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Wedding Guide
max catterson photo
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome Friends
I'M SO STOKED TO BE WORKING WITH YOU!
Congrats!! You officially have the coolest wedding photographer out there! ;) I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months. I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed many weddings over the past few years, I know what sort of questions couples tend to have. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
-max catterson
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
Coming Soon!
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day. To my knowledge, all of the listed vendors serve all couples, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Robin Chalmers Coordination
magical moments Event Planning
debonair weddings
It's Kee Events
coordinators & planners
FLORAL DESIGNERS
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES & Desserts
WEDDING attire
invitations
karen louise documentaries
ewing studios
Replogle Studios
Blue opal entertainment
the Flower boys
molly & myrtle
violets are blue
sugar bar
Pots & pans indy
sea salt & cinnamon
nameless catering
indy fresh
sahm's
city barbeque
Shine 29 salon
jon gregory makeup
makeup by summer
Something blue stylists
the simple dj
dj Joe Sheets
complete weddings & events
the house of breton
Gretchen's bridal Gallery
Sophia's bridal & tux
Me!
liv creative branding
The moment you see each other for the first time on your wedding day is magical. And this is true whether you choose to wait until walking down the aisle or during a first look prior to the ceremony.
A first look is a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony. I'd say about 90% of my couples chose to do a first look.
There are definitely a few good reasons to consider doing a first look with your partner:
what is a first look & should you do one?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then couple portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding party pictures and some couple portraits (We'll also do some couple portraits at sunset). This allows you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or
have time to freshen-up
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Being rushed on your wedding day is the last thing we want! My shooting style includes a lot of documentary style shots, which require capturing moments as they unfold. If everyone is rushing around in a panic, those real moments aren't going to happen as easily. To be sure we have a relaxed day, you should be ready to go about 2.5 hours before your ceremony time. However, there are lots of factors that affect this!
Whether or not you do a first look, the size of your wedding party and families, and travel time between locations will all be factored in when we plan timing for portraits. I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, here are tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
I like to arrive at the location you're getting ready about 30 minutes before your hair/makeup is finished. This will allow me time to take detail photos of your stationery, flowers, heirlooms, rings, etc. Once I'm done with details, you should be wrapping up with hair/makeup and ready to get dressed! If you're getting ready in different locations, it's important to note that for travel times, especially if you chose a package without a second shooter.
getting ready & detail photos
If you decide to do a first look, we will do that as soon as you're both dressed and ready to go. After you've had your first moment together, we'll begin couple portraits. I typically like at least 30 minutes for this. That will give us enough time to find different spots to get a variety of images.
If you're choosing the traditional route, we will need to use cocktail hour to get family formals, whole wedding party, and couple photos. This often takes the whole hour if not longer, depending on family size. I also like to grab just the two of you for a few portraits at sunset if the light is right!
couple photos + first look
If you do a first look, we will do all wedding party photos right after your first look/couple portraits. That way you can enjoy the time together with your friends, and we don't have to navigate keeping you both hidden from each other earlier in the day. After we're finished, we can have both sets of immediate family members ready for family formals just before it's time to hide for the ceremony.
If you're choosing the traditional route, we will need to plan about 45 minutes of pre-ceremony photos for both people getting married. This will allow time for portraits with each person's side of the family and their wedding party.
family & wedding party photos
How much time do we need?
There is no definitive answer on this one. Every wedding is different and the length of ceremonies is never the same. Short and sweet ceremonies might last 15 minutes, and Catholic weddings can last more than an hour. This should be the first time you select as everything else will be planned around it.
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning. If you're planning an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to my style.
ceremony
I typically only need to stay at your reception until about 45 minutes after open dancing begins in order to get a good amount of variety of people dancing. Too much more, and you'll begin to get repetitive photos of the same people. If you're planning grand exit at the end of the night, consider doing a smaller "faux" exit I can photograph so you're not paying for extra photography time you don't really need!
reception
first look timeline
12:30pm - photography coverage begins
12:30pm - detail photos
1:00pm - hair & MU complete
1:30pm - get dressed
2:00pm - first look & Couple Portraits
2:45pm - Wedding party photos
3:30pm - immediate family formals
4:00pm - couple hidden
4:30pm - ceremony starts
5:00pm - Additional family formals
5:00pm - cocktail hour
6:00pm - reception begins
7:30pm - sunset couple portraits
8:30pm - photography coverage ends
View Traditional Timeline
based on 8 hour package
traditional timeline
12:30pm - photography coverage begins
12:30pm - detail photos
1:00pm - first client gets dressed
1:15pm - first client wedding party photos
1:45PM - second CLIENT HAIR & MU COMPLETE
2:00pm - second client gets dressed
2:15pm - second client wedding party photos
2:45pm - second client immediate family formals
3:15pm - first client immediate family formals
4:00pm - couple hidden
4:30pm - ceremony starts
5:00pm - Additional family formals
5:30pm - wedding party
5:50pm - couple photos
6:15pm - reception begins
7:30pm - sunset couple portraits
8:30pm - photography coverage ends
View First Look Timeline
based on 8 hour package
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 30-45 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and any other keepsakes together in one spot for me.
