MKR PHOTOS

WEDDING GUIDE

VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS, CEREMONY TIPS, FAMILY PHOTO GUIDANCE & MUCH MORE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Welcome

  2. Engagement Photos

  3. Vendors

  4. Ceremony

  5. Candid Photos

  6. First Looks

  7. Timelines

  8. Family Portraits

  9. Reception & Exits

  10. Image Delivery

NO

1.

WELCOME

I'm so honored that you've trusted me with capturing your wedding day! I'm looking forward to celebrating with you and getting to know you better over the next several months.

In the meantime, this guide is designed to help you create a wedding day that lends itself to the best photos possible! This will walk you through everything from timelines to details to family photos.

Thank you again for choosing to work with me and feel free reach out at any point during the planning process!

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

LOVE,

Makaila

2.

NO

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

& WHY WE LOVE THEM

Engagement sessions are a great way for us to connect and get to know each other before your big day arrives! You'll learn all about my shooting style and get comfortable in front of the camera! This will make your wedding day pictures a piece of cake!

PLANNING YOUR SESSION

MAKE IT A DATE

My number one guiding light for engagement sessions is to think of it as a date. Pick an activity that you actually enjoy doing together. Pack a picnic, take me to your favorite local coffee joint. Weaving in the following elements can help make your session more than just a photoshoot.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Fur babies! The more the merrier. Make sure to check to see if they are allowed at your photoshoot location!

  • Bubbles! We love ending our session with a celebratory champagne pop.

  • A blanket to sit on or bundle up in.

  • Plan an activity: bring a deck of cards, pack a picnic, let's go get ice cream - you name it!

PRO TIPS

Keepin' it practical! Let's be real, Colorado weather and terrain can be unpredictable. Check the weather ahead of time, bring layers, and shoes that don't make your life harder!

Locations: Check out Makaila's Adventure Guide for some sample location options. 

WHAT TO WEAR

Engagement sessions are up to one hour. There’s usually time for two different outfits. Below you’ll find some styling suggestions to help you plan your looks.

HECK YES: Complementary color schemes, items that are comfortable + easy to move in, flowy skirts or tops that show movement, Something you feel AMAZING wearing - I want you to feel confident and like yourselves!

TRY TO AVOID: Small, intricate, busy patterns, super wrinkly or linty clothes (the camera sees everything!), big logos and writing on shirts, something that just isn't YOU, something uncomfortable that needs constantly adjusted

If you're stumped about where to start, check out Makaila's outfit inspiration board

3.

NO

VENDOR GUIDE

THAT’LL MAKE FOR AN EPIC WEDDING DAY

On average, couples hire a team of 15 vendors for their wedding day. Here’s my list of go-to tried and true vendors that I’ve worked with or come highly recommended by my trusted industry connections. If you’re looking for a vendor category that isn’t on my list, reach out and I can get you pointed in the right direction!

4.

NO

CEREMONY

YOUR WEDDING

This is the big moment! The ceremony is what you and all your loved ones are all looking forward to. Walking down the aisle, honoring your love, and making it official. 

Every ceremony is different; weaving in different traditions and spiritualities with elements of your own unique personalities. Here are a few pointers to consider to help make everything flow organically and feel natural.

| 1 |
WEDDING OFFICIANT

It's super common to have a friend or family member officiate! It's easy for them to get ordained online and this adds a personal touch to each and every ceremony. Consider having your officiant watch this free masterclass or sign up for one-on-one coaching with the incredible Heather Baron, so they are ready for a picture perfect ceremony!

| 2 |
CHAIRS

Believe it or not, your chair selection matters! It sets the tone for the vibe of your wedding ceremony. Chairs are going to be in nearly every photo of your ceremony and reception. Consider saying "no" to plastic folding chairs to elevate your aesthetic. It's typically an inexpensive upgrade and worth every penny! 

| 3 |
RULE OF THREE

When it comes to the “first kiss”, follow the rule of three! The FIRST kiss is when your officiant announces it! Make sure to kiss TWICE. This gives your photographer an extra shot at capturing your first kiss! Have your THIRD kiss in the aisle: stop midway down for a kiss (or even a dip kiss!).

| 4 |
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY

Ask your officiant to announce an unplugged ceremony before you walk down the aisle. They’ll request guests to turn their phones on silent and not to take them out until the end of the ceremony. You can also announce a photo op once you get down the aisle and prompt attendees to put their phones away after that.

NO

5.

CANDID PHOTOS

If you're here, candid and documentary style photos are probably important to you. SAME! There's so much magic in the unplanned, unexpected, snaps from your wedding day that transport you back in time to that very moment.

HERE’S THE SECRET SAUCE WHEN IT COMES TO CANDIDS

Being fully present in the moment.

&

Space + Time
Avoid creating timelines that feel crammed, rushed, or like one big checklist

6.

