Wedding
I’m really relaxed and my aim is to capture beautiful, natural, storytelling photographs of your day. This is your wedding and I want the photos to reflect you, your personality and style as much as possible.
After you’ve picked out a package the next step is to have a real conversation. We can meet for a coffee, at your home, or any place you would like. If it’s not possible to meet in person, we can talk on the phone or via Zoom or FaceTime.
While we may be talking through your planning stages, at approximately six weeks before your wedding day, I will send you a questionnaire to fill out. This helps me get to know when key events of your wedding day will be taking place, so that we can plan how to get you the most coverage. After I have all of that information, I’ll get back to you with my professional opinion about what time I should arrive to start capturing your day.
In this guide we’ll go over what you’ll need to know to make the most out of your wedding and engagement photos, as well as some information about the process. We want to make sure the end result is a set of beautiful images that are an honest reflection of your day and the unforgettable moments that unfolded. After booking, you can feel free to talk to me about your wedding ideas and plans as much or as little as you wish. I will always be available to answer any questions by phone, text or email.
If you have an engagement session included in your package, we will find a date that works and discuss what you may wish to do for it. It’s a great time to learn how to pose. It’s also an opportunity to get to know me, and for me to get to know you even more.
expect
What to
Client Guide
lets connect!
Hi! I’m Kristy. I’m a dog-loving, adventure-chasing, country-living gal who believes the best nights are spent under the stars (preferably in a hot tub, or sitting next to a campfire). I’m married to the most supportive man who rolls with all my wild ideas, and I’m a proud dog mom to two Great Danes who wear jammies and rule the house. I’ll absolutely ask to see photos of your pets—and if you’re bringing them to our session, even better (unless it’s a spider… hard pass). I love traveling, road-tripping, and belting out 90s jams with the windows down. I’m a self-proclaimed Swiftie, and if you are too, even better! I cry at movies, talk to my dogs like they’re people, and could happily spend a day curled up with coffee and Netflix. If that sounds like your vibe, we’ll get along just fine.
About me
Hello!
Your wedding should be about you, not about pleasing someone else. I've curated my top tips for planning your wedding that I've picked up over my 16+ years as a photographer.
03
Tips for Wedding planning
Details for how I handle each part of your wedding day, with tips and tricks to maximize photo time.
02
my process
What to expect during our time together, from the beginning planning stages, all the way through to the image delivery process.
01
The Experience
04
Getting Ready
Starting your day off on the right foot starts with your getting ready space. Checklists are included to ensure you have everything you need with you the morning of.
06
Family Portraits
Family photos are typically what couples stress about the most. This guide will help you to prepare for them to make sure its a stress free experience.
Your ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple, not what other people want for you. I've included things to keep in mind during your ceremony to make sure we get the best photos.
05
The Ceremony
This is where you get to let loose and really soak it all in. This section explains my process for this part of the day to really let you enjoy the entire experience.
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The Reception
08
First looks
First looks can be a great experience if done right, and they can help to alleviate any stress you may be feeling going into your ceremony.
A solid timeline is the key to having a good day. I've included a couple of examples of how they should flow for you to use as a benchmark.
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Sample Timelines
10
Frequently asked questions
My list of my most asked questions. As always, if you have a question thats not listed here, I'm always available to ask!
Every step of our collaboration is designed to ensure that you feel comfortable and at ease during this special time. From our initial meeting to the final delivery of your photos, we’ll work together to capture every beautiful moment of your day.
Below, I’ve outlined the process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect at each stage of our journey together.
experience
The
booking & Welcome
Once your date is secured, you'll receive a welcome email, and short questionnaire to get us started
engagement session
A relaxed shoot to celebrate your connection and help you feel at ease in front of the camera
Timeline planning
Around 6-8 weeks before your wedding, we'll create a photo timeline perfectly tailored to your day
final check-in
Two weeks out, we'll confirm all details - so you can relax and enjoy the moments leading up to the day
The Wedding Day
I'll arrive calm, focused and ready to document your day with care
Sneak peeks & Final Gallery
I'll send you a few preview images within days. The full gallery will follow approximately 4-8 weeks later.
