Kyla Williamson Photography

Wedding Client Guide

Whether you have a wedding planner or not there are still tons of moving components to your big day. I have developed this client guide to help answer some frequently asked questions, give a little advice from personal experience and provide a starting place for a day of timeline. I am here for any and all other questions!

TIMELINE

I. Timeline Example - No First Look

You will need to plan for 30 mins of pre-ceremony bridal photos and 30 mins of pre-ceremony groom photos at separate times. We will capture photos of the entire wedding party together after the ceremony for about 20 mins. You should then plan for 20-30 mins of photos with families, more time if you have a large extended family you would like pictures with. Finally you want to plan 20-30 minutes to capture photos as a couple.

12:30 - Photographer Arrives and Captures Details/Hair & Makeup

1:45 - Dress Time!

2:00 - Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits

2:30 - Head to the Groomsmen and Capture Details/Tie Tying/Boutonniere

2:45 - Groom & Groomsmen Portraits

3:15 - Pre-Ceremony Photos Checked Off! Head to the Ceremony

3:30 - Wedding Party Hidden While Guests Arrive, Photographer Captures Details and Arrival

4:00 - The Show Begins!

4:30 - Wedding Party Portraits All Together, Guests Enjoy Cocktail Hour

4:50 - Family Portraits

5:20 - Newlywed Portraits

5:45 - Wedding Party Reception Entrance

5:50 - Dinner

6:45 - Cake Cutting and Toasts

7:00 - First Dance, Parent Dances

7:20 - Dance Floor Opens

8:30 - Photographer Leaves

2. Timeline Example - With a first look

A first look allows us to capture all of the wedding party photos before the ceremony giving the couple some time to enjoy the cocktail hour. You should plan around an hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony to capture all of the wedding party and couple photos. Then we just need about 30 minutes after the ceremony to capture the family photos, plan longer if you have a larger family. I love to spend about 20 more minutes capturing some officially married photos of the happy couple, but that is your choice!

12:00 - Photographer Arrives and Captures Details/Hair & Makeup

1:00 - Dress Time!

1:20 - Head to the Groomsmen and Capture Details/Tie Tying/Boutonniere

1:45 - Leave for First Look Location

2:00 - First Look, Bride + Groom Photos

2:30 - Wedding Party Portraits: Bride + Bridesmaids, Groom + Groomsmen, Entire Wedding Party!

3:15 - Pre-Ceremony Photos Checked Off! Head to the Ceremony

3:30 - Wedding Party Hidden While Guests Arrive, Photographer Captures Details and Arrival

4:00 - The Show Begins!

4:30 - Family Portraits, Guests Enjoy Cocktail Hour

5:00 - Officially Married Photos

5:15 - Officially Married Couple Photos End & The Couple Joins Cocktail Hour

5:30 - Wedding Party Reception Entrance

5:40 - Dinner

6:30 - Cake Cutting and Toasts

6:45 - First Dance, Parent Dances

7:00 - Dance Floor Opens

8:00 - Photographer Leaves

A couple things to keep in mind. The sunset, if you are planning your ceremony around the sunset then you want to make sure to capture almost all your photos ahead of the ceremony. Lighting is essential to capture beautiful images of your day. We want to make sure we have enough time to do that ahead of the sun setting, or enough time to capture a few after the ceremony. If you're completing your ceremony during the day consider sneaking off just the two of you to capture a few photos at sunset. This provides some beautiful photos and allows you each to take a moment to take in the magic of the day.

WEDDING DAY DETAILS

I live for the details. My love of photography started in capturing the things that go unnoticed to most people. Once I arrive I will need about 30 minutes to stage and capture the details of your day. It really helps me if you have all those things together in one place for me to take and capture. Think keepsakes such as rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, perfume, invitations, vow books and anything else special to your day. Having all this ready allows me to not interrupt your makeup and hair process.

I also recommend keeping your bridesmaid and groomsmen getting ready space tidy throughout the day. Too many miscellaneous items throughout the space will distract from what is important in your pictures, the people who love you.

CHECKLIST

Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (Engagement and Wedding Bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Hair Piece
Jewelry
Invitation (2 Full Sets with Envelopes)
Any Other Stationary (Programs, Weekend Schedules, Etc)
Any Other Keepsakes

Unplugging? While this new trend has become standard in most modern weddings it may be worth mentioning to your guest in the form of a sign or announcement. Looking back on your wedding day pictures the last thing you want to see is a bunch of cell phones blocking the view. Many guest don't realize the distraction that they could be creating in your day and appreciate the helpful reminder. This too will allow me to do my best job possible.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

This is your opportunity to capture any formal portraits you would like with your immediate family members. I have included a suggested list of portraits to capture, please remember these are just suggestions and can be modified as needed to include all the necessary members of your immediate family. If you would like to include more of your extended family in these formal portraits that is ok too you will just need to include more than the suggested 30 minutes. Keep in mind that I will be your shadow throughout the night and will happily capture more candid photos with your extended family throughout the night if you don't want to take extra time during the formal portraits.

