Yay! You are officially booked, and I am SO
excited to work with you two!
As your wedding photographer, I will guide you,
calm your nerves, wipe away your happy tears
(then fix your make up), and make you feel as
comfortable as possible, so that you can simply
enjoy every moment the day brings.
HELLO
First and foremost, I want to remind you are planning this once in a lifetime celebration right now,
and it is going to be amazing. Stay true to who you are, what you want, and allow those values to stay at the
forefront of your mind during the planning process! I am so excited to document your day. While I can help
guide you with many different timelines and suggestions for your day, I am also more than happy to work with
your vision. This is your wedding day, not a photoshoot! I will maximize every moment I have with you two in
front of my camera, but the things I will be paying close attention to will be all the in between moments on your
day. The moments that you know are happening, and many that you don’t. Time is the one thing we can’t get
back and I value so much, the opportunity to preserve those moments for you both to look back on, and future
generations to revel in. Truly, it’s those moments that matter. I will provide gentle guidance during my time
with you, but I will just encourage you to live out your day as you imagined, and trust me to capture all those
special moments that make up your day. I am so honoured to be able to document all the love! Throughout your
wedding, I will encourage you to take in each and every moment, and bask in all the wedding day bliss. I know
it’s something you hear over and over again, but the day really does go that quickly!!
I hope you will find this guide helpful in the planning process!
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
I love for you to know when we’ll hang out, when payments are due, and when you’ll see your images.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Final Wedding Questionnaire and Invoice sent out.
4 WEEKS before YOUR WEDDING:
We confirm the details of your wedding day.
2 WEEKS before YOUR WEDDING:
Your final payment is due.
I capture your day as it unfolds!
YOUR WEDDING DAY:
I will send TEASER photos from your wedding day!
1 WEEK after YOUR WEDDING:
You will receive all of your final images via an Online Gallery! If you have purchased an album, we will start working on the design.
8 WEEKS after YOUR WEDDING:
Engagement sessions are the best! It is one of my favourite parts of the weddings process for so many reasons.
First, engagement shoots are a perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer, and for your photographer to get to know you.
When you are thinking about your engagement session, reflect on some of your favourite memories together. What are some of your favourite places, and spaces? Is there a special spot where you go to celebrate special events together? Is there a family cottage that holds a special place in your heart? Is there a hike that you love to take with your dog? Are you homebodies, and love just spending evenings on the couch with wine and Netflix? DO you love waking up and making coffee and breakfast together?
I love when couples share some of their favourite things with me, so that I can help to ensure we are planning a meaningful engagement session that truly reflects you as a couple.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS MATTER
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS LAST BETWEEN 1.5-3 HOURS.
YOU WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE HOW I PHOTOGRAPH AND HANDLE POSING AND LIGHTING.
I typically start shooting about 2 hour before the sun
will set to optimize lighting conditions.
I PHOTOGRAPH ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS MONDAY-THURSDAY IN THE EVENINGS.
WE WILL SCHEDULE A DATE FOR YOUR PHOTOS, AS WELL AS A BACK-UP DATE*
* in case mother-nature makes other plans.
ONCE THOSE DATES ARE SET, I WILL SEND A QUESTIONNAIRE TO GET TO KNOW YOU A BIT BETTER.
I love helping couples select sentimental locations that suit them.
The more creative, the better!
The most important thing to consider is comfort. Dress in a way that reflects your own personal style, and feels like you. If you don’t ever wear hats, maybe avoid that cute hat you saw on Pinterest, but if you have a wicked hat collection, then rock it! If you dress in something you have never worn before, you may worry about how you look, or just realize it is uncomfortable, and I would hate for that to come across in your photos! The more you stay true to yourself, the more the photos will genuinely reflect you. Also consider your outfit and shoe choice in relation to your location. For example, if you are planning to stroll the beach, ditch the shoes!
WHAT TO WEAR & TIPS
If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed with picking an outfit or two for the session, consider the following tips:
Also consider these fun extras:
- Avoid mixing heavy patterns and shirts with big logos.
