The #1 FAQ

One of our most frequently asked questions is regarding the shooting family formal photos at weddings. Usually, it is about how to minimize the time between the ceremony and reception. The bride and groom want to get to their guests, as soon as possible. We agree and want to help facilitate that! But, to be honest, we tell every couple the same thing and only about 25% implement a plan. Then after the actual ceremony, what they want to do the most… get to their guests quickly. And it does not happen because of lack of preparation.

We have a proven system that works. Start with one side of the family. Often the bride’s mom is helping with reception coordination, so we suggest starting with the bride’s side so mom can finish with pictures and leave to assist. We will start with a large group and peel back people in layers. This means we start the session with a very large family group of the bride's family, then peel away aunts/uncles/cousins, then peel away grandparents, then peel away siblings, so we're left with just the parents. Then we shoot just parents with the bride and groom, then just the siblings, then just grandparents. We end with both sets of parents with bride and groom. Then we repeat the process with the groom's side of the family. If everything goes well, we can shoot all formals in about 25-30 minutes.

We will end with the full wedding party and a few pictures of the bride and groom as a new Mr. and Mrs. The entire process should not take more than 45 minutes.

How can you make this happen? Here are a few tips:

• Before the wedding, email or have a conversation with your families and tell them your expectations - "Don’t leave the ceremony location and don’t go to the bar". If they know (in advance) that you want them in a picture they will be prepared. The rehearsal dinner is a good time to remind them!

• Have a listing of family groupings. Give that list to someone that will help you organize the next group while we are taking pictures.

• Bride and Groom, you have an important task. Exit the ceremony – give hugs and high fives to your wedding party and avoid getting “congratulated” by the rest of your family and friends, until after pictures. We know this is VERY hard to do. If you get caught up in congratulations it will take a while to break away to get the family pictures taken care of.

• Consider a “first glance” moment and take many of the pictures before the ceremony.