You can have it all, those jaw-dropping, editorial-style portraits and time clinking glasses with your people during cocktail hour. The secret? A wedding day timeline that’s built with intention (and a photographer who knows how to make it all flow, hi, that’s me!).

When I’m chatting with couples about their plans, one question always comes up: “How do we get all the photos we care about and still enjoy the day?”

Totally fair. Because the last thing you want is to feel like your wedding turned into one big photoshoot. The good news is, you don’t have to choose. With a few thoughtful decisions up front and someone in your corner who understands what matters most, your timeline can be both photo-friendly and people-focused.

One of the biggest things I help my couples with is figuring out their wedding photography timeline, because when that’s dialed in, everything else flows. It’s all about making a few smart choices ahead of time, so when the day comes, you’re not worried about what’s next. You’re just living it.

Let’s break down how to do just that, so you can soak in the celebration and end up with a gallery that brings it all back.

A bride in a long white gown and veil walks toward her groom standing beneath the trees — a tender moment beautifully captured as part of their wedding day timeline.

The couple shares a quiet kiss, framed by rustic textures that add a timeless, documentary feel.

A groom in a suit and a bride in an ornate red lehenga share a joyful embrace surrounded by greenery — a meaningful pause in their wedding day timeline.

Friends toast with drinks and laughter outside the venue, capturing the relaxed energy of post-ceremony celebrations.

First Look or No First Look? Let’s Talk About It

Doing a First Look is hands-down the number one way to create breathing room in your wedding day timeline. And I get it, not everyone wants to see each other before the aisle moment. But if you're even slightly open to the idea, hear me out.

Why I recommend it:
A First Look allows us to photograph couple portraits, the full wedding party, and most family portraits before the ceremony. Which means once you say “I do,” you can ride the high straight into hugs and cocktails with your favorite humans.

How to make it feel real (not staged):
Skip the over-posed shoulder tap. Instead, walk towards each other, open a door, or round a corner, something that feels like you and leaves space for the real emotions to come through. These moments often end up being some of the most heartfelt images in your gallery.

Still dreaming of that down-the-aisle reaction?
Just so you know, 90% of grooms still cry during the ceremony even if they’ve seen their partner beforehand. (No, seriously.)

A bride in a flowing dress walks across the grass toward her groom waiting beneath the trees, the anticipation building before their wedding day timeline officially begins.

The groom waits in front of a brick building, smiling as his bride in a white gown walks toward him.

The groom stands in a tuxedo with mountains behind him, a calm moment just before the ceremony starts in his wedding day timeline.

A bride in a detailed red and gold sari reaches for her groom’s shoulder under lush greenery.

The bride stands in front of her groom, smiling warmly in a peaceful garden setting — a heartfelt moment captured within their wedding day timeline.

Skipping the First Look? Here’s What You Need Instead

Totally valid! Some of my couples stick with a traditional aisle reveal, and it’s beautiful. But here’s the tradeoff: We’ll need to take all of your family portraits, wedding party, and couple photos during cocktail hour. That’s a tall order for a 60-minute window — especially if you actually want to attend your cocktail hour too!

What I recommend:
Bump cocktail hour to 75–90 minutes so we have enough time to capture everything without making it feel like a speed-run photoshoot. This way, you can still sneak into the end of cocktail hour and feel like you were part of it.

A group of groomsmen in suits stand together in an open field with mountain views, smiling as they wait for the ceremony to start.

A bridesmaid gently applies lip gloss to the bride before the ceremony, a quiet and tender pause that fits perfectly into the wedding day timeline.

Guests mingle on the terrace during cocktail hour, the mountain views creating the perfect backdrop for laughter and connection.

The bride beams mid-embrace, surrounded by loved ones celebrating her just-married glow — one of those real, unscripted moments that make a wedding day timeline feel alive.

Pro Timeline Hacks for a Smooth, Stress-Free Day

Keep Your Family Photo List Tight

Every family combo takes about 3–5 minutes. That adds up fast, and those are minutes you could be spending sipping cocktails or catching up with friends and family. So when we go through your list, I’ll always ask: Would you frame this? If the answer is “eh, probably not,” we can probably skip it. Quality over quantity every time.

Assign a Photo Wrangler

This is one of my all-time favorite pro tips: pick a “bossy but lovable” family member who knows the people and isn’t afraid to herd them like cats. They know who’s who and can help keep things moving way faster so you can actually enjoy the day.

Make Sure Your Family Knows Where to Be

If we’re doing family photos right after the ceremony, make sure all included family members know that ahead of time, and then have your officiant make a quick announcement so nobody disappears to the bar line. Trust me, chasing people down is like herding cats — especially once they’ve made it to the bar line.

A large group photo filled with smiling family and friends, capturing the joy and energy of the day together.

The bride sits among friends dressed in colorful saris, their parasols and laughter adding brightness to this beautiful wedding celebration.

The groom shares a warm conversation with a guest before the ceremony, a calm moment before the next step in their wedding day timeline.

