I'm so honored that you've trusted me with capturing your wedding day! I'm looking forward to celebrating with you and getting to know you better over the next several months.
In the mean time, this guide is designed to help you create a wedding day that lends itself to the best photos possible! This will walk you through everything from timelines to details to family photos.
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and feel free reach out at any point during the planning process!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
WELCOME
Cheers, Ivy!
Below you'll find some handy tips for nailing down the perfect style.
Try to book your engagement session earlier in the year so you can use the photos for your invites. You can also use them for your website, for prints, for social sharing, etc.
You know that hair and makeup trial that you get with your artists? Try to coordinate one or both of them during your engagement session, so then your makeup doesn’t go to waste and you get to see how it photographs before the day actually comes!
Try to make the engagement session about you! We will definitely talk about it, but we can do some thing as wild as jumping in a lake, or we can just do some thing as casual as a beach session. All ideas are welcome. I also suggest picking a location that means something to both of you, and if that’s not an option, I have tons of options for you!
I really like to incorporate the engagement session in my wedding packages because it allows us to get comfortable with each other, and allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera. Plus it allows you to see how I work and learn my process!
Engagement sessions are a great way for us to connect and get to know each other before your big day arrives! You'll learn all about my posing structure and you'l be a pro by the end of your session! This will make your wedding day pictures a piece of cake!
& why I love them!
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
no way, jose
- Loud logos, graphics, or heavy text that distract from connection
- Neon or overly saturated colors that pull attention away from emotion
- Super busy patterns that compete with your surroundings
- Matching outfits exactly — coordination over duplication always photographs better
- Anything that feels stiff, itchy, or uncomfortable (if you feel it, we’ll see it)
- Neutral and earthy tones that photograph softly and timelessly (think creams, tans, soft browns, muted greens, dusty blues)
- Textured fabrics like linen, knits, cotton, denim, or wool — they add depth and movement on camera
- Flowing silhouettes, layers, or pieces that move when you walk, spin, or snuggle in close
- Well-loved shoes you can actually walk in — comfort always wins
- Outfits that feel like an elevated version of you (not something you’d never normally wear)
yes! yes! yes!
Engagement photo styling tips
Choosing outfits for your engagement session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s intention. When your outfits feel comfortable, cohesive, and true to you, your photos naturally feel more effortless, emotional, and timeless.
Think movement, texture, and pieces that allow you to show up fully as yourselves — not costumes, not trends you’ll cringe at later.
Engagement sessions typically last 1.5 - 2 hours. I recommend you bring an extra outfit, as you may wish to have two different "looks". Below you'll find some general guidelines to narrow down your perfect outfit.
what to wear
Nerves are
NORMAL
Please know it’s totally normal to feel a little (or a lot!) nervous at your first photo shoot, but I’ll be there to help – and make you laugh – every step of the way. If you didn't feel nervous, that would be more out of the norm. Give yourself a few minutes for me to loosen you up and you will be a pro in no time. Think of it like having fun with your best friend like always, while someone happens to be taking photos. No sweat. And to top it all off, we will play some music and pretend we are in our own little music video. Soon you will forget the camera is there and it'll just be fun from there on out.
Do an
ACTIVITY
Engagement sessions are meant to be about you. It’s easy to get caught up in social media expectations, but the most meaningful photos come from what makes your relationship unique. Whether that’s an activity you love, a meaningful place, or simply being together as you are, we’ll create space for images that feel natural and true to you — with a few classic “mom and dad” photos mixed in, of course. The goal is to capture your love in a way that feels authentic and memorable.
Time &
LOCATION
Light and location matter way more than most people realize. Golden hour by the water, a quiet trail at sunset, or a spot that actually means something to you can totally change the vibe of your photos. I’ll help you choose the best time and place so the light is flattering, the setting feels natural, and your connection is what really steals the spotlight.
THE ATMOSPHERE
Try designating one room to take getting ready photos in, and try to make someone else in charge of doing this task so you are stress free the morning of your wedding!
Try to make sure the designated room is in a room with lots of windows and natural lighting.
Adjusting to getting ready temperature of the household the night before, and checking the weather as well to coordinate.