During your ceremony, my goal is to capture every meaningful moment while remaining as discreet as possible. I want your guests to be fully present with you, not distracted by me moving around. I use a long lens so I can photograph those beautiful close-up moments from a distance, and I’ll connect with your officiant beforehand to make sure I respect any photography guidelines—especially for religious ceremonies, which often have specific rules. If there are special shots you’d love during the ceremony, just let me know ahead of time so we can make a plan to capture them seamlessly.
During the getting ready part of the day I won't be doing much directing, I will be documenting the events as they are happening. Prepare and gather items for detail shots. The rings, bouquets, wedding invitations, jewellery, boutonnieres, shoes, and cufflinks are all gorgeous details that shouldn't be forgotten!
Its helpful for me to rely on a bridesmaid or other helper to organize these items, so make sure to keep them close! This is also when I'll get to meet your friends and family that are helping you get ready. It's the perfect time for everyone to get used to me being around and to get some beautiful candid photos.
for each part of the day
My process
Getting ready
the Ceremony
When I connect with your DJ, I’ll double-check the lighting setup for your first dance to make sure it’s picture-perfect. We’ll steer clear of laser lights—they can create distracting rainbow spots on you and, even worse, can damage my camera if the beam hits the lens. Once those beautiful first dances are done, it’s your cue to let loose! Hit the dance floor like nobody’s watching, twirl under the stars with sparklers in hand, pop the champagne, take a celebratory shot (after the formal photos are wrapped, of course), and laugh until your cheeks hurt. This is your night—make it unforgettable!
The party
During this part of your celebration, my goal is to capture the story as it naturally unfolds—those genuine laughs, teary smiles, and little moments you’ll want to remember forever. I won’t be doing much directing here, as I want you and your guests to simply enjoy yourselves. While I skip photos of guests mid-bite (because no one’s favourite photo is of them chewing!), I’ll be ready for the heartfelt toasts, the reactions from your friends and family, and all the joy in between. If the schedule allows, I love to sneak into your reception space before guests arrive, capturing the beautiful tablescapes and details exactly as you envisioned them—perfect and untouched.
The Reception
Once the family formals and wedding party photos are complete, I’ll keep the two of you aside for a little while to capture those timeless, frame-worthy portraits you’ll treasure forever. I’ll guide you with gentle direction, encouraging you to focus on each other, laugh, and simply enjoy the moment.
If the timing allows, I’ll whisk you away for just a few minutes during your reception to chase the golden light of sunset—what we photographers call “Golden Hour.” This light wraps around you like a warm embrace, creating portraits that feel magical, intimate, and entirely yours.
couples portraits
I’ve found the best time for family group photos is right after the ceremony—before everyone has a chance to wander off to celebrate! If the weather is kind, I love capturing these portraits outdoors in beautiful natural light. To make things run smoothly, it’s incredibly helpful to have a family member or friend who knows everyone and isn’t shy about being loud. With a little teamwork, we can get these important photos done quickly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible—so you can get back to enjoying your day.
The Family Formals
Chances are, you're pretty new to weddings, while I've been to hundreds. You don't have to know exactly what you're doing because I'll be there to guide you, prompt you, and remind you along the way. I'll be there reminding you that we have plenty of time if you're feeling anxious, filling your glasses to celebrate post-ceremony, and making sure we choose a "grandma friendly" photo location so that your family photo session is easy and goes off without a hitch.
