Welcome
Hello! I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and am so honored you've chosen to work with me.
In this guide, you'll find an overview of my process - from booking to your big day - and what to expect along the way! During this season, my aim is not to only be there for you as your photographer, but also as a friend and encourager. Don't hesitate to reach out for vendor recommendations or to catch up!
- courtney
Thank you again for choosing me as part of your creative team. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process.
Save the Dates are typically sent 6-8 months out from the wedding day, and your session can be scheduled immediately after booking. I am a big fan of engagement sessions for so many reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you.
Your wedding photographer is the vendor you'll spend the most time with on your big day, and this allows us to hang out, build a relationship before then, and establish a foundation for natural, authentic wedding photos. Your session gallery gives you something tangible to signify your engagement season, and becomes an heirloom and a part of your legacy.
Engagement Session
capturing this cherished season
Scheduling, Location & Timing:
Sessions are scheduled on weekdays, but can be scheduled during the weekend if necessary with travel, etc. Keep in mind the type of season, setting and feel you'd like for your pictures. We will use 1-2 locations for your engagement session, so let me know if you have any locations in mind that are special or unique to the two of you, and can always make suggestions for us! I also love traveling for sessions. Lighting is best around the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset for sessions, and I will keep watch on the weather the week-of in case we need to reschedule or have a back-up date! Your session is about 1 hour, so plan to spend about 30 minutes at each location.
Pets: Pets are always welcome! If you decide to bring your pup, ask a friend to come along and help, and bring some treats or their favorite toy!
Turnaround: Turnaround time for sessions is 2-3 weeks, and you'll be able to download and order prints directly through your online gallery.
Save the Dates
Wedding Website
Guest Book
Framed prints in your new home (my favorite!)
use your photos for:
Your engagement session includes two outfits, so we will pause about halfway through for you to change! Please let me know if you are comfortable with changing in your car or if you'd prefer finding somewhere with a restroom! When choosing outfits for your session, the ultimate goal is simplicity and comfort. Here are a few tips and examples to help!
What to Wear
Most couples will choose a dressier outfit and a more casual outfit. Here are some examples:
Casual:
For Her: cute top, jeans/pants or a casual dress
For Him: polo, button-up, casual shirt, shorts/pants
Dressy:
For Her: long dress or skirt, wedges or heels
For Him: pants, button-up
These are just examples, not rules - if you would rather have two dressy outfits because that fits you better, go for it!
My biggest tips? Skip the spray tan, and consider having your hair/makeup done!
When in doubt, stick with softer colors, pastels and neutrals. These colors always photograph well.
Wear clothes that feel like "you" and that you are comfortable in - this will translate into your images and your personalities will shine through.
Accessories and patterns are an easy way to add a little something. Choose jewelry and clothing with some texture or a little bit of pattern to bring more detail to your photos! Statement earrings? Yes, please!
Make your session into a date night and head to dinner afterwards! Or if your session is in the morning, have a brunch date!
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how your hair holds up and how all of the elements of your dress, veil, bouquet come together. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable! (Plus, they give you a reason to wear your dress more than once!)
Your hair/makeup vendor(s) will typically require 1-2 trials before the big day to make sure you like how everything looks. Why not utilize one of those trials along with your bridal portraits? I've had brides totally change their mind about their hairstyle, notice small details they wouldn't have otherwise (like needing invisible tape, different shoes, more alterations, etc.) and it always becomes a favorite memory and quality time for the bride and her mom/sister/friend, whomever she brings along! Perhaps the biggest advantage is having unrushed time dedicated solely to portraits of you in your dress.
When to schedule: We'll schedule your bridals at least 4 weeks out from the wedding day, and plan to allow about 2 weeks for ordering your bridal portrait. Sessions are scheduled on weekdays (and typically venues only schedule during the week), but we can schedule on a weekend if needed!
Bridal Session
Location & Timing: Once your alterations are finished, we'll coordinate with your hair/makeup vendors and florist to find a date. I will ask if you have any locations in mind and can always make suggestions for us! I also love traveling for sessions! Check out the venues on my vendor list above for some location ideas!
Lighting is best around the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset for sessions, and I will keep watch on the weather the week-of in case we need to reschedule or have a back-up date!
Turnaround: Turnaround time for sessions is 2-3 weeks, and you'll be able to download and order prints directly through your online gallery! Please let me know your choice for your bridal portrait as soon as you decide so we can get that ordered.
If you didn't choose to include a bridal session in your wedding collection, you always have the option to add it on!
