Your Wedding Morning: Details, Timing & Gentle Tips for a Beautiful Start

 

Before your love story unfolds in full bloom, we begin the day with quiet, meaningful moments—the ones where anticipation fills the air, details sparkle in the morning light, and emotions are just beginning to rise.

To make this part of your wedding day feel as smooth and joyful as possible, a little thoughtful prep goes a long way.

Have Your Details Ready

Gather all your personal details before the day begins so we can photograph them with care and artistry, without taking time away from more spontaneous, heartfelt moments.

These are the small pieces of your day that hold so much meaning—and we want to capture them beautifully.

Here are some ideas to include:

  • The wedding dress (on a beautiful hanger!)

  • Groom’s suit and accessories

  • Rings

  • Jewellery, cufflinks, hairpieces

  • Bridal bouquet and boutonnière

  • Perfume or cologne

  • Shoes

  • Letters or gifts to each other

  • Cultural or sentimental heirlooms

  • Invitations, printed pieces, and your wedding day timeline

TIP: Wooden hangers are simple but elegant and elevate your dress and suit photos significantly—try to swap out plastic ones if you can!

Suggested Timeline for a Smooth, Romantic Day

Every wedding is beautifully unique, but here’s a general guide to help you plan your day around light, flow, and storytelling:

  • Groom Getting Ready: 45 minutes to 1 hour

  • Bride Getting Ready: 1 to 1.5 hours

  • Travel Time + Set-up Buffer: Travel + 15 minutes

  • Ceremony Venue Details: 15 minutes (capturing the ambiance before guests arrive)

  • Groom Arrival & Waiting: 15 minutes

  • Ceremony Duration:

    • Civil: ~15 minutes

    • Anglican: ~45 minutes

    • Catholic: ~1 hour

  • Confetti Exit: 10 minutes

  • Family & Group Photos: 20–45 minutes (depending on guest count)

  • Bride & Groom Portraits:

    • 30–45 minutes

    • Up to 2 hours if you’ve planned a location shoot

  • Golden Hour / Sunset Session: 30–45 minutes—this is often the most magical light of the day

  • Reception Highlights:

    • Cake cutting

    • First dance

    • Bouquet toss

    • Speeches & any special traditions

These are typically captured before the end of your photography coverage, so let us know if you'd like to extend your booking time for full reception coverage.

A Few Loving Reminders

  • Stay Present. Your wedding day will fly by. Breathe it in. Hug a little longer. Laugh a little louder.

  • Eat Something Nourishing. A light, feel-good breakfast will carry you through all the emotions of the day.

  • Stay Hydrated. Sip water or non-alcoholic drinks throughout the morning—it makes all the difference.

  • Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Focus on the love, the people, and the promise you’re making. Everything else is just part of the story.

Planning Something Unique?

We love that! If your wedding day timeline looks different from the one above, just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. At Photo Studio Eleven, our approach is deeply personal, romantic, and rooted in capturing real emotion. We’re not just your photographers—we’re your calm presence, creative storytellers, and biggest supporters.

Have questions about your timeline or details?
We’re always happy to help you plan a wedding day that flows effortlessly.

Contact us here to chat about your plans or request personalized timeline guidance.

With love,
The Photo Studio Eleven Team
Romantic. Emotional. Unforgettable.

 
Petros Stylianakis