DON'T RUSH YOUR DAY

As an Idaho wedding photographer with years of experience, I can't stress enough how important it is not to cram too much into your wedding day timeline. When you overfill your schedule, not only do you end up rushing through key moments, but your photos can feel rushed too. Give yourself plenty of time to breathe, soak in each moment, and truly experience your day. The day will fly by, so be intentional about allowing yourself and your spouse moments to simply enjoy it together. Your wedding photos should reflect the emotions and memories of the day, not the stress of hurrying from one thing to the next.

BUILD YOUR TIMELINE AROUND THE SUNSET

One of the best tips I offer my couples is to structure your wedding timeline around the sunset. This doesn't just apply to sunset portraits; it impacts the overall flow of your day. Knowing exactly when the sun will set can help you plan everything from the ceremony to the reception. For instance, winter weddings in East Idaho might require an earlier ceremony to capture the natural light, while summer weddings can stretch into the evening with a golden-hour glow. Your wedding day timeline is just as much about the time of day as it is about the events themselves.

DETAIL PHOTOS

Detail shots are often overlooked, but they capture the small, personal touches that make your wedding unique. These can include everything from your rings, shoes, invitations, and bouquet to heirloom items and decor. However, detail photos can take more time than you might expect. To ensure everything runs smoothly, I provide all Bellanet Photography clients with a custom form to outline specific details they want captured. This allows me to gather all the information ahead of time, so there’s no last-minute scrambling to locate important items. Having everything ready for your photographer can save time and stress, ensuring no detail is overlooked on your big day.

GETTING READY PHOTOS

The morning of your wedding can be one of the most beautiful, emotional, and candid times to capture. On average, I dedicate around an hour for getting-ready photos. While many brides skip the earlier moments of hair and makeup, opting for the final touches instead, this time can also be used to photograph the bride with her bridesmaids in robes, as well as putting on the dress and accessories. East Idaho brides, trust me—these quiet moments of anticipation and excitement are some of the most cherished images from the day. Additionally, this is a great time to capture "first looks" with family or the wedding party before the ceremony begins.

CEREMONY

Ceremonies vary depending on the type of service, but on average, they last around 30 minutes. If you're planning a religious ceremony, expect it to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Keeping these details in mind will help build your day’s timeline and ensure your photographer captures the ceremony from start to finish. As your Idaho wedding photographer, my goal is to capture not only the key moments but the in-between emotions that make your ceremony truly special.

FORMAL PHOTOS

Formal photos are an essential part of your wedding photography. These include shots of immediate family, your bridal party, and any other special guests you want to include. To make things easier on the day of, I recommend creating a list of the people you'd like in these photos. Right after the ceremony is often the best time for these images while everyone is still gathered, ensuring the photos are both efficient and organized. I’ll guide you through the process so you can relax and enjoy the experience while knowing we’ve covered all the important shots.

SUNSET PHOTOS

One thing I never leave off a wedding timeline is sunset photos. These are some of the most romantic and visually stunning images from the day. While your guests enjoy dinner or a break in the reception, I'll whisk you and your spouse away for 15-20 minutes to capture the golden light as it dips below the horizon. This is why planning your timeline around the sunset is so crucial. As your Idaho wedding photographer, I’ll make sure you have a chance to soak in this intimate moment while I capture timeless images you'll cherish forever.

RECEPTION COVERAGE

Reception coverage varies depending on your vision for the day. Some couples prefer just to capture the highlights—the first dance, cake cutting, and toasts—while others want to document the party from start to finish, including a grand exit. It's completely up to you, and I'll be there to guide you through the process to ensure we capture all the moments that matter most to you. Just remember to work in those sunset photos during this time—trust me, they’re worth it!