your go-to guide for all of the best tips for planning a fun, relaxed, and beautiful wedding
Wedding Guide
MICHELLE Jones Photography
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Bookmark this guide, and refer to it throughout your planning process. If there's anything not covered that's on your mind, reach out!
I'm always here to help!
I am so excited to be your wedding photographer and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! By the time your wedding day comes, we'll feel like old friends! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day - and one that is especially meaningful to you - so I am especially honored you chose to work with me.
Wedding planning can be A LOT. Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are many moving pieces leading up to your wedding day. The goal of this guide is to put lots of useful information at your fingertips to have the best experience possible. And help me create the wedding photographs you've been dreaming of.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
YOUR WEDDING PLANNING
roadmap
FOR YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
We’ll make plans to photograph your engagement session, which will be so much fun and the perfect “trial run” of being in front of the camera
engagement session
tips & tricks
Periodically through your engagement, I’ll send emails with information or resources that will help you in the planning process.
planning questionnaire
This is a longer questionnaire I'll send about three months out that lets you share all of the important details of your wedding day (including your list of family photos) so I can craft the perfect Coverage Plan!
final payment
Your final payment is due 30 days before your wedding date, and you’ll receive a reminder in advance (because I know you’re managing a lot in those final weeks!).
planning consultation
about one month ahead of your wedding day, we’ll reconnect on a video call and chat through all of the important details for your day, so you feel well-prepared and at ease!
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engagement guide
I love using engagement sessions as an opportunity to meet you in person and celebrate this special time in your relationship during your engagement session! These sessions allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you.
your Engagement Session
OFFICIANT
Guest Portraits: Wild and Beautiful Art
Custom Crests: The Welcoming District
Custom Cocktails: Molecular Food
Calligraphy & Signage: Write Liz Write
unique vendors
Invitations
RENTALS
ATTIRE
CAKES
J. Tan Artistry
Kristen C Artistry
Makeup by Kiley Smith
Vow by Alondria
Makeup by Ivett
Amie Decker
UpDos for I Dos
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
Ridgewells Catering
Purple Onion Catering
Spilled Milk Catering
Well Dunn Catering
Genesis Delight Catering
Kindle Cuisine
CATERING
ViDEOGRAPHY
She Loves Me DC
Cedar and Lime Co.
Springvale Floral
Petals Edge DC
House of Jeanne Flowers
Sweet Root Village
The Enchanted Florist
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
High-quality vendors play a critical role in creating a stress-free wedding day.
Assembling an expert team means you can relax and enjoy your day living in the moment, knowing your team will handle the rest.
I've worked with many of the vendors below and or I have seen their exceptional service, and highly recommend them! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
CONTENT CREATION
Lots of windows
Neutral decor
Free of clutter
Ample space
Multiple rooms
Matches your aesthetic
LOOK FOR
I recommend a place with neutral and bright decor; white or neutral walls, simple or elegant furniture, hardwood floors. White walls help to reflect the light, giving you a beautiful glow. And don’t forget the carpet! Sometimes even the nicest hotels can have pretty gross carpets, so try to find somewhere with a nice carpet or other floorings. Modern, simple flooring is the best for timeless photos.
In an ideal world, I would have all my clients get ready in a space with a minimum of two rooms. One room for hair and makeup, storing bags, eating and drinking and the other for putting on your dress or suit and taking photos. However, I know that’s not always possible, so at least try to find a space with two designated areas. When your wedding party is getting ready with you they tend to bring a lot of stuff with them, and we don’t want clutter filling up the back of your photos. Make sure to have at least a corner of the room nice and clean so you aren’t scrambling to organize before your photos.
Your getting ready photos are the start of your wedding album and will set the tone for the gallery as a whole. It’s a good idea to try to find a getting-ready location that fits the aesthetic of your wedding so that the photos flow seamlessly into your next moments. For example, if you’re getting married at a historic estate, getting ready in an ultra-modern hotel will feel disconnected from your other photos. In the same way, make sure that the getting-ready spaces for both partners have a similar aesthetic. Thinking of your morning as a part of the overall wedding day rather than just a place to get ready will help you have the best photos possible.
