Wedding Planning Guide

A Photography-Led Approach to Your Wedding Day

The Frenchs

A wedding is remembered long after it is lived—through images, fragments of motion, and moments that cannot be recreated.

We believe wedding photography is not simply documentation. It is the preservation of emotion. The goal is not perfection, but truth: the feeling of the day as it unfolded.

This guide exists for couples who place imagery at the center of their wedding experience—and want to plan accordingly.

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Start With What Actually Matters

Before timelines, venues, or design decisions, begin here:

Why are you getting married in this way?

A wedding is not required to be elaborate. It is not required to follow tradition. It is simply a choice to gather, celebrate, and mark a transition.

So the question becomes:

What do you want this day to feel like—and why does it matter to you?

Some couples value:

bringing families together

honoring religious or cultural traditions

a deeply personal celebration with close friends

a once-in-a-lifetime shared experience

a long-awaited childhood vision

There is no correct answer—only clarity.

That clarity becomes your anchor when outside opinions inevitably appear.

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Define Your Priorities

Once your intention is clear, move to priorities.

List what matters most to you both—not what is expected.

This may include:

photography

videography

florals

venue atmosphere

food and experience

music and entertainment

design and details

Then organize them honestly.

Not by percentage.

Not by tradition.

But by importance to you.

Your investment should reflect your values, not external formulas.

When photography is prioritized, the day naturally supports it. When it is not, we still do our work—but the structure of the day shifts around other priorities.

Both are valid. They simply produce different outcomes.

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Engagement Sessions

Engagement sessions are not required—but they can be meaningful.

The purpose is not just photography.

It is time.

Time without an audience. Without a timeline. Without movement between families, schedules, and obligations.

Just the two of you.

That said, not every couple benefits from this experience. If the idea of planning another session feels stressful rather than grounding, it is not necessary.

Your wedding day will always carry the most weight.

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What to wear

We recommend:

solid tones over busy patterns

coordinated palettes rather than matching outfits

clothing you already feel comfortable and confident in

Start with your own closet before shopping.

If you already have something that feels like you, it will photograph better than something chosen under pressure.

For movement-based sessions, consider outfits that allow ease and natural interaction. For a more editorial feel, structured or formal pieces can elevate the tone.

Most importantly: your clothing should not distract you from each other.

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Wedding Day Essentials

This is a foundational overview of what typically needs to be considered while planning.

Personal & Legal

wedding license

vows

rings

Attire

wedding dress, veil, shoes

suit or groom’s attire

wedding party clothing

accessories and jewelry

Design & Details

florals

décor elements

signage and seating cards

guest book

table design elements

Planning Logistics

guest list

seating chart

ceremony structure

vendor coordination

timeline planning

music selections

Vendor Team

venue

planner (if applicable)

photographer + videographer

florist

DJ or musicians

catering team

hair and makeup team

officiant

transportation

A strong vendor team does more than execute tasks—it shapes the emotional pacing of the day.

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Behind-the-Scenes Considerations

These details are often overlooked, yet they influence how smoothly the day unfolds.

Vendor meals

We recommend providing meals for vendors who are present for extended coverage. Ideally, photographers and videographers eat when you eat so coverage flows naturally with the event.

Point of coordination

If you are not working with a planner, designate one trusted person to assist with vendor timing and payments. This keeps the couple present rather than managing logistics.

Personal items

A small “detail box” is helpful for items you want photographed:

rings

invitations

heirlooms

jewelry

shoes

printed materials

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Wedding Day Timeline

Your timeline is not just scheduling—it is pacing.

The goal is not to control every moment, but to allow space for what matters most to unfold naturally.

Coverage Options

6 Hours

Best suited for more focused coverage. Often includes select parts of the day rather than full storytelling from start to finish.

8 Hours

The most common approach. Covers getting ready through reception highlights, including portraits and key emotional moments.

10+ Hours

Designed for full-day storytelling, multi-location weddings, or events with extended travel or complex pacing.

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Golden Hour

Golden hour refers to the hour before sunset, when natural light becomes soft and directional.

This is often the most cinematic portion of the day.

When possible, we recommend building time for couple portraits during this window. We plan timelines backward from this moment whenever photography is a priority.

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Family Photos

Family portraits are most efficient immediately following the ceremony.

We recommend:

starting with the largest group

gradually narrowing into smaller combinations

assigning one point person per family to help organize groupings

This keeps movement efficient and allows guests to return to the celebration quickly.

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Couple Time

Intentional time alone is essential.

After the ceremony and initial reception events, we often recommend a brief pause for the couple to step away together.

Guests are typically occupied during dinner service, making this a natural window for uninterrupted portrait time.

This is often one of the most meaningful parts of the day.

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Key Wedding Moments

Getting Ready

The getting-ready space should be as clear as possible to allow for natural light and movement. Designate a clean area for key detail imagery when possible.

First Looks / Reveals

First looks with partners, family members, or wedding parties require intentional timing. Each moment should be given space to unfold without rush.

Cake Cutting

We recommend timing cake cutting so guests can witness it without interruption or conflict with other reception moments.

Send-Offs

Many couples choose staged or semi-staged send-offs to preserve energy while still creating intentional imagery.

Sparkler or bubble exits should always be planned with timing and visibility in mind.

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Final Note

A wedding day will never unfold exactly as planned.

Timelines shift. Moments run long. Weather changes. People move unpredictably.

The most meaningful approach is not rigid control—but intentional flexibility.

When you return to your original intention—why you are getting married, and what matters most—you will always know how to navigate the day.

We are there to preserve what it felt like, not just what it looked like.