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A
Love Note
From Us
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Congratulations!
If you are reading this, you're officially part of the This Means Everything family... and we couldn't be more honored!
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Out of every photographer you could have chosen, you trusted us to preserve one of the biggest days of your life. That means more to us than you know.
Wedding planning is exciting... but it can also feel overwhelming. Our hope is that this page becomes a place you can come back to whenever you need a little guidance or reassurance.
Remember this:
You don't have to have everything figured out today.
We'll walk through it together
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life, and with so many details to think about, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's exactly why this Wedding Guide was created.
Inside, you'll find helpful tips, planning advice, and practical resources to guide you through each step leading up to your wedding day. From preparing for your engagement session to building your timeline and knowing what to expect on the big day, this guide is here to help make the process feel simple, organized, and enjoyable.
Our hope is that this resource gives you the confidence to plan well, stress less, and focus on what truly matters—celebrating the beginning of your marriage and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Your Wedding
Journey
One of the questions couples often ask after booking is, "What happens next?"
The months leading up to your wedding are filled with excitement, planning, and plenty of decisions. This guide was created to simplify the photography experience by giving you the information, resources, and tips you'll need along the way.
From preparing for your engagement session to building a wedding day timeline, each step is designed to help you feel confident and well-prepared. Our goal is to remove as much uncertainty as possible so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying this season of your life.
Below is a simple overview of what you can expect throughout the months leading up to your wedding day.
Step One..
You're Officially Booked!
Congratulations! Your wedding date is officially reserved, and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate this season with you.
Now is the perfect time to simply enjoy being engaged. There will be plenty of time to plan the details, and I'll be here to provide guidance and helpful resources along the way.
Step Two
Engagement Session
If your collection includes an engagement session, we'll begin planning all the details together. From choosing the perfect location to selecting outfits that photograph beautifully, you'll receive everything you need to feel prepared.
The engagement session is also a wonderful opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Most couples arrive a little nervous and leave saying how much fun they had!
Step Three
Bridal Session (Optional)
A bridal session is one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy wearing your wedding dress before the excitement of the wedding day.
Without the pressure of a timeline, we'll have the freedom to create timeless portraits in beautiful light while giving you the opportunity to see your complete bridal look before the big day. Many brides also choose to use these portraits for bridal portraits at their reception or as a keepsake for their home.
Step Four
Wedding Planning
As your wedding day approaches, we'll begin finalizing the details that help everything flow smoothly.
You'll receive a wedding questionnaire covering important information like your timeline, family portrait list, special traditions, and meaningful details you'd like photographed. Together, we'll create a photography timeline that allows plenty of room for genuine moments while ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
Step Five
Wedding Day
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The day you've been dreaming about is finally here.
From the quiet moments while getting ready to your final dance of the evening, every part of your story deserves to be documented with care. My goal is to create a relaxed experience so you can be fully present, knowing your memories are being preserved as they naturally unfold.
Step Six
Gallery Delivery
Within a few days, you'll receive sneak peeks to relive some of your favorite moments. Your full gallery will then be carefully edited and delivered online, making it easy to download your images, share them with family and friends, and order professional prints and heirloom albums to enjoy for years to come
Wedding Resources
Every wedding is unique, and so is the planning process. To help you feel confident and prepared, I've gathered all of my best tips, planning advice, and resources in one place.
Whether you're getting ready for your engagement session, planning your wedding day timeline, or simply looking for answers to common questions, these guides are here to help make the journey a little easier. Take your time exploring each section, and come back whenever you need it—this page was created to be a helpful resource throughout your engagement.
Wedding Morning Day Tips
The morning of your wedding sets the tone for the rest of the day. While it's natural to feel excited, taking a few simple steps beforehand can help create a calm, relaxed atmosphere so you can truly enjoy every moment. Start Your Day Slowly: The excitement of the day can make the morning feel like it's flying by. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak it all in. These quiet moments often become some of the most meaningful memories. Eat a Good Breakfast It may be tempting to skip breakfast because of nerves, but your wedding day is a long one. Choose something light but filling and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. You'll feel much better and have the energy to fully enjoy every moment. Keep Your Getting Ready Space Tidy: A clean room makes a big difference—not only for photographs but for creating a peaceful environment. Designate one area for bags, food, and personal belongings to help keep the space organized. Gather Your Details: Before I arrive, have all of your special details together in one place. This allows me to begin photographing them right away without interrupting your morning. Items to gather include: Dress Shoes Rings Jewelry Invitation suite Veil Perfume Vow books Any family heirlooms or sentimental items Turn on Your Favorite Music: Create a playlist filled with songs that make you smile. Music helps set the atmosphere and makes getting ready with your favorite people even more memorable. Put Your Phone Away: There will be plenty of notifications, texts, and social media updates throughout the day. Once hair and makeup begin, consider letting someone else answer questions if needed so you can stay present and enjoy the morning. Trust the Timeline: Everything has been thoughtfully planned. If the schedule shifts by a few minutes, don't panic. The timeline is designed with flexibility in mind, and I'll help keep everything moving smoothly. Take a Moment to Yourself: Before putting on your dress or walking down the aisle, take just a minute to pause. Look around the room. Take a deep breath. This is the day you've been dreaming about. It goes by faster than you think, so don't forget to be fully present and enjoy it.
