welcome

Joselyn + Chase

Wedding date | Location

"photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

Aaron Siskind

THANK YOU

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. My hope is that it serves as a thoughtful resource throughout your planning journey, offering you both practical tips and a photographer’s perspective to help your iconic day flow with ease.

When you feel calm, joyful, and fully present, that energy naturally translates into your wedding photographs. Before we dive in, I’d love to share my heart with you—my purpose is to visually narrate your story and preserve it with imagery that feels authentic, candid, and timeless.

These photographs will become more than memories; they will be poetic whispers of your love, evoking emotion every time you revisit them.

Please know that I am here for you. If you have any questions—whether about this guide or your wedding day itself—don’t hesitate to reach out.

TABLE of

CONTENTS

A LOVELY WELCOME

PLANNING A WEDDING & TIMELINE

GETTING READY BRIDE & GROOM

FIRST LOOK & PORTRAITS

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

AFTER THE WEDDING

VENDOR RECOMMENDATION

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

II.

LOCATION

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

SHOW YOUR LOVED ONES HOW IT ALL BEGAN

  Your engagement session is a beautiful prelude to your wedding day. It’s a chance to step in front of the camera before the big day—helping you release any nerves, gain confidence, and feel completely comfortable in the process. Think of it as a gentle rehearsal that allows you to relax, enjoy the moment, and see how natural and effortless photography can feel.

   This session also gives us the opportunity to connect more deeply. I’ll learn your natural chemistry, highlight the nuances of your personalities, and discover the most flattering ways to tell your story. In turn, you’ll grow more comfortable with me and my approach—so that on your wedding day, everything feels seamless, relaxed, and familiar.

   Whether you envision your session as timeless and formal or playful and casual, your engagement photos will become an essential part of your story. Beyond their sentimental value, they can be used for save-the-date cards, invitations, wedding websites, or thank-you notes—making this milestone not only meaningful, but also beautifully practical.

The fact that this is not your wedding, but an intimate session, will help you cast aside any anxiety and enjoy the moment.

I.

BEST TIME

  The beauty of your engagement photos depends greatly on timing—especially the light. For outdoor sessions, I recommend scheduling either half an hour before sunrise or an hour before sunset. These times, often called golden hour, create a soft, glowing light that flatters your complexion and avoids harsh shadows.

  To ensure the best experience, engagement sessions are scheduled between Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekday sessions allow us to avoid heavy crowds, giving you a more private and relaxed atmosphere—especially if you’re dreaming of a popular location.

  Your engagement session should feel like you. Choose a location that you truly love—one that reflects your personalities and beautifully complements your story.

  You might envision a scenic backdrop like the ocean at sunrise, a lush garden, or a sweeping view from the mountains. Or perhaps a meaningful setting feels right, such as your favorite neighborhood café, a quiet corner of the city, or a hidden outdoor spot that holds special memories.

 Wherever you choose, the most important thing is that it feels authentic to you as a couple. The right location will bring out your connection and ensure your photographs feel timeless, natural, and personal.

PLANNING A WEDDING

AN ODE TO YOUR LOVE

   As an engaged couple, I can imagine you’re already swept up in the excitement of all the dreams and ideas that come with planning your wedding. Inspiration is everywhere—and while it’s beautiful to dream, it can also feel overwhelming when paired with budgets, timelines, and endless decisions.

  Here’s the truth: not everything will go exactly as planned. Small mishaps are completely normal. The key is to stay calm, lean on one another, and find solutions together. Remember, you are not alone—your family and friends are often eager to help and support you along the way.

   Most importantly, stay true to your vision. Your wedding is an ode to your love, and it should feel like an authentic reflection of your story. Loved ones may share ideas and advice, and while their intentions are kind, choose only what resonates with you. When you feel comfortable with the atmosphere and design of your celebration, your guests will feel it too.

  Speaking of guests, be thoughtful when creating your list. Invite those who will genuinely celebrate alongside you—the people who have cheered you on, shared in your milestones, and would happily sit with you over a glass of wine late into the night. Surrounding yourself with joy-filled, supportive people will set the tone for your wedding day.

   This is only the beginning of the planning journey, and it’s natural to feel unsure of where to start. Allow me to reassure you: you don’t have to do this alone. Beyond photography, I am here as a resource—offering you the insight and expertise I’ve gained from years of documenting weddings. Consider me not just a photographer, but a trusted guide and partner in making your day feel seamless.

TIMELINE

ORGANIZE YOUR DREAM DAY

   Allow yourself plenty of time to plan your dream day—ideally about a year. This gives you the space to secure your favorite vendors, design with intention, and move through the process without unnecessary stress.

   Once the big pieces are in place, focus on what truly matters to you and your partner. Don’t let the small details consume you. The heart of your wedding lies in the love you share, not in perfecting every tiny element.

   Most importantly, enjoy the process together. Wedding planning should feel like a celebration in itself—an opportunity to dream, create, and set the tone for the life you’re building side by side.

TIMELINE EXAMPLE

THE IDEAL TIMING FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

2:00 PM

2:30 PM

3:30 PM

4:00 PM

4:30 PM

5:00 PM

5:30 PM

5:30 PM

6:00 PM

6:30 PM

7:00 PM

8:00 PM

Photograph Details

Couple Getting Ready

First Look & Portraits

Wedding Party & Family Formals

Couple Tucks Away & Guests Arrive

Ceremony Begins

Cocktail Hour

Immediate Family Formals

Mr. & Mrs. Sunset Portraits

Reception Begins

First Dance, Speeches, Cake Cutting

Party The Night Away!

