Photographing your VIP’s
Striking the right balance with your group shot list is key. You want to capture the most important people in your life without spending too much time away from the celebrations. A well-thought-out list keeps things efficient and stress-free, allowing for beautiful, meaningful photos without turning your day into a long photoshoot.
When creating your group shot list, I recommend focusing on your immediate family and bridal party. Does that mean you can’t include aunties and uncles? Not at all—but if your extended family (aunties, uncles, cousins, their partners, and kids) adds up to 50+ people, it can turn into a stressful half-hour for everyone. Instead, streamlining your list keeps things relaxed and allows you to enjoy your day while still capturing the most important group shots.
Once your ‘must-have’ group and couple photos are done, I’ll capture informal photos of extended family and other guests if time allows. This approach ensures a great balance between organised shots and natural, candid moments
GROUP PHOTOS
Typical List
B&G with everyone
B&G with bridesmaids, best man & usher
Rebekah, Charis, Brodie, Emma, Samuel, Luke and David
B&G with bride’s immediate family
David, Lesley, Rebekah, Samuel, John, Malita, and Noah, Grandparents
B&G bride’s with parents and siblings
David & Lesley, Rebekah, Samuel
B&G with both parents
David & Lesley, William & Jean
B&G with groom’s Immediate family
William, Jean, Fraser, Luke, Grandparents (Sam and Kate)
B&G with groom’s parents and siblings
William & Jean, Fraser, Luke
TYPICAL TIMELINE
Bridal preparations
10.30
Capturing candid moments as they happen and bridal details.
Groom, best man & groomsmen
11.30
Ideally, when I arrival, everyone is half ready. This then provides lot of genuine moments to capture. When everyone is fully ready, we pop outside for some photos.
Bride photos
12.15
Ideally, bridesmaids are all dressed, and the brides dress is being tied and accessories put on. If I have 20 minutes to photograph everyone fully ready – great!
Ceremony
13.00
Photograpohing the ceremony from as many angles as possible with the least amount of distraction.
Drink reception & photos
14.00
Immediately after the ceremony is the perfect time to capture the confetti throw, along with all the hugs, kisses, and congratulations. Shortly after, I’ll gather everyone for a big group photo, followed by your family group photos.
Speeches
16.30
A great time to capture all the emotions and laughter
Couple evening photos
19.00
A nice time to get some extra couple photographs. Often at an additional location out with your venue
First dance
20.00
The first dance is a beautiful, intimate moment – I’ll be there to capture it. After that, I’ll stay for 30 minutes to photograph the energy and joy on the dance floor as your guests join in, ensuring you have lively, fun memories of the party kicking off!