FAQ.....
Preparing for Beautiful Wedding Photos
As your wedding day gets closer, there are a few simple things you can do ahead of time that will help everything run smoothly and ensure your photographs look their very best. A little preparation goes a long way! Clean Your Engagement Ring: Your hands will be photographed throughout the day, especially during detail shots and portraits. Having your ring professionally cleaned—or simply giving it a gentle cleaning at home—a few days before the wedding will help it sparkle beautifully. Steam Your Dress: Wrinkles are much easier to prevent than remove in photos. If possible, steam your dress the day before your wedding and hang it somewhere safe until it's time to get dressed. Gather Your Details: Keep all of your wedding details together in one box before the wedding morning. This allows me to begin photographing them as soon as I arrive. Include items such as: Dress Shoes Rings Jewelry Veil Invitation Suite Vow Books Perfume Family Heirlooms Ask Your Florist for Extra Blooms: A few loose flowers or greenery can make your detail photographs even more beautiful. If possible, ask your florist to set aside a few extra stems for styling. Prepare Your Invitation Suite: If you'd like your invitations photographed, have one complete invitation suite ready, along with any envelopes, wax seals, ribbon, or meaningful stationery you'd like included. Remove Everyday Items: Before portraits begin, take a moment to remove items like hair ties, Apple Watches, fitness trackers, sunglasses, and phones from your pockets. These small details can be distracting in timeless photographs. Break in Your Shoes: If you're wearing new shoes, spend a little time walking in them before your wedding day. Comfortable feet make it much easier to relax and enjoy every moment. Tidy the Getting Ready Space: Natural light makes for beautiful photographs, so we'll likely use the brightest room available. Keeping that space neat and free of clutter helps create clean, timeless images. Pack an Emergency Kit: A small emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Consider including: Safety pins Fashion tape Bobby pins Tissues Lipstick Mints Pain reliever Band-Aids Blotting papers
we got your covered
When should we schedule our engagement session?
Most couples choose to schedule their engagement session 6–12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to use your images for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or simply celebrate this exciting season together.
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What should we wear for our engagement session?
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Neutral colors, soft tones, and coordinating outfits photograph beautifully. Avoid large logos or busy patterns, as they can distract from the focus of your photos—you!
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Do you help us pose?
Absolutely! Most of my couples have never been professionally photographed before. I'll guide you through natural poses and prompts that help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident. You don't have to worry about knowing what to do—that's my job.
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How long does it take to receive our wedding gallery?
You'll receive a collection of sneak peeks within a few days after your wedding. Your full gallery will then be carefully edited and delivered online within the timeframe outlined in your wedding collection.
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Can we print our photos anywhere?
Yes! Your gallery allows you to download your images and print them wherever you'd like. However, I highly recommend ordering directly through your online gallery for the highest quality prints, accurate colors, and professional materials that will last for years to come.
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What happens if it rains?
Don't worry! Rain doesn't have to ruin your wedding day. We'll work together with your venue and timeline to create beautiful images, whether that's under covered areas, indoors, or even embracing the rain if you're feeling adventurous.
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How long do family portraits usually take?
Family portraits typically take about 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of your family list. Having your list prepared ahead of time and assigning a family member to help gather everyone will keep this part of the day quick and organized.
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Should we do a First Look?
There's no right or wrong answer—it simply depends on what feels right for you. A First Look provides more flexibility in your timeline and allows for portraits before the ceremony, while waiting until the ceremony creates a traditional and emotional first look down the aisle. Both are wonderful options. However, I highly recommend it! It makes your wedding day seamless! As soon as the ceremony is over with you are able to meet all your guests!
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What should we have ready for detail photos?
Before I arrive, have your dress, shoes, rings, jewelry, invitation suite, veil, perfume, vow books, and any meaningful heirlooms gathered together in one place. This allows me to begin photographing your details right away without interrupting your morning.
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What if we have questions before the wedding?
Please don't hesitate to reach out! Whether you have a question about your timeline, photography, or anything else related to your wedding day, I'm always happy to help. No question is too small, and I want you to feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
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Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Feel free to reach out anytime! I'm always happy to answer your questions and help in any way I can. My goal is for you to feel confident, prepared, and excited as your wedding day approaches.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to explore this Wedding Guide. We hope it has helped answer your questions, eased some of the stress that comes with planning, and given you the confidence to enjoy this exciting season.
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As your wedding day approaches, remember that while every detail has its place, the most meaningful moments are often the ones you never planned. The laughter, the happy tears, the embraces, and the quiet moments in between are what make your story uniquely yours.
Thank you for trusting us to preserve those moments. It is truly an honor to be a part of your wedding day, and I can't wait to celebrate alongside you.
Until then, enjoy every moment of this season—it goes by faster than you think.
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Now close this guide... and go enjoy being engaged.
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