Helping your day flow smoothly, with joyful, stress-free photos.

Why Consider a Second Photographer

• You're getting ready in two locations

• More coverage of both partners before the ceremony

• Tag-team portraits to save time

• Better group photo coordination

• Coverage of cocktail hour & reception details while I’m with you

• More angles during key moments

• More photos overall!

Photo List: What I Need From You

You don’t need to send me a full list—most wedding moments are second nature to me.
But let me know about anything unique like:

• Special music performances

• Hidden details (like an engraving in your ring)

• Surprise moments

Getting Ready Tips

• Allow 1–1.5 hours

• Keep details in one place for easy access

• If you're in separate locations, consider a second photographer

Suggested Detail Shots
For Brides: Dress, shoes, rings, flowers, perfume, veil, vows, jewelry, invites, gifts
For Grooms: Tie, shoes, cufflinks, boutonniere, vows, rings, gifts

Photo Moments

• Hair/makeup, robe shots, putting on dress/suit, toasts

• First looks with bridesmaids, parents, or each other

• Solo & group portraits with attendants and family

• Reading a letter or opening gifts

First Look

• Totally optional, but helps free up time after the ceremony

• Takes ~5–10 minutes

• I’ll help set it up in a quiet, shaded spot

• Great for portraits and calming pre-ceremony nerves

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

Whether you do a first look or not, we can photograph:

• Individuals & groups with attendants

• Parents and immediate family

• Solo shots of each partner
  Time needed: 1–2 hours, depending on locations and party size

Location Ideas

I’ll guide you, but here are some favorites:
Local: Fullersburg Woods, Graue Mill, Mayslake, Ty Warner Park
Chicago: Riverwalk, Lincoln Park, Montrose Harbor, Lurie Garden, Union Station
Skyline Views: North Ave Beach, Olive Park, Planetarium
Rain Plan: Garfield or Lincoln Park Conservatories, Civic Opera House, your venue

Family Portraits

Let’s aim for 20–30 minutes.
Groupings usually include:

• Couple with parents, siblings, grandparents

• Both families together

• Flower girls, ring bearers, etc.
  Let me know about family dynamics ahead of time (divorces, sensitive situations, etc.).

Tip: Assign a helper to call out names—lists are great, but I prefer a point person to keep things moving!

Ceremony

I’ll be up front for the processional, then move quietly to get:

• Vows, reactions, wide shots, and the kiss

• You walking back up the aisle together!

Cocktail Hour

If we didn't do a first look, I’ll use this time for wedding party & couple portraits.
Otherwise, I’ll cover:

• Candid guest photos

• Reception detail shots

• Custom cocktails, cake, décor, guestbook, and more

Reception Coverage

I'll capture:

• Candid moments, table photos, guests mingling

• Introductions, toasts, cake cutting, first dances

• Sunset or nighttime portraits (let me know in advance)

• Dance floor energy (about an hour of dancing is usually plenty!)
  If you're doing a send-off, I’ll stay until the end.

Sample 8-Hour Timeline

1:00 – Getting Ready
2:30 – First Look
2:40 – Portraits
4:00 – Prep for Ceremony
4:30 – Ceremony
5:00 – Family Portraits / Cocktail Hour
5:45 – Reception Details
6:00 – Intros, Dinner, Toasts
7:00 – Sunset Portraits
7:30 – First Dances
7:45 – Open Dancing
9:00 – End of Photography Coverage

Let me know what’s most important to you so we can make the most of every minute together. I’m here to support you, capture the joy, and tell your story—beautifully and stress-free.