First and foremost, I want to express just how truly honored I am that you've chosen me to document your wedding day. Capturing these moments for you is not something I take lightly. I pour my heart and soul into my work because I want to create images that will become timeless treasures for you both. I am forever grateful for every couple that trusts me with this responsibility.

With this little guide, my goal is simple: to ensure you get everything you envision out of your wedding photos. I've filled it with tips, insights, and recommendations to help with planning, so you know exactly what to expect from me on the day and how to enhance the overall look of your final gallery.

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to plan your wedding day—what matters most is that you make choices that feel true to you. It's easy to get caught up in social media trends, family expectations, and the pressure to impress others. But remember, this day is about you and your partner, and it's about what makes you both happy.

This guide is simply here to help you plan in a way that feels intentional and authentic to you. Photography is a blend of art and storytelling, and while I'll always be there to capture every moment as it happens, a little thought about the details can make a big difference in the final photos. Together, we’ll create a collection of images that truly reflect the magic and emotion of your day.

I want you to get the most out of your wedding photos.

xx, Maggie

MAKE. YOUR. DAY. MEANINGFUL.

If there is one thing you take away from this whole guide - it is to be intentional with every single aspect of your wedding day. Don’t make any decision because you feel pressure from the people around you, influence from social media, or because of tradition. One of the best things about smaller, intimate weddings is being able to truly make your day be all about you two. So close your eyes and envision your perfect day together. Think about the things that mean most to you as a couple, activities you both love, and the times you’ve felt the most connected. There is no right or wrong way to plan your day, and sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest meaning. My goal with this guide is to give you ideas, make planning easier, and remind you to make your day as unique as your love story!

HOW I’LL CAPTURE YOUR DAY

On your wedding day, I take a relaxed, documentary-style approach to capture the day as it naturally unfolds. Instead of constantly posing or interrupting, I focus on the genuine moments—laughter, quiet exchanges, and the candid emotions that make your day uniquely yours. My goal is to preserve the true story of your wedding, allowing you to stay present and enjoy the moment without feeling overly directed.

When direction is needed, I’ll offer gentle guidance to help you feel comfortable or bring out a specific mood. Whether it’s a soft prompt to capture a particular feeling or guiding you into a flattering pose, my aim is always to make sure your photos reflect the real, authentic emotions of your wedding day. I want you to be able to look back at your photos and relive the day just as it happened—beautiful, heartfelt, and true to you both.

NON-TRADITIONAL VENUES

Choosing a non-traditional venue for your wedding opens up endless possibilities for a celebration that truly reflects your personality and style. From mountaintop vistas and forest clearings to cozy cabins or secluded beaches, unique venues allow you to break away from convention and immerse yourself in an environment that resonates with you as a couple. Not only does this choice add a memorable backdrop to your photos, but it also creates an intimate atmosphere where you and your guests can feel relaxed, connected, and inspired by the natural beauty around you. Embrace a space that speaks to your story, and make the day uniquely yours.

  • National or State Parks

  • Public Parks

  • Campgrounds

  • Family or friend’s Backyard

  • Family Home

  • Airbnb/vrbo

  • Botanical gardens

  • Beaches or lakeshores

  • Historic Sites

  • Vineyards or Orchards

It’s crucial to remember to secure your marriage license well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Each state and/or county has different requirements and processing times, so check the specifics for your location to ensure everything is in order. If you’re eloping internationally, consider that some destinations may not recognize marriages performed there unless you complete a legal ceremony beforehand. In such cases, you may want to get legally married in your home country before you leave, ensuring that your union is recognized no matter where your adventure takes you.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

The “getting ready” time is about capturing the quiet anticipation, so choose a space with plenty of natural light and minimal clutter for a clean, beautiful backdrop. Ideally, pick a spot close to where your partner is preparing, or even the same venue, to capture those shared moments and make transitions smoother for everyone involved. Thoughtfully choosing this space makes a big difference in the outcome of your photos, enhancing every image with a clean, cohesive backdrop that complements your story.

  • Steam everyone’s attire before the wedding day

  • Don’t forget cute outfits for anyone that will get ready with you

  • Go braless while you get ready so there are no markings on your skin

GETTING READY

THOUGHTFUL DETAILS + ACCESSORIES

The first thing I’ll do when I arrive is quickly capture some detail shots of specific items. Consider choosing items that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Think about incorporating elements such as your unique accessories, heirloom jewelry, or sentimental tokens that reflect your journey together. Curating these details not only adds depth to your story but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your images. Remember, it’s the little things that can make a big impact, so take the time to choose items that resonate with your personal style and love story.

  • your wedding gown

  • jewelry

  • veil

  • shoes

  • ring boxes

  • hair accessories

  • watches

  • map/guide of ceremony area

  • invitation

  • perfume/cologne

  • loose florals

  • pretty dress hanger

FIRST LOOK

A first look is a beautiful, private moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time. It allows you to share an intimate, unhurried experience together, calming any pre-ceremony nerves and creating space for genuine, emotional reactions.

Skipping a first look is completely okay; your day should unfold in a way that feels true to you. Just remember to carve out a few minutes elsewhere for a private moment with your new spouse—it’s a special chance to connect and soak in the joy together amid the celebration.

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS FOR A MOMENT ALONE:

  • Have coffee/breakfast together before you start getting ready

  • Do a private vow reading or prayer before the ceremony (psst.. you can do this without actually seeing each other before the ceremony)

  • Write letters and/or get a gift that someone can deliver to the other

  • Eat dinner in private together

  • Let me capture some portraits of you two at sunset

  • You can also choose to do a first look with your bridal party, parents, grandparents, etc. instead

  • If none of these will work.. at least sneak behind the venue during your reception and makeout with your new spouse!

