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WEDDING GUIDE
audra jones photography
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome, wild hearts. I'm so honored and excited to work with you!
Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. There's a lot to consider and many decisions — both big and small — to make. As your photographer, I want to do what I can to make this experience a beautiful journey focused on joy and loving each other, so this guide is for you. Throughout each section, I'll cover lots of information to help you get the most out of working with me and to make sure we achieve stunning photos of your wedding that tell your story and that capture the fleeting moments of your celebration.
I look forward to documenting the imperfectly perfect magic of your wedding day, and I can't wait to witness this next step in your relationship.
- Audra
Thank you again for choosing to work with me. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
Setting expectations is one of the most fail-proof ways of ensuring that we work together in a way that feels relaxed. At the end of the day, my goal is for you to focus on getting married, enjoying being in love and celebrating with your nearest & dearest, and having images that tell the story of your day and take you back to moments that make your heart happy year after year. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect from each phase of working together (and what I need from you along the way).
WORKING WITH AUDRA:
Step 1
WHAT TO EXPECT AT EACH STEP OF WORKING TOGETHER
Right after we finalize your booking, I will send you an email with a welcome questionnaire. This asks about your communication preferences, when you'd like to ideally schedule your engagement session (and your vision for your e-shoot in general), and a few other housekeeping things. Once that's in my hands, I'll reach out to start exploring dates and ideas for your engagement session!
Step 1 — Your Welcome Questionnaire
Step 2
Next up, let's schedule your engagement session. If you would like to have photos from your session featured on your Save the Dates, then it's important to schedule as soon as possible. If not, there's more flexibility (some clients have even chosen to do their engagement session just a few weeks before their wedding — it's entirely up to your preference). See the section on Engagement Shoots for more info and details.
Step 2 — Schedule Your Engagement Session
Step 3
After the wedding day, you'll receive a sneak peek via email within 24 hours! Usually, this consists of 50-100 photos so that you have plenty of images to enjoy and share while I'm working through editing your final gallery. Full galleries are typically delivered within 1-3 months, but can take up to 8-12 weeks. Images are delivered in a digital gallery. I encourage you to share with friends and family and print as many as you'd like (don't forget your 10% discount code: ajpcouples)
Step 3 —After The Wedding
Step 1
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned that quality vendors that you connect with personally are one of the key components of having a stress-free wedding day. The list below features vendors I have worked with in the past or hope to work with due to their reputation for outstanding work.
This is not a paid list — I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
Adam Donovan-Groves Events
Lemon Drop Events Co.
Orpha Events
Elle Loren & Co.
Day by Fay
Mary Elizabeth Events
Amore Events Co.
Cody Smith Weddings
All The Dainty Details
WEDDING PLANNERS
Hedge Fine Blooms
Wild Fleurette
The Bloom Room
Tang Austin Floral
Mallory Joyce Design
Liliharp Flowers
Tupelo Floral Co.
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Yeattes Productions
Rachel Curry Films
Iron & Ivy Films
Amanda Munroe Finn
DeVries Productions
Little Fox Films
Sydney Koerber Films
ViDEOGRAPHY
The Catering Outfit
Harvest Moon Catering
A Shaper Palate Catering & Events
Mosaic Catering
The Local Catering
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES & Desserts
Annalise Bridal Boutique
The One Bridal Salon
Urban Set Bride
Ava Laurénne Bride
Alton Lane
The Black Tux
Indochino
Dresses + Suits/Tuxes
RENTALS
Invitations
calligraphy
Kristin Coffin Jewelry
Emily Warden Designs
Victor Barboné Jewelry
Olive Ave Jewelry
The Mrs Box
The Styling Reserve
Jewelry & Ring Boxes
I include a complimentary e-shoot in all of my wedding packages because they're a vital learning tool for the wedding day. My goal is to pose you in a way that feels genuine and true to who you are as individuals and as a couple. Plus, knowing how I work and what types of poses I'll ask you to do will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera — you'll already know what you look like in my images and will be able to relax & be yourselves on the big day!