- Coordinate, without twinning. When selecting colours and patterns, do not try too hard to be matchy-matchy. If one person is wearing a pattern, the other person could wear a complimentary solid colour. Pairing neutral colours and bold colours tend to work nicely as well!Neutral/earthy colours always look beautiful with my style of photography!
- Consider the season!
- Outfits that move well, photograph well. There is nothing worse than wearing something that feels too snug, and tugging at it the entire time you are wearing it!
- You are welcome to bring two outfits to the session.
- Ladies - consider getting your hair and makeup done. This can be a great chance to have trial hair and make up done before your wedding day. Just be sure to clearly communicate to your stylist what it is you would like. You still want to look like yourself!
- Again, consider your location as well… if we are doing a laid back cottage session, you might not want a full face of make-up and an updo!
- Make a date out of it! So many of my couples head for dinner or drinks after the shoot, or grab brunch before. Give yourself some time to connect and have a day together when possible! Any excuse to celebrate, right?
- So many couples ask if they can bring their dog - the answer will always be a big yes!
“SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT, UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY.”
A first look is an opportunity to see one another prior to the ceremony. This is a decision that is completely up to you! If you are one of those people who has always envisioned seeing their partner for the first time, walking down the aisle... or if you are a person who does not want to see their partner before they are walking down the aisle towards you, then stay true to these visions. I just want to offer you a different perspective on a new tradition of a first look, and let you know some of the benefits.
The way I like to set up a first look, is to make it a private moment between the couple in a pre-selected location. This way, I feel like I am able to capture the most authentic reactions possible. When there are a bunch of your friends and family members hanging out around, it is hard not to be aware of them, taking away from the authenticity of the moment.
THE FIRST LOOK
If you are a couple who doesn’t want to miss out on their cocktail hour with friends and family, then you might want to consider seeing each other beforehand.
The best part? You actually get intimate time together on your wedding day!! Couples generally don’t realize, that when you come down the aisle, that you don’t really get the opportunity to speak before the ceremony begins! You can’t embrace, or tell each other more than a few words in that moment. You have to wait until the end of the ceremony for all of that goodness, when all of that initial excitement has settled. Now imagine all of that happening right before the ceremony? Genuine reactions, heartfelt words, sweet embraces. That is what a first look is all about, and I absolutely LOVE them for that!
This way, you can have photos of you two, and your wedding party, and sometimes even family photos, before the ceremony even begins! That way, after the wedding ceremony, you can just join into the fun you have planned for your guests! As we have likely discussed, I will still try to steal you away for a couple photos at sunset if the timing is right!
In the end, whether you choose to see each other before the ceremony is entirely up to you! Regardless of when you see one another on your wedding, it is going to be unforgettable and I can’t wait to capture the magic!
PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE
GETTING READY: 1.5-2 HOURS
CEREMONY: 15 MINS-1 HOUR
FAMILY PHOTOS: 15 MINS-1 HOUR
WEDDING PARTY + COUPLES PHOTOS: 1-2 HOURS
RECEPTION: 2-6 HOURS
*EXTRA PORTRAIT TIME*: AS MUCH TIME AS YOU'LL GIVE ME
You have put so much time into planning your wedding, and you will be so shocked with how quickly it will fly by! That is why we invest in wedding photography that will tell the story of your day, so you can re-live it together time and time again.
Having a well planned timeline will allow you to really enjoy your day and not worry about a thing! Without one, weddings can quickly become a stressful experience! Here are some loose guidelines to help guide you when making your schedule.
SAMPLE TIMELINE
- 12:00 - COVERAGE BEGINS ( DETAILS), CANDIDS OF each partner and their wedding party getting ready
- 1:30 - Time to get dressed
- 1:30-2:00- solo PORTRAITS/ with FAMILY / wedding party
- 2:00-2:30 – FIRST LOOK, Couples Portraits, intimate vows
- 2:30-3:00 – WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS (LESS TIME FOR SMALLER WEDDING PARTIES)
- 3:00-3:30 - Immediate Family Photos (More time needed for extended family)
- 3:30 -A few more couples portraits and then HIDE AWAY before the ceremony, CHILL TIME, HAVE A DRINK!
