As a wedding photographer, I can promise you this: the flow of your wedding day affects your photos way more than you think.

The best light, those quiet moments, the big reveals, they all depend on good timing. So whether you're planning a sunrise elopement or a golden-hour ceremony in Jamaica, your timeline deserves love and attention.

Here’s how to create a wedding day schedule that helps you look and feel your best in every frame:

1. Start With the Sunset Time

Natural light is a photographer's best friend. Google the sunset time for your date and location, and plan your ceremony to end at least 1hr before golden hour. That way, we can capture those dreamy portraits in soft, flattering light.

2. Build in Buffer Time

Weddings run on island time sometimes and that’s okay! But giving yourself wiggle room in the schedule means you won’t feel rushed.

Examples of where to pad time:

Hair & makeup (it always takes longer than expected)

Getting dressed (especially if there are multiple buttons or lace!)

Family photos (wrangling Uncle Tony takes time)

3. Getting Ready Photos: 1.5–2 Hours Before Ceremony or First Look

This is when I capture:

Flat lay details (rings, invitations, heirlooms)

Candid moments with your crew

Final touches like zipping the dress or tying the tie

Your first look (if you’re doing one)

4. First Look: Yes or No?

If you opt for a first look, plan for 45-60 minutes before the ceremony. Not only does this give us time for couple portraits in a relaxed setting, but it also helps reduce post-ceremony photo time so you can enjoy cocktail hour!

5. Family & Group Photos: Right After the Ceremony

This is the perfect window to gather your VIPs. Create a shot list ahead of time and assign someone to help round people up. Pro tip: keep it to 8-10 key groupings to avoid delays.

6. Couple Portraits: Just Before or After Sunset

Golden hour is the dream. The light is soft, warm, and ultra flattering. If your ceremony is earlier in the day, we’ll step away for 15–20 minutes for these portraits—and trust me, they’re always worth it.

7. Reception Coverage: Do You Need It?

If you want your entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, or dancing documented, we can help you decide how much time to allocate. You may not need coverage until the end of the night.

Final Thoughts:

A well-planned timeline = less stress + better photos.

And remember, you're not doing this alone. I help every couple plan a photography-friendly timeline tailored to their day, their lighting, and their love story.

📸 Want help building your dream wedding day timeline? Let’s chat!