your resource for planning the perfect day
wedding guide
CHRISTI@CHRISTICLARKPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
843-441-4279
Please feel free to reach out to me at any time, if it is late I may respond the next day but I am always here to help you with any questions or concerns.
i'm so excited TO WORK WITH YOU ON YOUR BIG DAY!!
meet your photographer, CHRISTI
let's get the planning started
GET MARRIED!
06.
plan day-of timeline
05.
book engagement session
04.
hire remaining vendors
03.
hire your photographer
02.
secure your date and venue
01.
Wedding websites, save the dates, n guest books, posting on social media countdowns, gifts and adorning your home with photos to make you smile! The options are endless!
how to use the photos
Depending on if you want to use the images for save the dates I would say 6-9 months from your wedding day. I have the images back in around 2 weeks so editing won't be an issue!
when to schedule
An engagement session is a wonderful chance for us to get to know each other better! It's a great opportunity for me to learn more about your unique love story and for you to feel comfortable being yourselves in front of the camera
why you should
An engagement session is good for save the dates and really helps to get those nervous tendencies out of the way (everyone has them!)
IF YOUR ADDITIONAL SESSION IS AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!
planning your engagement session
This combo is everything you could want in an engagement session. The avenue of Oaks is famous from movies filmed in Beaufort and just a short drive away is a beach that is secluded. Win Win!
AVE OF OAKS/ SECRET BEACH
Another iconic location is downtown Savannah and Forsyth park. The rooftops, the parks, the homes.. you can't go wrong!
DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH/FORSYTH PARK
I love the variety downtown Charleston gives. You can be in front of a gorgeous victorian era home and in front of the water within steps of one another
DOWNTOWN
CHARLESTON
in THE LOWCOUNTRY
top engagement session locations
A well-chosen sport coat can truly elevate the look, adding a touch of personality and sophistication. Also, having multiple outfits gives you the perfect opportunity to showcase different facets of your love story. If you have a Pinterest board or a vibe in mind, absolutely share it! We can work together to make it happen.
Above all, your comfort is key. My goal is to capture genuine moments that radiate your love and personalities, so please don't hesitate to mention any insecurities you might have regarding photos. We can work around them and ensure you feel amazing and confident in the images. Whether it's focusing on specific features or avoiding certain angles, I'm here to make you shine!
what to wear and determining the aesthetic
selecting outfits & styling your shoot
With your bridesmaids
With the groomsmen
With the entire bridal party
With your parents
With a brother or sister
With your pets
creative alternatives to a first look with your groom:
If enjoying cocktail hour is on your must have, a first look is for you. Not only do you get to get your wedding day jitters out of the way but you get most if not all of the wedding party photos and family photos done before the ceremony. After the ceremony it is a couple family photos and off to cocktail hour for you!
I have found that the first look is more special for my couples because it is the grooms chance to see his bride alone and to have a genuine reaction. My grooms that cry, cry both times.. when they see her for the first time AND down the aisle! But it is your special day we will make it happen either way!
I KNOW - CONTRoVERSIAL TOPIC HERE!
a first look
for the bride
My second shooters will arrive with me on the contracted time and she will go with the guys. I will stay with you until we have the first look and/or wedding party photos. I will shoot the details when I arrive (invitations, shoes, dress, perfume, both rings, family heirlooms, florals...etc!) then it is show time!
Communication from me before your big day! We will make sure not to have any surprises and talk thru the day. If you have a planner I love to work with them as well, but I do like to have our final meeting with you, the planner is always welcome! Your planner and I will handle your day flawlessly, you will not have to worry about a THING!
what to expect as the bride
Getting ready is such a special time, the person who is helping you get dressed has likely thought about this moment for years. It is important that who helps you get ready is ready BEFORE you! So in the photos and video they are not in their robe getting you dressed.
Most hair and makeup artists already do this but you do not need to go first or last, closer to the end so you are fresh but not last in case things run behind! And if that does happen your planner and I have already planned "just in case" so relax and have fun, we have got this. If you need me to bring you a glass of champagne, say the word!
capturing the art of getting ready
Wedding dress
Veil or any hair accessories
Jewelry - including both the rings!
Shoes (wedding shoes and comfy!)
Perfume
Bouquet (and bridesmaid bouquets!)
Undergarments and garter
Robe or getting ready outfit
Copy of your invitation suite
Any gifts for those involved in the day
Your vows!
Invitations
BOTH rings
what to bring with you:
To the right are some frequently photographed items and some don't forget things. If possible the florist to provide some throw away florals so I can add them to your details to really make them beautiful! It is amazing what some florals will do.
Some of my brides make a little box of their things and it helps them and me keep everything organized so when they are getting dressed everything is together!
bride's
checklist
* double check the veil is actually in the dress bag!
for the groom
We will photograph your shoes, tie, watch, cufflinks, boutonniere and then you are free to get dressed! We would like to capture this as well so we will place you in the perfect light for the photos! We will get some photos with you and the groomsmen and then it is off to the first look and/or wedding party photos. Then it's time to get married!!
The grooms are just as important! On your wedding day my second shooter and I will arrive. Depending on the day I will come over and introduce her or she will introduce herself. We ask that you be dressed except for your shoes, jacket, and tie. Wait to put on the boutinneire so that we can capture that as well! If you would like someone special to put it on make sure they are there.
what to expect as the GROOM
We want you to have fun when you are getting ready. It is best to capture you just having fun! If you want to play cards, take a shot, have a cigar, just talk with you friends and family we love to capture that! So, don't feel like you have to do anything special when we arrive.