For most couples, your wedding day will begin with time set-aside to get ready! Selecting a beautiful getting ready location for both partners is a very important part of your planning process. Some venues will include a getting ready space, but you may need to identify another location if one is not included.
The number one way to get beautiful getting-ready photos is to find spaces with awesome light! Lots of large windows is ideal, and if you can find south-facing windows, it’s even better. Not only does natural light help me achieve luminous and flattering images, but it helps your makeup artist to ensure that makeup looks great in natural light.
You might be surprised to learn that in an indoor location I turn off all of the artificial lights (so they don't make everything look yellow-orange) so the windows are SUPER important to my style!
Gorgeous Photos IN THE PERFECT SPACE
GETTING READY
That moment the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until they walk down the aisle or to have a first look prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. It's a great idea for couples who might get a little nervous on their wedding day, or anyone who wants to have a private moment with their partner. I love watching the nerves melt away for my couples during their first looks! On the other hand, some couples prefer to stick to tradition and see each other for the first time in front of all their guests. A first look doesn't have to be a big production - it can be a simple coming together or a grand reveal.
Not sure if a first look is right for your wedding day? Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider adding a first look to your wedding timeline.
IS A FIRST LOOK RIGHT FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY?
First Looks
For couples who choose not to go with a first look, photo time is generally limited. While we will always make sure to document the must-have photos, there's a limit on how many locations we can photograph at and you will likely have fewer couples' portraits. If you opt for a First Look, we’ll have more time together for photos which means we can really have fun! We can photograph a wide variety of poses and locations at your venue. You've invested in your wedding photography, and a First Look will allow you to get the most possible out of that investment.
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MORE PHOTOS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Your partner is your favorite person and best friend. But without a first look, you might not have much time to spend with them on your wedding day. With a first look, you'll have a private moment to see each other in your full wedding attire and catch up on how your morning has been. It's a great way to maximize the time you get to spend together on your wedding day.
First Looks are also a great time to share personal vows in private. You can use your First Look as a chance to speak directly and openly to your partner, exchanging vows that might be too personal or too emotional to share in front of everyone. Private vows are always so special, photograph beautifully, and are a great option for couples who want to maximize time together.
alone time with your favorite person
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NO NEED TO SACRIFICE COCKTAIL HOUR
Without a First Look, the majority of your formal pictures will be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends, before wedding party photos and newlywed portraits. This almost always takes your full cocktail hour. If you opt not to do a First Look, I strongly recommend an extended cocktail hour (90 minutes) to ensure that we can squeeze in all of the photos you want while still getting you to the reception on time.
A First Look allows you to shift your entire wedding day timeline, allowing us to schedule a lot of your photos before the ceremony. Wedding party, family, and the majority of your couple's photos can be taken before the ceremony starts - meaning you'll be able to actually enjoy cocktail hour with your guests and get the party started!
A few others that are becoming popular includes a First Look with:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Members of the wedding party
- Your dog
ADDITIONAL FIRST LOOKS
If you plan a First Look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional newlywed photos at sunset!)
Without a First Look, it's extremely important to be thoughtful when choosing your ceremony time. While you may dream of a sunset ceremony, you may run out of light for photos post-ceremony. If your heart is set on seeing each other for the first time at the aisle, it's best to choose an earlier ceremony time. I'll be happy to help you think through these logistics!
Whether you choose to do a First Look or see each other for the first time at your ceremony, I will work with you and your planner or coordinator to make sure you have the best timeline and plan for documenting your most treasured moments. This results in a relaxed and flexible day-of schedule, allowing you to enjoy the day without rushing between events and posed photos.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
After the getting ready time, you'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony photos for each separate wedding party and families, and then after the ceremony 15 minutes of combined wedding party portraits, 30 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 minutes of couple's portraits. Exact time will depend on the size of your wedding party and family.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building YOUR perfect
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often hair & makeup.
Michelle and her second photographer arrive, photograph details, and each take getting ready photos of one partner.
1 p.m.
1:00pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I'm happy to make recommendations.
The first look takes place, couple and individual portraits.
3 p.m.
3:00PM
Partner 1 & Attendants Portraits, Full Wedding Party Portraits, Partner 2 & Attendants Portraits, Immediate Family Portraits
3:45 p.m.
3:45pm
4:45 P.M.