Engagement Session
plan your session
If you're a bride or groom to be, a boudoir session is such a beautiful way to celebrate yourself in this season of your life and give your soon-to-be-spouse a gift that's truly one of kind.
Bridal boudoir sessions typically feature at least one white outfit and highlight your engagement ring. You can also add personality with your own wedding veil (or one from the client closet) or any other personalized wedding details, such as your wedding shoes, a vow book, your getting ready pjs/romper/robe. Additionally, a professionally made bouquet can be added to your session a la carte.
That said, bridal boudoir can be as focused on the bridal aspects as you'd like — there are no rules!
bridal boudoir
Our bodies carry our spirits and tell our stories.
They should be celebrated and honored.
If you're not familiar, boudoir (meaning bedroom in French) photos are intimate photos that are sensual and romantic, typically featuring lingerie or full/partial nudity. They can be done on your own, or with a partner for an intimate couples session or a honeymoon session.
2 hours shooting time
professional hair & makeup
online gallery of 100+ edited images (yours to keep at no extra fee)
6x6 20-page fine art album or glass box with 20 5x7 matte prints
and more...
Included in an ajp boudoir session
What is boudoir?
Every person has their own reasons for doing a boudoir session, but they're most often done as a gift for your partner, to celebrate yourself and your body, or to capture the more intimate side of your relationship. Whatever your reason, they're a fun, beautiful way to document a more vulnerable, private side of you and/or your relationship.
To learn more, please explore my boudoir page or email me at hello@audrajonesphotography.com.
Why do a boudoir session?
A first look is when the couple choose to see each other in a private moment before the ceremony. It's and old tradition that the couple shouldn't see each other until the moment they walk down the aisle — this modern take is more intimate and allows more freedom to make this first time seeing each other on the wedding day your own.
Some couples also choose to do a first look with other members of their family (dad, mom, grandparents, etc.) or their wedding party — it's up to you what feels right and what variations you'd like to include.
I want to stress that doing a first look in no way diminishes the significance or emotion of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony; the moment when it all sinks in that you're about to make step together into a new chapter.
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
You actually get to enjoy an intimate moment alone together, which is rare on the wedding day. Most couples don’t realize that when you wait to see each other until the ceremony, you don't have a real chance to interact, touch each other, speak, kiss, hold hands, etc. because it's time to jump into the vows and everyone is watching. If you want that time to soak in the moment and enjoy being present with each other, then a first look is for you.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
First looks allow you to extend your wedding day and enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. Without a first look, all the portraits (family, full wedding party, and couples photos) are at the end of the ceremony during cocktail hour. That means we have to rush and you don't get a chance to enjoy that "just married" feeling. With a first look, you can enjoy moments and relax.
Also, you’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. When we do a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you together.
2. IT allows more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
For many couples, not seeing each other until more than halfway through the wedding day is stressful, and puts a lot of pressure on each of you. Taking this time together before the ceremony will help you relax, but doesn't diminish the emotion or beauty of your ceremony or that "walking down the aisle" moment.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Alleviates NErvousness & Stress.
For Storytelling & Artful Images
Candid images of you and your guests have become one of my favorite aspects of capturing a wedding day. These unguarded, in-between moments really make an album yours and documents life in all it's weirdness and wildness, and although they may not be technically "perfect" photos, they feel like perfection in my book.
Candids
For Storytelling & Artful Images
Artful veil images have been a pillar of my work since the moment I first picked up a camera, and many of my brides opt to wear veils because I'm known for creating these images. Veils provide movement and texture, and I'll never tire of playing with them. If you need help choosing a veil, I'm always happy to offer advice!
Veils
For Storytelling & Artful Images
A double exposure is the process of layering two images on top of each other. This can be done in camera or in post-processing. I prefer to do these in camera because they feel more organic. Whenever time allows & they feel right for the aesthetic of your day, I'll aim to include at least one double exposure image.
