Weller’s is one of my favorite local wedding venues to photograph. The beautiful grounds of the old Ford Mansion are stunning. If you choose to have your ceremony and reception at Weller’s, this Venue typically encourages a late afternoon or early evening ceremony time. The timing works wonderfully for some family photos immediately after the ceremony during cocktail hour. With their 5 pm ceremony start time and a 6 pm dinner bell, we will not have much extra time for creative bridal portraits directly following the wedding. For this reason, if you're hoping for a variety of bridal photos with your fiance and wedding party, I encourage a first look where we can take our time and pictures before the ceremony. Another option is to add some extra time built into your timeline to go outside with me after dinner and grab some amazing golden hour shots. Golden hour is the day's most artistic and flattering lighting, and you won’t regret sparing a few minutes to make these memories.

I’ll arrive at Weller’s before our scheduled time together to drop off my equipment & set up my lighting. If the decorating is complete, I’ll photograph your reception untouched and focus on unique details. These images make for great storytelling in your Wedding Album, and I enjoy spending some extra time capturing them. If the reception decorations are unfinished, don’t worry; I’ll ensure my second shooter, or I will quickly sneak into your reception again later to grab a few photos before the ceremony begins. Below is a sample timeline for a 5 pm ceremony that will keep things from feeling stressful or rushed.

SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE (RECOMMENDED FIRST LOOK)

1:30pm: Photographer(s) arrive at your getting-ready Location
2:00 pm: Details & Getting Ready Photos
2:30 pm: Photograph the Bride getting into her dress and special moments with family and friends
3:00 pm: Depart the Getting Ready Location and head to Weller’s
3:30 pm: First Look with Groom
3:45 pm: Couple & Bridal Party Portraits
4:15 pm: Hide and Relax before the Ceremony (Guests Arriving)
5:00 pm: Ceremony
5:30 pm: Cocktail Hour & Family Formal Photos
6:00 pm: Guests seated for dinner
6:30 pm: Grand Entrance
6:45 pm: Toasts & Speeches
7:00 pm: Dinner
7:45 pm: Cake Cutting
8:00 pm: Golden Hour Photos
8:15 pm: Mingle w/ Guests
8:45 pm: First Dances (Open Dance Floor)
9:30pm: Photographer(s) Departure

If you choose not to have a first look, that’s okay! However, I would recommend a slightly earlier ceremony time. Formal family photos can take anywhere between 20-40 mins, and then another 30 mins for bridal portraits of the two of you would be ideal. Don’t forget to account for a receiving line after your ceremony if you plan to say hello to each guest. We will also discuss how we can get as many photos done without the two of you seeing each other, like the Bride with her Bridesmaids and Groom with his groomsmen ahead of time. I hope this helps you plan and get a good feel for what your day could look like; if we have a wedding booked together and you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.