Couple tucks away before ceremony, Photograph Ceremony Space & Reception Space
6:45pm
The ceremony takes place.
5:30 p.m.
5:30PM
Cocktail hour begins, photograph extended family portraits
6 p.m.
6:00pm
Couple released to cocktail hour, photograph cocktail hour candids
6:30 p.m.
6:30pm
Reception
7 P.M.
7:00 PM
Photographers Depart
9 P.M.
9:00pm
Michelle and her second photographer arrive, photograph details, and each take getting ready photos of one partner.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often hair & makeup!
1 p.m.
1:00pm
Partner 1 individual portraits and group portraits with attendants and immediate family.
3 p.m.
3:00pm
Partner 2 individual portraits and group portraits with attendants and immediate family.
3:30 p.m.
3:30pm
Couple separately tucks away before ceremony, photographers capture ceremony and reception spaces.
4 P.M.
4:00pm
Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
4:30PM
5 p.m.
Extended cocktail hour happening, photograph combined family portraits, full wedding party portraits, and newlywed portraits.
5:00pm
Reception
6:45 P.M.
6:45pm
Photographers depart
9 P.M.
9:00pm
1. All I need to create natural light portraits on a rainy wedding day is one porch or covering of some kind! Just one! It's amazing how much variety can be captured in one location when you're in a pinch.
2. Let me worry about the pictures. You have enough to think about. If there is a chance of rain, I’ll be sure to do some extra scouting to find a covered location or two for us to use for your portraits! Many times on a rainy wedding day, we will adjust the timeline on the fly to make time for portraits when the radar shows a break in the drizzle! And I even have a set of 10 clear umbrellas I'll bring along to use for outdoor portraits.
3. Don't try to handle everything yourself. Definitely have a rain plan for your venue, but then let your vendors do the work of handling the rest of the day if rain is in the forecast.
One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive during wedding season is, “Soooo, what do you do if it rains?!”
I want to reassure you that even if it rains, you will still have beautiful portraits and BRIGHT colors in your images! Overcast skies mean vibrant colors! I know that rain isn’t ideal, and you're likely not wishing for rain on your wedding day, but if it happens, it happens...and it’s going to be JUST fine!! Some of my best weddings have been on rainy wedding days! Here are a few things to remember:
Rain Tips
I absolutely love photographing wedding day details! Details are a beautiful way to capture your wedding aesthetic, and to remember all of the small parts of the day that you spent so long planning! Styling and photographing details generally takes about one hour at the start of the day.
To prepare, I recommend you gather all of your details the day before your wedding, ideally keeping both of your items together. Choose a box or container to keep everything in, and ask a wedding party member to be in charge of it.
Details
Wedding Day
Invitation suite (2+ full copies with envelopes, stamps, seals, etc)
Any other paper stationery (ceremony program, menu, etc)
Vow books
Wedding and engagement rings for both
Ring boxes
Heirloom items
Jewelry, watch, cufflinks, tie bar, other accessories
Hair pieces, veil
Attire items (dress, suit/tux, shoes for both, tie/bowtie, belt, etc)
Bouquet, Boutonnière
Reception attire, second shoes, etc.
Perfume & Cologne
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
Lose florals (Keep in mind, these often aren't complimentary and should be included in your floral order.)
print this checklist
These items are suggestions based on popular detail items. Please select items that you want photographed and feel free to bring other items than those included below!
DETAILS CHECKLIST
What I
provide
As a service to my couples, I bring a full styling kit to each full wedding day. It includes carefully curated items to match your wedding color palette and design, including hand-painted styling backdrops, ring boxes in linen and velvet, antique trays and dishes, silk ribbon, vintage stamps, and items to enhance your wedding details. I welcome you to share information about your color palette and design elements for coordinated detail styling.