Double Exposures
CEREMONY TIME
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR
I. THE TIME OF THE SUNSET: It's important to look up the time of the sunset for the date and location of your wedding before your decide on the time of your ceremony. Once the sun is down, outdoor photography is impossible in my style. The idea of a sunset ceremony sounds pretty in theory, but they don't photograph well because the light changes so dramatically from start to finish of the ceremony, and they're actually quite blinding for you and your guests! I suggest planning an outdoor ceremony 2 hours before sunset if you are having a first look. If you are not doing a first look, then I would suggest the ceremony start 3 hours before sunset to ensure that you will have plenty of time for all of your portraits afterwards.
II. WHAT DIRECTION THE SUN IS COMING FROM DURING YOUR CEREMONY: I cannot begin to tell you how many ceremonies I've photographed where the bride/groom spends the entire ceremony blinded by the sun and cannot actually see the face of the person they're marrying. It's critical to consider what direction the light is coming from during your ceremony and plan accordingly. I, unfortunately, cannot move the sun, and there's nothing I can do about a washed out face that's bathed in bright sun. :(
III. WHETHER OR NOT YOU'RE DOING A FIRST LOOK: If you opt for a first look, the majority of your photos will be done pre-ceremony. If you choose to wait to see each other until the ceremony, then most of your photos will need to be done immediately following the ceremony during cocktail hour (meaning you have far fewer portraits overall). If all photos need to be done post-ceremony, then it's key to set your ceremony time early enough that it doesn't get dark during the time we're taking those photos of family, the wedding party, and your newlywed portraits!
View An Example Timeline
view the timeline
of an 8 hour day
with a first look
with a 7:30 p.m. sunset time
1 p.m.
Audra arrives at Bride’s getting ready location to collect your details & begin flatlay photos.
1 pm - Detail PHotos
Note: Please make sure all items are in one place (remember: if you're getting ready in different locations, we need all the rings to be at the bridal suite) and set aside for me.
And don't forget about those floral clippings!
2 P.M.
Photographers capture getting ready images.
When you are mostly ready, my second shooter (if your package includes one) and I will tackle the getting ready photos. I will be with the bride in most cases while my second shooter will be with the groom.
These can be done together or separately, depending on your preferences. You'll primarily be guided through this portion, but if the timeline allows, candids will be captured whenever possible.
2 pm - Getting Ready photos
3 p.m.
The first look takes place.
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I'm happy to make recommendations.
3 pm - The First Look
3:15 p.m.
Couple Portraits.
Next we move into couple portraits. For these, I'll guide you through poses at various locations at your venue. I'll have a general plan in mind for where to shoot heading into the day, but that's subject to change depending on the light and weather the day of.
3:15 - Couple Portraits
4 p.m.
Wedding party photos (full group & your respective parties).
To make sure this portion doesn't get us off schedule, make sure that everyone is ready to go and on-site with everything they need, including bouquets in hand and boutonnières pinned on. We will do big group shots with everyone together, photos with your respective parties, and then photos of you with each person individually.
4 pm - Wedding Party Photos
4:30 p.m.
Photos of ceremony space + details before guests arrive.
Most wedding guests start arriving 30 or so minutes before the ceremony begins. During this time, I recommend you guys relax out of sight while I photograph the ceremony space before guests start finding their seats.
4:30 PM - Ceremony Space + Details
5 p.m.
The ceremony.
Most ceremonies are 30 minutes long, so that's why I've set that timeframe here, but if your ceremony is shorter or longer, adjustments will be made to your individual timeline. As I mentioned earlier, make sure to consider the light when deciding when and where your ceremony will take place to get the best images possible.
5 pm - Ceremony
5:30 P.M.
Family formals.
Family portraits are immediately after the ceremony. I'll use the list of family photo combinations you provided on your pre-wedding questionnaire to call out names and organize each group shot.
