Planning a wedding photo timeline that perfectly encapsulates all your precious moments and aligns with your vision isn't that easy. We've reached out to Toronto-based photographer Iris Sinilong, the owner and creative mind behind Sincerely Studio, for some insider tips and insights that can help you make this process seamless and, most importantly, stress-free.
Getting Ready
I treasure every moment leading up to the grand celebration, especially when the wedding party is assisting the bride in preparation. I perfectly understand the significance of capturing intricate details for the perfect look. During the getting ready phase, I always allocate at least 30 minutes to capture stunning flat-lay photos while the bride adorns the final touches like lipstick or the veil.
Couple Portraits
To ensure a smooth flow of events, I recommend scheduling both wedding party photos and couple portraits before the ceremony. This will not only allow your photographer to capture stunning portraits with ample time and attention to detail, but also give you more time to relax and savor your day.
Typically, I allocate between 30 minutes to 1 hour for these photos so that I can capture the magic of your wedding day with great precision. This intimate time together is very important! It provides a chance to seize spontaneous, genuine moments between you and your partner that truly reflect your love and commitment to each other.
Ceremony
The duration of your wedding ceremony can vary depending on the special elements that make your wedding unique. For instance, if your wedding includes cultural traditions or rituals, you might need to set aside more time.
By allowing enough time for your ceremony, you'll be able to fully embrace and appreciate each moment without feeling the pressure to move on to the next event. This will also provide more flexibility with the timing for your reception, so you can relax and enjoy the celebration with your loved ones.
After the Ceremony
Capturing family portraits during your wedding day is a cherished tradition that you won't want to miss! These photos serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and support that surrounds you on your special day. To ensure that everyone is included and the process is seamless, I highly recommend scheduling family portraits during a dedicated time slot after the ceremony. This process typically takes no more than 30-40 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.
Cocktail Hour
Now, it's time for you and your guests to have fun while your photographer takes lots of candid shots! During this time, I become a discreet observer to truly get a genuine experience of your wedding day from your guests' perspectives. One thing to keep in mind is that photographing every individual can be difficult, so a photobooth is an excellent alternative to guarantee you capture group shots with all of your guests!
Dinner
The duration of the dinner largely relies on the events that will take place during that time. Some questions to consider: Will there be a first dance? Will there be parent dances? Speeches? Cake Cutting? Any cultural elements worth mentioning? Do you plan on sneaking out for sunset/night photos? These questions are here to prompt you with ideas on how to get your wedding night sorted with meaningful interactions & activities.
Reception
The most enjoyable part of the evening has finally arrived! It's your chance to let loose and have the time of your life! During this time, I typically capture footage for the initial 30 minutes to an hour once the dance floor opens.
