Itinerary - The Wedding Day

Wheeler Photography will work hard to capture all the images you request in an appealing and artistic style.  We strive to help you enjoy your day without constant interference, offer a professional photography service, and experience with the wedding-party members pre-cerermony images.  Our goal is to make the day proceed as smoothly as possible, without delays, and to create the greatest images possible. 

The Bride

A good photographer will start "taking pictures" of the bride (1)one hour before the wedding! This means that you should be ready by then! One hour may seem like a long time, but it's well worth the effort. For the best pictures, have your flowers ready. Without the 1-hour buffer, circumstances become chaotic, the bridal party is often rushed and nervous, and they are not prepared for all the unexpected things that WILL happen as they try to get ready. Those extra minutes will go by quickly as your photographer occupies your time by taking prenuptial photographs which will capture those special moments forever.

Pictures of the Groom Before the Wedding

After the bridal prenuptials (if the bride is on schedule), the photographer will be able to give "equal time" to the groom. The groom's prenuptials generally begin approximately 30 minutes before the wedding.

The Ceremony

All weddings are different depending on the officiator. Some weddings last 15 minutes while others last an hour and a half. Ask your "Wedding Officiant" how long the ceremony will be so you can allocate time for it. Remember, other weddings or services may start after your wedding is complete, so be on time! Otherwise, you will have to "give up" a scheduled part of YOUR ceremony or pictures. Also, limo drivers have been known to leave if the bridal party is not on time and they have another affair after yours.

It is advised that you do not have a receiving line after the ceremony. A receiving line generally takes about 30 minutes. That 30 minutes would be better spent getting formal pictures out of the way or enjoying your guests at your reception.

Formal Pictures After the Wedding

Let your bridal party and family members know IN ADVANCE that formal pictures will be taken immediately after the ceremony. Have them stay to avoid losing time. It is also a good idea to assign one family member (other than you) who knows everyone, to be in charge of gathering everyone together. Formal pictures take 20 - 30 minutes.  It is also extremely important to adjust for a sunset wedding - given that the sunset typically does not wait.  It is best to get the sunset photographs prior to the wedding, and be on time!  We will shoot until the sun sets however, it is best to give yourself every opportunity to capture great images.

Reception

The reception is your time to have fun. A typical reception will last 2 to 3 hours, and a good photographer should not be "in your face" during this time. There are a few posed shots such as the cake cutting or throwing the bouquet, but otherwise, most shots are candid, fun shots. Discuss with your photographer whether or not you would like to have table shots (pictures of the guests at each table).  *Additional fees may apply for Reception Photography