Wedding Day Tips

The Evening

Weddings rarely run exactly to plan, and that's okay.

A dress gets dusty. Someone forgets a buttonhole. The timeline shifts by ten minutes. It's all part of the story.

If there's one piece of advice I'd give every couple, it's this: build buffer time into your day. Those extra 10 or 15 minutes between events are pure gold. They give you time to breathe, enjoy your guests, catch up if something runs late, and stop the entire day from feeling rushed. Almost every wedding runs a little behind at some point, but a little breathing room makes all the difference.

The moments you'll remember most aren't the perfectly planned ones. They're the teary hugs, the uncontrollable laughter, the hand squeezes, and the quiet moments when it all sinks in.

Trust the people around you, let go of chasing perfection, and simply be present. Your photographs aren't about everything going exactly to plan. They're about capturing how it felt to marry your favourite person.

And don't feel like you have to do something just because it's tradition or because you've seen it on Instagram.

It's your wedding. Celebrate it in a way that feels like you.

GUIDELINE

Wedding timeline

Every wedding is different, but this is a flow that works beautifully for a 3 pm ceremony and relaxed evening reception.

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Timings

12.00 PM GETTING READY
3.00 PM CEREMONY & CONGRATS
4.00 PM FAMILY PHOTOS
4.30 PM CANAPES
5.30 PM BRIDAL PARTY & COUPLE PHOTOS
6.30 PM RECEPTION KICKS OFFy
7.30 PM SUNSET
8.30 PM FIRST DANCE

The best photographs happen when you're simply enjoying your day.

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Getting ready

The getting ready part of the day is one of my favourite things to photograph. It's where the excitement starts building, nerves kick in, champagne appears, and everyone suddenly realises the wedding is actually happening.

This is where I capture all the little details you've spent months planning, the dress, shoes, jewellery, flowers, invitations, as well as all the genuine moments happening around you. The laughs with your bridesmaids, your mum helping with the final touches, your dad seeing you for the first time, or simply a quiet moment to yourself before the day begins.

For the guys, getting ready doesn't have to mean standing around in a hotel room waiting for the ceremony. Whether it's a morning surf, a round of golf, a swim, a coffee with the boys or simply sharing a few laughs while getting dressed, these moments tell part of the story too. And yes, someone almost always forgets how to tie a tie or attach a buttonhole.

Timing Matters

One of the biggest gifts you can give yourself on your wedding day is time.

For the bride, I recommend having hair and makeup completely finished around two hours before you need to leave for your first look or ceremony. It might sound like a lot, but trust me, it disappears quickly.

Those extra minutes allow time for detail photographs, getting dressed without feeling rushed, first looks with parents or bridesmaids, and beautiful bridal portraits while your hair and makeup are still looking their absolute best. Most importantly, it keeps the morning calm and enjoyable rather than feeling like a race against the clock.

For the groom, I recommend allowing at least an hour for getting ready photographs. Buttons, cufflinks, ties, jackets and flowers always seem to take longer than expected, especially when there are several groomsmen involved. What everyone thinks will take fifteen minutes usually takes closer to forty-five.

A relaxed timeline means more genuine moments, better photographs and a much more enjoyable start to your wedding day.

The Ceremony

Every wedding is different, but this is a flow that works beautifully for a 3 pm ceremony and relaxed evening reception.

My biggest piece of advice? Slow down.

Walk slowly down the aisle, take a moment to look around, hold hands, and soak it all in. The ceremony often feels like it's over in a flash, so give yourselves permission to be present and enjoy it.

Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

An unplugged ceremony simply means asking guests to put their phones and cameras away and be fully present. Not only does it make for cleaner photographs, but it also means your guests are sharing the moment with you rather than watching it through a screen.

Confetti. More Than You Think.

Bring loads.....Then bring a little more. Most couples seriously underestimate how much confetti they need. A small handful each disappears instantly and can look a little underwhelming in photos. Trust me, a confetti tunnel with plenty of confetti looks incredible.

Walking Back Down the Aisle

Take your time walking back down the aisle together. You've just got married. Smile, laugh, celebrate and enjoy the applause from your family and friends. These are often some of the happiest photographs of the entire day.

Family Photos

Keep this part efficient. Start with one big group photo of everyone. Allow for approx 5-6 photos on each side, then split into each side and work from the largest to the smallest groups

Keep it to around 10 to 12 groups

Couple + extended family Couple + parents and siblings Couple + grandparents Couple + parents Parents with each of you Around five or six combinations per side is usually perfect.

Allow around 30 minutes

For most weddings, 30 minutes is the sweet spot for family photographs. It gives enough time to work through everyone without feeling rushed, while still leaving plenty of time for you to enjoy your guests.

Keep everyone close by

Ask family members to stay near the ceremony area until family photos are finished. The biggest delays usually happen when someone heads to the bar, bathroom, or starts chatting.

Ask someone to help gather people

Choose a family member or friend from each side who knows everyone. They'll round people up while we're photographing the previous group, which keeps everything moving.

Start with the biggest groups

We'll photograph the largest combinations first, then gradually work down to smaller family groups. That way grandparents and extended family can head off to enjoy the celebrations sooner.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, take a moment to celebrate. Enjoy a drink, hug your favourite people, and let the excitement sink in before we head off for portraits. Those genuine moments often tell the story of your day better than anything else.

Bridal Party Photos

The best bridal party photos happen when everyone relaxes and enjoys the moment. Walk together, chat, laugh, celebrate, tell stories, and don’t be afraid to be a little silly. Those genuine interactions create photographs that feel natural, full of personality, and are often the ones you’ll treasure most.

The Evening

Enjoy Your Reception

Eat the meal you've paid for, have a drink, chat with your guests, and don't rush from one event to the next. The reception isn't just another part of the timeline, it's your chance to celebrate.

Celebrate the Night, laugh through the speeches, cheer during the toasts, dance until your feet hurt, and embrace every moment. Some of the most genuine, joy-filled photographs happen once everyone forgets about the camera.

Sunset

Golden Hour

If there's one short window worth making time for, it's this. We'll sneak away for just 10 to 15 minutes as the light softens, giving you a chance to catch your breath and spend a few quiet moments together. The warm evening light is beautiful, but it's often those few minutes away from the excitement that couples remember just as much as the photographs.

Sometimes all you need is ten quiet minutes together.

Rain on Your Wedding Day

Rain doesn't ruin a wedding. If the forecast isn't looking great, have a simple backup plan for your ceremony and somewhere undercover for family photos. A veranda, marquee, or even a sheltered porch can work beautifully.

Pack a few clear umbrellas, a couple of towels, a hair dryer for last-minute touch-ups, and a pair of jandals if you'll be walking across wet grass or muddy paths. Allow a little extra time between locations, then let go of the rest.

Overcast skies actually create some of the most beautiful light for photographs. It's soft, flattering, and free from harsh shadows. Some of my favourite weddings have happened on grey, moody days.

If it's just a light drizzle, we'll work around it. If it's pouring, we'll adapt. Either way, you'll still be marrying your favourite person, and that's what everyone will remember.