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engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!



WEDDING GUIDE

Melissa Cook Photography


to THE MAIN WEBSITE




09. FAMILY FORMALS


08. DETAILS


07. RAIN TIPS


06. TIMELINES


05. FIRST LOOKS



04. BRIDAL PORTRAITS



03. VENDORS


02. ENGAGEMENT


01. WELCOME





12. ALBUMS


11. EXTRA TIPS


10. GO UNPLUGGED

- Melissa

Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me
know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning
process!


I'm so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait to get to know you
better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger
investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to
work with me!

Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple
wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your
big day. 

Having photographed weddings before, I tend to get asked the same things over
and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide
that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and
inclement weather.


A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE



WELCOME




plan your session




I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow
you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the
opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is
significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit
tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!



ENGAGEMENT SESSION




Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry


Session Checklist 










Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic
homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. I want to keep your dress as
clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.

When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another
great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot
during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, I highly
recommend Spring and Fall. However, I'll shoot anytime and anywhere there's
great light!

Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee
is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other
venue services. I typically have to work with the venues on times, but I love to
shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as I can to get that softer
afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, I'm happy to work with
their allotted times.

Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal
portrait session! 


There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and
makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how
that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on
your wedding day, photos are invaluable!

If you're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of
hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. I typically spend 1-2 hours shooting at
bridal sessions and it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel
a little less awkward! 

When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I
recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety
in indoor and outdoor locations.






GORGEOUS PHOTOS + PRACTICE RUN FOR THE BIG DAY 


BRIDAL PORTRAITS



That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their
wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait
until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to
the ceremony.

First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the
wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of
my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.

While I consider myself a person who value tradition, there are definitely a few
good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first
look’:






IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE



FIRST LOOKS

If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan
on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring
rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.

And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going
to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first
look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.

First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be
special.



FIRST LOOK




03

When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after
the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends
because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal
party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail
hour.

A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures
and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although I prefer to do
bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out
of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.



IT MAKES MORE TIME FOR PICTURES WITHOUT SACRIFICING COCKTAIL HOUR  





02


AVOID POSSIBLE BAD WEATHER AND/OR HAVE TIME TO FRESHEN-UP AFTER THE FIRST LOOK  


Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an
opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and
reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.

Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and
a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to
take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in
everything that’s happening.




A FIRST LOOK CUTS THROUGH THE CHAOS OF THE DAY





01

If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an
average total of 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just
the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)

If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your
ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.

If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all
photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits
for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have
enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony
work.




Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the
ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and
plan for images.

If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo
times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.

You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos
(bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos
(groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of
combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at
least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not
doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.






TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS WEDDING DAY TIMELINE


timeline

Wedding Day 


building the perfect


view the timeline




Wedding Timeline without a First Look





view the timeline




Wedding Timeline with a First Look




Example Timelines

Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If
something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.



Melissa arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and my second photographer
arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.



12 p.m.

12:00pm  

Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.


1:15 p.m.

1:15pm  

Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location. 


1:30 p.m.

1:30pm  

Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or
reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make
recommendations.



The first look takes place. 


1:45 p.m.

1:45PM

Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.


2:00 p.m.

2:00pm  

The ceremony takes place.


3:00 p.m.

3:00PM

Family portraits


Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need
will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking
pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one
wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big
day. 




3:30 p.m.

3:30pm  

Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits


Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more
full bridal party shots.



4:00 P.M.

4:00pm

Cocktail Hour


Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at
cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.




4:30 P.M. 

4:30pm

Introductions & First Dance


5:00 P.M.

5:00 PM 

Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees. 


5:30 P.M.


5:30pm

Sunset Portraits




We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is
usually the best light of the day!


6:00 P.M.


6:00pm

6:30 P.M.


Dancing begins


6:30pm

Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.


7:15 P.M.


7:15pm 

Photographers Depart



8:00 P.M.


8:00pm 

view next



















Melissa arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and my second photographer
arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.



Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If
something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.





1 p.m.

1:00pm


Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos. 





2:00 P.M.

2:00pm  

Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group
photos. 



2:15 P.M.

2:15pm 

The ceremony takes place.



3:00 P.M.

3:00PM 


3:30 P.M.

Family portraits.


Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need
will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking
pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one
wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big
day. 




3:30pm 


4:00 P.M.

Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits


Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about
an hour total. 


4:00pm 

Introductions & First Dance



5:30 P.M.

5:30pm

Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees. 


6:00 P.M.


6:00pm  

Sunset Portraits


7:30 P.M.


We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is
usually the best light of the day!


7:30pm 

Dancing begins




8:00 P.M.


8:00pm  

Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.



8:30 P.M.


8:30pm

Photographer’s Depart



9:00 P.M.


9:00pm 

view next
















If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in
with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and
makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is
outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear.
A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.

While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a
plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.

Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but
there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny
weddings!





If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be
beautiful! 

If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on
Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we
can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite. 

If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair
- even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations. 



RAIN TIPS



I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of
your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 30 minutes to
capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled
with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and
clutter.

It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil
purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for me.
Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a
beautiful spot! 


Details

Wedding Day 




Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely
optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your
details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout
your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces
we can incorporate those in your detail shots.



print this checklist

















BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST 


print this checklist



His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.












Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST 


When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting
ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it
yourself.

To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to
40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat
if needed.


THE RINGS



Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take
any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
















print + adjust this checklist



Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family 
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents +  Siblings +  Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings 
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom 
Bride + Dad 
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family 
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Siblings +  Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings 
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom 
Groom + Dad 


Family Formals Checklist




For family portraits, I’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with
all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And
then I’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and
siblings.

I’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and
out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with
the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's
family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how
the portrait process will work ahead of time.

When I send out my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of
specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family
members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime,
you'll find our typical list below. 






YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY, DRESSED UP AND TOGETHER 


FAMILY FORMALS

If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy
couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony. 

And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their
phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in
photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is
for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and
relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me do
the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to
unplug during the ceremony.



CONSIDER UNPLUGGING



If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can
run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.




FLUFF TIME

05



If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent,
they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire. 



FIRST LOOKS FOR PARENTS

04



Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the
detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need
to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.



EXTRA FLORALS

03



If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help
keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.



PREP FOR THE HEAT

02



If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch
time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to
avoid hungry bellies and passing out!



DON'T FORGET THE SNACKS

01



tips


ADDITIONAL

I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate
to email or call!



I'M HERE TO HELP

09



During the cocktail hour and the reception, I'll follow you around. Anytime
you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. I love being your personal
paparazzi!




PHOTO ANYONE?

08



Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have
their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply me
with a list ahead of time, I can go over it and make sure I shoot things in an
order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.



MAKE A LIST

07



I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at
the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.



HIDE THE BRIDE

06



I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space.
One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and
images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to
remember those precious moments I captured.

Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if I had delivered you digital images,
they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you
would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I
deliver will eventually fade away.

One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album.
These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen &
leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came
in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.







THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY



HANDCRAFTED ALBUMS

After I deliver your gallery, I'll work with you to order prints and design an
album that will become an heirloom for your family. 

Albums must be prepaid before design begins and typically take between 4 to 6
weeks to complete (including revisions). 

With the exception of printing errors, all albums are non-returnable. Albums may
be ordered anytime before or after the wedding day. The holiday deadline for
beginning an order is November 1st.


Wedding albums are available a la carte or as part of your wedding collection. 




I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't
scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to
email me any time at hello@melissacookweddings.com.

If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope
this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier
and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking
the time to read through my guide!





THANK YOU!

Melissa's AI Assistant

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