When planning an intimate wedding, you have the freedom to either embrace traditional elements or make it entirely your own. Whether you want a classic ceremony with personal vows or something completely unconventional, an intimate setting allows for flexibility and creativity. You might even choose to have a smaller ceremony, exchanging vows with just a few people, and celebrate after with your closest family and friends.

YOUR CEREMONY

  • Plan a rehearsal so everyone knows exactly where to go

  • Make sure to hold your first kiss for a few seconds! This gives me the best chance at capturing this moment perfectly!

  • Pause for moment at the end of the aisle! Go in for another kiss, celebrate for a second.. this makes for such cute photos!

  • Remind your officiant to tell everyone to sit down at the appropriate time. I can’t tell you how many weddings I’ve been to where guests are stuck standing the majority of the time because the officiant forgot this.

HANDWRITTEN VOWS

I highly recommend considering writing your own vows for each other - regardless of whether you read them in private or during your ceremony. I can’t tell you how many times couples tell me that was the favorite part of the day! It can be nerve wracking being the center of attention, but that really is something so special about sharing your vows in front of your people. This is one of the best ways to personalize your day and add such a meaningful, emotional touch to the day.

That being said, this is your day and if personal vows just do not resonate with you then don’t do them! Or if you hate public speaking, share them with each other at some doing your day. You can have someone deliver them before the ceremony, you can read them privately before or even after your ceremony, you can read them during your ceremony, or simply skip them altogether.

I ask that a friend/family member/planner be present during these to help put together different combinations as I am unfamiliar with who everyone is and want to focus on getting great photos for you!

Family and group photos are an important part of the day, but they can also be time-consuming. To keep things moving smoothly, we’ll nail down a list of must-have group shots beforehand. I’ll give you a variety of different bridal party combinations and all the typical family photos, but start thinking about any photos you want that I wouldn’t be obviously aware of!

FAMILY & BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS

Your reception is completely up to you—keep it as simple or as elaborate as you’d like! Not a fan of being the center of attention? No need for a first dance or any of the traditional moments like cake cutting, speeches, the shoe game, garter toss, or grand exits. It's your celebration, so feel free to include or skip whatever feels right for you.

One thing to keep in mind: I do require a meal during the reception, and I’ll time it so I’m eating while you do, ensuring I’m ready to capture everything.

When it comes to lighting, make sure there's enough for those key moments you want to capture—like speeches, first dances, or bouquet tosses. I recommend letting your DJ know to avoid using colored lighting that could affect your photos. You might even want to add extra white lighting for those special moments. After that, when it’s time to hit the dance floor, the rest is up to you! Enjoy the night however you choose.

RECEPTION

GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS

Golden hour, the hour before sunset, is truly the perfect time for capturing soft, romantic lighting that adds a touch of magic to your portraits. I highly recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes during this time for a few quiet, intimate photos together. This brief session allows for a variety of beautiful shots and gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment away from the excitement of the day.

While I love capturing portraits during golden hour, I also make sure to get plenty of photos of you two either before or immediately after the ceremony (whenever we take bridal party photos). This is a great way to ensure you have a diverse collection of portraits, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate for golden hour or the sunset ends up being too cloudy. Being prepared for different lighting conditions ensures you’ll always have stunning photos to remember your special day..

HANDLING BAD WEATHER ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Bad weather can actually be one of the most fun parts of an outdoor wedding! Embracing the elements—whether it's rain, wind, or clouds—can create unforgettable, authentic moments. Some of the most romantic portraits happen under an umbrella or during a break in the rain, giving your photos a unique, intimate feel.

If the weather turns really challenging, no worries! We’ll have a Plan B (and C) ready. Whether we take indoor portraits or adjust the timeline to capture portraits at the perfect moment, we’ll make sure your photos are stunning, no matter what. The key is staying flexible and letting the weather add its own magic to your day.

Creating a timeline for your wedding day helps everything flow smoothly, ensuring there's enough time for each important moment without feeling rushed. The best way to create a timeline is from working backwards. I suggest finding out when sunset is on your wedding day, and working backwards from your sunset portraits.

Below is a list of how to create your timeline and a couple sample timelines for a half and full day elopements. Sunrise/sunset varies greatly depending on time of year, and is usually the main thing to build your timeline around. The lighting around these times is the absolute best for your portraits. If you’re eloping in a very popular location, sunrise might be a good option to have the place all to yourselves.

CREATING A TIMELINE

  1. Decide EVERYTHING that you want to do on the day

  2. Create a timeline template (List of times every 30 min)

  3. Fill in all things that can’t be changed (sunrise, sunset, check-in, vendor arrivals/departures, etc.)

  4. Fill in everything else!

  5. We will tweak as needed throughout the planning process

Sample 8 Hour Wedding Timeline

1:30 p.m. - Photographer arrives and detail shots

1:45 p.m. - Bride getting ready

2:15 p.m. - Groom getting ready

2:30 p.m. - First Look

2:45 p.m. - Bridal party photos

3:30 p.m. - Bride hidden

4:00 p.m. - Ceremony

4:30 p.m. - Family Photos/Cocktail Hour

5:30 p.m. - Dinner

6:00 p.m. - Toasts

6:15 p.m. - First dances/open dancing

7:30 p.m. - Sunset portraits

8:00 p.m. - Hit the dance floor

9:30 p.m. - Photo coverage ends

- WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR PHOTOS -

Thank you for entrusting me with your memories. I’m honored to be part of your wedding, and I can’t wait to create photos that you’ll treasure forever. If you have any questions or need advice on planning, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I will send you some sneak peeks within one week of your elopement! This allows you to share with friends/family and start reliving your big day shortly after. You’ll receive your full gallery within 12 weeks, but usually it’s much earlier. Editing is half the magic, and your images deserve my time and full attention to properly finish creating them.