Every couple tells me the same thing after their wedding: the day went by faster than they ever imagined. That's normal — but a good timeline is the difference between "it flew by in the best way" and "we barely got to eat." Here's what I walk every couple through before I even pick up a camera.
1. Build in buffer time, everywhere. Hair and makeup always runs ten minutes long. Traffic happens. A fifteen-minute buffer between every block of your day saves you from a domino effect of lateness.
2. Protect your golden hour. The most beautiful, flattering light of the day happens in the hour before sunset. If portraits are important to you, don't let cocktail hour eat into it — I'll help you build the schedule backward from sunset.
3. Consider a first look. It's not for everyone, but a first look can free up an extra hour of portrait and couple time later in the day, when the light is best and you're both more relaxed.
4. Eat something. I promise this sounds obvious until you're the bride who hasn't eaten since 7am. Ask your caterer for an appetizer plate during getting-ready.
5. Leave room for nothing. Some of my favorite photos come from the ten unplanned minutes between events — when you're just standing together, laughing about something only the two of you understand. Don't schedule every single minute.
A well-built timeline isn't about controlling the day down to the minute — it's about giving the important moments enough room to actually happen.