Your rings are an incredibly important part of your wedding details, and one that I love to photograph! If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows! The reception usually offers a great opportunity to get additional combinations without sacrificing your timeline.
read more at Easy Family Formal Checklist
Couple + Partner 1's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Partner 1's Parents + Siblings
Couple + Partner 1's Parents
Couple + Partner 1's Siblings
Partner 1 + Mom
Partner 1 + Dad
Couple + Partner 2's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Partner 2's Parents + Siblings
Couple + Partner 2's Parents
Couple + Partner 2's Siblings
Partner 2 + Mom
Partner 2 + Dad
Couple + Moms
Couple + Dads
Family Formals Checklist
Your wedding day is approaching, and it’s time to put together your family formals list! “Family Formals” is a fancy way of referring to the traditional posed group portraits of you, your soon-to-be spouse, and immediate family members. It’s worth taking the time to think through the photos you’ll want in 5, 10, or 20 years. Couples often frame these photos, gift them to loved ones, and almost always treasure them.
Who should you include? There is no strict rule on this, but couples generally prioritize photos with their parents, grandparents, and siblings. This would include any of your own children, and nieces and nephews. Generally we do not include members of your “extended” family, including aunts and uncles. However, depending on the size of your family and closeness of these relationships, you may want to include them! The list is completely up to your discretion, as long as we build in sufficient time to document your desired combinations.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
I will ask you for a list of specific groupings in your Planning Questionnaire.
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
While it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a good reason for it! Unfortunately, it has become common for guests to shove iPhones and even iPads into the aisle to get photos of the ceremony, and they can be a big distraction in the professional photos of your most important moments. You made a big investment in photography, and in order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
I get it, your pup is a part of the family. So, it’s understandable to want to include your dogs in your big day!
If you're including your fur baby in your wedding, I highly recommend hiring a service to handle them. These companies not only bring your pup to and from the venue, but also make sure that they get plenty of water and stay nice and comfortable. Pawfect for You and Fur Ever & Fur Always are two great wedding and event pet care companies serving the Northern VA and Washington DC area that I highly recommend!
Including your pets
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
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If you're planning on having a First Look with your bridal party or a parent, they'll want to be fully dressed at least 10 minutes before you are set to get dressed. Make sure they're aware ahead of what time they should be ready.
First looks for parents
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Make sure and have your bouquets and boutonnières delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your First Look. Often bouquets are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
Florals
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If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Prep for the heat
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Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you're eating throughout the day, especially if consuming alcohol or if you're going to be outdoors in the heat.
Don't forget the snacks
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tips
Additional
I'd love to help you plan! If you'd like my input on any part of your wedding planning, don't hesitate to reach out to me!
I'M here to help
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During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll be roaming, but will have an eye on you. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
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Family portraits go smoother when you consider which portraits you would like before the wedding. I'll ask you for your list ahead of time, and we will go over it and make sure we photograph everything in an order that is efficient!
Make a list
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Guests typically arrive early to weddings. If you want your entrances to be a surprise, we recommend you tuck away 30 minutes before the ceremony start-time at the latest.
PRE-CEREMONY BUFFER
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The Heirloom Bouquet is a modern and timeless way to preserve your
wedding bouquet or florals. I’ll create for you a custom-designed fine art piece using Heirloom Bouquet’s signature styling that you can display in your home and cherish for generations. This is an add-on offering - reach out if you'd like to purchase.
After your wedding reception, I'll take your bouquet (or other florals) home with me, and will deconstruct and style your bouquet. The Heirloom Bouquet will add hand-drawn calligraphy to the image, and we'll print, mat, and frame the image to your specifications. You'll love displaying this gorgeous image with your wedding photos!
Ensure that your bouquet is kept in water as often as possible on your wedding day to keep the blooms fresh!
preparing for your
HEIRLOOM BOUQUET
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I deliver will eventually fade away.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table. You'll find yourself flipping through every chance you get!
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
After I deliver your gallery, I'll work with you to design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
There are ENDLESS customization options, so I'll work with you to design the perfect fit for you.
Heirloom albums start at $650 with beautiful and timless customization options to create your dream keepsake.
Your Client Portal includes everything related to your wedding experience with Michelle, including your invoices & receipts, pre-session questionnaires, your gallery, and the opportunity to purchase print products.
If you have trouble logging in, contact Michelle.
CLIENT PORTAL
ACCESSING YOUR
ACCESS MY CLIENT PORTAL
My goal is to help your dream wedding day unfold in a way that allows you to be present, relaxed, and happy. I believe these conditions create the most beautiful wedding photographs, and I look forward to creating wedding day magic with you!
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you.
Email Michelle at hello@michellejonesphoto.com with questions big or small!