As we mentioned above we will capture those details ( shoes, cufflinks etc.) and then you are free to finish getting ready. If you have a first look we will let you know when it is time to go and place you in the best spot! Your lovely bride will call your name and you will turn around and see her in all her stunning beauty!! THEN you get to have fun and get married!
relish in the time spent with your 'guys'
capturing the art of getting ready
Suit or tuxedo (don't forget the vest!)
Tie and/or pocket square
Button down shirt
Socks and other undergarments
Shoes
Cologne
Boutonniere
Wedding ring, watch, cuff links
Hair gel or hair products
Any gifts for those involved in the day
Your vows!
what to bring with you:
This list to the right are some things on the "do not forget list: It may not include everything but it is a great place to start!
groom's checklist
Time to go home!! If you have a later exit times can be adjusted or we can go back and do a mock exit. It does gives those who are ready to go home a chance to go home. This is also based on a 8 hour package, so it can be adjusted, just to give you an idea! For a 10 hour package I may come at 12 and leave at 10 which gives a little more room to capture it all.
2:30-3 Photography arrival, details, getting ready photographs
3:00-3:30 Bridesmaid photos and Groomsmen photos separate
315-345 Family Photos separate - as many as we can separate
430-5:00 Ceremony
5:00 Family Formals, Wedding Party Photos and Couple portraits
6:00 Reception entrance, first dance
6:45-7:15 first dances and toasts
7:30 Sunset photos
10:15 : Exit
* Less portrait time, no cocktail hour mingling are the biggest differences!
My favorite!! I love to capture the newly married couple in the sunset, it is just so beautiful and it gives you two a minute to step away and breathe it all in!
sunset pics (7:30)
This is subject to band and planner, but a good place to suggest it to happen! We do ask that we get to eat when you eat so we can capture all of the good speeches and not run out mid bite :)
toasts & dances (6:45-7:15)
Your big entrance into the reception, usually followed by your first dance! Don't forget to eat after, when dinner is served. I know it is hard to break away and sit down but it is very important! :) *off my mama soap box.
reception begins (6:00)
Some quick portraits before you head into cocktail hour for 3o minutes! Grab a snack while you are there!
bride/groom portraits (5:15-5:30)
Make sure to tell the family where to be after the ceremony so we can get this done quickly and you can join cocktail hour!
remaining family formals (5-5:15)
It is time to say I DO!!
ceremony (4:30-5)
All wedding party photos will be taken. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
Family photos will be taken, please let family know to arrive at 3, this will give a buffer time in case someone is late! I will go down the list you gave me. We can save the ones for after the ceremony as needed, usually the larger groups! After this refresh and hide away until the ceremony.
WEDDING PARTY (2:45-3:15)
family formals (3:15-345)
First look and couple portraits to follow
the first look (215-245)
Photography team arrives and begins shooting details.
Groomsmen will begin to get ready at 130 and the second shooter will join them.
getting ready (1-2)
your wedding day timeline
RECEPTION END (10 pm)
TIMELINE WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
rough estimate that can be customized
In my experience I highly suggest an unplugged ceremony, you have planned for months and sometimes years for this moment and you want it captured beautifully, so the guests should sit and enjoy the ceremony! Anytime it is announced people do respect it and do not complain. I will share the images with you and they can use the photos to share as they wish if that helps !
The most important reason is guests do stand in the aisle while you are walking down and take videos, I can show you many many photos where it happens! If that doesn't bother you then it is your day, you choose but I just want you to know that if you don't have a sign or your officiant doesn't announce it, it is likely to happen. We also cannot guarante we will be able to get the shot if Aunt Sue steps in front of us right before the first kiss, most of the time we are able to react quickly but it is a possibility!
why your ceremony should be unplugged
During the wedding rehearsal, have the bridesmaids and groomsmen practice standing the same distance apart from the couple. This will help the images look even better with both evenly spaced.
To add to this time also make sure that you are are centered during the ceremony if there is an arch or that you are in the center of the aisle! Make a mark if you need to so you know exactly where to stand the next day.
For the reception while you are seated, having a gorgeous floral centerpiece in front of you and NOT chairs if you are doing a large head table allows for amazing shots of you as a couple.
Steam your dress before your big day so you don't go to get dressed and it is wrinkled!
Don't wear a bra the day before and avoid tan lines that can be seen in your dress if at all possible. Purchase a bathing suit with the same neck line as your dress!
In planning a time for the ceremony, take into account the sunset. Especially in the months where the sunsets at 5 pm. No first look? Think about all of the photos that will need to be done BEFORE sunset! Some of my brides end up having to have a first look in those early sunset months, due to time constraints. Something to think about!
If the groom likes to wear a hat, have him wear plenty of sunscreen on his face the couple of weeks before the big day! This will avoid the dreaded hat line in all of your photos.
TIPS
After you receive your images back you will get a chance to order your album! I will send you a link so you can select your favorite images that you would like to include and I will get to work!
when should we order our wedding album?
Depending on the package you booked anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks.
when can we expect to get our photos back?
I average about 100 per hour, most times more..
how many photos will we get back?
We will choose a time together that is best and you will get the most out of your hours booked!
on my wedding day, when will you arrive?
When you have it ready, usually 30 days out!
when will we discuss my wedding day timeline?
As soon as you are able to after you book!
when should i schedule my engagement sessioN?
frequently
asked
questions
thank you! i am so excited to be your wedding photographer!
EMAIL:
PHONE:
Christi@ChristiClarkPhotography.com
843-441-4279