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WEDDING GUIDE
DIANA BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY
Thoughtful engagement session tips, personalized timeline guidance, heirloom album selections, and so much more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I’m truly so excited to be part of this season with you. I understand that photography is one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make for your wedding day, and I’m deeply honored that you’ve chosen me to document it.
Whether you’re working closely with a planner or planning something more intimate, there are often still quite a few moving pieces to navigate. After photographing over 100 weddings, I’ve found that many couples share similar questions. To help make this process as smooth and supportive as possible, I created this guide to walk you through everything from timelines and engagement sessions to what to expect in case of unexpected weather.
- diana
Thank you again for choosing to work with me. If there’s ever anything you need or if I can offer additional support throughout your planning process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m a big believer in engagement sessions for many reasons. They offer a relaxed space to get comfortable in front of the camera while capturing your connection in a setting that feels true to you. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to express your personalities in a more casual and meaningful way. I’ve created a dedicated page with outfit guidance, location ideas, ideal timing, and more to help you feel fully prepared.
Engagement Session
plan your session
There’s a noticeable difference between seeing yourself in the mirror during a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how everything photographs and holds up in real-life conditions. Bridal portraits offer an invaluable chance to feel confident in your choices before the big day.
If you’re considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend treating it like a full trial—hair, makeup, nails, and your bouquet included. I typically spend one to two hours photographing bridal sessions, and having something like your bouquet to hold can make posing feel much more natural and comfortable.
When selecting a location, I suggest choosing a spot that is well maintained, has a clean aesthetic, and offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for variety.
Bridal Portraits
One of the greatest benefits of a Bridal Portrait Session is that it serves as a visual rehearsal for the wedding day, allowing you to see exactly how everything will come together.
Wedding venues are often an ideal starting point for bridal portraits, especially historic homes and resorts with beautifully maintained grounds. These spaces typically offer both indoor and outdoor variety, which helps us keep your dress clean while still capturing a wide range of stunning images.
When selecting a date for your bridal session, I always recommend keeping the weather in mind. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable temperatures, but I’m happy to photograph wherever there’s beautiful light, no matter the season.
Many venues do require a fee for portrait sessions. While it may feel like an added expense, it’s often worthwhile for access to getting ready suites and other amenities. We’ll work closely with the venue to schedule our session within their available hours. Ideally, I love to shoot in the late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering, but I’m happy to adjust as needed based on timing.
And don’t forget to bring all your finishing details, your veil, shoes, and jewelry, so you can truly see your full bridal look come to life.
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
The moment a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is always incredibly special. Whether that happens during the walk down the aisle or in a more private setting before the ceremony, it is a moment full of meaning and emotion.
First looks, which offer a quiet moment together before the ceremony begins, have become increasingly popular in recent years. About half of our couples this year have chosen to include one as part of their day.
While I truly value tradition, there are several thoughtful reasons to consider a first look. Here are three to keep in mind:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about 40 minutes of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about 40 minutes of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 15-20 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1.5 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
2:00 p.m.
Diana will begin photographing the details and her second shooter will head to the Groom’s getting ready location.
2:00pm - Details
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:40 p.m.
Bride begins to get dressed. Diana will photograph the "final zip".
2:40pm - Bride gets dressed
3:00 p.m.
First look. Just you and your fiancé. An intimate moment between you both before your wedding day begins.
3:00pm - First Look
3:05 p.m.
We'll take some portraits of just the two of you before your wedding party and immediate family photos.
3:05pm - bride & groom portraits
3:20 p.m.
Wedding party photos will take place, immediately after Bride & Groom portraits. I'll have my second shooter go and grab everyone!
3:20pm - wedding party photos
Note: I'll need around 45 minutes for wedding party photos: 15 minutes for Bride and Bridesmaid photos
15 minutes for Groom and Groomsmen photos
15 minutes for full wedding party photos
4:05 p.m.
Immediate family photos is the last thing we'll do before you tuck away for your ceremony. I like to reserve around 15 minutes for this.
4:05PM - immediate family photos
4:20 p.m.
Everyone is tucked away before guests arrive for the ceremony. This is when I'll photograph your ceremony set-up.
4:20pm - tuck away
5:00 P.M.
5:00pm - Ceremony begins
Ceremony begins. Groom is just as emotional as he would be without a first look!
5:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour begins. We'll do extended family photos immediately after the ceremony, so please have your officiant make an announcement for those guests to stick around!
5:30pm - Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour and sunset photos. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
6:00 P.M.
Depending on when the sun sets, we'll sneak away for some sunset photos! I usually like to take them 45 minutes before the sun sets.
6:00pm - sunset photos
6:30 P.M.