NO

FIRST LOOK

WONDERING IF A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU

It's a special moment when you see your other half for the first time on your wedding day. It's a moment worth remembering whether you do or a first look or wait for an epic reveal as you walk down the aisle.

I’m personally a big fan of first looks for a bunch of reasons. If you're wondering whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day, here are some ideas to consider.

| 1 |
QUIET MOMENT ALONE

Wedding days go by in a blur. As soon as the day begins there is so much to do and so many people to see. Doing a first look will give the two of you a moment alone (with a camera shooting from afar) to soak it all in and think through what the day means to you

| 2 |
TIMING BENEFITS

When you have a first look, we can take pictures of the two of you, the bridal party, and some family pictures before the ceremony even begins. This makes the day less rushed and makes more space for y’all to enjoy your day. After the ceremony, we won't need as much time set aside for photos and you can get to your cocktail hour and reception sooner!

Also, if there's weather in the forecast, a first look gives you the option to get pictures done earlier in the day in case any other pieces need to move around!

| 3 |
GET YOUR TEARS OUT

A first look give both of you a moment to let your emotions run free without the audience of all your wedding guests. You can get all your tears out knowing you'll have time to freshen up before pictures too.

First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.


"I love her. and that's the beginning and the end of everything."

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

7.

NO

TIMELINES

WEDDING DAY

Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional (not seeing each other until the bride walks down the aisle), we'll work with you to create the perfect wedding day schedule. Take a look at the examples below to get a general idea of when to plan for photos on your wedding day.

FIRST LOOK VS. NO FIRST LOOK

  • 12:15 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos

    1:00 pm | Getting ready photos

    1:15 pm | Bride gets dressed + first look with dad

    1:30 pm | Couple’s first look & portraits

    2:00 pm | Wedding Party Photos

    2:45 pm | Family Photos

    3:30 pm | End pre ceremony wedding photos

    3:30 pm | Ceremony detail shots

    4:00 pm | Ceremony

    4:30 pm | Extended family photos + cocktail hour

    5:00 pm | Reception setup details

    5:30 pm | Guests invited to take their seats

    5:45 pm | Grand Entrance + welcome toast

    6:00 pm | Dinner Service

    7:00 pm | Toasts

    7:15 pm | Cake cutting into first dance + special dances

    7:25 pm | Dance floor opens

    8:15 pm | Photographer departs

  • 12:30 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos

    1:15 pm | Getting ready photos

    1:30 pm | Bride gets dressed + first look with dad

    1:45 pm | Bride & Bridesmaids

    2:15 pm | Groom & Groomsmen

    2:45 pm | Ceremony setup and details

    3:00 pm | Guests begin to arrive

    3:30 pm | Ceremony

    4:00 pm | Family Photos + cocktail hour begins

    4:30 pm | Full wedding party photos + second photographer captures reception setup

