Welcome to Your Wedding Photography Guide
and a few wedding tips
No two weddings are the same because no two love stories are the same.
Whether you're getting married in a church, on a mountaintop, in your backyard, or anywhere in between, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your wedding photography experience. Every couple celebrates differently, and we believe your photographs should reflect your story—not a checklist of traditions.
Throughout this guide, you'll find tips, recommendations, and suggested timelines based on years of photographing weddings. Take what works for your day, leave what doesn't, and make your celebration uniquely yours.
Most importantly, remember this: your wedding isn't about creating perfect photos. It's about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. Our job is simply to preserve those moments beautifully.
The Three Keys to Beautiful Wedding Photos
Getting incredible wedding photos isn't just the photographer's job. The best images happen when three important elements come together.
Emotion
Your love, your excitement, and your genuine happiness are what make your photographs unforgettable. If we could give every couple one piece of advice, it would be this:
Enjoy your day.
Wedding days are wonderfully imperfect. Maybe the weather changes, someone forgets a piece of jewelry, the timeline runs a little behind, or your outfit picks up a bit of dirt. It happens at almost every wedding—and that's okay. Don't let the little things steal your joy. If you can stay present, laugh often, and embrace whatever the day brings, your photographs will reflect those genuine emotions. Years from now, you won't remember every tiny thing that went wrong—you'll remember how you felt. And after all...you only get to marry this amazing person once.
Embrace the unexpected. Sometimes those unplanned moments become the most memorable ones.
Time
One of the biggest factors that impacts your wedding photography is time. While we'd love to create endless beautiful images, we can only work with the time we're given. Building enough photography time into your schedule allows us to document your details, your loved ones, and your portraits without anyone feeling rushed. We also can't recommend hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator enough. Having someone manage the timeline allows everyone—including you—to relax and actually enjoy the day.
If You're Hiring a Videographer (weather it's us or another company)
Photography and videography work wonderfully together, but they don't always require the same approach. We're always happy for your videographer to capture documentary-style footage while we're photographing portraits.
Location & Lighting
Lighting can completely transform a photograph. As natural-light photographers, we'll always guide you toward locations that have the most flattering light and beautiful backgrounds. Sometimes a location that looks great in person simply doesn't photograph well at a certain time of day—and that's okay. Trust us to help you find the best spots. When choosing where you'll get ready, look for bright rooms with large windows and plenty of natural light whenever possible. And yes...if you're getting ready in a church basement, your photos may look like they were taken in a church basement! We'll absolutely make the most of every location, but choosing a bright, clean space gives us the best starting point. That said, don't stress if your venue has challenging lighting. We always come prepared with professional lighting equipment and years of experience working in every situation imaginable. No matter what your wedding day brings, we've got you—and we're going to create something beautiful together.
Maximize Your Wedding Photography Experience
Every wedding is unique, and your timeline should reflect what matters most to you. The suggested time allotments below are designed to help you get the most out of your photography coverage while allowing you to enjoy your day without feeling rushed.
These recommendations come from years of experience photographing weddings of every size and style. Use them as a guide, adjust them to fit your priorities, and don't worry—we're here to help build a timeline that works best for your celebration.
Details & Setting the Scene
Recommended Time: 30–45 Minutes
Ideal Location: A naturally lit room such as a wedding suite, hotel room, Airbnb, bed & breakfast, or even your favorite room at home.
Why It Matters
Your wedding details tell the story of your day before it even begins. Invitations, rings, attire, florals, heirlooms, gifts, and personal touches all deserve their moment.
Having approximately 45 minutes dedicated to details allows us to thoughtfully style and photograph everything without feeling rushed. Occasionally we'll move items to another room, a hotel lobby, or even outdoors if the lighting or background is more flattering. Those extra few minutes often make a huge difference in the final images.
Tips
Before we arrive, gather all of your details in one place. Consider including:
- Wedding attire
- Shoes
- Rings (engagement ring and wedding bands)
- Jewelry or accessories
- Invitations and stationery
- Bouquets and boutonnieres (ask your florist to include clippings at drop off)
- Watches, cufflinks, ties, bow ties, or other accessories
- Family heirlooms
- Gifts or handwritten letters
- Any meaningful keepsakes you'd like photographed
The more organized everything is, the more time we can spend creating beautiful images.
Hair & Makeup | Getting Ready
Recommended Time: 60 Minutes
Ideal Location: A bright room with plenty of natural light.
Why It Matters
Getting ready is about much more than hair and makeup. These are often some of the most emotional, joyful, and laughter-filled moments of the entire wedding day. It's when you'll spend time with your closest friends and family, exchange gifts, calm pre-ceremony nerves, and soak everything in. Allowing at least an hour gives us time to capture both the beautiful details and the genuine candid moments that you'll treasure for years. If both partners are getting ready nearby, that's even better. It allows us to move efficiently between locations without spending valuable time traveling.