Pro-Tip: Have your officiant announce that family should stay behind while other guests head to cocktail hour so that everyone is in one place.
5:30 pm - Family
5:30 p.M.
Cocktail hour.
While I focus on your family formals, my second shooter will head to cocktail hour with your guests. Once we wrap up with family, you guys can head to cocktail hour to enjoy drinks + merriment with your guests.
5:30 pm - Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you time at cocktail hour. While my second shooter snags photos of the cocktail hour fun, I'll be photographing your reception space & details while they're still untouched.
6:30 P.M.
Reception begins.
For this portion, I recommend we plan the schedule so that I eat dinner when you do. That way I'm present for all the big events you might have planned, such as first dances, cake cutting, and so on.
6:30 pm - Reception
Note: I do not recommend wedding party entrances. They can be very time consuming and eat up a lot of your celebration time, they often don't photograph well, and they aren't usually well planned. I have also witnessed a groomsman tripped on a bridesmaid's dress during this and it was a full on mess.
7 P.M.
Sunset photos.
This time will vary depending on the time of year, but I always recommend stepping away from the reception to capture sunset photos of just the two of you. It's a bit of quiet time that I think is really special on an especially busy day.
And it's the best light of the day!
7 pm - Sunset Photos
7:30 P.M.
Dances, toasts & cake cutting.
7:30 - Traditions
It's entirely up to you which traditions you want to include in your day. If you opt for parent dances, toasts, cake cutting, etc., I'll make sure it's captured!
8 P.M.
The party on the dance floor.
To put your guests at ease, I'll typically pop in and out of the dance floor & even dance along. I've found that this really helps your guests stop feeling awkward and just have a great time!
8 pm — Dancing
8:50 P.M.
Prepare for the exit.
It can take a good amount of time to corral a group of tipsy people. I recommend that the exit take place 5-10 minutes before my end time.
8:50 pm - The exit Prep
9 P.M.
Audra departs.
If you want a formal exit, you have the option of having all guests line up to see you off at the end of the night, or we can plan for a "faux" exit with a smaller group at any time during the reception. Exits aren't as popular these days, but it's entirely your call if you'd like to plan for one. My preference is a fun ceremony exit since they have beautiful light and it's a part of the day when everyone hasn't imbibed quite so much.
9 pm Photographers Depart
Rain on your wedding day isn't ideal, but it doesn't mean that we can't achieve beautiful photos of your celebration (see Chris & Anna's rainy wedding day). While it's always a good idea for you to have a rain plan established with your venue and/or planner, there are some things that I can do to make sure that your photos are still stunning and reflect the emotion and joy of the day. Here's a few things to keep in mind.
RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
1. All I need to create natural light portraits on a rainy wedding day is access to the sky. I have 10 clear umbrellas that I bring with me to every wedding, rain or shine, and I personally think they lend a sense of coziness to your images. When the rain is especially heavy, covered locations, such as porches or patios, are also a great option.
To further make sure you have stunning portraits, consider a rain boots for you + your wedding parties and explore changing up hair & makeup to weather proof.
II. Take it one step at a time. Often, we can be flexible with the timeline and make adjustments based on the forecast so that we can time outdoor photos based on breaks in the rain.
III. Rainy 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! Just embrace it. If you're focused on the rain, you aren't focused on your love, making memories, or enjoying your wedding day.
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I'll need about 1 hour to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your items together in one spot for me to quickly grab and get to work.
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Perfume
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Additional paper items (programs, menus, etc.)
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
Shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Ring
Any other sentimental or heirloom items
Vow Book
Any other sentimental or heirloom items
SPECIAL NOTE: Please ask your florist to provide floral clippings to be on hand for my arrival. Florals heavily elevate the look of flay lay images and bring all elements of your day together in a cohesive way.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
Dark getting ready spaces make it difficult to capture beautiful, well-lit getting ready photos of you both— a single window can make a huge impact! Keep this in mind when deciding where to get ready on the big day.