I will be sending you a prewedding questionnaire that will prompt you to list specific groupings and any special situations I should know about ahead of your event. Things such as divorces, any significant others of family members, limited mobility family, hard of hearing family members, etc. I will accomplish capturing all these photos by calling out the listed family members we have come up with, this flows best if everyone is nearby and we stick to the agreed upon list. If we go out of order or add portraits I may miss some of the key groupings and it may take longer than we have allotted for. As you are creating your groupings list remember to consider things such as significant others, would you like to include them in the larger groupings? Or if you have a remarried parent do you want to include half siblings? Or would you rather two separate groupings? What about nieces and nephews? Which group are they included with?

If we are capturing all the wedding party photos before the ceremony we will start into family formals immediately after the ceremony. If we are capturing the wedding party after the ceremony we will start in on family formals directly after the wedding party photos.

example family portrait list

Bride's Family

Bride & Brides Mom
Bride & Brides Dad
Bride & Siblings
Bride & Groom & Brides Mom & Brides Dad
Bride & Groom & Brides Mom & Brides Dad & Brides Siblings
Bride & Groom & Brides Parents & Brides Siblings & Brides Grandparents
Bride & Groom & Brides Grandparents

Groom's Family

Groom & Grooms Mom
Groom & Grooms Dad
Groom & Grooms Siblings
Groom & Bride & Grooms Mom & Grooms Dad
Groom & bride & Grooms Parents & Grooms Siblings & Grooms Grandparents
Groom & Bride & Grooms Grandparents

Please note that this is just a starting point that can be modified to include any variation of family members you might have. We will add time as needed for any additional family photos.

After you complete your questionnaire I will be able to give you the total cost for my services. Payment can be made in the form of cash or check made out to "Kyla Williamson". If absolutely necessary we can coordinate electronic payment but I do not have the ability to take card payments at this time. All payment will be due at the time of the event. In the event of a cancellation within 6 months of your event a 30% cancellation fee will be charged based on the total expected hours of service.

Payment

OTHER DETAILS

Delivery TurnarounD

My average turnaround time is 4-6 weeks depending on the hours of coverage. I will do my best to get you a sneak peek within a couple days! I like to post those sneak peeks on my social media so please give me the heads up if you would rather I didn't.

digital album

I will share your photos with you in the form of a digital album that you can share with as many people as you would like. I keep these up for 3 weeks after I have shared them with you. I will always check with you before I remove the album but I can't keep these up forever so please do your best to share and download in a timely manner. Reach out with any questions or issues that come up! I lock all my albums with a password that I will share with you when I share the album link. You will be able to download the entire album at once or individual photos. I recommend downloading the entire album once you receive it to multiple locations, such as an external drive and a cloud location to cover you in unforeseen circumstances. I only keep a select few photos from each event and won't have your entire album so please make sure to download this in a safe location! I will also provide you with a flash drive that contains all your photos. These will be higher res images that you should use to create any prints you would like. Please make sure to still have these images saved in 2 other locations. The more backups the better!

Album Sharing

Share away! That link can go to anyone you wish along with the password. Again, the album will only be up for 3 weeks so just make sure you share the images within that timeline. These images are yours to keep so feel free to do with them whatever you would like. I do ask that you don't do any of your own editing, cropping is ok, so the images stay authentic to my style. If you do share any of them on social media I always appreciate photo credit!

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Snacks! The bridal party tends to forget to eat through out the day while they are getting ready. It's helpful to keep snacks or plan a lunch before makeup is complete.
Water! Another key to a successful day. Along with eating the bridal party tends to forget to stay hydrated. This is extremely important to remember during the hotter months.
Designate a "stuff" area for all the miscellaneous items brought to the bridesmaids and groomsman getting ready area. Lots of clutter will become distracting in those photos so it is best to designate an area ahead of time.
Avoid wearing any socks, hair ties, watches, bras or other accessories during the day that might leave visible lines on your skin.
Make sure that your bouquet(s) are delivered in time to capture during your detail shots or first looks.
Steam ahead of time! You want to avoid steaming your dress day of as this can't be done once your hair is done.
We want to make sure to account enough time in your timeline so that I can capture the reception area untouched by any guests. This may need more time if it is farther from your ceremony.
Guests arrive early so I recommend the bride and groom hide at least 30 minutes in advance. This gives me a chance to capture the details of the ceremony and you both a chance to soak in the day.
I will stay by your side all evening to capture as much as I can! This is a great opportunity for me to get candid photos with more of your extended family.
Timeline is key! This is a bride and grooms strongest planning tool and I am happy to work with you on any part of it! I want to make sure we have enough time to capture everything that is important to you.
Breathe! The day will be fast, the moments will be short and don't forget that. Take every opportunity you can to take in the day, the love and the moments.