If details aren't your vibe, that's 100% okay! Just let me know and we can adjust the timeline for less coverage of detail shots.
Dress(s)
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet(s)
Boutonniere
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Details Checklist
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Vows Book
Watch
Perfume/Fragrance Bottle
Anything else that's special to your day
I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Believe it or not, there are a few things to consider when planning your ceremony. Obviously, there are some factors that are out of your control, like the color of the walls of your childhood church. However, there are two main things to think about when planning your ceremony from a photography standpoint that a lot of couples often don't think about: Light & Location!
Lighting is (in my opinion) the most important part of creating a great photo. You can have the most beautiful ceremony set up background, but if the light is bad, the photo will be bad. I can combat that with flash, but I much prefer natural light.
When choosing your ceremony location, think about the available natural light. If indoors, is there any natural light from windows or skylights? If not, is there a lot of available light from the indoor lights of the room? If not, I'll likely have to use flash during your ceremony.
Light
I'd take bad location with good light over pretty location with crappy light all day, everyday. But, if you have a say in it, obviously let's make that location look AMAZING! It's actually a good idea to visit your venue at the same time of day you plan on having your ceremony so you can see what the light looks like. Keep in mind, the sun sets at different times depending on the season. So if you're planning a winter wedding to start at 5PM in Indiana...it's likely going to be dark before your ceremony is over.
If your ceremony is outdoors, is there shade or will you be in direct sun? Ideally, shade is preferred. Will you and your partner both be in the same lighting condition? You want to avoid one of you standing in direct sun while the other is shaded. Space is also important. Is there enough space in the aisle for you and your wedding party to walk down? Is there space for me and your videographer to move freely around the perimeter of the space to get different angles? All important things to be aware of!
Location
Ceremony Tips
Pro Tip:
Ask your officiant to step aside out of the background during your first kiss!
Family photos can be a little bit stressful, but having a list is the best way to avoid the stress and keep us organized! It's usually easiest to place you both in the center, add your entire side of the family, and slowly start to take people out.
When I send out your pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
I recommend keeping this list to about 15-18 different combinations. Each photo takes about 1-2 minutes, so the more combinations, the more time will be needed for family formals. Remember that I can always grab family photos more informally during the reception as well.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Couple with Immediate & extended family
Couple with parents, siblings, grandparents
Couple with parents & siblings
Couple with parents
Couple with siblings
Couple with Grandparents
First Client with Mom
First Client with Dad
First Client with Siblings
First Client with Grandparents
Couple with Immediate & extended family
Couple with parents, siblings, grandparents
Couple with parents & siblings
Couple with parents
Couple with siblings
Couple with Grandparents
Second Client with Mom
Second Client with Dad
Second Client with Siblings
Second Client with Grandparents
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for my photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. If you're more of a go-with-the-flow kind of couple and don't mind - that's cool too. Just a suggestion!
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your wedding party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if anyone is wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your wedding party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some buffer time so I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
You can never be too prepared :)
6. If rain is in the forecast leading up to your wedding day, DON'T PANIC! It's out of your control and is just part of your day. Be sure to check with your venue to go over rain plans. I also recommend grabbing some clear umbrellas from Target or Amazon beforehand just in case we're in a pinch. If rain is in the forecast, I will scout some plan B locations when arriving just to be safe.
7. Hair & Makeup is the one part of the wedding day that consistently runs off schedule. Tell your glam team that you need to be ready 30 minutes earlier than you actually do, just to be safe!
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I'll follow you around. I'm not being creepy, I swear. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. It's like I'm your personal paparazzi!
9. Last but not least - your photos aren't meant to live on a screen! You're spending a lot of money to have me capture the memories from the most important day of your life. I encourage you to get your photos professionally printed from me within your online gallery so you have tangible memories to hand down for years to come.
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you both! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email any time at max@maxcatterson.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.
Happy wedding planning! :)
Thank You!