Hey there, beautiful couples! Planning your wedding day timeline can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect time for your portraits. Traditionally, wedding portraits are done either between the ceremony and reception or between the first look and the ceremony. But with the rise of golden hour photography, many couples are opting to split their portrait sessions to take advantage of that dreamy, soft light. Let's dive into the pros and cons of this trend and how you can make the best decision for your big day!

As always, if you’re a current client of ours you are more than welcome to email us at anytime and go over specifics of planning your day, if you’re a future client please click here to inquire with us :)

Traditional Portrait Timing

Between Ceremony and Reception: This is the classic choice. The ceremony is over, you're officially married, and everyone's in high spirits. It's a natural pause in the day, giving you and your wedding party some time to relax and take photos before the party starts. However, it can sometimes feel rushed, especially if your ceremony runs late or if you have a tight timeline.

Between First Look and Ceremony: If you're doing a first look, this can be a great time to get some portraits out of the way. You're fresh, your makeup is perfect, and you get a private moment together before the whirlwind of the day begins. But remember, this means seeing each other before the ceremony, which some couples prefer to avoid.

The Golden Hour Craze

Golden hour, that magical time just before sunset, is known for its warm, soft lighting that makes everyone look their best. Splitting your portraits into two sessions can give you the best of both worlds: traditional portraits earlier in the day and those golden hour shots that look straight out of a fairytale. But let's not forget that golden hour isn't guaranteed—weather can be unpredictable, and the timing can be tricky.

Pros and Cons of Splitting Portrait Sessions

Pros:

Variety in Lighting: You'll get a mix of traditional and golden hour photos, offering a variety of looks and moods.

Less Rushed: Splitting sessions can help reduce the stress of cramming all your portraits into one tight window.

More Photo Opportunities: Different times of day mean different backgrounds and vibes, adding more depth to your wedding album.

Cons:

Timeline Management: Coordinating two sessions can be challenging, especially if your schedule is tight.

Weather Dependence: Golden hour isn't always predictable, and you might end up with less-than-ideal lighting.

Guest Disruption: Stepping out during or after dinner for photos can sometimes disrupt the flow of your reception.

Talking to Your Photographer..

Communication is key! Sit down with your photographer and discuss your vision and timeline. They can offer expert advice on how to best split your portrait sessions and make the most of the available light. Remember, your photographer is there to help you capture your day in the most beautiful way possible, so don't hesitate to ask questions and voice your preferences.

Do What Feels Right for You..

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you do what feels right for you and your partner. Traditions are great, but your wedding should reflect your personalities and preferences. Whether you stick with a traditional timeline, embrace the golden hour, or find a happy medium, make sure your choice aligns with what makes you both happiest.

Advice from Other Photographers

Over the past few years, we've gathered some great advice from fellow photographers:

Flexibility is Key: Be open to changes in the timeline if needed. Sometimes the best photos happen spontaneously!

Plan for Buffer Time: Always include a little extra time in your schedule for unexpected delays or spontaneous photo opportunities.

Trust Your Photographer: They have the experience and creativity to capture your day beautifully, even if things don't go exactly as planned.

So there you have it! Prioritizing your wedding portraits can be as flexible and unique as your love story. Happy planning, and here's to capturing your special day in all its glory!

With love,

Jordan + Julia

The Colectiv Photography