FOR THE BRIDE
Air conditioning, a fan, ice packs, all of it. I’m telling you, when girls are getting ready in one room or one area, it will get so hot in there so fast! So try to keep yourself cool. Try and plan ahead. Put the AC on the night before if you know in the next day will be warm.
For the bride herself, try to coordinate your make up being in the middle, so not first but not last because you want to get those getting ready shots before the rest of your girls are ready. 80% of the time the hair and makeup stylist will take a little bit longer than expected so always leave that extra room in your timeline. But be sure to ask your artists their suggestions as well!
Have all of your details ready in a box. We like to call this the detail box! This is where you will put your invitation, your rings, the ring box, shoes, tie, perfume, etc. This is so when I show up, I can just grab that box and start shooting a few flat lays and detail shots!
FOR THE GROOM
Plan something the morning of your wedding with your guys just to relax. Some guys go golfing, for breakfast, brunch or any hobby that you genuinely like to do together, because you will have a lot more time to get ready than the bride will.
FOR THE COUPLE
Champagne pops are always super fun in the getting ready stages, or just when you just put on your fresh dress and suit. These are just super fun to start the day off with!
GETTING READY
Grab your maid of honour or a bridesmaid that knows everything that’s going on and knows majority of the guests, and designate this person to take care of your cell phone and anyone that is trying to contact you on the day of your wedding. You do not want to be running around trying to communicate with everybody about plans. Our planning should be set up very successfully but just in case those texts come through, designate somebody else to answer them for you unless it’s super important, then they can give it to you, but you don’t want to be wasting unnecessary time on happy wedding day texts!
Help your bride plan the wedding! This is both of your wedding days and it is a moment and a day that you get to spend together, so make sure you put a little bit of input in. Don’t let all the wedding stress planning be on her. If she asks a question, feel free to say your honest answer and be very open with the planning process.
Take time out of the wedding day to actually spend time with your new wife as a day gets pretty hectic and pretty busy. You want to make sure you dedicate a few moments alone with your wife and you enjoy your day.
Write a letter to each other that you can read privately in front of the photographer and/or videographer. It's a great way to capture a moment of you reading a little note from your loved one the morning of your special day!
For The Groom
For The Bride
Wedding Morning Tips
Advice from previous brides
One thing I really learned through wedding planning was to make decisions based on how we’d want to experience a wedding as guests. My husband and I kept coming back to that perspective, and it helped guide many of our choices. We prioritized getting to dinner and through the first dance as promptly as possible so people could move on to dancing, relaxing, and truly enjoying the evening. Everyone has their own idea of what’s “standard” or “traditional,” but it’s your day, give yourself the grace to enjoy it in a way that feels right to you.
Carly & will
Here are a few things we found helpful! Look at a few wedding planning timelines to pick and choose what you feel is important for your day. Respect the dates to hit, it can snowball and get stressful easily. Learn what tasks you can delegate so you can have multiple things worked on at time. And finally, make time to sit in your “getting ready” room together during cocktail hour or dancing to decompress and debrief about the night. So many wonderful memories and stories await you, congratulations!!
Katy & Kyle
Advice from previous brides
No matter what, try to not separate! You will be pulled in so many directions for conversations, pictures, and more! But once the ceremony is over - stick together. It helped us experience the day as a pair and not always wondering where your new spouse is! If you can, try to slip away for 5-10 minutes throughout the night to check in with each other and share some of your favorite parts to try to reflect on the day before it is over. As everyone says, it goes so quickly! These were small ways we made the day feel longer and more intimate, even while sharing it with others. One other fun thing we did was write a note to each other on our wedding day to read on our 1 year anniversary - this is something we have continued each year and helps us reflect on our wedding day and beyond while we look at photos from our wedding and the past year together.
Advice from previous brides
Katrina & nik
DETAILS
BONUS: EXTRA FLOWERS
I love getting to capture all the special details you've curated for your wedding day.
Details are one of the first things I'll photograph when I arrive on your wedding day so it's great if you have all these items in once place that morning. The list below is a great starting point if you're not sure what to include!
ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING bands (& if you have a pretty ring box!)
