Welcome to the
Diana Gordon Photography wedding Guide
Session tips, engagement details,
wedding timeline & more!
Hi there friend, we are so excited to capture your big day!
When we were planning our wedding, we remember being a little overwhelmed. So many details, choices, and options! So we can completely relate to the anxious but excited feelings that go along with wedding planning.
Understanding that most of our clients have never planned a wedding, we wanted to create a resource that could assist you as you prepare, plan, and make decisions and hopefully make your planning process a bit easier!
This guide will not only give you tips about wedding planning, but it can help you plan your wedding day in a way that will allow us to give you an amazing photographic experience and gorgeous wedding images for you to treasure forever.
Welcome to the Dgp family!
This is such an exciting time for you as a future bride and groom, and we can hardly wait to start on this incredible journey with you both! It's such an honor to be your wedding photographers!
The Engagement Session
An engagement session is about celebrating your love as a couple and it should be fun! Don’t stress about anything! diana is there to coach and guide you through your entire engagement session.
Engagement session locations
We always encourage our couples to consider a location that is near and dear to their hearts. Think about where you met, where the proposal happened, or your favorite spot to hang out. If you don’t have a special place, don’t worry; there are other options.
Our favorite locations
- Christopher Newport University
- Ft. Monroe
- Lion's Bridge
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Historic Yorktown
- Norfolk Botanical Gardens
- Virginia Beach
For The Girls
What to wear
A lot of people suggest matching colors/ outfits, but I actually suggest wearing complimentary colors. Wearing the same color will actually make the lines of your individual bodies disappear. Wearing complimentary colors will set you apart as individuals but it will also make you look cohesive as a couple.
It's all in the details
- Hair- I would go with a hairdo that you are comfortable with! If you normally wear your hair down, maybe just curl the ends. If you wear it up all the time, wear it up. Another option is to plan your haircut that day and get them to blow-dry it and style it too.
- Make-up- Make-up does look better in pictures. I would do it just a little bit more than normal. If you don’t usually wear makeup, I would wear a little.
- Nails- This is the perfect opportunity to get your nails done. Your hands along with your ring will be seen in the pictures.
- Ring - You have a beautiful ring, time to show it off! There will be close-ups of your ring, so make sure to get it cleaned and polished.
For The Guys
What to wear
Wear outfits that represent you and your personality! I know it sounds simple, but this is a time to let your personalities as a couple shine through.
Feel free to bring two different outfits-one causal and one dressy!
it's all in the details
- Hair-This is the perfect opportunity to get your hair cut and/or beard trimmed.
- Belt-Most outfits look better with a belt.
- Watch- Wear a Fitbit/watch every day? Consider choosing a dressier version for your engagement session. Watches and Fitbits do add an extra layer of detail to an outfit.
- Glasses-It is a personal choice to wear your glasses or not. Though, if you can't see without them, please wear them.
- Shoes-Shoes can be an easy way to dress up a causal outfit. Maybe skip the sneakers, and opt for something a little snappier!
Pets & Props
We love animals and #WhiskeyTheKitty is a huge part of our family!
And we love it when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet
friendly location.
Also, feel free to bring items to tell different aspects of your love story. Think about how you met, where he proposed or something special to you as a couple.
Suggestions & Ideas
- Coffee mugs
- Books
- Banners
- Blankets
...a moment for you to have that picture, that picture one day your kids and grand kids will look at in your home...
Bridal sessions are also a great time for a “practice run”. This is the perfect opportunity to schedule your hair, nail, and make-up appointments. It is also a great time to double-check that your dress and shoes fit properly. It's a perfect excuse to get glamored up and have some fun with your mom or your bridesmaids.
ALL IN THE DETAILS
- Hair- Take the time to book an appt. with your wedding day hair stylist to try out your wedding day hairdo.
- Make-Up- Make sure to book an appt. with your make-up artist to test out your wedding day look.
- Nails-This is the perfect opportunity to get your nails done.
- Jewelry-This is a great time to figure out what jewelry you are going to wear on your wedding day.
- Shoes-Time to break-in your wedding shoes! This is the opportunity to practice walking and posing in your wedding dress and shoes.
- Flowers- A small floral bouquet is the perfect detail to complete your bridal look. Ask your florist to make a smaller copy of your wedding day bouquet for your bridal session.
