Booking your wedding photographer can feel like one of those things you know you need to get done, but you’re not totally sure what actually happens after you sign the contract. So here’s exactly how it works with me, from the moment you reach out to the day you’re scrolling through your full gallery.
1. Inquire + Let’s See If We’re a Fit
It all starts with you reaching out.
Usually you’ll send your date, location, and a few details about your day. I’ll check availability and get back to you as soon as I can. If I’m available, I’ll send over package info and we can set up a quick call or chat.
This part is about connection. I want to know what your day feels like, not just what time it starts.
If everything feels right, I’ll send over your contract and retainer to officially lock in your date.
2. Booking + Officially Secured
Once your retainer is paid and your contract is signed, your date is fully reserved.
At that point, you’re not just “on the calendar” you’re officially in my books and I stop taking other inquiries for that day!
From here, I’ll send over a welcome guide so you know exactly what to expect moving forward.
3. Planning + Timeline Help
A few months before your wedding, we’ll start talking more in detail about your day.
This is where I help shape your photo timeline.
We’ll talk through things like:
Getting ready timing
First look or no first look
When portraits make the most sense
Sunset timing (this one matters more than people think)
Buffer time so your day doesn’t feel tight
Family Formals
If you already have a planner, I’ll coordinate with them too so everything lines up.
4. The Week Of Your Wedding
At this point, everything should feel pretty settled.
I’ll check in to confirm final details, addresses, timing, and anything that may have shifted.
This is also when I usually remind couples to:
Eat real food on the wedding day (seriously)
Stay off your phone as much as possible
Trust the timeline we built
You shouldn’t be worrying about photos at this stage. That’s my job now.
5. Wedding Day Coverage
On the day of your wedding, I show up early, usually while things are just starting to get going.
From there, I’m documenting everything as it naturally unfolds, getting ready moments, quiet in-between seconds, the chaos, the calm, and everything you don’t even realize you’ll want to remember later.
I guide when needed (especially for portraits), but I’m not staging things. The goal is for you to actually live your day while I handle the rest.
6. Sneak Peeks
A few days after your wedding, I’ll send a small preview gallery.
This is usually the emotional “oh wow it actually happened” moment.
You’ll get a handful of edited images that tell the story quickly, enough to share, post, and relive it right away while I work through the full gallery.
7. Editing Process
After your wedding, I go through everything carefully.
Every image gets reviewed, selected, and edited in my style so your gallery feels consistent and true to how the day actually looked and felt.
8. Full Gallery Delivery
Your full gallery is delivered online through a private link where you can:
Download all your images
Share with family and friends
Order prints if you want
Revisit your day anytime
Once it’s delivered, it’s yours to keep forever.
This is usually the moment everything sinks in a little differently. You get to slow it all back down and actually see your day from start to finish.
9. After Delivery
Even after your gallery is delivered, I’m still here if you need anything! Printing help, album questions, or anything like that.
A lot of couples come back for, future sessions, or just to say hi again when life settles down.
That part never gets old.!
Final Thought
My goal isn’t just to show up and take photos. It’s to make the whole process feel easy so you can actually be present on your wedding day without thinking about the camera at all.
If you’re reading this and it feels like the kind of experience you want, I’d love to chat about your day.
xo alyce