I’ve put together a list of my top tips that I’ve picked up over the last 16 years as a wedding photographer...
planning your wedding
Tips for
My Top
10 tips
Decide what matters most
Before you get lost in Pinterest boards, figure out your top priorities. Is it photos (hi 👋), food, music, or maybe the dress? Knowing your top priorities makes it easier to allocate your budget and avoid overwhelm.
tip one
Set a Realistic Budget
Nobody loves talking numbers, but trust me—it’s worth it. Don’t forget to factor in the sneaky things like alterations, tips, or overtime fees. A little buffer keeps last-minute stress away.
tip two
Book your big vendors early
Venues, photographers, planners and sometimes caterers are usually the first to get booked (sometimes years in advance!). Lock those in before moving on to details.
tip three
Choose vendors you connect with
You spend a lot of time with your vendors on your wedding day—especially your photographer 😉. Make sure you actually like the people you’re trusting with your memories.
tip four
Don't sweat every little detail
Your guests won’t remember if your napkins were ivory or cream—they’ll remember how much fun they had celebrating you. Focus on the moments, not the minutiae.
tip five
Think about guest experience
Happy guests = happy vibes. Comfortable seating, smooth transitions, good food, good music and making sure guests don’t feel like they’re waiting too long between events keeps everyone smiling.
tip six
Steal a moment for just the two of you
The day goes by FAST. Plan a quiet moment together to soak it all in—it’s one of the best parts, I promise.
tip seven
Have a rain plan (just in case)
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, make sure there’s a backup. Even if it doesn’t rain, knowing you’re covered will let you relax.
tip eight
delegate and trust your people
This is not the day to be running around checking timelines. Trust your bridal party, family, or a day-of coordinator with tasks. Your only job on your wedding day is to be present and just enjoy every moment.
tip nine
remember why you're doing this
At the end of the day, it’s not about the centerpieces—it’s about marrying your best friend. Everything else is just bonus sparkle. ✨
tip ten
Getting Ready
Tips
Choose a space with plenty of natural light and minimal clutter. This makes for beautiful photos and ensures the day starts off smoothly. Before my arrival, have your wedding party clean up the space, as less clutter makes for prettier photos.
Your Getting Ready Space
Have your essentials ready
Keep your dress, shoes, accessories and any special items you want photographed in one spot. This allows for easy access when it’s time for details shots.
hair and makeup
Make sure to allocate enough time for hair, makeup, and getting dressed. Always overestimate how much time you’ll need for this portion of the day. This reduces stress and ensures we can get candid photos of these moments without rushing, plus if you finish early, that just means more time for photos with your wedding party!
communicate with your wedding party
Ensure your bridal party is clear on when they need to be ready, as they play an essential role in your preparation moments.Delegate tasks so that you can focus on staying stress free and fully be present and enjoy the company you’ve surrounded yourself with. And make sure to eat!
Getting Ready
Checklist
things to include in your detail shots
Rings
Shoes
Flowers
Jewelry
Ties, Pocket Squares, etc.
Perfume, Cologne
Invitations
Dress, Veil
Vow Books
Anything else important to you on the day
ceremony
Tips
Your wedding ceremony is the heart of the day—the moment everything becomes real. As your photographer, I’ll be quietly capturing the emotions, the glances, the happy tears, and the quiet smiles that make this part of the day so meaningful.
Tips for beautiful coverage
TAKE YOUR TIME. Don’t rush through the aisle walk, vows, or first kiss. Slower moments feel more meaningful—and they photograph beautifully.
LOOK AT EACH OTHER. Those quick glances, soft smiles, or even a little laugh shared between the two of you create the most genuine and emotional images.
HOLD HANDS OR STAY CLOSE. Physical connection during the ceremony adds warmth and emotion to your photos—it’s a simple touch that makes a big impact.
SOAK IT IN. Be present. The more connected and in-the-moment you are, the more authentic and beautiful your photos will be.
Family photos are some of the most treasured images from your wedding day. They capture the people who have supported and loved you throughout your journey—and we want to make sure no one is missed. Here’s a sample list to get you started with planning your family photos. We ’ll begin with portraits of the couple with each immediate family—such as the wedding couple with their parents individually and so on. From there, we'll include the couple with both sets of parents together, followed by photos with siblings and grandparents. A full group shot with each side’s immediate family is always a great keepsake, and if you'd like, and there is time, we can also include extended family on either side.