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A FIRST LOOK OR STICKING WITH a Traditional timeline WE HAVE TIPS TO HELP MAKE PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE!
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A FIRST LOOK OR STICKING WITH a TRADITIONal timeline WE HAVE TIPS TO HELP MAKE PLANNING YOUR TIMELINE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE!
With the first look
First looks (a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony) have become more popular over the last few years. About half of our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
Traditional Timeline
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 portraits.
Wedding Weather
Rainy or stormy 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!
Rain or shine your wedding is going to be amazing!
If the forecast is calling for rain/snow/ or even a hurricane, fear not because we will be prepared to serve you and capture your Big Day!
We own many items to help us on rainy days, like 12 clear umbrellas (enough for a a bridal party!) and even a clear shower curtain. We know that sounds strange, but the shower curtain is for you the bride to stand on and for the train of your wedding dress not to touch the wet or muddy ground.
Worried about your portraits? We will discuss location options with you that will not only protect you from the weather but also capture your love beautifully.
While we can't guarantee what the weather might do on your wedding day, we
can put a plan in place to ensure that we capture your timeless love.
Photography Checklists
We want your day to be beautiful but also well planned. here is our recommended shot list for a complete wedding day.
Bridal Checklist
- Dress
- Dress Hanger
- Shoes
- Veil
- Rings
- Bouquet
- Hair pieces
- Jewelry
- Invitation Suite ( full sets with envelopes)
- Vow Book
- Any sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
Groom Checklist
- His shoes
- Socks (if they're special)
- Cuff Links
- Tie or Bow Tie
- Pocket Square
- Boutonniere
- Vows Book
- Rings
- Any sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
Family Formal Checklist
- B & G + Bride's Grandparents
- B & G + Bride's extended family
- B & G + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
- B & G + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
- B & G + Bride's Parents
- B & G + Bride's Siblings
- B + mom
- B + Dad
*B = Bride
Family Formal checklist cont.
- B & G + Groom's Grandparents
- B & G + Groom's extended family
- B & G + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
- B & G + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
- B & G + Groom's Parents
- B & G + Groom's Siblings
- G + mom
- G + Dad
* G= Groom
Going Unplugged
Consider having an “unplugged wedding” and asking your guests to enjoy the special moments without their gadgets
In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
We know it might seem like a strange request to ask your wedding guests to put down their electronic devices (phones and cameras), but it is for a good reason. As a couple, you made an investment in photography and we don't want your images to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads, or other cameras. And we also want your family members to sit back, relax and enjoy your Big Day.
Wedding Albums
The perfect way to remember your wedding day
A lasting heirloom
Starting at $599
Wedding albums are a tangible record of your love story and legacy. They provide a beautiful way to look at your wedding day from beginning to end. And they can remind you over and over again of the romantic and precious moments leading up to you becoming husband and wife!
Album
- Distressed Light Brown Leather
- Thick Rounded Edges
- Square Cameo Picture on the cover
- 10 x 8 album
- 10 spreads (20 pages)
Online galleries & Social Media Use
Important information that will help you with your online gallery
When will my images be available?
Engagement images will be delivered 3-4 weeks after your engagement session. Wedding images will be delivered 6-8 weeks following your Big Day.
How do I access my images?
All of your images will be accessible through an online gallery. The gallery will never expire.
Can I share this link?
Absolutely! This link is designed for you to share with your family and friends.
How do I print my images?
Your online gallery is set up to be able to order prints. Those prints will be shipped directly to you.
Can I order albums?
Yes! Just send us an email and we will get your custom album started.
Can I share my images on social media?
Of course! We want our clients to share their photos online. It not only lets us know that you love your images, but it is a HUGE help in marketing for our business.
Final tips & wedding suggestions
With over 6 years of experience shooting weddings
we are happy to share a few additional tips
Thank you for choosing Diana Gordon Photography!
SNACKS
Make sure to plan time for you and your bridal party to snack or to eat a lunch. Wedding days are long and everyone will need their energy.
Summer weddings
If you are getting married in the summer months, think about having a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths available for your bridal party.
winter weddings
If you are planning a winter wedding, consider having extra coat racks for your guests' jackets and coats.
we can't wait to serve you!
feel free to email us any time at dianagordon.photography@gmail.com