The bride and her closest friends share a laugh, forming a heart with their hands — pure joy radiating in every smile.

Add a Second Photographer = Add Breathing Room

Having two photographers (which I highly recommend for weddings over 80 guests) means that even while I’m photographing your family or portraits, my second shooter is capturing your guests mingling, your cocktail details, your grandma’s happy tears, and all those in-between moments that make your gallery feel full.

It’s one of the best ways to keep the photo coverage strong without sacrificing your guest experience.

Guests gather in a cozy, chandelier-lit bar for cocktail hour, conversation and clinking glasses filling the space with energy.

A bride and groom share a quiet toast over their marriage license, a sweet detail that’s perfectly timed in their wedding day timeline.

Guests gather outside under golden sunlight, chatting and laughing during the reception, the energy effortlessly carrying the celebration into the night.

Let’s Talk Golden Hour Glow

One of my favorite parts of the day? Sneaking you away for a quick sunset portrait session. Usually around 10–15 minutes (after dinner, before speeches), this gives us time for some extra editorial magic when the light is soft and golden, and the vibe is relaxed. Plus, you get to slow down and actually be together.

The couple walks hand in hand across a grassy ridge with soft mountains in the distance, a quiet pause beautifully timed within their wedding day timeline.

The bride and groom stroll through golden grass at sunset, holding hands as the light glows warmly around them.

A bride glances back smiling as her partner follows her through an open mountain field — a playful moment that fits effortlessly into their wedding day timeline.

The couple shares an intimate embrace under a sheer veil, golden light softening the moment with timeless romance.

The bride and groom share a kiss in a wide-open field, sunlight streaming through as their wedding day timeline flows into celebration.

Extra Coverage, Extra Ease

A little extra time in your wedding day timeline is the secret sauce to feeling like an actual human on your wedding day, not like you’re sprinting through a wedding-day checklist.

The best photos don’t happen when we’re racing the clock. They happen in those little moments you don’t even plan for, like your cousin cracking a joke during hair and makeup, or your partner sneaking you a bite of cake when you’re mid-convo with a guest. When there’s breathing room, you get to enjoy all of it, and that’s when the magic happens.

From a wedding photography timeline perspective? More time = more calm = more of those candid, glowy, emotion-packed photos you actually care about. And I promise, your gallery will feel so much more you when you're not stressing about what comes next every five minutes.

So if you’re on the fence about adding an extra hour or two? Think of it as a buffer for joy. For hugs that last longer and maybe even a moment to actually taste your own cocktail.

A guest in a light blue dress smiles, balancing cocktails as she walks up the steps during cocktail hour.

A groom turns around smiling during a first look, surrounded by warm wooden textures and stacks of timber behind him.

Friends laugh together, phones in hand, capturing moments of joy that weave naturally into the wedding day timeline.

A Timeline Built Around You

Every couple is different, and every wedding is too. That’s why I don’t do cookie-cutter timelines. I’ll meet with you (and/or your planner) about 6 weeks before your day to walk through everything, from your wedding photography timeline to your family shot list to golden hour portraits, and help you structure your timeline in a way that feels good.

Not rushed. Not overly posed. Just you, present and soaking it all in.

Guests clink glasses and laugh outside the reception venue, mountains peeking through in the background.

A close-up of a groom holding a margarita glass with a salted rim, a fun pause in their wedding day timeline before the next event.

The bride and groom pet two floral-adorned donkeys during cocktail hour, smiling at the unique detail that delighted their guests.

You Can Have It All

You don’t have to choose between stunning portraits and celebrating with your people. With the right wedding day timeline we can have both. Whether you’re doing a First Look or going traditional, I’ll help you build a plan that prioritizes presence and great photos.

Because you deserve a wedding day that feels as good as it looks.

The bride smiles through happy tears while reading her vows during the ceremony, a heartfelt moment beautifully captured within their wedding day timeline.

A bride in an elegant off-the-shoulder white dress laughs during cocktail hour, holding two drinks as string lights twinkle behind her.

The groom gently kisses his bride’s hand under the trees, a quiet, intimate pause in their wedding day timeline.

Ready to Create a Wedding Photography Timeline That Actually Feels Like You?

If you're planning a Colorado or destination wedding and want a photographer who’s not just going to show up with a camera, but actually help you make the most of your time with your favorite people, I’ve got you!

I’m all about fewer stiff poses, more real moments, and timelines that feel like you (not a photoshoot checklist).

Reach out here and let’s talk about your day. I’ll bring the camera and the timeline-building skills, to make sure you don’t miss a thing and so you can soak up every second.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, check out my blogs The Most Unforgettable Jackson Hole Wedding Weekend and Why The Wishwell House is the Perfect Georgetown, Texas Wedding Venue.

And if you’re looking for some wedding tips, check out How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony Without Stress and Why Two Wedding Photographers Are Better Than One: Advice from a Colorado Wedding Photographer.

How to Structure Your Wedding Day Timeline So You Can Actually Enjoy Cocktail Hour