- 4:00-4:30 – CEREMONY
- 4:30-5:00 – THE LOVE BOMB HAS GONE OFF! ENJOY ALL THE HUGS AND WELL WISHES AND CHAMPAGNE WITH YOUR PEOPLE!
- 5:00-6:00 - ENJOY COCKTAIL HOUR!
- 5:45 - PHOTOGRAPHERS TO PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION BEFORE GUESTS ENTER.
- 6:00 - RECEPTION TO BEGIN.
- 6:15 – GRAND ENTRANCE AND FIRST DANCE.
- 6:30 – FIRST COURSE SERVED.
- 7:15 – DINNER SERVED.
- 8:30 – DINNER AND SPEECHES BEGIN TO WRAP UP.
- 9:00 – SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER/DAUGHTER / MOTHER/SON).
- 9:15 – DANCE FLOOR OPENS! 10:00 – CAKE CUTTING.
10 HOURS WITH A FIRST LOOK
June - August Weddings
SAMPLE TIMELINE
- 1:30 - COVERAGE BEGINS ( DETAILS), CANDIDS OF EACH PARTNER AND THEIR WEDDING PARTY GETTING READY
- 3:00 – time to get dressed
- 3:00-3:30 -SOLO PORTRAITS/ WITH FAMILY / WEDDING PARTY
- 3:30 - HIDE couple AWAY/ touch ups
- 3:45 - ceremony details/guest arrival
- 4:00 – CEREMONY!
- 4:30 - THE LOVE BOMB HAS GONE OFF! ENJOY ALL THE HUGS AND WELL WISHES AND CHAMPAGNE WITH YOUR PEOPLE!
- 4:45-5:15 – IMMEDIATE FAMILY PHOTOS (NOTE: MORE TIME IS NEEDED FOR EXTENDED FAMILY)
- 5:15-5:45 –WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS (LESS TIME FOR SMALLER WEDDING PARTIES)
- 5:45-6:15 – couples portraits
- 6:15 - PHOTOGRAPHERS TO PHOTOGRAPH RECEPTION BEFORE GUESTS ENTER.
- 6:30 - RECEPTION TO BEGIN.
- 6:45 – GRAND ENTRANCE AND FIRST DANCE.
- 7:30 – FIRST COURSE SERVED.
- 8:30 – DINNER AND SPEECHES BEGIN TO WRAP UP.
- 9:00 – SPECIAL DANCES (FATHER/DAUGHTER / MOTHER/SON).
- 9:15 – DANCE FLOOR OPENS!
- 10:00 – CAKE CUTTING.
- 10:30 - PHOTOGRAPHERS TO WRAP UP FOR THE EVENING.
10 HOURS WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
June - August Weddings
If you aren’t sure when your ceremony should start, I recommend about 2.5 hours before sunset if you are having a first look and about 3.5 hours before if you are not.
When possible, avoid scheduling bride and groom portraits at the noon hour. This is when the sun is the highest, and shadows are the most harsh.
Always allow more time than you think you will need. It is better to have a little extra time than not enough - especially when getting ready!
TIMELINE TIPS
When deciding on a space to get ready on the morning of your wedding, natural light is your friend! Look for a space with a lot of natural light, and neutral colours when possible. Getting ready photos are always enhanced when the background is clean and simple. Look for neutral walls or furniture that will compliment the style of your wedding.
It is also very helpful to ask your bridesmaids to keep all of their things in one corner to avoid clutter in the background of photos. If you will be getting ready in a hotel, you can also ask for the room to be cleaned in the morning, so that the beds are made and everything is straightened up before photos begin!
GETTING READY
- WEDDING DRESS
- BRIDESMAID DRESSES
- PRETTY HANGERS FOR THE DRESSES (wood is best!)
- RINGS (all three please!)
