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WEDDING GUIDE
Cate ronan
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
C
R
Welcome!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Hey hey, 2022! With the new year, I have improved and gave my welcome guide a facelift with lots of helpful information added in to help planning be a little bit easier. No matter if you're planning am intimate or big wedding, there are still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day. I had a 18 person ceremony and a 44 person reception and there was so much to do and plan.
In my last six years of weddings, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again 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.
- Cate
If there is a question in this guide that you have that I did not cover, please reach out to me at hello@cateronan. I am here to help, guide, and be your team mate along the way.
I am a HUGE fan of engagement sessions. I mean, what is a more perfect time to get comofrotable in front of my camera, get to know eachother more, and get cutie pie photos of you and your boo? Hint -- THERE ISN'T!
I have created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
plan your session
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. This list may be updated monthly as I work with different creatives and find MORE amazing vendors!
Natalia's Event Planning
Robin Chalmers (who I used!)
(Coordinator and planner)
WEDDING COORDINATORS + PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Photobooth
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
Tres Belle Cakes
Michelle's Macaroons
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Jim's Donuts (call to order)
CAKES & DEsserts
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Invitations
CALLIGRAPHY
Bartending
ViDEOGRAPHY
That moment you and your boo see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait to see each other at the ceremony or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony. It's your day, do you boo boo!
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About more than half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
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. We always encourage our 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 wedding party, and then newlywed portraits. This generally takes up the entire cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding
party pictures and, sometimes, for a few couples portraits (although we prefer to do newlywed portraits at sunset). This allows the couple 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 3 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 after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony photos (you wedding party and family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony photos for your boo thang (their wedding party and family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined wedding party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your forever bff until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional newlywed photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, wedding party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
12 p.m.
Depending on if you have a second photographer, I would hang with one of you and the second photographer with the other. If time allows, I can do both!
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1:15 p.m.
Your boo and their party depart for ceremony site.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
You and your wedding party depart for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I am happy to make recommendations.
2:00 p.m.
You both + wedding party portraits.
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that I’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. i'll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Additional Wedding Party and Newlywed Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, I might grab 1 or 2 more full wedding party shots.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. I’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30pm Dinner
5:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm Sunset Portraits
I’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
8:00pm Photographers Depart
1 p.m.
Depending on if you have a second photographer, I would hang with one of you and the second photographer with the other. If time allows, I can do both!
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Depending on if you have a second photographer, I would hang with one of you and the second photographer with the other. If time allows, I can do both!
2:00pm - your boo Depart
2:15 p.m.
You and your wedding party depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - You Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: I do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Wedding Party and Newlywed Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
I’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographer Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
I totally believe rain on your wedding day is good luck, so let's put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images!
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
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 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 other keepsakes together in one spot. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
DETAILS Checklist (if applicable)
Your boo's shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
DETAILS Checklist cont...
When we can, we 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
For family portraits, I love to make the prep and day of photos as efficient and stress-free as possible.
I will send out a pre-wedding questionnaire no later than a month before your wedding day. I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more).
I will ask for actual names of every single person in each group, that way all I have to do is call out names instead of asking you who is who and possibly causing stress. I want to serve you as much as possible the day of, soI have found this has been the best. This also helps to avoid forgetting anyone in the spur of the moment since we have prepped before hand.
You can keep the list as little as possible but for the average 30 minute time slot normally given, 15 groupings is the max, to stay on schedule and not eat into any other parts of the day.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
You + Your Boo + Your Parents + Your Siblings + Your Grandparents
You + Your Boo + Your Parents + Your Siblings
You + Your Boo + Your Parents
You + Your Boo + Your Siblings
You + Mom
You + Dad
You + Your Boo + Their Parents + Their Siblings + Their Grandparents
You + Your Boo + Their Parents + Their Siblings
You + Your Boo + Their Parents
You + Your Boo + Their Siblings
Your Boo + Their Mom
Your Boo + Their Dad
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I am happy to take any requested family portraits!
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 our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
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 you or 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 "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER photographing weddings the past few years, I am happy to share a few additional tips
6. I always recommend the you go into hiding 45 minutes to 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings. Most of my weddings, at least 20 guests have showed up 1 hour early!
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying myself with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. I love being your personal paparazzi! If not, I will be walking around snapping candids!
9. I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to ask! It can be as little as, "is this enough time in between event A and event B?" or "OMG CATE!!! Please help me make my entire timeline!" I am here for either, and have done this enough, that we will bust out a timeline so quick, and your stress will go down 478673623 times!
I can't wait to start planning with you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at hello@cateronan.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. I can't wait to see you soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!