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SOUND ORIGINALS

Storytelling lasts forever.

Sample Timelines

We use the terms "bride" and "groom" because it is easier to distinguish in a document like this, as opposed to "partner 1" or "partner 2." Thank you for understanding!

2:00 PM
Photographer or Videographer Arrival

Must be at least 30 minutes before an “event” like first look or ceremony. This is part of the regular paid coverage hours.

2:00 PM
Getting Ready Photos

The 'getting ready' process is fluid and casual. Your photographer or videographer will be ready to start taking pictures or filming in just a few minutes.


  • Photos of details, like dress, rings, shoes, invitations, etc. (10 to 15 min)
  • Bride and bridesmaids getting ready in robes, hair and makeup, etc. (20 to 30 min)
  • Bride gets into dress (10 min)
  • Groom & Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos (20 to 30 min)

If you booked 2 photographers, the second photographer will spend more time with the groom and groomsmen.

3:00 PM
First Look Photos

  • Planning, organizing and helping everyone get into position (15 to 30 min)
  • The actual "first look" (5 min)
  • Couples portraits, which can also be done later in the day (20 to 30 min)

3:40 PM
Wedding Party Photos


  • This will depend on wedding party size, and distance to photo locations (20 min to 1 hour)

4:00 PM
Family Photos


  • This will depend on number of groups, generally 3 minutes per group (~ 1 hour)

5:00 PM
Ceremony

  • Your ceremony timeline depends entirely on your personal preferences (30 minutes - 1.5 hours)

5:30 PM
Cocktail Hour

  • You can also do Family Photos, Wedding Party Photos or Couples Portraits during the cocktail hour.

6:30 PM
Reception

Your reception timeline depends entirely on your activities. Every wedding is different. Most receptions last between 2 to 4 hours. Most couples do not ask their photographer or videographer to stay until the end!

  • Grand Entrance (5 min)
  • Dinner & Toasts, entirely depends on how many people make speeches (5 min to 1 hour)
  • First Dance (5 to 10 min)
  • Specialty Dances  (5 to 20 min)
  • Cake Cutting/Dessert (5 to 10 min)
  • Games (varies)
  • Extra Time for Sunset or Evening Couples Portraits (45 min to 1 hour)
  • Dancing (we only need 15 minutes for great photos)
  • Grand Exit (it will take your guests 15 to 20 minutes to mobilize and get ready!)

8:00 PM
Departure

Your photographer and videographer will start packing up their equipment at the exact departure time based on your coverage hours. If you want us to capture your grand exit, we suggest scheduling your grand exit and announcing it to your guests at least 30 minutes before the team's departure. Otherwise, they might miss the grand exit itself, or need to add an extra hour to allow for any delays.

For example, if you announce your grand exit to your guests at 7:55 PM, they will NOT be ready in time for an 8:00 PM departure. Your photographer or videographer will need to add an extra hour of coverage to capture your grand exit. 


6 Hours of coverage
Yes, first look

2:00 PM
Photographer or Videographer Arrival

Must be at least 30 minutes before an “event” like first look or ceremony. This is part of the regular paid coverage hours.

2:00 PM
Getting Ready Photos


  • Photos of details, like dress, rings, shoes, invitations, etc. (10 to 15 min)
  • Bride and bridesmaids getting ready in robes, hair and makeup, etc. (20 to 30 min)
  • Bride gets into dress (10 min)
  • Groom & Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos (20 to 30 min)

If you booked 2 photographers, the second photographer will spend more time with the groom and groomsmen.


3:00 PM
Wedding Party Photos

  • This will depend on wedding party size, and distance to photo locations (20 min to 1 hour)
  • Because the couple won't see each other until the ceremony, you'll need to set aside time later for your full wedding party photos.

The bride hides away so the groom and other guests won't accidentally see her.

4:00 PM
Ceremony

4:30 PM
Cocktail Hour

4:30 PM
Family Photos
Full Wedding Party Photos

  • This will depend on number of groups, generally 3 minutes per group (~ 1 hour)
  • This is when we'll take the full wedding party photos, since the couple already saw each other at the ceremony!

5:30 PM
Reception

Couples Portraits
Because there was no first look, we likely haven't taken any couples portraits. We suggest dedicating 45 minutes to 1 hour. Most couples like to set aside time during "golden hour," which is about one hour before sunset.

Your reception timeline depends entirely on your activities. Every wedding is different. Most receptions last between 2 to 4 hours.

  • Grand Entrance (5 min)
  • Dinner & Toasts, entirely depends on how many people make speeches (5 min to 1 hour)
  • First Dance (5 to 10 min)
  • Specialty Dances (5 to 20 min)
  • Cake Cutting/Dessert (5 to 10 min)
  • Games (varies)
  • Extra Time for Sunset or Evening Couples Portraits (45 min to 1 hour)
  • Dancing (we only need 15 minutes for great photos)
  • Grand Exit (it will take your guests 15 to 20 minutes to mobilize and get ready!)

8:00 PM
Departure

Your photographer and videographer will start packing up their equipment at the exact departure time based on your coverage hours. If you want us to capture your grand exit, we suggest scheduling your grand exit and announcing it to your guests at least 30 minutes before the team's departure. Otherwise, they might miss the grand exit itself, or need to add an extra hour to allow for any delays.


6 Hours of coverage
no, first look