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Wedding Day
It's your turn to achieve those perfect timeless wedding photos and videos.
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We are close to your wedding day, here are the best insights and tips we collected over years of experience and are happy to share with you. These insights are designed to make your day seamless, stress-free, and full of every precious detail, creating stunning memories that last a lifetime.
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We will tailor-made our services to your needs, therefore your filled questionnaire will be our milestone.
Planning your wedding day to perfection is essential, and we are here to help and will deliver you the most perfect timeline: giving the right amount of time to each event of the day, especially considering all key factors for our work and to maximise our coverage. Out of experience, on your wedding day, you will have the feeling that time will fly two times faster than usual. So many things will happen and by the end of the day, you won’t believe how quickly everything went through. This is why we are there, to let you live over and over again for the next years, every single moment, every single emotion.
You have booked your dream venue, and we are here to make it shine in every photo and video. Make sure the spaces you would like to use for your photos are clean and tidy - a bright
and tidy space will result and the most beautiful photos and clips! What will be around you will be the background of your photos and videos.
Light is factor number one when it comes to photos and films. Everything rotates around light for us. Not having light is a true nightmare, so make sure you have double-checked that every place we will go (your getting ready location, ceremony, portrait session spots, your reception & your dancefloor) will have enough light.
Yes, as weird as it sounds, we recommend you be in slow-
motion mode, so you will walk slowly, you will kiss slowly, or at least we will try to do that. This is not
only extremely important for capturing photos and videos, but for you as well, this will give you the calm to enjoy the moment, and of course, have the most beautiful captured memories as a result.
01.
The perfect timeline is essential for a smooth wedding day, and your planner or venue will help craft it beautifully. Be sure to take their advice and avoid packing the schedule too tightly. For outdoor ceremonies and receptions, consider the temperature and sunset time, and always allow extra time between events whenever possible.
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On our end, once everything has officially finalised, we will craft our photography timeline, which is the foundation of our work: it ensures that every moment is captured beautifully and nothing is left to chance. We create a tailored timeline based on two key elements: finalized details from your wedding planner or venue (such as ceremony and reception times), and insights from your completed questionnaire. This helps us prioritize what matters most to you.
We always include 15 minutes of buffer time in each section to keep things flowing smoothly and allow for unexpected delays. However, significant delays can result in shortened moments or compromised capturing was is coming next.​
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To get an idea on how the perfect photography wedding timeline looks like and how we arrange the whole day to get the most perfect photos and video find a sample here:
02.
The room where you get ready sets the stage for your wedding story, so it’s worth giving it careful thought.
Light: Natural light is crucial for beautiful photos and videos, ask your venue for the brightest room with plenty of sunlight streaming in through windows - balcony is a plus! Poor lighting can affect the quality of your images/videos, so always prioritize this when selecting your room. We cannot shoot with artificial ambeint light - so if there is poor lighting, we will use our flash and led lights.
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Separate Glam Space: Keep your getting-ready room just for yourself and for the photo session. Designate a different space for your glam team and bridesmaids to avoid clutter and keep the photo room calm.
Cleanliness: A tidy, uncluttered space ensures the best possible photos. Ask for room service to tidy up and remove personal items like luggage and food trays, creating a polished backdrop for your moments
- remember what is in the room will be the background of your memories.
When everything is thoughtfully arranged, from light to layout, the getting-ready space transforms into the perfect stage for stunning, meaningful photos that you’ll treasure forever.
03.