- BRIDES SHOES
- ANY JEWELRY THE BRIDE WILL BE WEARING
- PERFUME BOTTLE
- HEADPIECE OR VEIL
- BOUQUETS (& boutonnières can be with bride or groom)
- STATIONERY
GATHERING DETAILS
To have with her:
If you want all of those special details photographed on the wedding day, here’s a guide of what to have, and who should plan to have it.
- TIE/BOW TIE
- CUFF-LINKS
- BELT
- SHOES
- LETTER TO THE BRIDE
To have with him:
- GIFT/LETTER FROM THE GROOM TO THE BRIDE AND VICE VERSA
- HEIRLOOMS/KEEPSAKES
- A CLUTCH
- SOMETHING OLD/NEW/BORROWED/BLUE
Other Ideas:
When I first arrive on your wedding day, I will give you an excited hug, and introduce myself to all of your beautiful bridesmaids and family. I will the grab your details that you have kindly set aside, and photograph those first. That way, everyone can get comfortable with a camera in the room.
PHOTOGRAPHING DETAILS
It is really helpful when your florist delivers the flowers to the location where you will be getting ready, rather than the ceremony site. That way, I can photograph them when they are most fresh and you get to enjoy the flowers for a longer time. It is a double bonus to have a few single stems or greenery to work with while photographing details like rings and stationary. You may want to just ask your florist to include any extra/leftover stems that they may have from the bouquets. I promise to put them to good use!
To make family photos run quickly (before anyone has the chance to get bored), I will have the couple stand in the middle, and then have family members rotate around you. Make sure to inform each of the family members that you would like to have in photos, when the photos will be. Typically we do them immediately following the ceremony, so if the minister could make an announcement to say that family photos will be happening immediately following the recessional, that is very helpful in moving things along!
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS
- B&G with B’s grandparents
- B&G with B’s immediate family and grandparents
- B&G with B’s immediate family
- B&G with B’s parents
- B&G with G’s parents
- B&G with g’s grandparents
- B&G with G’s immediate family and grandparents
- B&G with G’s immediate family
- B&G with B&G’s both sets of parents
- B&G with both immediate families
Have a designated appointee who knows the family members, and can help to get them organized to make them move quickly.
To prevent family members from stepping on your dress, lightly pick up your dress, let the family member get in nice and close, and then drop the dress again. Be sure to do this with each group!
Consider removing your veil for family photos. Often times, everyone is so excited (you just got MARRIED), and when they put their arms around you to pose for the photo, they often snag the back of the veil.
FAMILY PHOTO TIPS
I absolutely LOVE working with wedding parties. I aim to keep the experience very light hearted and fun. I will work very hard to put everyone at ease throughout the morning, and come time for wedding party photos, I will have you moving, interacting, and laughing as much as possible.
After the full group photos, I will do photos with just the ladies, followed by just the gents. I will also be sure to capture an image of the bride and groom with each of their individual bridesmaids and groomsmen. Once we are all finished with the wedding party, I will send them back to enjoy the cocktail hour with the rest of your guests!
WEDDING PARTY PORTRAITS
These are the MOST important photos from the wedding, and my absolute favourite part of the whole day! These are the images you will likely put up in frames in your home, and give to your parents and grandparents. In addition to the timing we schedule for these photos, I ask for about 10 minutes during the “Golden Hour” to capture some additional images with the most beautiful light of the day! Some of the very best photos happen during this time.
If the location allows, myself or my second shooter will grab you each a beverage of choice to enjoy during photos.
COUPLES PORTRAITS
I want you to take in each moment of the day, and enjoy every bit of it. My goal for portraits is to have a lot of fun with you and create beautiful imagery to remember your wedding day by. I want you to be in the moment with one another. In doing so, I am better able to capture natural, beautiful images overflowing with love and emotion!
Rain or shine… you two are getting married, and it will be fabulous no matter what! We will be busy putting out all of the positive vibes to Mother Nature for your big day, but it really does pay to think about a back up location in case Mother Nature didn’t get the memo.
It is never a bad idea to be too prepared. Clear umbrellas are your best friend! If they aren’t used on your wedding day, they can always be returned afterwards, and even if they are used, wedding marketplaces are a great place to re-sell, and umbrellas are always scooped up right away.