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Planning your Day around Lighting
Keep Natural light in mind when envisioning your day
1. Getting ready space
2. plan your ceremony time around sunset, even if your ceremony is indoors
Plan to have all of your portraits taken outdoors! Let your family and friends know the plan so they know what to expect. If it's hot weather (hello SC), I'll be moving quickly to get you back inside to the AC! In the meantime, think about having a cooler of waters on hand for your bridal party, as well as snacks or lunch to make sure everyone has eaten! If you're getting married during winter, consider getting shawls for you & your girls!
3. portraits
Choose a getting ready space that has windows and as much natural light as possible. If your venue is limiting, there are many alternative ways to stage moments happening that don’t take place in those dark spaces. For example, if your getting ready area doesn't have much natural light or a pretty background, put your dress on and then ask your photographer if you can go outside to take a couple more pictures of you zipping up your dress and putting your accessories on. You'll be so glad you did!
I highly recommend that you plan your ceremony around the time of your sunset! This is typically one of the first things we talk about when you book. You can look up the exact time of your sunset with a google search. It is best to allow for one to two hours of light for photos after your ceremony, if you do not do a first look. Completing all family and bridal party portraits 30 minutes prior to sunset is ideal. Bonus points if you're able to do your reception introductions and first dances in natural light before the sunset!
For example, if the sun sets at 7:30pm, your timeline might look like this:
5:00 Ceremony
5:30 Family, Bridal Party, and Bride & Groom portraits
6:30 Reception introductions, First Dances
7:30 Sunset
Preparing your Details
I love capturing all the little details that are most meaningful to you! Once I arrive at your wedding, I'll use about 30-45 minutes to style and capture your details. I will typically take these items outside or to a spot with plenty of natural light, so it's so helpful to have them all in a box or bag that I can easily grab and get started on!
Invitation Suite - 2 full sets with envelopes, stamps or other items used
Other paper goods: program, place card, menu, vow books
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Jewelry
Shoes
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include (family bible, handkerchief)
Ask your florist to provide florals that I can incorporate into your detail shots!
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
You can trust that we'll capture every family photo that's important to you on your wedding day. The best way to do this? A detailed list! In the final steps of planning, I'll send you my family list template to fill out. Use this time to consult with you and your fiance's family so that they can see the process we've set in place. You'll fill in each person so that I can call everyone by name and gracefully take charge to guide you and your family through this process.
Feel free to request your family list at any time if you'd like to start on it earlier during wedding planning.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and all together
As we create your timeline, I'll ask for any specific moments we need to include, like a first look with your dad or bridesmaids, reading letters or exchanging gifts, a back to back "first touch" with your groom before the ceremony, etc.
I get a lot of questions from brides about sharing Pinterest pictures or sending me a shot list. You can rest assured that I will be photographing all the important parts of your day. Your timeline and family list will cover most of them, but you can also list any specific photos, surprises or special details I wouldn't otherwise know about on your family list!
Do I need a Shot List?
Rehearsal Dinner Coverage
I also offer rehearsal dinner and bridal luncheon coverage as an a la carte item! This is a great way to ensure your full weekend is captured, and gives us a fun way to kick off the celebrations! Feel free to email me to check on availability and to book your rehearsal dinner coverage.
Final Details
Last month of planning
final Timeline & Family list
remaining payment
You'll receive an email with your preview the week after your wedding,
and your final gallery will be delivered to you within 12 weeks!
I already can't wait for you to look back on your day together!
previews/gallery
I'll be emailing with you to create your final timeline and confirm all details with you/your planner before the big day! We can also schedule a final call to talk through everything if you'd like to! I'll ask for your family list about a month out from the wedding day to make sure we've allowed enough time for portraits in your schedule, and in order to print out and bring this with me.
After the Wedding
I'll also send your final invoice with any additional wedding day or rehearsal dinner coverage included. You can send payment via check to the address below, or request an online invoice.
Courtney Price
103 Grand Court North
Bluffton, SC 29910
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors, and the ordering process was designed to be simple and easy.
Albums
more details
the perfect heirloom from your wedding day
Books:
- The Meaning of Marriage, Timothy Keller
- The Road Back to You, Ian Morgan Cron
- The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman
- Love & Respect, Emerson Eggerichs
- Wild at Heart / Captivating, John & Stacy Eldredge
- The Path Between Us, Suzanne Stabile
- Boundaries, John Townsend & Henry Cloud
- His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr.
Podcasts:
-MarriageToday
Other Resources:
Thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer! It is truly a joy to walk with you through this season and the start of your marriage.
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. Feel free to email me any time at courtney@courtney-price.com.
THANK YOU!
