By Hillery’s Photography
Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life — and at Hillery’s Photography, we believe every single moment deserves to be captured with intention, care, and creativity. Whether you’re planning an elegant ballroom affair or a backyard celebration filled with laughter and love, here’s everything you need to know to make your day picture-perfect from a photography standpoint.
1. Start with a Timeline
One of the most helpful tools you can give your photographer is a clear wedding day timeline. It doesn’t have to be super detailed — just a general flow of when events are happening. This helps us plan lighting, travel time (if any), and ensure we capture everything from the first look to the last dance.
Pro Tip: Share your finalized timeline with us at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially if you’ll be getting ready at separate locations.
2. Details Matter — Gather the Goods
Before we even begin photographing people, we start the day by capturing the details: rings, invitations, shoes, dress, suit, accessories, and anything that’s meaningful to your love story. Have all your items ready and in one place when we arrive so we can get those elegant flat lays right away without delay.
3. Getting Ready Shots — Location Is Key
We recommend choosing a clean, naturally lit room for getting ready photos. Window light is your best friend here — it makes for soft, flattering skin tones and dreamy detail shots. Also, try to keep the area clutter-free (or designate a corner for bags, food, etc.) to avoid distractions in your photos.
4. First Look or No First Look?
Whether or not to do a first look is totally your call — but here are the benefits from a photography standpoint:
- A first look gives us more time for portraits, which means more variety and less rush.
- It also helps ease nerves — many couples say it was one of their favorite moments of the day.
But if you’re saving that moment for the aisle? We respect that. We’ll build the timeline accordingly.
5. Family & Wedding Party Photos
We like to knock these out efficiently so you can get to your celebration. Before the big day, we’ll send you a questionnaire to list important family groupings. This helps us avoid confusion and ensures nobody gets left out. If any situations (like divorces, step-parents, or sensitive relationships) need special care, let us know ahead of time — we’ll handle it with professionalism and respect.
6. Golden Hour = Magic Hour
If your schedule allows, plan to step away from the reception for 10–15 minutes during sunset. This time of day gives us the dreamiest, most romantic light for portraits — and it’s a great chance for the two of you to take a breath together.
7. Reception Coverage — Candids, Dancing, and Real Moments
We love capturing the heart of your reception: laughter, speeches, hugs, cake smashes, and all the spontaneous dance floor moves. Just be yourselves and enjoy the party — we’ll be there snapping away, often without you even noticing.
8. Trust the Process
At Hillery’s Photography, we don’t just take photos — we tell stories. Every wedding is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your vibe, your culture, and your people. From the soft, emotional moments to the wild celebration shots, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to Work With Us?
Let’s document your love story in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and timeless. Reach out to book your wedding date or explore our portfolio to see more of what we do.
📷 Hillery’s Photography — Capturing Love, One Frame at a Time.