To elevate your wedding photos, consider adding special touches. Ask your florist for leftover flowers or greenery, and swap plastic hangers for wooden ones to add elegance to your dress photos, and are sure you both have your florals ready in your room ready for us(for bride bouquet for groom buttoner)
Before we arrive, please have all details ready for us in one spot:
[ready to screenshot list]
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~ Shoes
~ Jewellery
~ All three rings
~ Gown / outfit / dress (day + night)
~ Parfume
~ Any Garter, gloves, tiara, photo charm
~ Bridal Bouquet (ask your florist to leave a few pearls and flowers for flat lay)
~ Bouttonier
~ Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts
~ Tie or Bowtie
~ Cufflinks
~ Watch
~ Handwritten Vows
~ Invitations or any stationary
& anything special to you
Pro tip:
Writing your vows or knowing how to tie a tie or bow tie ahead of time can reduce stress and give you more time to focus on the moment
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Each couple has their own special details—whether it’s a cherished piece of jewelry, a family heirloom, or something uniquely meaningful to you. To make sure we capture everything that matters most, please gather all your details and hand them to us at the very beginning of the day. If something is missing or forgotten, unfortunately, we won’t be able to include it in the photos. We want to ensure we capture everything that makes your day truly yours!
04.
We always begin by capturing the details and outfits you’ll wear before moving on to the getting-dressed moments.
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We always start with the groom to maximize time, allowing the bride to finish her hair and makeup. This gives the groom and groomsmen time to relax after we have finished, get undress, even take a quick dip in the pool, before getting dressed again just before the first look or ceremony (getting dressed again for men is usually a 1 minute thing). We typically need 1 hour minimum time for the groom, with a maximum of 1.5 hours. This includes 20 minutes for detail shots, the groom getting dressed, a solo portrait, and candid/formal shots with the groomsmen (perhaps even a whisky toast!).
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Please remember how important it is to be fully ready with makeup and hair by the time we set for your start. For the bride, we recommend a session of at least 1.5 hours, up to 2.5 hours depending on your needs. This time includes 30 minutes for dress and accessory detail shots, followed by some candids moments in robes (maybe a champagne toast) or starting straight away with getting dressed, followed by the bride's solo portraits, and shots with bridesmaids. Keep in mind that the bride’s getting-ready process takes more time than the groom’s, so it’s essential to account for this when planning the timeline, especially if you plan to have any sort of first look with your bridesmaids or family/friends! ​
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Our best tip: Ensure your hair and makeup are fully completed together with anyone who would like to be in the photos/videos before we arrive. A well-planned getting-ready schedule ensures you won’t feel rushed and every important moment is captured. Delays in this part will have a domino effect on the whole day schedule, so it is much better to have planned a little more time for any last-minute circumstances and if everything is in time - it is lovely to have a second to relax before the ceremony starts!
THE DRESS TASK
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We highly recommend assigning someone close to you—whether it’s a bridesmaid, family member, or friend—the task of adjusting your dress and veil throughout the day. While we’ll always keep an eye out and step in when needed, having a dedicated person for this role ensures everything stays picture-perfect without adding extra time or stress. It also allows us to focus fully on capturing those magical moments without constant interruptions. This simple tip can make the entire day smoother and create a comfortable environment for everyone!
05.
first look
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This can be a really valuable and sometimes underestimated moment. After your getting ready and before the ceremony, seeing each other for the very first time, all dressed up is such an intimate and emotional moment and will give us time to capture some first shots of you together without anyone else around, giving you some peace and privacy.
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A variation of this can be a first look with your mum and /or your dad.
Get a tissue box ready, parents and friends (especially dads) tend to get very emotional!
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We will arrive to the ceremony setup first and have at least 40 minutes before it begins to beautifully capture the full setup and decorations—especially the florals. This time allows us to document every detail, including aerial views with our drones when possible, and especially for video to prepare all backup cameras and microphones.
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, and lighting, orientation, your position at the altar and an unplugged approach make all the difference.
Unplugged Ceremony: Encourage guests to put away their devices and be fully present. This keeps your photos and videos free of obstructions while allowing everyone to immerse in the moment.
