Your Post-Wedding Photo Timeline.
Your wedding day was full of joy, emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime moments — and now that it’s over, you’re likely soaking up all the “just married” feelings. Whether your day was a big celebration or an intimate gathering, one thing is true: you’re probably so excited to see your wedding photos.
That excitement is something I never take for granted — and I want you to know exactly what comes next.
This blog is here to walk you through what happens after your wedding day when you work with me — from the first sneak peek to full gallery delivery, and even what our relationship can look like after the wedding is over.
And if you’re still searching for your photographer, wondering how everything works after the cake is cut and the flowers are packed up — this is a great place to get a feel for the care and experience I offer my couples long after the vows are exchanged.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect.
Sneak Peeks Within 72 Hours
I know how hard it is to wait to see your wedding photos — the excitement, the butterflies, the joy of wanting to relive every second. That’s why I always send sneak peeks within 72 hours of your wedding day. These are 10–20 thoughtfully chosen images, handpicked to give you an early glimpse into your story.
Your sneak peeks will usually include a mix of couple portraits, small details, and a few emotional or candid moments that stood out. I want these first few images to help you feel the day again — to take you back to the way it looked, sounded, and felt.
You’ll receive them in a private online gallery, easy to view and share. Whether you post them online, text them to your best friend, or just keep them to yourselves for a while, they’re yours to enjoy immediately.
Step Two: Full Gallery Turnaround Time
Every wedding is unique, and I treat your gallery with the time and attention it deserves. After your wedding, I begin the careful process of culling, editing, and organizing every moment into a cohesive story — one that honors your love and the atmosphere of your day.
For most weddings, your full gallery will be delivered within 3 months. However, if your wedding takes place during peak season (typically September–October or April–May), it may take up to 4 months due to the volume of weddings during those times.
While I know waiting is hard, I encourage you to use this time to soak in the experience of being newlyweds. Let the anticipation build. Your images will be worth the wait, and I promise they’ll help you relive the day in a whole new way.
Step Three: Gallery Delivery + Access
When your full gallery is ready, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your complete collection of images. The gallery is easy to use and beautifully designed — you can view your photos, download high-resolution versions, and even share the link with loved ones.
Included in your gallery is access to a trusted third-party print shop. This makes ordering prints, albums, or framed artwork incredibly simple. Every print is professionally made to preserve color, clarity, and quality — just as I intended when I captured your day.
Your gallery will remain active online for 6 months after delivery. Behind the scenes, I store your images for 2 years in case you need access again down the road. If you request a re-upload after the 6-month window, there is a $50 reload fee, which helps cover storage space and reactivation. Once reuploaded, your gallery stays open for another 6 months.
While You Wait: What You Can Expect from Me
I may not check in often while I’m editing, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about you! My editing process is quiet and intentional — I’m often reliving your wedding day scene by scene as I work.
I do occasionally post behind-the-scenes snippets or editing previews on Instagram, so feel free to follow along there if you're curious. You might catch a glimpse of a tender vow exchange or a dreamy golden-hour portrait in the works.
And of course, if you ever have questions or need anything at all, I’m always just an email or message away. My goal is to support you every step of the way.
Remember to Soak in the Season
Your wedding photos are a gift, but so is this season of being newly married. While the photos will bring back your memories with clarity and emotion, nothing replaces the quiet moments you’re living right now — the routines you’re building, the way you laugh together at the end of a long day, the small joys that follow the big one.
So yes, the photos are coming (and they’ll be beautiful), but don’t let the waiting keep you from enjoying the present. Trust that your story is being preserved with care — and that it’s just as powerful in real life as it is in pictures.
After the Gallery: Reviews + More
Once your full gallery is in your hands, I’ll follow up with a note asking for a review. Reviews mean the world to small business owners like me — not only do they help other couples find me, but they also help me grow and continue serving with heart.
If you're open to sharing your experience — what you loved, how you felt, what stood out — it goes such a long way. I read every word and truly value the feedback.
And just because the gallery is delivered doesn't mean our journey is over!
Returning Clients Get 15% Off
If you're one of my wedding couples, you’ll always receive 15% off your next three sessions with me. This can include:
- Anniversary sessions to celebrate year one (or two, or five!)
- Adventure portraits or elopement-style shoots just for fun
- Maternity or baby announcement sessions when that chapter begins
It’s one of my favorite things — getting to walk through life with you beyond the wedding day. It’s more than just a discount — it’s a way of saying I’m invested in your story for the long haul.
Serving Tennessee + Destination Weddings
I’m based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and I absolutely love photographing weddings in the Smoky Mountains, the surrounding countryside, and cozy small towns across the state. There’s something special about the southern charm, the golden light, and the heartfelt celebrations that happen here.
But I also still travel for weddings — especially back to Arizona, where I started my photography journey. So if you’re dreaming of a destination celebration or want to go back to a place that holds meaning to you, I’m in.
Wherever your love takes you, my goal is the same: to document your day with honesty, warmth, and timeless beauty.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve already celebrated your day, thank you again for trusting me to be part of something so meaningful. It truly means the world.
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer and wondering what it’s like to work with someone who’s just as invested in your experience after the wedding as during — I hope this blog gave you a deeper look into what I offer.
Wherever you are in your journey, I’m so glad you’re here
Happy Shooting,
Bethany Hicks
A New Look Photography
📍 Knoxville, TN
