Biggest Wedding Day Tips from a Photographer with Over 10 Years of Experience

Celene - SHOTS BY LC
Jul 27
4 min read

Hey there, beautiful bride-to-be (or planner, mama, or excited fiancé)! Whether you’re knee-deep in wedding planning or just starting to dream about the big day, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Celene, a wedding photographer who’s been behind the lens for over a decade! In that time, I’ve captured everything from 20-person courthouse vows to 400-guest ballroom bashes.

No matter the size or style, some wedding truths are universal. So, I’m sharing my top wedding day tips, backed by experience, prayer, and a whole lot of love, to help your day run smoother and your memories last longer.

1. Build in Buffer Time (and Then Add a Little More)

Weddings don’t run on military precision. Things will take longer than planned (hair and makeup, family arriving late, the toddler who refuses to put shoes on.) That’s normal.

Here’s my golden rule: Whatever time you think you need, add 30 extra minutes.

But most importantly? Don’t rush. Even if things fall behind, take a breath and stay present. You only do this once, you want to remember it. I always tell my brides: “The wedding can’t start without you anyway.”

Let the timeline serve you, not stress you out.

2. Prep the Details for Flat Lays (It Helps So Much)

Those dreamy photos of rings, invites, florals, and shoes? They don’t just happen. Set aside a small box or tote with your details ready to go.

This could include:

Invitation suite (with envelope)
Both rings
Vow books
Perfume
Shoes
Jewelry
Bouquets or loose petals
Any meaningful or heirloom items

These are just ideas, you don’t have to check every box. A seasoned photographer will know how to work with whatever you have (or help ask for things on the fly), but when they’re ready to go, we’re not scrambling.

3. Consider a First Look (Especially If Your Ceremony Is at Sunset)

A first look isn’t just a photo moment, it’s a you moment. A moment to pause, breathe, and just be together before you’re pulled in every direction.

Especially if your ceremony is set around sunset or golden hour, doing a first look allows us to capture those dreamy newlywed portraits before the light disappears.

If your timeline includes ceremony → family photos → portraits, you’ll be fighting the clock, and the sun. A first look helps avoid that and gives you more time to actually enjoy your reception. But if you’re holding onto that altar moment, that’s beautiful too. Just make sure to build in enough light afterward.

4. Unplug the Ceremony (Seriously—You’ll Thank Yourself)

We live in a “do it for the ‘gram” world, but your ceremony deserves sacred space. Encourage your guests to be fully present and leave the photos to the professionals.

And yes… there will always be that one guest who doesn’t get the memo. (Hi, Aunt Susan.)

I recently saw a bride and groom have their wedding party walk in with them, then sit in the first seat on each row. It made the photos look symmetrical and clean, and also kept wandering arms and phones out of the aisle. Genius.

5. Appoint a Point Person

Whether you have a coordinator or not, I always ask my couples to choose a “go-to” person. This isn’t a bridesmaid or parent, it’s someone who can help gather family for photos, relay info to vendors, and act as your behind-the-scenes hero. This person is crucial, especially when you’re not working with a full planner. They’re your calm in the chaos, and help keep the day flowing without you having to manage anything.

6. Golden Hour Is the Moment

That golden hour glow? It’s not just hype, it’s ART (God’s art, not mine 😉). It’s the best time for newlywed portraits, and I always help my couples plan around it.

I typically try to time these portraits for just before sunset when the light is soft and warm. It’s a small window, but it creates stunning images you’ll treasure forever.

Even stepping away for 15 minutes is enough to capture something timeless. Bonus? It gives you another quiet moment together.

7. Keep Your Eyes on What Matters Most

At the end of the day, things will happen! Timelines shift, boutonnières fall apart, maybe someone spills something. But the true beauty of your wedding is found in what it represents: covenant, not perfection. Grace, not performance. The beginning of something sacred.

Your photos will be stunning. But your marriage? That’s the real story. And I count it an honor to help capture how it all begins.

8. Keep Family Photos to Immediate Family Only

Hear me on this: the faster we can get through family portraits, the smoother the day will go.

That means:

✅ Parents (or those who raised you)

✅ Siblings

✅ Grandparents

✅ Children (if you have any)

And that’s it for the formal family portrait portion.

I know Aunt Becky loves you dearly and wants a photo...but the moment we open the line to extended family, we end up chasing down Cousin Jim who wandered off to cocktail hour, and now we’re waiting and running behind.

By sticking to immediate family right after the ceremony, we stay on track and avoid a logjam of well-meaning relatives.

Bonus Tip: All other family and group photos can be taken during the reception (after dinner, toasts, and the high-pressure timeline moments are over). That way, we’re not racing the sun or delaying your newlywed portraits.

We’re almost always up against a light deadline, especially if portraits are outdoors. Keeping this portion clean and quick helps everyone (and your gallery) shine.