Everyone is welcomed into the reception space and seated before the wedding party and the Bride and Groom enter.
6:30pm - Reception begins
6:40 P.M.
Welcome speech, followed by dinner being served. This is where me and my second shooter will take a break to eat our vendor meals.
6:40pm - welcome speech
7:30 P.M.
First dances, speeches & toasts.
7:30pm - toasts
8:00 P.M.
Dance floor opens!
8:00pm - dance floor opens
10:00 P.M.
Photographers depart, option for sparkler sendoff.
10:00pm - Photographers Depart
2:00 p.m.
Diana will begin photographing the details and her second shooter will head to the Groom’s getting ready location.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00pm - Details
2:30 p.m.
Diana will hang out with all the girls. This is a great time to take pajama or robe photos!
2:30pm - pajama photos
2:40pm - Bride gets dressed
2:40 p.m.
Bride begins to get dressed. Diana will photograph the "final zip".
3:00 p.m.
Bride & bridesmaid photos will take place. Don't worry- we'll keep the groom tucked away so he won't see you!
3:00PM - bridesmaid photos
3:20 p.m.
Bride's immediate family photos.
3:20pm - Bride's Family Portraits
Note: We'll do joint immediate family portraits right after the ceremony!
3:40pm groomsmen photos
3:40 p.m.
Groom & groomsmen photos will take place. Don't worry- we'll keep the bride tucked away so she won't see you!
4:00PM - Groom's family photos
4:00 p.m.
Groom's immediate family photos.
Note: We'll do joint immediate family portraits right after the ceremony!
4:20pm - Tuck away
4:20 p.m.
Everyone is tucked away before guests arrive for the ceremony. This is when I'll photograph your ceremony set-up.
5:00pm - Ceremony begins
5:00 P.M.
Ceremony begins.
5:30pm cocktail hour
5:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour begins. During this time, we'll do extended family photos, joint immediate family photos, bride and groom portraits, and full wedding party photos immediately after the ceremony, so please have your officiant make an announcement for those guests to stick around!
Note: If you're wanting to spend some time with guests at cocktail hour, I HIGHLY recommend doing a first look or having an extended cocktail hour!
6:30pm - recception begins
6:30 P.M.
Everyone is welcomed into the reception space and seated before the wedding party and the Bride and Groom enter.
6:40pm - DINNER
6:40 P.M.
First dance and welcome speech, followed by dinner being served. This is where me and my second shooter will take a break to eat our vendor meals.
7:15pm - sunset photos
7:15 P.M.
After dinner, we'll sneak away for some sunset photos! I usually like to take them 45 minutes before the sun sets.
8:00pm - champagne tower
8:00 P.M.
After the dance floor has been opened, you have the option of cutting your cake or doing a champagne tower!
10:00pm - Photographers depart
10:00 P.M.
Photographers depart, option for sparkler sendoff and exit car.
Wedding Day Details
I love photographing all the meaningful details you’ve thoughtfully chosen for your wedding day. Once I arrive, I typically spend about 30 minutes styling and capturing those pieces before the rest of the day begins. I recommend getting ready in a space with plenty of natural light, and if possible, keeping the area tidy and free of any clutter so the photos feel as clean and beautiful as possible.
It’s incredibly helpful to have all your details—rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations, and any heirlooms or keepsakes—gathered together in one place before I arrive. You can go ahead and remove your dress from its packaging, but no need to worry about styling it. I will make sure it is photographed in a beautiful setting.
If you prefer to keep your wedding day completely focused on being present, I also offer pre-styled detail sessions in advance. This allows me to give your details the time and attention they deserve beforehand, so on the wedding day, my full focus can be on you, your love, and the story unfolding around you.
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When we can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
family photo Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
If you’ve attended a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign kindly asking guests to stay “unplugged” during the ceremony.
While it may seem like a small request, there’s an important reason behind it. You’ve invested in professional photography, and one of the last things you want is for those once-in-a-lifetime ceremony images to be filled with phones, tablets, or relatives stepping into the aisle with their own cameras. To help us capture the moments as beautifully and unobstructed as possible, we recommend inviting guests to unplug and simply be present during your ceremony.
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING MORE THAN 100 weddings in the past few years, we're happy to share a few additional tips
6. We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
9. We'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, don't hesitate to email or call!
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors.
These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.
They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
I truly can’t wait to begin planning with you and get to know you even better. If you haven’t scheduled your engagement session yet, let’s get a date on the calendar. You’re always welcome to reach out at hello@dianabrewer.com with any questions or ideas.
If there’s anything you need or if you just want to talk through details, I’m here for you. I hope this guide helps make the planning process feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. I’m so grateful you took the time to read through it, and I can’t wait to see you soon.