    5pm | Newlywed Portraits

    5:15 pm | Grand Entrance + first dance

    5:30 pm | Dinner Service

    6:30 pm | Toasts

    6:45 pm | Special Dances + cake cutting

    7:00 pm | Golden hour photos

    7:00 pm | Dance floor opens

    8:30 pm | Photographer departs

  • 1:00 pm | Coverage begins

    1:15 pm | Bride gets dressed + first look with dad

    1:30 pm | Couple’s first look & portraits

    2:00 pm | Wedding Party Photos

    2:30 pm | Family Photos

    3:00 pm | Guests begin to arrive

    3:30 pm | Ceremony

    4:00 pm | Extended family photos + cocktail hour

    4:30 pm | Reception setup details

    5:00 pm | Guests take their seats

    5:15 pm | Grand Entrance + first dance

    5:30 pm | Dinner Service

    6:15 pm | Toasts

    6:30 pm | Cake cutting into first dance + special dances

    6:45 pm | Dance floor opens

    7:00 pm | Photographer departs

SAMPLE TIMELINES

  • 12:15 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos

    1:00 pm | Getting ready photos

    1:15 pm | Bride gets dressed + first look with dad

    1:30 pm | Couple’s first look & portraits

    2:00 pm | Wedding Party Photos

    2:45 pm | Family Photos

    3:30 pm | End pre ceremony wedding photos

    3:30 pm | Ceremony detail shots

    4:00 pm | Ceremony

    4:30 pm | Extended family photos + cocktail hour

    5:00 pm | Reception setup details

    5:30 pm | Guests invited to take their seats

    5:45 pm | Grand Entrance + welcome toast

    6:00 pm | Dinner Service

    7:00 pm | Toasts

    7:15 pm | Cake cutting into first dance + special dances

    7:25 pm | Dance floor opens

    8:15 pm | Photographer departs

  • 12:00 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos

    1:00 pm | Getting ready photos

    1:15 pm | Bride gets dressed + first look with dad

    1:30 pm | Couple’s first look & portraits

    2:00 pm | Wedding Party Photos

    2:45 pm | Family Photos

    3:30 pm | End pre ceremony wedding photos

    3:30 pm | Ceremony detail shots

    4:00 pm | Ceremony

    4:30 pm | Extended family photos + cocktail hour

    5:00 pm | Reception setup details

    5:30 pm | Guests invited to take their seats

    5:45 pm | Grand Entrance + welcome toast

    6:00 pm | Dinner Service

    7:00 pm | Toasts

    7:15 pm | Golden hour photos

    7:30 pm | First dance + special dances

    7:45 pm | Dance floor opens

    8:00 pm | Cake cutting & dessert served

    8:30 pm | Late night snack

    9:45 pm | Private last dance

    9:50 pm | Grand exit with sparklers

    10:00 pm | Photographer departs

8.

NO

FAMILY PORTRAITS

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS

CROWD MANAGEMENT

It's great if you can assign a friend or family member to help make sure we have everyone we need for family photos. This person should know who everyone on the photo list is but not be in too many photos themselves.

CREATE A LIST

You’ll write up your family photo groupings in your wedding photo questionnaire that you’ll receive before your wedding. Please make sure you list everyone's first name so I can call them out easily.
(There's a template below that you can customize!)

SHORT AND SWEET

I try to take family photos as efficiently as possible. With that said, keep in mind that every grouping typically takes 2-3 minutes to pose. Consider how you want to spend your wedding day, and the images you want to end up with.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN THE LOOP

It makes the whole process of family photos faster when everyone in them knows what to expect. Let your family members know where to be and when to avoid tracking down folks who wandered off.

TEMPLATE

PARTNER ONE'S SIDE:

  • P1 & P2 + PARENTS

  • P1 + MOM

  • P1 + DAD

  • P1 & P2 + PARENTS & SIBLINGS

  • P1 + PARENTS AND SIBLINGS

  • P1 & P2 + SIBLINGS

PARTNER 2'S SIDE:

  • P1 & P2 + MOM & STEP DAD

  • P2 & P1 + MOM

  • P2 + MOM

  • P1 & P2 + MOM & SIBLINGS

  • P1 & P2 + SIBLINGS

  • P2 + SIBLINGS

  • P1 & P2 + GRANDMA

  • P2 + GRANDMA

SAMPLE

MAKAILA’S SIDE

  • M & J + PARENTS (Diane & Jamie)

  • M + MOM (Diane)

  • M + DAD (Jamie)

  • M & J + PARENTS & SIBLINGS (Jamie, Diane, Haley, Cameron, Spencer)

  • M + PARENTS AND SIBLINGS

  • M & J + SIBLINGS

  • M & J + grandma (Bubbie)

  • M + Bubbie

JAY’S SIDE:

  • M & J + MOM (Cor)

  • J + MOM (Cor)

  • M & J + MOM & SIBLINGS (Cor, Harry, Kate)

  • M & J + SIBLINGS (Harry, Kate

  • J + SIBLINGS (Harry)

9.

NO

RECEPTION
&
GRAND EXITS

RECEPTION

During your reception, I will be taking photos of the speeches and dancing as well as candid shots of your guests. I will always be availabe to grab a photo of you with a group of guests that may have not been in a planned group photo. I love being your personal paparazzi!

GRAND EXITS

Grand exits are such a fun bookend to your day! They typically consist of a human tunnel along with sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks or something else to celebrate with! I like to have couples run through the tunnel twice to make sure we get that EPIC send off photos!

If your photographer isn't scheduled to be there for the grand exit, you can always do a "mock exit" earlier in the night. For example, have your DJ gather your guests around you with sparklers while you dance with your partner.

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

DR. SEUSS

IMAGE DELIVERY

10.

NO

EDITING TIMELINE

Sneak peeks will be delivered within 7 days. From there, I’ll be working on hand-editing your full gallery to be delivered within 6-8 weeks. You’ll receive a gallery link where you can view images and share it with loved ones if you choose.

DIGITAL GALLERY

You’ll receive your digital gallery link via email when it ready. Your gallery will include download access for high res and web size images. I ensure that your gallery link will be live for a minimum of one year (even though I normally leave them up indefinitely). I recommend downloading and backing up your images to multiple “homes” upon receiving them (cloud backups and physical hard drives).

FULL GALLERIES

Megan + Ben
Colorado Springs, CO

Grace + Isaac
Grand Lake, CO

Molly + Justin
Boulder, CO

Brenna + Trevor
Silverthorne, CO

Allison + Colten
Estes Park, CO

THANK YOU

Congratulations on making it through this guide! I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate with you soon! If you need to contact me at any point during the planning process, feel free to shoot me an email!

makaila@mkrphotos.com
mkrphotos.com