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's handkerchief. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in your detail shots.
groom detail checklist
SENTIMENTAL KEEPSAKES
2 FULL SETS WITH ENVELOPES + STAMPS & ANY OTHER PAPER STATIONARY YOU MAY HAVE (LIKE PROGRAM CARDS, ETC)
SHOES
VEIL
BOUQUET
HAIR PIECES
JEWELRY
VOW BOOK
His shoes
Socks
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
ANYTHING ELSE SPECIAL OR SENTIMENTAL.
I'd LOVE TO HAVE A FEW CUTS OF THE FLORALS YOU'LL BE USING THROUGHOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY. IF YOUR FLORIST WILL SUPPLY A SMALL BUCKET OF EXTRA PIECES I CAN INCORPORATE THOSE IN YOUR DETAIL SHOTS.
bride detail checklist
Dress & Hanger
Rings & Ring Box
(IF THEY'RE SPECIAL)
wedding day
INVITATION SUITE
PRINT THIS CHECKLIST!
THE RINGS
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.
I love capturing the detail of your rings up close. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home:
Put a ring on it baby!
01. A FIRST LOOK GIVES YOU QUIET MOMENT ALONE
Wedding days go by in a blur. As soon as the day begins there is so much to do and so many people to see. Doing a first look will give the two of you a moment alone (with a camera shooting from afar) to soak it all in and think through what the day means to you.
02. MORE TIME FOR PICTURES & YOUR RECEPTION
When you have a first look, we can take pictures of the two of you, the bridal party, and some family pictures before the ceremony even begins. This makes the day less rushed and allows us to take more pictures too!
Once you're married, we won't need as much time set aside for photos and you can get to your cocktail hour and reception sooner!
03. POSSIBLY AVOID bad WEATHER
If there's bad weather on the forecast, a first look gives you the option to get pictures done earlier in the day and possibly avoid being stuck in the rain!
First look
WONDERING IF A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
04. get out all your tears without the audience
A first look give both of you a moment to cry without the audience of all your wedding guests. You can get all your tears out knowing you'll have time to freshen up before pictures too.
It's a special moment when you see your other half for the first time on your wedding day. It'a a moment worth remembering whether you do or a first look or wait for an epic reveal as you walk down the aisle.
If you're wondering whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day, here are some ideas to consider.
I don’t even know where to begin! We are absolutely thrilled with our pictures that Ivy captured on both our wedding day and for our engagement! It was such an amazing experience. She truly made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and captured the day perfectly. I highly recommend Ivy to any couples looking for some beautiful photos and forever memories! Thank you so much Ivy for capturing our love and these precious moments!!
Bella & Zach
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
VIEW TIMELINE
VIEW TIMELINE
EXAMPLE TIMELINE
EXAMPLE TIMELINE
BUILDING THE PERFECT
with a
first look
no first look
traditional
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional (not seeing each other until the bride walks down the aisle), we'll work with you to create the perfect wedding day schedule. Take a look at the examples below to get a general idea of when to plan for photos on your wedding day.
