Planning Photography on Your Wedding Day!

If you are reading this, I can only imagine that you starting to look for a wedding photographer. I am THRILLED you found your way to my corner of the internet. I am going to talk about photography on your wedding day, but first, a quick intro. If you are new around here, I am Katie – a YEG based photographer serving couples all over Alberta and beyond. You can read more about my wedding photography packages here, but today I want to go over what the different packages really cover. As an Edmonton wedding photographer, I’ve broken down some of the most popular “hourly” options below.

Photography on your wedding day is an investment, so it is absolutely worth taking the time to make the right decision. Although the below post is designed to be helpful, I also want to recognize everyone’s wedding day is different. Whether or not you have a first look or a sunset wedding will all matter. I would encourage you to reach out, so we can talk more about what your wedding day will look like, and I can provide some first-hand feedback on what each package would look like for you and yours.

4 hours of wedding photography

This is my smallest wedding package, designed to cover the most important moments. 4 hours of wedding photography can capture a first look, the ceremony, and a few bridal party/ family photos after – provided the locations aren’t too far apart. If you aren’t having a first look (here’s a post about why I love first looks), we might be able to capture the tail end of getting ready for one member of the bridal party or the start of the reception/reception detail shots. With four hours of photography booked, we need to work together to make sure the timeline is as smooth as possible.

This package usually works best for sunset/evening weddings or intimate backyard weddings. With the summer of 2021 approaching and COVID-19 restrictions for Edmonton and area being a real consideration for brides planning their day, the 4 hour package is perfect for a small intimate wedding with a limited guest count but unlimited love. Too cheesy?? I can’t help it sometimes!

8 hours of wedding photography

8 hours doesn’t always have to mean compromise. We can cover all of the most important moments in just eight hours. This depends a little on your timeline and venues, of course. This is the most popular package I have – and for good reason! I am going to break down below an example timeline. Really consider this, consider your venues, and decide what coverage is realistic on your day. If that’s not enough, keep on reading about my 12 our package.

When we have eight hours together, this can be broken up into (for example): one hour for getting ready photos, one hour for a first look, one hour for ceremony photos (from the set-up to the receiving line), two hours for family photos & bridal portraits, and 2 hours for the reception (I am saving about an hour for travel time so consider your venues if this seems like too much or not enough). If you are not having a first look, we get to cover even more of the reception. Some couples also choose to do the first dance upon entering (before dinner) and then cake cutting right after toasts, so that they can maximize their photography moments. Personally – I love reception photos. They can really show off the personality of the wedding day. What better way to remember how much fun everyone had!

12 hours of wedding photography

You only get married once right? If your locations are more spread out, or if you just want no sense of “rush” on the wedding day, this is my more complete package. When you book me for 12 hours, you can expect coverage from getting ready photos to dance floor photos. This packages typically leaves you with over one thousand photos to remember your wedding day. I also bring a second shooter with me so we don’t miss a single moment for any angle. Photography on your wedding day is a big decision, no doubt. This package is designed to make you feel completely taken care of no matter where your day of timeline takes you.

Hiring your wedding photographer

I know I have said this a few times, but I want to acknowledge again what a big decision this is. I try to be completely transparent, so you can read this post about how I hired an inexperienced photographer to save money on my own wedding day. One thing I really took away from that experience, was how I want my couples to feel. My personal style is pretty relaxed. If I were to describe my photography style, it would be: intimate, relaxed, and wild. I love the raw moments. And I also like to think I know the best spots in Edmonton to take photos!

When I am taking your wedding photos, I want you to feel comfortable having candid moments. I want to be there for the forehead kisses and the butt grabs. If you want to get together and chat about whether or not I would be the right fit, don’t hesitate to contact me here. Feeling comfortable makes all the difference on the wedding day. I am right here ready and waiting (likely with a coffee). Let’s do this thing.