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WEDDING GUIDE
SERA PETRAS PHOTOGRAPHY
engagement session consultation, curated vendor referrals and personalized offerings
Welcome
A NOTE from Your Photographer
I am delighted to begin this journey with you both and look forward to getting to know you better in the months ahead. I understand that photography is a meaningful part of your wedding investment, and I’m truly honored that you have entrusted me to capture your special day.
As we work with your wedding planner, there are countless details to finalize as the big day approaches—especially regarding the photography schedule.
After photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve noticed some common questions arise. To make things easier, I’ve created this guide to walk you through everything, from timelines and engagement sessions to handling inclement weather.
- sera
Thank you for entrusting me with capturing your wedding day. Should you need any further guidance throughout the planning process, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I am here to assist you every step of the way.
I highly encourage couples to schedule an engagement session. It is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and to showcase your personalities in a relaxed and meaningful setting. I’ve put together this dedicated guide with outfit suggestions, location ideas, timing tips, and more to help you make the most of this experience.
Engagement Session
plan your session
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with all of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Day by Fay
Evoke Design & Creative
Anne Kelley Events & Design
For Love of Love
Anyvent Event Planning
Hannah Rose Design
Donovan-Groves Events
WEDDING PLANNERS
Nature Composed
Tupelo Floral Company
Southern Blooms
Sweet Root Village
Steelcut Flower Co.
Mallory Joyce Design
Willow Branch Florals
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Film and Flourish
Iron & Ivy Films
Shaking Hands Productions
Josh Gooden
Yeattes Productions
Ian's Creations
Windsor Films
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Invitations
Kindly Letter Co.
Karen Lane Calligraphy
Stephanie Fishwick Calligraphy
Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Chez la Marie
CALLIGRAPHY
OFFICIANT
A Bridal Portrait Session provides the opportunity to see how your hair and makeup will withstand in real conditions as well as seeing how they photograph, which is invaluable for elevating your confidence on your wedding day. I recommend a full trial run—hair, nails, makeup, and bouquet. Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, and having a bouquet helps with posing.
As for selecting your location, choose a place that's clean, well-manicured, with a mix of indoor and outdoor options. If possible, photographing you at your wedding venue is a perfect way to get familiar with the space ahead of time!
Bridal Portraits
One of the greatest benefits of a Bridal Portrait Session is that it allows you to have a visual "rehearsal" for your wedding day.
Wedding venues are an excellent starting point for your bridal portrait session, especially private estates and resorts with beautifully manicured grounds. Our goal is to keep your gown pristine while capturing stunning images both indoors and outdoors.
When selecting a date, be mindful of the weather. To avoid the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter, I recommend scheduling your session in the Spring or Fall, though I’m happy to shoot any time of year.
Many venues do charge a fee for portrait sessions, but the investment often grants access to valuable amenities like the getting-ready rooms. I typically coordinate with venues to shoot around two hours before sunset to capture that coveted golden hour light. If your venue has specific hours, I’m more than happy to work within those constraints.
Don't forget to bring your jewelry, veil, and shoes! It’s also a fabulous time to have your ring professionally cleaned.
Dress
Ring
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Hair pieces and jewelry
Undergarments
Makeup for touch ups
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
The moment the couple first lay eyes on each other on their wedding day is truly magical—whether that occurs as you walk down the aisle or during a private "first look" before the ceremony.
A first look is an intimate moment that many couples now choose to share prior to their wedding ceremony. Its popularity has surged in recent years, with a majority of my couples opting for this special experience. This choice not only allows for more quality time together but also ensures you can enjoy your cocktail hour. Additionally, having family and bridal party photos taken beforehand can significantly reduce the time spent on photography after the ceremony.
While I deeply respect tradition, there are compelling reasons to consider a first look. Here are three advantages to think about:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're contemplating whether a first look aligns with you, consider this first.
Once the ceremony begins, the day unfolds rapidly. A ‘first look’ offers a moment to embrace each other in quiet solitude, allowing you to reflect on the significance of this day before the festivities commence. Some couples have even chosen to share private vows during their first look, adding an incredibly thoughtful and meaningful touch to this special moment.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind, often passing in the blink of an eye. With so much to accomplish and many guests to connect with, we encourage couples to pause occasionally throughout their celebration to fully appreciate the beauty of the moment.
1. A first look offers a serene moment between just the two of you.
Without a first look, most of the group photographs occur after the ceremony. Family portraits are typically taken immediately afterward, as it’s the easiest time to gather everyone together, followed by full bridal party photos and then portraits of the bride and groom. This sequence often extends well into cocktail hour.
In contrast, a first look creates valuable time before the ceremony for full bridal party, family and portraits of the bride and groom. This approach allows the couple to fully enjoy their cocktail hour, making the remainder of the evening feel more relaxed and unhurried.
2. IT allows more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason three is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "no see before the ceremony" we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
12 p.m.
Sera arrives at getting ready location and second shooter arrives at the second getting ready location.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is wrapping up but not quite finished so we can get the most beautiful getting ready photos and you feel confidient.
1:15 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:45 p.m.
The first look takes place.
1:45 First Look
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
2:00 p.m.
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
5:00 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5pm Introductions
5:30 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Photographers Depart
8:00pm Photographers Depart
1 p.m.
Sera arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and second photographer arrives at Groom’s location.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Maria & Andy's wedding day. It rained the almost the entire day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. We recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
We once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
While it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a really good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
For summer weddings, a light snack or lunch before portraits ensures you and your bridal party stay refreshed and energized.
If the weather is warm, providing ice-cold water and elegant handheld fans keeps the wedding party comfortable—especially for gentlemen in formal layers.
Have your bouquet and boutonnières delivered in time for detail shots and your first look. Since they often arrive in water, having hand towels on hand helps dry them before use. Consider an extra boutonnière for the groom to ensure a fresh look for both the ceremony and reception.
If you're planning a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they’ll feel more at ease fully dressed in their wedding attire.
If your reception is at a different venue, allow extra travel time so we can capture the space before guests arrive, preserving its untouched beauty.
We recommend the bride retreats at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Guests tend to arrive early, making this the perfect time for final touch-ups, a sip of water, or a quiet moment before walking down the aisle. During this time, we’ll capture the ceremony details and guests as they arrive.
To ensure seamless family portraits, having a finalized list ahead of time—including input from both families—allows for an efficient, stress-free experience. By submitting your online family and bridal party list in advance, we can craft the most effortless order for capturing every important moment.
During the cocktail hour and reception, we’ll be right by your side. If you'd like a photo with someone, simply let us know—we love being your personal paparazzi.
We’re happy to assist with timeline planning, but a wedding planner is the ultimate resource for a seamless day. If you'd like our insight, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING Hundreds of weddings throughout my career, i am happy to share a few additional tips
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that on the books. Feel free to email me any time at sera@serapetras.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!