I’ll ask you to compile a list of family members with their names and relationship to you during our planning process, and I’ll have it with me on the day of. Its best to have someone who knows everyone help us with gathering people, so that you don’t have to worry about doing it.
Family Photos
Tips
Relax and enjoy your celebration! The more present you are, the more natural and meaningful your photos will be.
enjoy the moment
I’ll be ready to capture all the important milestones of your reception: grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, speeches & toasts, cutting the cake, dancing & fun.
key moments
Sometimes, the best shots are the unplanned ones. The emotions, laughter, and stolen glances—these moments will tell the true story of your celebration.
Candid Moments
Reception
Tips
The reception is a time of joy, dancing and unforgettable moments. As your photographer, my job is to capture these memories in a way that allows you to cherish this day for a lifetime. Here are a few tips to ensure you have stunning photos.
A first look can be one of the most magical parts of your wedding day—a quiet, intimate chapter in the story you’re writing together. It’s the moment you see each other for the first time, not through the eyes of a crowd, but through each other’s, away from the noise and the eager glances of family and friends. It’s pure, unfiltered emotion—just the two of you, and the love that brought you here. What many couples don ’t realize is that the moment you walk down the aisle, as powerful as it is, doesn’t allow for touch, whispered words, or the embrace you’re aching for. Those must wait until the ceremony ends, and by then, the rush of that first glance has shifted. But with a first look, you get to hold each other, speak softly, and let the nerves melt away before you say “I do.” You step into your ceremony lighter, calmer, and more present—ready to savor every word, every smile, every tear.
Imagine this—just the two of you, tucked away from the crowd, the world holding its breath for a moment that belongs only to you. No cell phones, no eyes watching—just love, pure and unfiltered. Your first look is where time seems to pause, where nervous energy fades into soft smiles, teary eyes, and the quiet joy of knowing you’re about to marry your best friend. It’s a moment that doesn’t take away from the magic of seeing each other at the altar—in fact, couples often say it makes that walk even more powerful, because the nerves are gone and the love is all that’s left. And if emotions overflow (as they so often do), you’ll have a chance to breathe, laugh, and freshen up before stepping into your ceremony.
Do you want a
First Look?
Do You want Private
Vows?
Saying private vows on your wedding day allows you to create an intimate, sacred moment that’s just for the two of you. While traditional vows at the ceremony are beautiful, they’re often spoken with nerves, in front of an audience, and within the structure of the service. Private vows give you the freedom to be vulnerable without distraction—sharing the promises, stories, and emotions that feel too personal to put on display. It’s a chance to look each other in the eyes and speak from the heart, without worrying about anyone else listening in. Many couples find that this moment becomes one of their most cherished memories of the day. Private vows can be paired with a first look, exchanged quietly after the ceremony, or even read together at sunset. Wherever you choose to include them, they allow you to slow down, breathe, and truly connect before the whirlwind of the day sweeps you up. They don’t replace the magic of saying “I do” in front of your loved ones—instead, they add a deeply personal layer to your celebration, one that you’ll carry with you long after the last dance.
Take a moment alone
When planning your wedding timeline, it’s a great idea to set aside about 60–90 minutes for getting ready photos. This allows time to capture all the meaningful details—your dress, shoes, jewelry, stationery, and other personal touches—along with candid moments of you and your wedding party getting ready, laughing, and soaking in the excitement. It also gives space for beautiful shots of final touches like hair and makeup, putting on your dress or suit, and those emotional “first looks” with parents or your bridal party.
