How about that wedding day time-line?

When you hire a professional wedding photographer couples do not realize they are getting, in essence, a "wedding coordinator." Does this mean your photographer will control your wedding day? No, that should never be the case. What it does mean is if asked the photographer is able to help you understand the time it takes for different events on your wedding day. PhotoEmphasis is always available to help you plan your time-line and time-line conversations are best handled over the phone. Because professional wedding photographers are familiar with the flow of weddings we can be a great resource when you are planning your wedding day's time-line. It has been my experience that although couples say they want mostly candids on their wedding day, when they finally decide on the pictures they want in their wedding album, a high percentage of the images they choose are posed. What this means is couples generally underestimate the amount of time necessary for on-location (alternate venue photo locations of the couple and their bridal party) photography. As such, here are a few things to think about when you're planning your wedding day's time-line.

Will the groom see the bride before the wedding?

If you're like most couples, the answer to this question is no. On the other hand, some do see each other before the ceremony. In those cases the time-line is completely altered and in many cases allows more time for the professional wedding photographer to capture on-location images in a more relaxed and paced manner. If you're like most couples, you won't see each other before the ceremony; but if you do, special consideration must be given to your time-line when you're scheduling the church and cocktail hour at the reception. Your getting ready time is moved up and the whole day changes, but the benefits are more relaxed pace for photos and you will be there for the whole cocktail hour. Couples like having all their on-location photography completed such that following the ceremony they're done.

Things to consider with respect to your wedding day's time-line:

Most professional photographers understand that you have friends and family in limbo after your ceremony ends—especially out of town guests that have no place to go. The on-location photography must be efficient and well planned; here are a few considerations.

What if it rains?

You should consider a dry location such as the County Office Building on 39 Main Street in Rochester, NY. If it rains, you're at least in a position to do on-location photography on your wedding day. In some cases couples have preferred to use both the County Office Building and a Park or some lake location on a nice day, while some have decided to just use the outside photography location and not use the County Office Building at all if the sun is shining. Basically as far as the couple is concerned it is like photography insurance--if you will--and the cost is nominal. You should book it sooner than later because it does fill up. At least it gives you and your wedding photographer options if you're getting married in Rochester.

Most towns have similar facilities that can be reserved, Typically the couple is responsible for securing photography locations--not the photographer.

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Document written by Daniel Paniccia All Rights Reserved