Wedding Glossary

Arrival

When the photographer arrives, she says hello, introduces herself to each family, then goes around and finds locations for all the different pictures, and basically makes herself comfortable with the place.

Getting Ready

During the getting ready time, the photographer takes pictures of the bride during her last stage of the makeup applications, and finishing touches of the hair. It is also a good time for pictures of whatever action is taking place in the room.

Depending on the arrangements, the photographer might visit the groom with his groomsmen.

If time allows it, we might also take pictures of the details.

First look

This is an intimate moment where the bride and groom reserve to see each other dressed in their bridal outfits for the first time.

After seeing each other we take portraits of them cuddly being cute and romantic.

Finally, we take separate pictures of the bride and groom by themselves.

Family pictures

We create sets of pictures with the immediate family.

We start with both sets of family, then we move to the bride's side, and we finish with the groom's side. 

Bridal party pictures

We take several pictures of the entire group of wedding party, and then with each individual member.

Pre-ceremony break

We leave some time between the pre-ceremony events, and the ceremony, for the bride to check her makeup, use the bathroom, grab her vows, and just in case something is running late.

When possible, we might run to the reception area to take pictures before the guest enters and mess things up. 

If time allows it, we can also take individual portraits of the bride and groom during this time.

Cocktail hour

Traditionally, photographers used to use this part of the day to take pictures of the family or bridal party. That is no obsolete.

During the cocktail hour, we usually take pictures of the guest attending, but mostly we stay close to the groom and bride to take pictures of them with the guests.



Some couples like to use this time to say gratitude words to their guests for their attendance, do the first dance, and/or special toast, cake cutting tradition, etc.

Sunset pictures

Approximately 1 hour before sunset, the couple sneaks away to take portrait pictures during the sunset.

This event usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and is generally not done at the same location, but a few feet away.

Dinner

Photographers normally don’t take too many pictures during this time of the day. Just the speeches (if any) at the most. Not all receptions include dancing afterward, so if the party is not oriented towards that, we encourage couples to skip having the photographer during the dinner, in order to save up $$.

If the photographer stays for the dinner portion, they usually eat dinner during this time as well. And towards the end of the dinner, the photographer and the couple “escape” away to take a new set of romantic portraits, usually at a different location, during sunset time.

Details

A time in which the photographer takes pictures of whatever the bride is wearing: veil, shoes, jewelry, special heirloom items, flowers, etc.

Details can also include ties, socks, handcuffs belt, perfume, and/or suspenders of the groom.

Details can also refer to any decoration of the venue itself.

Getting dressed (bride)

Time in which the photographer captures the mom and/or friends helping the bride to put on her dress, veil, and jewelry.

Traditionally, this can be an emotional moment for mothers, so there can be hugs and tears.

If the mom is not present, a sister, maid of honor, grandmother, or a special lady in the bride's life can take the place.

Getting dressed

(groom)

Just like the bride, parents of the groom might help them get ready.

Fathers usually tie son's tie, and mom's pin their boutonniere.