography: EmForever Photography & Co
Videography: Swept Away Videos
Invitations: Zola
Florist: Wild Vine Floristry
Hair: Hair & Beauty by Hollie
Makeup: Sarah Delaine Brides
Pet Attendant: Here Comes the Paws
Dress: Luxe Redux Bridal
Suits: Ticknors
Catering: Sausalito CLE
Cake/Desserts: Sugar Me Desserterie
DJ: TKO Entertainment
Photobooth: Clear Choice Photobooth

LOOKING FOR A DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY AT AURORA MEADOWS EVENTS?

Whether you’re getting married at Aurora Meadows Events or anywhere else, I know your day will be as memorable and breathtaking as Tori and Dorian’s. If you’re dreaming of someone capturing your big day with the same intention and passion, let’s chat! I can’t wait to meet you.

Choosing a location for your engagement photo session can be overwhelming. After all, you want to capture stunning visuals that will commemorate this special time in your life. Where should you take the photos? What kind of backdrop is ideal?

Whether you’re looking for something modern and urban or rustic and serene, there are plenty of options. Consider your personality as a couple, the time of year and the kind of shots you want to achieve when picking a location. If you’re having trouble deciding, here are some ideas to jumpstart your search:

If you love nature, seek out places with lush greenery or breathtaking views. Parks, forests or gardens can provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor shots. If you’re looking for something more rustic, try a lake or beach location with dramatic rocks or driftwood.

For an urban feel, consider iconic locations such as landmarks and cityscapes in your hometown or in a neighboring city. Think of places with some stunning architecture such as libraries, museums, historic downtowns or even a parking garage overlooking the skyline. You could also pay homage to the places that are important to your relationship—maybe the restaurant where you had your first date or an activity you do together.

Alternatively, there are tons of spots that can bring out your creative side. Have fun with props and backdrops to make for unique images! Try an outdoor mural wall, old barns, antique shops or even record stores for some funky photos. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even take shots at an amusement park, the county fair or an outdoor market!

No matter what kind of location you choose, make sure the spot has meaning to your relationship. Your engagement photos should be a reflection of who you are as a couple and where your love story began. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to capture gorgeous images that will last a lifetime!