22Aug

Where Does the Time Go? | Wedding Timeline Planning

By, August 22, 2017

From the first pre-ceremony Bellinis with bridesmaids, to the last traditional event you’d like photographed, the wedding timeline can fill up quickly! So how do you fit in all of the memorable activities you will want to look back on, and ensure you have photographic coverage? We are here to help!

A very general timeline may look like the following (of course every wedding is different):

  • 3:00pm-3:45pm: We arrive onsite to photograph final getting ready shots. Bride should be 90% ready, with exception of dress being put on. Bridesmaids should be 100% ready.
  • 3:45-4:15: Photograph bridesmaids
  • 4:15-4:45: Photograph groomsmen
  • 5:00-5:30 Photograph ceremony
  • 5:30-6:30: Capture Cocktail hour (one photographer will head to cocktail hour, and the other will photograph the room details)
  • 5:30-6:00: Photograph family. This is one of the most important parts of the day! During this time, it is vital that all family know where to be, and are present. If we are chasing after an uncle that went to cocktail hour by accident, there is a domino effect and it takes time away from the couple’s photos. After the pics, the family heads to cocktail hour.
  • 6:00-6:15: Photograph bridal party. To get everyone quickly and efficiently, the bridal party needs to stick around, and not head to cocktail hour until after the pictures.
  • 6:15-6:35: Pictures of the wedding couple. If more time is needed or requested, we will pull you out during salads, and get a few more portraits
  • 6:35-10:00: Photograph dances and traditional reception events

To ensure the most success with your wedding timeline, it is beneficial to remember that all the little in-between times (getting to and from) really add up, and need to be cushioned. If you create a “perfect” timeline, then you have to be totally perfect, down to the second. That can be a bit stressful with all the moving parts of the wedding day. Let’s make a “not perfect” timeline, and allow windows of time to get from point a to b ;)

Here is a breakdown of each event paired, with the typical amount of time it takes for each activity. This will help you visualize the time the in-between moments can take up, so you can successfully plan your day.

Pre-Ceremony
Hair and make-up for brides and bridesmaids can take 1.5 to two hours per person. For bigger bridal parties, multiple artists/stylists make this time more efficient. If 1:45 is the goal for being done with hair and make-up, we suggest telling the beauty team that they need to be done 20 minutes before the actual cutoff. Also, bridesmaids need to arrive and be ready for hair and make-up early (for example by 8:40 rather than 9), and to be ready for portraits by 1:30. This way, they are dressed and ready to help you with your getting ready shots.

As bridesmaids are and heading towards the next destination, it can take 5-10 minutes to leave the “getting ready” area. This is true whether the bridal party pictures on site, or everyone is piling into a limo.  This time buffer should be accounted for, and built in, so you have the full amount of planned time at the next event. Bridesmaids chat while bride gets her makeup done. Bride gets her makeup applied. Bride and bridesmaids have fun while getting ready.

Post-Ceremony
Clearing out the ceremony area and gathering family for portraits can take about 10 minutes. So, if the ceremony ends promptly at 5:30pm, family portraits are likely to have an actual start time more like 5:45. A piece of expert advice is to have someone assigned to help move the guests towards the cocktail hour. Likewise, if there is any other activity after the ceremony, it will take time to gather guests and make sure they know the plan.Newlyweds kiss beneath arch of swords. Family portrait taken on wedding day.
Travel
When planning a wedding that requires any travel time, leave room in the schedule so that people can find parking and settle in. For example, if your ceremony is in a different spot than your “getting ready” location, and ten minute cushion to get settled should suffice. If you leave for portraits after the ceremony, and then travel back to the reception venue, the same buffer will be needed. The same is true when walking is involved from one place to another, like at a large hotel property. Whenever walking is involved, always plan for more time than you think you will use!Bride and groom kissing while driving. Bride and groom kiss each other in the
Reception
According to our sample timeline, the cake cutting would be at 6:55pm, so having it announced at 6:50 covers the 5 minutes it takes to gather people to watch.The actual cutting of the cake itself lasts around 5-7 minutes with photos and guest interactions factored in.