Thank you so much for taking the time to fill this out before we meet! This questionnaire provides a huge starting point for us and will help us flush out some of your wants for the big day! We have most likely talked about a lot of these details but I like to finalize all of them ahead of time. You can email the completed questionnaire, copy and paste into the body of an email, to kylawilliamsonphotography@gmail.com. If you don't hear back from me in a couple days please shoot me a text (802-881-4122) to make sure I got the questionnaire. Please make sure this is complete before our call and reach out with any questions that arise!

questionnaire

Questionnaire:

First & last names:

Wedding date:

Both of your phone numbers + one additional contact person's number:

Email addresses:

Mailing address:

Instagram handles if applicable:

What last name(s) will you each be taking once you're married:

Getting ready location for both bride and groom, about how far apart those locations are walking or driving:

(Please specify if you would like this part of the day covered and if you’d like photos of just the bride or groom , both, or neither. Please note that if you’d like photos of both of you getting ready then I will need extra time to cover you both since there is only one of me. Also specify what type of coverage you would like, posed photos in getting ready clothes, makeup and hair prep, groomsmen putting on final details, etc.)

Ceremony address & type:

(Ex: field, church, under a tree, barn, lakeside. All details appreciated.)

Restrictions of the photographer during the ceremony if applicable:

(Ex: Stay out of the isle/front, no flash, moments of silence/prayers where shooting should pause.)

Reception address & type, distance & travel time from ceremony if applicable:

(Ex: tent, barn, reception hall. All details appreciated.)

Number of invited wedding guests:

Names of parents attending and who they are related to:

Are there any family circumstances I should be aware of, think physical limitations, step-parents/siblings, family that won't photograph together, etc:

Best man's name:

Maid of honor's name:

Names of bridesmaids:

Names of groomsmen:

Are there any other key people involved in the wedding:

Will the couple do a first look before the ceremony, if so where and distance from ceremony:

Any other special traditions or events happening during the ceremony I should know about:

Are you having any special events during the reception:

(Ex: First dance, father daughter/mother son dance, bouquet toss/garter toss, wedding party introductions, etc.)

(Please list the vendors used so I can credit them in photos if applicable. Include Instagram handles if applicable)

Bouquets/flowers:

Hair stylist:

Makeup artist:

Wedding dress & veil designer and/or purchase location:

Caterer:

Wedding cake:

DJ/band:

Videographer:

Wedding planner or coordinator:

Any other vendors you'd like to give a shoutout too:

Planned method of payment:

(I can take payment in the form of cash or checks. If you choose to make payment via check please make it out to “Kyla Williamson”. Arrangements can be made if electronic payment is absolutely necessary. Payment can be made on the day of the wedding.)

Timeline of wedding (Please make as many adjustments to this timeline as you’d like. This is just the generic order of events. I know that timelines shift but please do your best to put the approximate times so I can help do my part to keep us on schedule and ensure we have enough time for all your visions. I am happy to help if you need any assistance with this section!)

Photographer Arrival Time:

Bride preparation:

Groom preparation:

First look and couple portraits (if doing a first look):

Bridal portraits:

Groomsmen portraits:

Pre-ceremony entire wedding party photos (if doing a first look):

Departure time to ceremony:

Ceremony start & approximate length:

Receiving line (if applicable):

Cocktail hour:

Entire bridal party photos (ideally 15 minutes unless doing before ceremony):

Family photos (ideally 30 minutes):

Couple's portraits (ideally 25 minutes, only 15 needed if doing a first look and couple photos before ceremony):

Reception:

Wedding party introduction and order (if applicable):

General order of events for reception:

Couple sunset pictures (if applicable):

Couple send off (if applicable):

Photographer departure time:

Any other specific timeline details I should know about:

Family formals portrait list:

Please add your own family shot list below. Please make as many adjustments to this list as you’d like. These are just generic groupings as a starting point. Feel free to add or remove any combinations. Please also add the names of these individuals in the family section so it will be easier for me to call out family members.

Bride + Brides Mom

Bride + Brides Dad

Bride + Siblings

Bride + Groom + Brides Mom + Brides Dad

Bride + Groom + Brides Mom + Brides Dad + Siblings

Bride + Groom + Brides Parents + Brides Siblings + Brides Grandparents

Bride + Groom + Brides Grandparents

Groom + Grooms Mom

Groom + Grooms Dad

Groom + Siblings

Groom + Bride + Grooms Mom + Grooms Dad

Groom + Bride + Grooms Mom + Grooms Dad + Siblings

Groom + Bride + Grooms Parents + Grooms Siblings + Grooms Grandparents

Groom + Bride + Grooms Grandparents

My clients make my business. I love the happiness I am able to bring to each of you by authentically capturing your day. Thank you for being one of those clients and allowing me to tell your story through my lens. I can't wait to work together!