Getting ready
Depending on your list of photos, we usually can accomplish family photos in about 30-40 minutes. Once I have your complete list of who you’d like to be photographed with, I can give you a more accurate timeline of how long I’ll need.
family portraits
I will always, always recommend we set aside 10-15 minutes to sneak away with just the two of you at sunset to capture the most beautiful light of the day! Plus, this gives you a few minutes to breathe and relax, just the two of you.
sunset photos
Timeline
Sample
11:30AM - Photographer arrives to getting ready site
2:00PM - First Look and Couple Portraits
3:00PM - Ceremony
3:30PM - Family Photos
4:30PM - Wedding Party Photos
5:00PM - Reception Grand Entrance
5:15PM - Dinner
7:00PM - First Dances
7:15PM - Party Starts!
shot list
timeline
2:00PM - Wedding Party Photos
3:00PM - Ceremony
3:30PM - Family Portraits and Cocktail Hour
5:15PM - Grand Entrance for Reception
11:00AM - Photographer arrives
11:15AM - Photographs Details, Hair and Makeup
11:45AM - Bride Gets Dressed
12:30PM - Groomsmen and Groom get dressed
1:30PM - First Look and Portraits
5:30PM - Dinner
6:45PM - Speeches and Cake Cutting
7:30PM - Golden Hour Photos of Couple
8:00PM - First Dance
8:15PM - Reception Dancing
9:00PM - End Coverage
asked questions
Frequently
If you're thinking of having your wedding on a Saturday, then earlier is better. Generally speaking, as soon as you've booked your venue, you should begin your search for a wedding photographer and put down a retainer as soon as you can.
how far in advance should i reserve my wedding date?
Yes. I can customize anything to make sure the final package fits your needs perfectly. I also offer an intimate wedding package that is perfect for a smaller wedding day with an abbreviated coverage.
Do you offer custom packages?
No. It is industry-standard that wedding photographers never provide the originals / RAWS. I will never hold any amazing images from you! I pick the best ones, I cull the blinkers and stinkers. You have chosen me as your photographer because you love my style and trust in my trained eye.
can we have the originals/raws?
All travel expenses are based on the distance between your event location(s) and my home. All other destinations beyond 100 kms will be negotiated and handled on a case-by-case basis. You will have any travel fees laid out in your contract though, if there are any.
do you charge travel expenses?
Whether you want a second photographer is entirely up to you. I shoot many of my weddings solo. I’m very comfortable and confident in my ability to capture most typical wedding days on my own. That being said, there are definitely advantages to having two photographers. We can discuss options and costs if you wish to add one.
do you have a second photographer?
Yes, I always have at least two cameras and multiple lenses, and I shoot onto multiple memory cards. it’s exceptionally rare that a technical issue occurs but in the event that it does, I’m covered!
do you have back-up equipment?
Once your photos are ready, you will receive a link to a password protected online gallery that has all of the finished photos from your wedding day for you to view, print and download.
how will we receive our photos?
Once your photos are ready, you will receive a link to a password protected online gallery that has all of the finished photos from your wedding day for you to view, print and download.
You’ll receive a sneak peek of your wedding within a week or so. For the full gallery, turnaround time is 4 - 8 weeks, depending on the time of year. Engagement photo galleries are 2-4 weeks.
When will we receive our gallery?
Your gallery will be filled with photos from throughout the day. I typically shoot 50 - 100 pictures an hour, approximately. The final number does depend on which collection you decide to go with.
how many images will we receive?
Yes I do. Every image I deliver is post produced with my unique signature style of post-production.
do you touch up all the images in our image downloads?
I highly recommend ordering prints through one of my professional vendors, but it isn't required. The difference in quality is huge when it comes to ordering through a professional lab, so I always love to help with prints!
CAN WE GET PRINTS OR ALBUMS THROUGH YOU?
A lot of brides like to schedule their photos on their hair and makeup trial day, but we can schedule then for whatever season suits you two best!
WHEN SHOULD WE SCHEDULE OUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
I always keep an eye on the weather leading up to our session, and check it again the morning of. Most conditions we can still shoot in, unless its a torrential downpour. If that happens, its no problem to reschedule.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS ON OUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT DAY?
