Planning your wedding day timeline is essential for a stress-free and well-organized day, especially when it comes to capturing stunning wedding photos. As a Vancouver wedding photographer, I want to ensure that every moment—from bridal details to the golden hour bride and groom portraits—is beautifully documented.
Here’s a sample 8-hour wedding photography timeline for a summer or early fall wedding in Vancouver, designed to maximize natural light and create a seamless flow for your day.
Bridal Details – 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Every bride loves those elegant shots of her bridal details—the dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, and invitations. This part of the day helps set the scene and tells the full story of your wedding. While I capture these, I’ll also document getting ready moments with the bride and her bridal party. If the groom is getting ready nearby, my second photographer will cover his preparations about 40 minutes before the first look.
Bridal Prep – 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Time to get into the dress! I always recommend that the bridesmaids and mother of the bride be fully dressed before the bride steps into her gown—this way, everyone looks polished in the getting-ready shots. Once the bride is dressed, we’ll capture intimate bridal portraits with her veil, jewelry, and final touches.
First Look – 4:00 PM
One of the most emotional moments of the day! I’ll choose a private, naturally lit location for the first look so you and your partner can have a meaningful moment together. This helps calm nerves before the ceremony and allows for more couple portraits earlier in the day.
Bride and Groom Portraits – 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
After the first look, we’ll take a few romantic portraits of just the two of you while the excitement is still fresh. These will be some of the most cherished images from your wedding! Since golden hour wedding photos are ideal, I always choose portrait locations based on the best available light.
Bridal Party Portraits – 4:50 PM - 5:20 PM
Now it’s time for fun and stylish bridal party photos! To keep things moving, I recommend designating someone to pin boutonnieres on the groomsmen before they arrive. We’ll capture group shots of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the full wedding party together.
Bride in Hiding & Standby – 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
As guests begin to arrive, the bride will go into hiding to ensure no early sneak peeks. Meanwhile, the ushers take their places, and I capture final moments before the ceremony.
Reception Details – 5:30 PM - 5:50 PM
If the reception is at the same venue as the ceremony, this is the best time to capture the reception setup before guests enter. If the reception is in a separate location, consider having a cocktail hour outside of the main space to keep the décor untouched for photos.
Wedding Ceremony – 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
It’s time to say "I do!" Most wedding ceremonies last about 30 minutes. Whether it’s an intimate garden ceremony in Vancouver or a grand ballroom wedding, I’ll capture every emotional moment—your vows, the ring exchange, and the first kiss as newlyweds.
Group Photos – 6:40 PM - 7:10 PM
Immediately after the ceremony, we’ll take family and group portraits. I recommend having a prepared shot list to keep things efficient and ensure no one is missed. Outdoor photos are ideal for natural light wedding portraits!
Just-Married Portraits – 7:15 PM - 7:30 PM
This is the best time of day for romantic bride and groom portraits! The golden glow of the Vancouver sunset creates dreamy, cinematic images. A few extra minutes at this time will give you stunning portraits to cherish forever.
Reception Begins – 7:30 PM
Time to celebrate! The bridal party lines up for introductions, and the reception officially kicks off. From the first dance to the cake cutting, I’ll capture all the joyful and candid moments throughout the evening.
Grand Exit – 10:30 PM
My standard 8-hour wedding photography package includes full coverage of the main events and about an hour of dancing. If you want your wedding exit photos, you can either extend coverage or plan a controlled exit with just the bridal party, ensuring a perfect send-off photo!
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