RAIN PLAN
Something to consider on your wedding day, is asking your guests to put away their phones, iPads and cameras and just be with you two to witness your marriage. I cannot even tell you how many amazing moments have been ruined by an iPad blocking the bride or groom, or a guests’ flash over exposing the shot, or someone just jumping into the aisle to capture the shot from their perspective.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
There is something really special about having everyone there, truly present and in the moment with the couple.
“We want you to be able to really enjoy our wedding day, feeling truly present and in the moment with us. We’ve hired an awesome wedding photographer who will be capturing the whole wedding— and we’re inviting each of you to sit back, relax, and just enjoy how the wedding feels. We’re respectfully asking that everyone consider leaving all cameras and cell phones off. Of course we will happy to share our wedding photos with you afterward!”
If this is something you want to consider, you can have your officiant say something prior to the ceremony, or perhaps have a little write up in your programs:
“We want you to be able to relax and have fun with us today! This in mind, we invite you to put down all your favourite devices and just be present in the moment with us. Please leave your camera in your bag (we’ve got photography covered!), and put your cell phone on mute (we promise they’ll call back!).”
PREFERRED VENDORS
Eryn Shannon Makeup and Hair - erynshannon.com
taylor switzer - taylorswitzer.com
Presley Foskett - preseleyfoskett.com
Dawna Boot Makeup - dawnaboot.com
Jen Evoy Make Up Studio - jenevoymakeupstudio.com
Fancy Face - fancyface.ca
Blush Pretty - blushpretty.com
JK Glam - jkglam.com
HAIR & MAKEUP
Videos by Janet - @videosbyjanet
Michael Duhamel - michaeljduhamel.com
alex Lear - alexlearfilms.com
Kath Films - kathfilms.com
Maurice - wearerawmedia.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
Tade - sheisthemarryinglady.com
Cortney Pasternak Humanist Wedding Officiant - torontoweddingceremonyofficiant.com
Martin Frith - ceremonieswithchoice.ca
OFFICIANTS
Pink peony Press - pinkpeonypress.com
Minted - minted.com
Post Calligraphy - postcalligraphy.com All Things
Lovely Paper Co. - allthingslovelypaper.co
CALLIGRAPHY & INVITATIONS
Hunt and Gather - huntandgatherfloral.com
Patchouli Floral Love + Design - patchoulidesign.com
Blush and Bloom - blushandbloom.ca
Cedar and Stone - cedarandstone.ca
Joey Butta - whiteoakflower.co
Wine & Country Floral - winecountryfloral.com
FLORALS
Above and Beyond Cupcakes - aboveandbeyondcupcakes.com
nadia & Co - nadiaandco.com
Bobette & Belle - bobbetteandbelle.com/
CAKES
Ferre Sposa - www.ferresposa.com
Loversland - shoploversland.com
Jealous Bridesmaids - jealousbridesmaids.com
Sash & Bustle - sashandbustle.com
DRESS SHOPS
Alexandra / Blush and Bowties - blushandbowties.ca
Shea - shealynangus.com
Shannon - shannonbellisle.com
Danielle - shawevents.ca
Trevor - trevents.ca
Caryn - asyouwishweddings.ca
Ashley - ashleypigott.com
WEDDING COORDINATORS
Devine and Co. - devineand.co
Lucie Tic - lucietic.com
DJ Rich Sweet - djrichsweet.com
MICHAEL COOMBS - MICHAELCOOMBS.CA
DJ's
Saturday Night Jive - saturdaynightjive.com
Parkside Drive - parksidedrive.ca
The Keynotes - thekeynotes.ca
Young Running - youngrunning.com
BANDS
plate occasions - plateoccasions.com/
DÉCOR & LOUNGE FURNITURE
I CAN’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU!
Want to chat about any details? You can email me anytime.
If you’d like to chat on the phone, send an email, and we can plan a time for me to call.
THANK YOU!
TLOCKWOOD03@GMAIL.COM
647.382.2420
WWW.TAMARA-LOCKWOOD.COM