Amazing! I love going to new places. I also have suggestions for locations in case you don't have somewhere in mind. Ask me for my location guide for some examples!
WHAT IF WE HAVE A SPECIFIC LOCATION IN MIND FOR OUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
YES! I can fully pose you, or offer you gentle prompts for things to get the most natural reactions from you. This is why I make myself your bestie. When you're comfortable with me, it shows in your photos.
WE’RE SUPER AWKWARD AND NEVER HAVE OUR PHOTO TAKEN. CAN YOU HELP DIRECT US?
A $300 non refundable retainer & a signed contract are required to get your date locked on the calendar. The remainder of the balance is due 30 days before your wedding date.
WE'RE READY! HOW DO WE RESERVE YOU FOR OUR DATE?
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some truly incredible wedding professionals, and these are vendors I wholeheartedly trust and recommend. Hiring experienced, well-recommended suppliers is one of the best things you can do for your wedding day — not just because they’re talented, but because they know how to work seamlessly as a team.
When your vendors already have a shared understanding of the flow of a wedding day, communicate well behind the scenes, and genuinely support one another, everything runs more smoothly. That means fewer hiccups, less stress for you, and more space for you to actually be present and enjoy every moment.
These are professionals I’ve collaborated with time and time again, and I know I can rely on them to show up prepared, calm under pressure, and fully invested in giving you the best experience possible. We work well together because we respect each other’s roles, anticipate each other’s needs, and ultimately share the same goal: making your day feel effortless, joyful, and uniquely you.
You can click on each link below to visit their websites and learn more about the amazing work they do — I’m always excited when couples choose from this list, because I know firsthand how beautifully everything comes together when you’re surrounded by a trusted team.
Recommendations
Vendor
Florists
Planners and Coordinators
Hair & Makeup
intimate bridal experiences
Miscellaneous
Your engagement
Session
The question I’m asked most often before a engagement session is "What should we wear for our engagement photos?" The single most important consideration when you’re choosing your outfits is that you all feel comfortable and confident. You need to like how you all look in your pictures as you’ll be keeping them forever. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. I’m sharing some suggestions here, based on my engagement photography experience, which will improve your pictures and ensure they’ll look just as good in thirty years’ time as they do today.
what to wear
I recommend narrowing down your selections by choosing one casual and one dressy outfit. For your dressy look, we recommend long flowing dresses that you can twirl around in. Dresses in solid neutral/muted tones or simple patterns that show texture and movement always photograph beautifully. Typically, heels are great. However, we recommend wearing lower heels or dressy flats if you and your fiancé are of a similar height. If your engagement session is taking place during the fall or winter, bring a coat to wear between locations. Bring a pair of flat, comfortable shoes so that you can walk between locations easily.
hair and makeup
Your engagement session presents an excellent opportunity to schedule a trial run with the hair and makeup team you will use on your wedding day. If they happen to be unavailable, consider scheduling a makeup appointment at Sephora (or similar). Let your makeup artist know that you’re having your makeup done for a photoshoot—they will need to apply more product than usual for your look to show up on camera. Be sure to bring the lipstick you’re wearing with you in case touch- ups are needed during our shoot..
timing and location
Shooting at the best time of day is essential. The best time of day is called the Golden Hour and that’s about 1-2 hours before sunset. You will have a perfect golden light around you and it will warm everything in the lens. Another option is just after sunrise, not many people want this option but it is beautiful and it’s much cooler in the summer months. I generally like to stick to locations that provide a natural shooting environment, such as a local park or other outdoor area. However, if you have a location with sentimental value in mind—the place your partner proposed, or a favourite local café or brunch spot—we can chat about including it in your shoot.
Ask me for my location guide!
I know all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your wedding day experience something you will look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me. and I want your wedding to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it!
With Love,
Get In touch
Thank You
Kristy
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