Similarly, the 7:30pm bouquet toss, which is likely to be followed by a garter toss, can use a five minute pre-event announcement.
Happy bride laughs as she cuts her cake. Newlyweds laugh during hora Groom entertains his bride during garter toss. Entering a reception with sparkler entrance.No two weddings are exactly alike, so consider any factors relevant to your specific plans. For example, at a beach wedding, walking through the sand will slow people down. Ultimately, the day doesn’t have to be perfect to reduce stress, it just needs some room for time flexibility!

05Feb

Moment of Suspense | Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills

By, February 05, 2016

In our opinion, it’s often the quiet moments that tell the most powerful stories. For example, take a look at the photo below, which was taken at Kelly and Julio’s luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel wedding. While photographing Kelly’s final moments before the ceremony, we noticed her sneaking a peek out the window, just as guests began to arrive. It was a brief pause for reflection and transition, in anticipation of the day ahead.

When crafting the final image, we decided on a black and white treatment to heighten the emotion, and to add a sense of drama and timelessness.
Bride waits anxiously out window before wedding ceremony

To see more of Kelly and Julio’s stunning Beverly Wilshire Hotel wedding, please click here.

20Dec

Smokey Eye Wedding Look with Keely Marie Makeup

By, December 20, 2012

My favorite part of working in the bridal industry is making brides feel more beautiful on their wedding day than they have ever felt before. There is nothing more amazing than to see a bride happy and joyful. That’s why I love doing what I do!

Recently, I was the makeup artist for Katie and Fred’s big day!  Initially, Katie, Fred and I met for a trial, to pin down the style that we’d use for the wedding. Fred, Katie’s sweet husband, wanted Katie to spice up her makeup and go glamorous. We were determined to find the perfect bridal look, taking Fred’s input into consideration, with a style that would “pop.”

San-Diego-Wedding-Makeup-with-Keely-Marie

Katie and Fred liked the smokey look with a light cheek and light lip.

San-Diego-Wedding-Makeup-with-Keely-Marie-Makeup

Bridesmaids-getting-ready-for-wedding-in-San-Diego

Katie’s smokey bridal look was a great match for her sexy and sultry persona, which you can see here!

San-Diego-Wedding-Makeup-with-Keely-Marie-Makeup

All eyes on Katie! She had show-stopping makeup that perfectly complemented her soft hair and elegant dress.

Fred,-her-sweet-husband,-wanted-Katie-to-spice-up-her-makeup-and-go-glamorous,-with-a-style-that-would-'pop.'

For my typical bridal services, I offer full airbrush makeup, lash application, tattoo covering, and airbrush tanning. I travel to every bride on her wedding day, and I can accommodate large bridal parties. If the bridal party is larger than 6 people, I bring an assistant to help get everybody ready on time.

Bridesmaids getting ready for wedding in San Diego

Bridesmaids-getting-ready-for-wedding-in-San-Diego

A bold lip and cheek with a bold eye can look too overdone. With a sultry and smokey eye, it is best to keep the cheeks and the lips more neutral, to keep focus on the eyes. Katie pulled off this smokey eye/natural face combo beautifully.

San Diego Bridal Makeup by Keely Marie Makeup

Katie chose airbrush foundation for her wedding day, which kept her makeup flawless the entire day. She was sweat-proof, tear-proof and photography ready! It was a great choice for any bride!

San-Diego-Wedding-Makeup-by-Keely-Marie

Bridesmaids-getting-ready-for-wedding-in-San-Diego

This fun couple hosted their reception at the swanky Ultimate Skybox in downtown San Diego. Katie’s look transitioned beautifully into the night!

Airbrush Wedding Makeup in San Diego by Keely Marie

Airbrush Wedding Makeup in San Diego by Keely Marie

Airbrush Wedding Makeup in San Diego by Keely Marie

Most often, I do trials with brides prior to their wedding day. I recommend booking a trial at least 3-4 months before your big day. For my out of town brides, I make sure to clearly understand their bridal makeup vision so I can still achieve the perfect look! One tip: book as early as you can, as certain months tend to be busier than others!

Photographer: True Photography
Makeup: Keely Marie Makeup
Hair Stylist: Hyde-Edwards Salon
Florist: The Floral Department
Disc Jockey: DJ Rooster Entertainment
Church/Temple: The Immaculata
Caterer: Coast Catering
Venue: Ultimate Skybox

San Diego Wedding Photographer

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