Working with Two Photographers
If you've booked two photographers, you might assume one will stay with each partner all morning. Sometimes that's exactly what happens. Other times, it's actually more beneficial for both photographers to be together for certain moments. For example, one getting-ready location may only require 15–20 minutes, while another has several important moments we'd like to capture from different perspectives. Every wedding is different, and we'll make those decisions based on what best tells your story.
Tips
Choose the brightest room available for getting ready.
Ask your wedding party to keep bags, food, drinks, clothing, and personal items together in one designated corner or another room. (Around here, we lovingly call it the "crap corner." 😄) Ask your hair and makeup artist for realistic timing and build at least a 30-minute buffer into your schedule. This is one of the most common places wedding timelines begin running behind.
Individual Portraits
Recommended Time: 15 Minutes Per Person
Ideal Location: Outdoors or near beautiful natural light.
Why It Matters
Right after getting ready is the perfect time for individual portraits. Hair and makeup are fresh, outfits are pristine, and the excitement of the day is just beginning. Since the schedule is usually more relaxed at this point, we can create timeless portraits without feeling rushed.
First Look & Couples Portraits
Recommended Time: 30–45 Minutes
Ideal Location: Outdoors in soft, natural light.
Why It Matters
If you've chosen to have a First Look, we recommend setting aside about 45 minutes. While the actual reveal usually lasts only 5–10 minutes, the remaining time allows us to capture relaxed portraits while emotions are still fresh and before the day becomes busy.
We also recommend completing the majority of your couples portraits before the ceremony whenever possible. Wedding days can run behind schedule, weather can change unexpectedly, and having these portraits completed early removes a lot of stress.
Why We Love First Looks
If we could recommend one thing that consistently creates a more relaxed wedding day, it would be a First Look. A First Look is simply a private moment where you see each other before the ceremony.
There isn't one "right" way to do it. You might:
- Tap your partner on the shoulder.
- Walk toward each other for a shared reveal.
- Read private vows together.
- Exchange gifts.
- Pray together.
- Simply take a quiet moment to soak it all in.
We've witnessed laughter, tears, heartfelt conversations, and unforgettable reactions during these moments. Beyond the beautiful photographs, a First Look gives you the opportunity to slow down, breathe, and spend a few uninterrupted minutes together before the excitement of the ceremony begins. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting until the ceremony if that's always been part of your vision. Your wedding should reflect your traditions, your personalities, and your story—not anyone else's expectations.
Wedding Party Portraits
Recommended Time: 45–60 Minutes
Ideal Location: A beautiful outdoor location with soft natural light or an off-site location that complements your wedding style.
Why It Matters
This is the time to celebrate with your favorite people.
We'll capture a mix of timeless portraits, fun candid moments, and creative group photographs that showcase your personalities and relationships. Rather than following a rigid checklist, we'll photograph a variety of combinations that are meaningful to you, such as:
- Each partner with their attendants individually
- Each partner with their entire wedding party
- The full wedding party together
- Mixed groups of friends and attendants
- Fun candid interactions
- Creative editorial-style portraits
Most importantly—we want everyone to have fun. Expect laughter, movement, and a few moments that are completely unscripted.
Immediate Family Portraits
Recommended Time: 30–60 Minutes
Best Time: Immediately before or after the ceremony.
Ideal Location: Outdoors in soft natural light whenever possible.
Why It Matters
Family portraits are some of the most cherished photographs from your wedding day. We recommend focusing on immediate family first and photographing larger extended family groups later during the reception if possible. Large group photos naturally take more time to organize, so allowing approximately 2–3 minutes per group—and adding a 15-minute buffer—helps keep everything running smoothly.
Tips
Complete immediate family portraits before or immediately after the ceremony. Whenever possible, photograph family outdoors or in a bright, naturally lit location. If family portraits must take place inside a church or darker venue, they may require additional time due to flash lighting. Don't worry—we'll make them look beautiful.
Create a Family Photo List: One of the best things you can do is create a detailed family shot list before your wedding.
Instead of listing relationships by gender, simply organize combinations like:
- Couple with Parent(s)
- Couple with Siblings
- Couple with Grandparents
- Couple with Immediate Family
- Couple with Each Side of the Family
- Couple with Children
- Couple with Godparents, Chosen Family, or Special Loved Ones
Honestly one of the easier ways to do it is to list people by name so we can just go down the list calling names of who needs to be in/out for each pose instead of by relation. You can always send us the list ahead of time and we can organize it to make it flow quicker and smoothly.
Every family looks different, and we want to celebrate yours exactly as it is.
If there are divorces, remarriages, estranged family members, or unique family dynamics, let us know ahead of time. We'll help create a portrait plan that keeps everything running smoothly and comfortably.
