1. Getting Ready (2–3 Hours Before the Ceremony)

The morning preparations are often some of the most emotional and beautiful moments of the day. This is when the excitement really starts to build.

Typical moments captured during this time include:

Hair and makeup finishing touches

Bride getting into the dress

Groom getting ready with the groomsmen

Details like the dress, rings, shoes and flowers

Candids with family and the bridal party

Allowing around 1.5–2 hours of coverage during preparations ensures there’s time to capture the atmosphere without rushing.

Tip: Choose a bright, tidy room with natural light if possible, it makes a big difference in photos.


















2. The Ceremony

Most wedding ceremonies usually last 20–30 minutes, depending on the style of the ceremony.

Key moments photographed include:

Guests arriving

Walking down the aisle

The vows and ring exchange

The first kiss

Signing the register

Walking back down the aisle as newlyweds

Let's not forget all your guests will congratulate you (20 minutes)

It’s also a lovely time to capture your guests’ reactions and the overall atmosphere of the ceremony.























3. Family Photos (15–25 Minutes)

After the ceremony is the best time to capture family group photos while everyone is still gathered together.

A short list of key family combinations helps keep this part of the day quick and relaxed.

Common combinations include:

Couple with parents

add in siblings, partners and children

add in grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

Couple with grandparents













If you have particular family combinations you’d like, feel free to send a list beforehand. It’s also helpful to have a family member who knows everyone assist with rounding people up. 


4. Wedding Party & Couple Portraits (20–60 Minutes)

This is when we take relaxed portraits with your bridal party and a few beautiful images of the two of you together.

Rather than lots of posing, the focus is on natural interactions and genuine moments.

Many couples choose to take these photos somewhere scenic nearby, such as:

Beaches along the Central Coast

Gardens or vineyards in the Hunter Valley 

Quiet spots at the wedding venue

These portraits are often some of the most treasured images from the day.

TIP - Remember to factor in driving time if we're going off site for this part. 













5. Sunset / Golden Hour Photos (10–15 Minutes)

If possible, slipping away briefly during golden hour creates some of the most beautiful wedding photos.

This happens just before sunset when the light is soft and warm.

It’s also a lovely chance for couples to take a quiet moment together during the reception. 

Even 10–15 minutes during golden hour can create stunning images.














6. Reception

Allow the photographer 5 minutes prior to your guests going in to capture the room setup and styling details

Once everyone moves into the reception, the focus shifts to documenting the celebration.

Important moments during this part of the day include:

Candids of guests at the reception

Grand entrance of the bridal party

Speeches and toasts

Guests mingling and celebrating

These candid moments help tell the full story of your wedding day.

Sticking to your reception timeline helps everything run smoothly. It ensures your catering team, photographers, and other vendors are prepared for each special moment, from the cake cutting to the first dance, so every part of your celebration happens seamlessly.














7. Cutting the Cake 

One of the sweetest and most photographed moments of the reception is the wedding cake cutting. It’s a symbolic part of the wedding and a fun opportunity for some candid shots.
After I get my shots, I love to move aside to let the guests come up and snap a photo. Guests (especially the older guests) love capturing this moment, so take your time here.

This will also allow me to get ready for the first dance as that generally follows. 



















8. The First Dance

The first dance is one of my favourite moments of the reception to photograph. Some couples plan a choreographed routine, while others simply hold each other and sway, either way, it’s a special moment to slow down and soak it all in. 

Tip: About halfway through your first dance, it’s lovely to invite your guests to join you on the dance floor. It creates a great atmosphere and makes for some really fun, natural photos.















The most important thing to remember is that your timeline should feel comfortable and unrushed. When couples have space to relax and enjoy the day, the photos naturally reflect that.

A thoughtful timeline allows time for:

genuine moments

connection with family and friends

beautiful portraits without pressure

And those are the moments that truly tell the story of your wedding.

Planning Your Central Coast Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding on the Central Coast, in Newcastle or the Hunter Valley, I’d love to help capture your day in a relaxed and natural way.

Feel free to get in touch to check availability or chat about your wedding plans.

Capturing the emotions of your guests and the atmosphere of the venue, whether it’s a Central Coast beach, a Hunter Valley vineyard, or a beautiful Newcastle church -  creates a complete story of your wedding day.