12:00 pm
COVERAGE BEGINS & DETAIL SHOTS
12:45 pm
BRIDE GETS DRESSED + FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
1:00 pm
BRIDAL PORTRAITS + BRIDES AND BRIDESMAID PORTRAITS
1:30 pm
GROOM'S FINAL PREPARATIONS & DETAILS
2:00 pm
GROOM + GROOMSMEN PORTRAITS
2:30 pm
FIRST LOOK PORTRAITS
3:15 pm
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
4:00 pm
HIDE BRIDE AWAY
4:30 pm
ceremony detail shots
5:00 pm
ceremony begins
5:30 pm
family photos + cocktail hour
6:00 pm
candid cocktail hour photos
6:15 pm
photograph reception area + details
6:30 pm
reception begins
6:40 pm
grand entrance + first dance
6:45 pm
dinner is served
7:15 pm
toasts
7:30 pm
special dances + dancing
7:45 pm
cake cutting, bouquet + garter toss
8:00 pm
exit photos + coverage ends
with a
first look timeline example
CLOSE TIMELINE
1:00 PM
COVERAGE BEGINS & DETAIL SHOTS
2:00 PM
BRIDE GETS DRESSED + FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
2:30 PM
BRIDAL PORTRAITS + BRIDES AND BRIDESMAID PORTRAITS
3:00 PM
GROOM'S FINAL PREPARATIONS & DETAILS
3:30 PM
GROOM + GROOMSMEN PORTRAITS
4:30 pm
PHOTOGRAPH GUESTS ENTERING CEREMONY
5:00 pm
ceremony begins
5:30 pm
family photos + cocktail hour
5:45 PM
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
6:10 pm
BRIDE + GROOM PORTRAITS
6:45 pm
PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION AREA
7:00 PM
RECEPTION BEGINS
7:10 PM
GRAND ENTRANCE + FIRST DANCE
7:15 pm
DINNER IS SERVED
8:00 PM
CAKE CUTTING, BOUQUET + GARTER TOSS
8:30 PM
DANCING
9:00 PM
exit photos + coverage ends
without a first look
traditional timeline example
CLOSE TIMELINE
4:00 PM
PHOTOGRAPH CEREMONY SITE
I cannot say enough good things about Ivy! Not only is her photography stunning, she is an incredibly kind and genuine person. She was there to help with any questions we had, and her wedding guide was essential while we were planning the details. I am so grateful for her expertise! Her attention to detail, work ethic, and professionalism is unmatched.
Gina & Oliver
FAMILY PORTRAITS
A FEW HELPFUL TIPS + TRICKS
crowd management
It's great if you can assign a friend or family member to help make sure we have everyone we need for family photos. This person should know who everyone on the photo list is but not be in too many photos themselves.
KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN THE LOOP
It makes the whole process of family photos faster when everyone in them knows what to expect. Let your family members (or anyone else who will be in a photo) to stick around as soon as the ceremony ends so that we don't have to take extra time finding everyone who's walked away.
short + sweet
Family photos aren't anyone's favorite part of a wedding day and we try to take them as efficiently as possible. With that said, keep in mind that every grouping typically takes 2-3 minutes to pose. We want to make sure we get all the family photos that need to be taken without cutting into your cocktail hour or reception too much!
create a list
We'll ask you for a list of family picture groupings a few weeks before the day of your wedding. Please make sure you list everyone's first name so that we know who to call for when we're grouping people together for a photo.
(There's a template below that's super easy to customize!)
sample family photos list
BRIDE'S GRANDPARENTS
BRIDE'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
BRIDE'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
BRIDE'S SIBLINGS
BRIDE'S PARENTS
GROOM'S GRANDPARENTS
GROOM'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY + GRANDPARENTS
GROOM'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
GROOM'S SIBLINGS
GROOM'S PARENTS
THE BRIDE + GROOM WITH...
PRINT & CUSTOMIZE THIS LIST!
MY SHOT LIST
- Details and room décor shots, including table settings, place cards, favors, centerpieces, etc.
- Wedding cake detail shots
- Grand entrance
- Toasts and speeches
- Cake cutting
- The first dance
- Bride(s) dancing with father/groom(s) dancing with mother
- Couple mingling with guests
- Guests dancing
- Musicians, singers, DJ
- Grand exit
RECEPTION
- Venue shots including ceremony site, flowers, interior, and exterior details
- Groom and groomsmen waiting inside the venue
- Guests
- Bridal party entrance
- Bride(s) walking down the aisle
- Groom's reaction
- Father/mother giving the bride away
- Exchanging of vows
- Exchanging the rings
- The first kiss as a married couple and the moment after
- Signing the marriage certificate
- The isle exit of bride and groom following wedding party & parents
CEREMONY
- Couple with bridesmaids/
- groomsmen
- Couple with the entire wedding party
- Bride(s) with bridesmaids/maid of honor
- Groom(s) and groomsmen/best man
- Couple with any children
- Couple with each set of parents
- Couple with both sets of parents
GROUP PORTRAITS
- Couple alone for your first look (if you choose a first look)
- Bride(s) and bridesmaids/flower girls
- Groom(s) and groomsmen/ring bearer
PRE-CEREMONY
- Invitation, program, special signs, & gifts
- Wedding rings
- Wedding dresses/suits
- Outfit accessories like shoes, cuff links, or jewelry
- Bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres
DETAILS
- Bride(s) and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
- Wedding party having fun
- Mother and bride/groom portraits
- Father and bride/groom portraits
- Family shots
GETTING READY
RECEPTION
Your reception is where everything finally settles into celebration. The nerves fade, the music starts, and you get to fully enjoy being surrounded by the people who love you most. This is the part of the day that often feels the most you — relaxed, joyful, and full of movement.