Ceremony Details
Recommended Time: 20–30 Minutes
Ideal Location: Ceremony Site (Obviously)
Why It Matters
Before guests arrive, we'd love approximately 20 minutes to photograph your ceremony space exactly as you've envisioned it. These images showcase all of the thoughtful planning and details you've worked so hard to create. If you're getting married in a church or place of worship, be sure to ask about any photography restrictions beforehand. Every location has different policies, and knowing those ahead of time allows us to plan accordingly.
Tips
Encourage your wedding party to smile and enjoy the walk down the aisle—you'd be surprised how many incredible moments happen during the processional.
If you're carrying a bouquet, hold it around waist level so it complements your look without covering your face.
Sunset Couples Portraits
Recommended Time: 15-30 Minutes
Best Time: Approximately one hour before sunset.
Why It Matters
Golden hour offers some of the most beautiful light of the entire day. This is when we create those romantic portraits with glowing light, colorful skies, and breathtaking scenery. If your venue features beautiful landscapes, gardens, vineyards, waterfronts, mountains, or sweeping views, setting aside time before sunset is one of the best investments you can make for your gallery. If you're celebrating in a downtown setting or surrounded by tall buildings, timing is a little more flexible—but golden hour is still magical whenever possible.
Reception Details
Recommended Time: 20–30 Minutes
Ideal Location: Reception Venue (Again, OBVIOUS)
Why It Matters
Before guests enter the reception, we love photographing the room exactly as it's been designed. Centerpieces, décor, favors, cake, place settings, lighting, and all the little details deserve to be remembered before the celebration begins. Please allow about 30 minutes for us to document the reception space before guests are seated whenever possible.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
These are the little things that can make a big difference in your wedding day experience—and your final gallery.
Table Visits vs. Table Photos
Our photography style is rooted in storytelling. Rather than stopping at every table for posed photos, we love documenting genuine moments as you mingle with your guests—hugs, laughter, happy tears, and conversations that naturally unfold throughout the evening.
If you'd prefer a formal photo with every table, we're absolutely happy to do that! Just keep in mind that it typically takes 3–5 minutes per table. For example, if you have 20 tables, you'll want to allow approximately 60–100 minutes in your reception timeline.
Share Your "Must-Have" Moments
While we do everything we can to anticipate meaningful moments, we're not mind readers.
If there are special family members, traditions, heirlooms, friendships, or moments that are especially important to you, please let us know before your wedding day. We'd much rather have a list of priorities than accidentally miss someone who means the world to you.
Trust the Professionals
You chose us as your photographer for a reason. You connected with our work, trusted our vision, and loved the way we tell a story. Once your wedding day arrives, allow yourself to relax and trust the process. We'll guide you when needed, step back when the moments deserve to unfold naturally, and capture your day in a way that feels authentic to you.
The less you're worrying about the photos, the more genuine they'll become.
Don't Forget to Eat & Stay Hydrated
This may sound obvious, but it's one of the most common things couples forget on their wedding day. Ask someone in your wedding party or a trusted friend to periodically check in and make sure you've had water and a snack throughout the day. When it's finally time for dinner, enjoy it. You've invested a lot into your meal—take a few minutes to sit together, breathe, and eat. Your guests will still be there when you're finished, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit each table afterward.
A well-fed couple is a much happier couple!
Schedule a Hair & Makeup Trial
Whether you're doing full glam or keeping things natural, a trial appointment is one of the best investments you can make. It gives you the chance to fine-tune your look, make adjustments, and walk into your wedding day feeling confident and comfortable. Remember, makeup often photographs a little softer than it appears in person, so don't be afraid if it feels slightly more polished than your everyday look.
The goal is simple: to look like the very best version of yourself.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Hopefully you won't need it—but you'll be glad it's there if you do. Ask someone in your wedding party or your coordinator to keep a small emergency kit nearby. Some helpful items include:
Stain remover (Tide To-Go pens are lifesavers!)
Safety pins
Bobby pins
Mini sewing kit
Hair spray
Makeup for touch-ups
Makeup remover wipes
Bandages
Pain reliever
Deodorant
Gum or mints
Energy bars or snacks
Water
Small scissors
Cotton swabs
Feminine or Masculine hygiene products (if needed)
A little preparation goes a long way.
Most Important: Surround Yourself with Vendors You Trust
Your wedding vendors will spend more time with you on your wedding day than almost anyone else—including many of your guests. Choose people whose work you love, whose personalities put you at ease, and who genuinely care about making your experience enjoyable. When your vendor team works well together and supports one another, you'll feel the difference all day long. A great team creates a relaxed atmosphere, helps keep everything running smoothly, and allows you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your marriage.
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"Are we supposed to tip our wedding vendors?"
The short answer is no—tips are never required.