Mr. & Mrs. Night Portraits

Tip: Before your photographer arrives, tidy up the room so that only meaningful details (like florals, invitations, or heirlooms) are in view. It keeps your photos clean, elegant, and distraction-free.

GETTING READY

SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY

  The morning of your wedding is beautifully filled with anticipation, joy, and heartfelt excitement. Every detail is carefully prepared, every laugh and embrace shared with your favorite people—it’s the beginning of a love-filled day. These moments are some of the most precious and unique, and I always begin the photographic journey here, capturing them as they naturally unfold.

I. How Much Time Should You Allow?

I recommend setting aside about two hours to capture the getting-ready portion of your day. This allows enough time to document details seamlessly, without feeling rushed. The exact timing may depend on the size of your bridal party and your hair and makeup schedule.

If the timeframe is tight, I typically begin with the groom and his party, as this portion requires less time.

Details Checklist

For the Bride:

  • Wedding dress & veil

  • Shoes

  • Jewelry

  • Perfume

  • Invitation suite & stationery

  • Bouquet (or a few loose blooms from your florist)

  • Rings (engagement & wedding bands)

  • Heirlooms or meaningful accessories

For the Groom:

  • Suit or tuxedo

  • Shoes

  • Tie or bow tie

  • Cufflinks

  • Watch

  • Boutonnière

  • Rings (if in his care)

the GROOM

Start the day with a cozy breakfast, glasses of champagne, and even play your favorite music. This will create comfort and allow you to unwind instead of being too anxious

Then I move on to the bride, photographing both the details and the candid in-between moments: bridesmaids’ joyful reactions, the laughter as you get dressed, and those final portraits of your radiant beauty before walking down the aisle.

II. Choosing the Perfect Space

The right space makes a world of difference in your photographs. For timeless imagery, look for a room that is spacious, bright, and filled with natural light. If you’re in a hotel, I suggest booking a light-filled suite in soft, neutral tones rather than one that feels dark or overly colorful.

If you’re getting ready at home, choose the room with the best natural light—ideally one that faces south. Keep the space uncluttered to avoid distractions in your photos. And don’t forget: the groom’s space matters too! Ensure it’s equally suitable for capturing his story as he prepares for the day.

LAYFLAT

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The details you choose will beautifully narrate and complement your story. Having them prepared before I arrive not only saves time, but also allows me to create artful, intentional photographs that elevate your wedding gallery. After consulting with you, I will carefully style these elements into cohesive layflats that feel refined, timeless, and true to your aesthetic. Place all your details together in a box or on a tray the night before. This makes it easy to gather and ensures nothing is forgotten on the wedding morning.

the BRIDE

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

Styling is such a personal and intimate part of your wedding. My advice is simple: follow your heart. You don’t need to follow traditions or chase trends—stay true to what feels authentic to you, and gently set aside anything that doesn’t resonate. When you feel comfortable and confident in your choices, it will show—you’ll radiate effortlessly in every photo. Bridal and bridesmaids’ robes are a lovely option—they’re elegant, photograph beautifully, and slip off easily without disturbing hair or makeup. Best of all, they can be personalized for a meaningful keepsake.

The Morning Atmosphere

Decide thoughtfully who will be present as you get ready. While having everyone in the room might seem fun, it can quickly feel overwhelming and stressful. For a more relaxed atmosphere, invite only a handful of your closest loved ones. This will allow the morning to unfold smoothly, setting the scene for candid, joyful, and heartfelt images.

A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU

TIME TO CAPTURE CANDID MOMENTS

Your wedding story is not complete without the groom’s perspective. The morning is just as meaningful for him—time spent with his closest friends, sharing jokes, relaxing, and reminiscing about years of memories. These moments are full of authenticity and deserve to be part of the visual narrative.

I’ll capture the candid energy of the groom and groomsmen, as well as the important details that complete the story. Just like the bride’s space, the groom’s getting-ready room should be well-lit, uncluttered, and prepared in advance.

Preparing some entertainment for the guys will allow them to start the day relaxed. Be sure to include some extra activities other than drinks.

Your outfit is a chance to express personality and style. Whether you prefer a modern look, something classic, or a touch of bold design, there is always a suit that will perfectly reflect who you are.

A well-fitted suit is essential. Tailoring makes all the difference—ensuring the jacket length, trouser break, and fit are just right so you look sharp and confident. Excellent options can be found both at trusted men’s outfitters and online retailers.

FIRST LOOK

YOUR VISUALLY INTIMATE EXPERIENCE

Traditionally, couples first see each other at the ceremony. But in recent years, the First Look has become a meaningful choice for many—and for good reason. It’s raw, candid, beautiful, and visually poetic.

A First Look gives you the chance to embrace the moment fully—without an audience. Couples often feel more reserved during the ceremony, especially grooms. But in the quiet intimacy of a First Look, emotions flow freely. It’s a space where you can be unguarded, savoring the genuine power of your love. For me as your photographer, it’s an absolute joy to capture such honest, tender moments.

Beyond the emotion, a First Look also allows us to complete part of your couple’s portraits before the ceremony, giving you more time later in the day to be with your guests, family, and friends.

COUPLE PORTRAITS

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

How It Unfolds

Picture this: in a private spot you’ve chosen, hearts racing, you approach your partner. With a gentle tap on the shoulder, he turns—and in that instant, he sees the love of his life. The feelings that surface are yours alone, unfiltered and unforgettable. I’ll be nearby but unobtrusive, capturing it all while allowing you to fully experience the moment.

Naturally, if you prefer to see one another for the first time at the ceremony and honor tradition, that is absolutely beautiful too. The choice is yours, and whichever path you take will be meaningful and true to your story.