THE WINDOW EFFECT
One month before your wedding, you’ll receive a questionnaire from me that will ask you to list out the family formals you want me to capture, special family situations I should be sensitive to, etc. A sample family formal list is provided below to help you start preparing what shots you need.
Keep in mind that every combination will take 2-5 minutes and the more time we spend on family photos, the less time available for sunset photos. My recommendation is that we capture as many family photos as we can in the 30 minutes following the ceremony (and that you prioritize your immediate family/closest family members during this time) and leave any remaining group photos with extended family for the reception.
During this portion of the day, I tend to be my most assertive and will guide everyone through each photo. The family formals can easily descend into chaos, so I work to prevent that by having your family formals list on hand and by taking charge of organizing this portion of the day.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Sample Checklist*
* Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows! On your list, please provide the name of each individual included in the photo in addition to their relation to you i.e., Bride + Mom (Lisa).
Consider Unplugging
My photographs are my art, my craft, and there's nothing I want more than to make you happy. I want you to experience joy when looking back at your wedding photos; to let yourself be transported back to memories of the day and what it felt like to be immersed in the moments big and small. As much as I understand the desire of a wedding guest to snag a photo or two on their phone to share, I want you to be aware of what can happen when guests are taking photos on their phones when I'm trying to document your celebration. Not only does dozen of hands holding up phones ruin the aesthetic of your photos, it takes them and you out of the moment. They aren't concentrating on your vows or enjoying being present with you. It's sad and it's disappointing, and that's the best case scenario. The worst? They block my shot and I miss a special moment of the day like the first kiss, that tearful hug shared with your grandma, that hilarious thing your nephew did on the way down the aisle. It has happened, and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. I cannot get that moment back and neither can you.
But there are ways we can work to try to prevent this from happening: an unplugged ceremony. There's no guarantee that everyone will listen, but it doesn't hurt to ask your guests to turn off their phones and not take photos or videos during the ceremony. You invested in me to capture these moments — why not do everything we can to make sure I can do my job the best of my ability?
Have your officiant make an announcement at the beginning of the ceremony that it's your wish for them to tuck away their phones and let me capture everything.
1. Make sure you eat on your wedding day! I know it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle of getting ready or the excitement of the reception, but feeling faint and hungry will not improve your wedding experience in any way.
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if the guys are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet and floral clippings delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your portraits. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having a spare cloth or paper towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, make sure they are fully dressed and ready in time to make it happen.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some extra time for travel and mishaps so that me or my second shooter can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
A few extra pieces of wisdom
6. I always recommend that you guys into "hiding" 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest if you don't want to be seen by guests before the ceremony. Guests typically arrive early to weddings!
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding day. It's sometimes not possible for us to add a bunch of additional people at the last minute without getting behind schedule on our timeline.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. Always happy to grab a photo of you with someone you love!
9. I'd love to help you choose your ceremony time, please reach out to me any time to find a time that will be ideal for light and a timeline that flows nicely.
10. Remember that something might go wrong, but the likelihood of anyone noticing is slim! Just have fun & let your vendors handle it.
There's nothing like holding a tangible photo in your hands, or seeing your happiest moments in frames. Photos are meant to be printed, loved, shared, and passed down through the years. Your client gallery has a print shop built into it that I encourage you to explore. All products are printed by labs I trust and feature museum quality grade paper to stand the test of time. Please email me any time with questions regarding printed products (and don't forget to use "ajpcouple" for 10% all print shop orders).
Heirloom Products
PRINTS + ALBUMS + KEEPSAKE BOXES + MORE
I can't wait to meet you and photograph the poetry of you. As you plan, please feel reach to reach out any time at hello@audrajonesphotography.com with questions or if you need advice.
(I'm always happy to look at bridesmaid dresses, colors you're considering, and so on. I love it all!)
I hope this guide helps make the process of preparing for your wedding day much easier and less stressful.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through the guide!