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Ensure plenty of space between the chairs along the aisle and at the altar. Tight seating can obstruct the view, make it difficult for you to walk back together comfortably, and even limit special moments like a dip. From a photography and videography perspective, having more room allows us to frame you beautifully without feeling squeezed into a cluttered composition. When in doubt, always opt for more space to create a grand, unobstructed scene of the two of you.​​
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Lighting & Orientation: Timing and light are crucial for stunning photos/videos. Avoid midday ceremonies under the straight sun and opt for a shaded spot to prevent squinting (and sweating), harsh shadows cutting your face, or overexposed backgrounds. While a scenic backdrop is tempting, balanced lighting ensures both you and your surroundings look their best—without the need for flash, which isn’t ideal for romantic ceremonies.
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Your positions: as basic as it may sound, but happening so rarely, is to have the 2 of you perfectly centred at the altar, having not too much of space and too little between the two of you. Also, try not to cover the ring exchange with your bodies, quite the opposite, show the guests and us the full movement.
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Pro tip: bride, hand off the bouquet to a bridesmaid—preferably someone in the first row—when you reach the altar before ceremony starts. This way, you'll have free hands to hold your partner’s hand during the ceremony, making for a more natural and intimate moment.​​
Throughout the ceremony remember to go in slow-motion mode. When you walk down the aisle, when you speak and especially for the first kiss. Even kiss twice! This will allow us to change perspective and make sure you have your first kiss between husband and wife in every possible version.
THE PERFECT
DIP
A perfect wedding dip is one of those iconic moments the wedding day. Often happening right after the ceremony, in the middle of the aisle it’s a beautiful moment that makes for stunning photos and videos. Over the years, we’ve witnessed many dips—some absolutely perfect, and others, well, not so much. To help ensure yours is a showstopper, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
DO'S:
- Practice prior in front of a mirror: A few practice dips at home (preferably with a similar dress!) will help you feel more confident and ensure you understand the movement we’re looking for on the day.
- Slide laterally: When you dip, move sideways rather than leaning toward us (the photographers). This allows for the most flattering and elegant shot, creating that elegant, natural composition.
- Keep an eye on us: While we love the spontaneous, emotional moments, it’s important to stay aware of us during the dip so we can capture the perfect shot
- Ensure the aisle is wide enough for your dip! Ask your planner, florist, or stylist to allow ample space between both sides of the aisle
DON'TS:
- Avoid leaning too far forward or back: A dip that’s too deep or too shallow can throw off the balance and make the shot look awkward. Try to find that sweet spot of elegance and natural flow.
- When dipping in a real time moment (like when exciticg your ceremony) try to position yourself as centred as you can: not too close not too far away from us.
- don't dip making the bride's head in front of us - make sure you slide laterally
With a little practice and awareness, your wedding dip will be everything you’ve dreamed of—and more!
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formal
family photos​
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These photos are often surprisingly the most time-consuming part of the day! To keep things flowing and allow you and your guests to go and enjoy drinks and food the aperitivo asap, we will arrange these photos right after the ceremony (after everyone will have congratulate you of course) we will keep it nice and short by asking you to prepare a list of family groups in advance (and trying keep the number of groups to minimum) and to point us out a trusted friend or family member with a strong voice to call each group while we focus on the photos. This will speed up the process
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Why not schedule them during aperitivo you may ask? From our experience, if we wait until aperitivo time, people may be hard to find - your uncle might be in the restroom, your aunt is MIA, and your college friend could be covered in tomato sauce, many of them will eating and it will really get hard to track them all down - in 1 word: a mess!
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Side note: delays during family photos can reduce the time for you at the aperitivo or of your couple portrait
08.
couple session
Golden Hour Magic
The couple portrait session is when the magic happens: just the two of you and all pure love in the most beautiful setting.
We always check sunset time early in advance to schedule your session during the golden hour—the hour before sunset—when the light is soft and romantic. During this session, we will gently guide you through candid moments and gentle poses, ensuring your love and soul will shine through every image and clip, ensuring your unique connection is represented authentically creating timeless and emotional memories.