Your vendors set their pricing based on the services they provide, so a gratuity should never feel like an obligation. If tipping isn't in your budget, please don't stress about it. That said, if someone went above and beyond to make your day extra special, a tip is always a wonderful way to show your appreciation.
Typical Tipping Guidelines
Every wedding and budget is different, but here are some common ranges:
Hair & Makeup Artists: 15–25% (similar to a salon service)
Catering Staff: Often included in your contract—check before tipping. If not included, 15–20% is common.
Bartenders: Check your contract first. If gratuity isn't included, 10–20% or a flat amount is appreciated.
Delivery Staff (flowers, cake, rentals): $10–$30 per person if desired.
DJ or Live Musicians: $25–$100+ per performer if they exceeded expectations.
Officiant: If they're not affiliated with a house of worship, $50–$150 is common. For clergy, consider a donation to the church or organization if appropriate.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: $50–$200+ depending on the level of service.
Photography & Videography: Tips are always appreciated but never expected. Many couples choose $50–$200+ per team member if they feel their experience exceeded expectations.
There Are Many Ways to Say "Thank You"
A gratuity is only one way to show appreciation. Some of the most meaningful ways to support your vendors include:
- Leaving a thoughtful 5-star review.
- Recommending them to friends and family.
- Tagging them when sharing your photos on social media.
- Sending a heartfelt thank-you message after the wedding.
Those gestures often mean just as much—if not more—than a monetary tip.
At the end of the day, your vendors are there because they genuinely love celebrating with couples. Whether it's a tip, a glowing review, or simply hearing how much you loved your experience, every bit of appreciation goes a long way.
A Few Extra Tips for an Even Better Wedding Day
These aren't "must-dos," but they can make a huge difference in both your experience and your final gallery.
Add a Little Celebration to Your Photos
Looking for a fun way to make your photos stand out? Consider incorporating toss items throughout the day! Whether it's during your wedding party portraits, your first dance, your ceremony exit, or your grand exit, celebratory elements create movement, excitement, and genuine reactions that photograph beautifully. Some popular options include:
- Flower petals
- Biodegradable confetti
- Bubbles
- Paper airplanes
- Ribbon wands
- Smoke bombs (where permitted)
- Rice or birdseed (if your venue allows)
These little additions often create some of the most joyful, candid images of the entire day.
Plan a Grand Exit
You've probably spent months planning your grand entrance—but don't forget about your grand finale! A sparkler exit is one of our favorite ways to end a wedding day. It's exciting, romantic, and creates stunning photographs filled with laughter, cheering, and celebration. Before making plans, be sure to check with your venue, as some locations don't allow sparklers. If that's the case, don't worry! There are plenty of beautiful alternatives, including:
- Bubbles
- Flower petals
- Glow sticks
- LED wands
- Ribbon streamers
- Biodegradable confetti
Pro Tip: Your grand exit doesn't have to be your actual departure.
Many couples choose to stage their exit near the end of their photography coverage while guests are still full of energy. Afterward, everyone simply heads back inside to continue celebrating! It gives you the beautiful photos without ending your party early.
Feed Your Vendors
This is one of the biggest behind-the-scenes tips we can offer. During dinner, there's usually a natural pause in photography while everyone is eating. This is the perfect opportunity for your photographer, videographer, DJ, and other vendors to grab a quick meal as well.
If possible, ask your caterer or venue to serve your vendors at the same time—or just before—the wedding party. Why? Because once speeches, dances, and other reception events begin, we're right back to documenting every important moment. If vendors aren't served until every guest has finished eating, there's a good chance they'll have to leave their meal untouched to get back to work. Another helpful tip is to reserve a designated place for your vendors to eat. It helps avoid any confusion on the wedding day and allows everyone to take a quick break before jumping back into the celebration. Place them at a vendor table or ask your venue to assist with a designated place for vendors.
Taking care of your vendor team helps keep everyone energized, focused, and ready to give you their very best throughout the rest of the evening.
Our Final Piece of Advice
At the end of the day, remember this:
Your wedding is about your marriage—not perfection.
Things might not go exactly as planned. The weather may change, someone may run a few minutes late, a flower might fall apart, or your timeline may shift. None of those things define your day. The moments you'll treasure most won't be the perfectly folded napkins or whether every detail went exactly according to plan. They'll be the hugs from your grandparents, the tears during your vows, the laughter on the dance floor, and the quiet moments you shared with the love of your life.
Be present.
Laugh often.
Dance like no one's watching.
Hold each other a little tighter.
Trust your vendor team.
Most importantly, soak in every single moment—because your wedding day truly does go by faster than you can imagine.
We are incredibly honored that you've chosen Moon & Mango Photo & Film to be part of such an important chapter in your lives.
Thank you for trusting us to preserve your memories. We can't wait to celebrate with you and capture every beautiful, emotional, joyful, and unforgettable moment of your day.