First, I Send You a Questionnaire

After you’ve booked (meaning your contract is signed and your retainer is paid), I’ll send over a detailed questionnaire. This helps me understand what your wedding day is going to look like and what you’re dreaming of. I’ll ask things like where you’re getting ready, ceremony and reception locations, what formal family groupings you want, and any traditions or moments you want to make space for.

By the time I get your answers, you’ll have already chosen your photography coverage (3, 6, 8, or 10 hours). That makes it easier for me to help you get the most out of that time.

Then I Build a Draft Timeline

Once I’ve read through your questionnaire and know your coverage time, I’ll build a timeline draft based on what you have planned and what matters most to you.

It’s not super rigid or scheduled down to the minute; that’s not my style. I shoot in a more natural, documentary way, which means I’m following how the day actually unfolds. But having a loose plan in place helps us stay on track and make sure we don’t miss anything important.

I’ll include details like your getting-ready time, portrait sessions, ceremony time, and any other aspects you'd like covered. If you're interested in sunset photos, we can discuss when they might happen, depending on the time of year. If you’d rather jump into the reception and enjoy the party, we’ll work around that, too.

And I always try to build in buffer time wherever I can. Something always runs late. Someone can’t find their tie, or hair and makeup takes longer. It’s totally normal. Giving ourselves a little extra breathing room helps everything stay calm and gives us time to enjoy the day.

If you have a planner or coordinator, I’ll connect with them too so we’re all on the same page.

I’m Not Glued to the Clock

Your wedding day isn’t about hitting every item on a checklist; it’s about soaking up every moment. I don’t shoot with a stopwatch in my hand, and I’m not going to rush you from one thing to the next.

That said, there are certain parts of the day that do need a little structure, like family photos. This is where timelines can go sideways if we’re not careful. If we can’t find people, or everyone’s moving slow, it eats up time fast. So we’ll work together to make a realistic list of who you want in those photos, and I’ll do my best to keep things running smoothly.

If you’re doing a first look, we can knock out a bunch of portraits before the ceremony. If not, we’ll make sure to set aside time afterward. Want a big group photo with all your guests? Let’s make it happen—but we’ll plan for it ahead of time.

For elopements or more laid-back days, we skip the timeline entirely. It’s more about vibes and coverage, and I’ll flow with whatever you’ve got planned.

Timeline Tips from a Photographer

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that can help make your timeline smoother:

• Start hair and makeup earlier than you think. It almost always takes longer, and delays here snowball through the whole day.
• Family photos need at least 30 minutes. And they need everyone to be present and ready. This is the part that most often causes delays.
• Build in buffer time. A little extra room between events makes everything feel calmer and less rushed.
• First looks save time later. They give you more flexibility for portraits, especially if you want to head straight to cocktail hour after the ceremony.
• Be realistic with your shot list. If you want a bunch of group photos with friends and extended family, plan and know that it takes time.
• Driving time matters. If we need to go from one location to another, make sure it’s built into the schedule.

The Bottom Line

I love working with laid-back couples who trust the process and know that no matter how much we plan, things will always shift a little. That’s totally okay. My job is to roll with it and keep capturing all the best parts of your day: posed, candid, and everything in between.

Want a photographer who will help you build a timeline and actually enjoy your wedding day? Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this blog to check if your date is available. I’m based in Knoxville, Tennessee, but I’ll travel anywhere your love takes you.