The Secret to a Smooth Wedding Morning (and Gorgeous Photos)

Hi! We’re Rebecca and Alex - a husband-and-wife duo who both photograph weddings full-time here in the Pacific Northwest. With 19 years and over 1,500 celebrations under our belts, we’ve seen just about everything that can happen on a wedding day… and we're here to help make your day go smoothly.

Imagine this: it’s your wedding day. You’re so excited for that first look with your groom and the gorgeous portraits you’ve been dreaming about. You’ve been picturing that moment for months - the smiles, the happy tears, the quiet little “just us” time before the celebration begins.

But then… hair and makeup take longer than expected. Suddenly, you’re looking at the clock and realizing you have way less time than you thought for photos. Instead of soaking in the moment, you’re rushing through portraits and feeling flustered before you even make it to the aisle.

That’s exactly what happened to one of our brides recently. She was so flustered and overwhelmed from running late that she barely had a chance to breathe before walking down the aisle, and we had to squeeze her portraits into a fraction of the time we’d planned. This happens more than you would think.

Why It’s a Big Deal

When you start the day on time (or even ahead of schedule), everything feels calmer, more fun, and way less rushed. It really sets the tone for the rest of the day. Plus, we get to spend more time on those dreamy portraits you’ve been picturing instead of racing the clock!

Our Tips for a Stress-Free Morning:

Go first (or at least early) for hair & makeup. Brides, you don’t want to be last in the chair! Getting ready earlier means you can relax, enjoy soaking in the pre-wedding excitement with your bridesmaids, touch up if needed, and not feel rushed.

Communicate your photography timeline to your hair & makeup team. Let them know what time you need to be ready, and explain that you should be completely finished at least one hour before your first look (or ceremony if you’re skipping a first look). This gives you time to have a little food, get dressed, breathe, and start portraits without panic.

Get the game plan early. Ask your hair & makeup team for a detailed schedule so you know exactly who’s in the chair and when.

Pad it with extra time. Even 20–30 extra minutes can make all the difference between “ahhh, we’re ready!” and “oh no, we’re late!”

Share the plan with your crew. Make sure your bridesmaids, moms, and anyone else getting ready knows the timing and why it matters. I hear from hair stylists often that the number one thing that puts them behind schedule is bridesmaids running late or not following prep instructions.

The Happy Ending

When you’re ready ahead of schedule, you can breathe, laugh, and truly enjoy your wedding morning. You’ll have time for those relaxed, joy-filled portraits you’ve been dreaming of, and that’s exactly the kind of energy that makes for the most beautiful wedding galleries!