I’ll be there to document the big moments like toasts, dances, and cake cutting, but just as importantly, I’ll be watching for the in-between moments: the hugs you didn’t expect, the laughter across the table, your friends tearing up during speeches, and the quiet moments you might not even realize are happening.
If there’s anyone you didn’t get photos with earlier in the day, I’m always happy to grab those during the reception. Think of me as your low-key personal paparazzi — present, observant, and always ready.
A few things to keep in mind:
• Speeches can be short, sweet, or heartfelt — all of it photographs beautifully
There’s no “right” length for toasts. Whether you’re going for quick and fun or emotional and meaningful, I’ll be ready. We can also plan your golden hour photos around speeches so you don’t miss anything important.
• Please seat your photographer (comfortably, not formally)
I usually prefer a seat near the back or side of the room so I can move easily with my gear. Between cameras, lenses, and bags, I promise I don’t need to be front and center — just somewhere practical.
• Let your DJ know about laser lights
Certain laser effects can damage camera sensors in seconds. A quick heads-up helps protect your photos (and my equipment) while still keeping the dance floor fun.
• Natural light makes a big difference
Venues with windows or softer lighting allow me to capture a mix of natural and flash photos. This gives your gallery more variety and keeps things feeling timeless rather than overly “club-style” from the very start.
• Think about the flow of the night
Spacing out formal moments — like speeches, dances, and cake cutting — helps your guests settle in and keeps the energy relaxed instead of rushed. A little breathing room goes a long way.
• You don’t need to perform for the camera
The best reception photos happen when people are genuinely enjoying themselves. Laugh, dance, talk, and be present. The magic comes from real moments, not perfect posing.
• Movement is your best friend
Walking into the room together, spinning on the dance floor, cheering during toasts — movement brings photos to life and makes everything feel more natural and fun.
• Late-night moments matter too
Some of the most memorable photos happen after the formalities are done — when shoes come off, jackets loosen, and the dance floor gets full. If your coverage includes it, those moments are always worth documenting.
Grand Exit
Your grand exit is the final exhale of the night — a joyful, symbolic send-off as you step into this next chapter together. Whether it’s big and celebratory or quiet and intimate, I’ll make sure it feels natural, meaningful, and beautifully documented.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Sparklers, Bubbles, or Petals?
• Sparklers
Classic, cinematic, and romantic — especially at night. Just be sure your venue allows them and that we have enough for everyone (plus a few extras).
• Bubbles
Fun, playful, and great for daylight exits. They’re easy for guests and create soft, dreamy movement in photos.
• Petals / Confetti / Dried Florals
Beautiful and eco-friendly when approved by the venue. These work best in well-lit spaces and add a soft, editorial feel.
(TIP: Always check your venue’s rules first — some exits are only allowed outdoors or in specific areas.)
Timing Tips
Your exit doesn’t have to be the very last moment of the night.
Many couples choose to do a “staged” exit earlier in the evening so:
• Guests are still energized
• Lighting is better
• You don’t have to stay until the venue closes
• You can actually enjoy the moment without being exhausted
• We’ll plan it at a time that feels natural for your timeline and energy level.
Guest Participation
The best exits happen when guests know what to do. I’ll help guide everyone into place, but it’s helpful if your DJ or coordinator makes a quick announcement so guests:
• Know where to stand
• What to hold
• When to cheer
• And when to send you off
The more relaxed and involved everyone feels, the better the photos.
Lighting Considerations
Lighting plays a big role in how your exit looks:
• Daylight or golden hour: Soft, natural, and romantic
• Nighttime: Flash + ambient light creates a fun, celebratory vibe
• Dark venues: We’ll position lighting carefully so the moment still feels magical
If your exit is at night, I’ll bring the lighting needed to keep things flattering and timeless.