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Pro tip: hiring a vintage car or organising a small trip to a beautiful nearby town or cypress's alley would set apart your session. Make sure you have allowed enough logistic time.
Capturing the Reception Setup
If you’d like the decoration and setup of the reception to be beautifully captured in photos and videos, we’ll need to allocate at least 20 minutes in the space before anyone else arrives. For this, it’s essential that the area is fully ready—flowers arranged, candles lit, tables set, and no personal items (like jackets or bags) left on chairs or tables.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, we recommend coordinating with your wedding planner and catering team to have the space ready by the agreed time. This will also allow us to use the drone for breathtaking aerial shots and ensure we have enough time for your couple portraits and candid moments during the aperitivo. A little planning goes a long way in making these photos and videos unforgettable!
09.
Reception is definitely the part of the day when the most things happen: entrance, dinner, cake-cutting, speeches, bouquet toss, games, first dance... and party!
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Light
Ensure the reception area has enough lighting, as darkness can hinder photos and videos—ask the venue for extra lights or candles, especially for outdoor settings.
Faux Sparkle Exit
If your exit happens late, consider a faux exit before the dancing starts, using sparkle effects to capture that magical moment.
Special Moments & Surprises
If any family member or friend has a special surprise or speech, please make sure they will let us know in advance so we can be prepared to capture it perfectly.
Try always sto have a little eye contact with us and to keep us informed about any upcoming events - communication is so important!
lastly, insider tips You Didn’t know You needed
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​Starting strong:
1. Unplugged wedding - consider asking your guests to be present and not use their phones!
We will capture all you need, and if you wish to have that candid-intimate approach, we also offer a content creator service. Having your guests fully present will be an amazing added value to your day—you won’t have any chance of final obstructed ceremony or reception photos from your guest’s phones, and you will truly live a magical day full of a lifetime of memories!
2. Practice Your Dip and First Dance
Nerves on the day can make these moments feel awkward. A little practice beforehand ensures confidence and beautiful memories.
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3. Consider an Extra Point of View
A second shooter provides another perspective—like a breathtaking drone shot of you walking down the aisle—or more candid moments of your guests. These little extras make a big difference.
4. Avoid Morning Rushing
Hair, makeup, and getting ready always take longer than expected. Start earlier and include buffer time in your schedule to avoid feeling rushed. If time allows, you can use it to relax or take extra photos, we promise, it will feel so good on the day to have that extra time!
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5. Don’t Skip Meals
With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat. Make sure you enjoy your food and drinks so you have the energy to fully embrace the day, especially in the morning for your getting ready.
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6. Pack a Small Touch-Up Kit
A touch-up kit will keep you looking fresh and polished throughout the day.
7. Comfortable Shoes
Those sparkly heels may look amazing, but by hour two, your feet might disagree. Keep a pair of stylish yet comfy shoes on hand so you can move through the day with ease, from the ceremony to the last toast of the evening.
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8. Delegate Last-Minute Tasks
Assign someone to handle small details like placing favors or managing the playlist. This will keep you stress-free and focused on enjoying your day.
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9. Don’t Pack the Timeline Too Tight
A wedding isn’t a marathon! Leave space in your schedule to breathe, enjoy moments with your loved ones, and truly experience the day without feeling overwhelmed.
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10. Take a Moment Alone
The day flies by faster than you can imagine. Take 5-10 minutes alone with your partner to savor the moment as newlyweds. We often suggest sneaking away during the couple portrait session while we fly the drone—this gives you intimacy while we capture stunning aerial shots.
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10. Plan for Unpredictable Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, so have a good wet weather plan. A few clear umbrellas or an indoor photo spot can save the day. Work with your planner and venue to ensure you’re prepared for all scenarios, we surely will rock it whatever it will be!
And Don’t Worry, We Are Here!
We will be by your side during the whole process. Do not hesitate to contact us.
We can’t wait to capture your special day!
Con amore,
Esme Team
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BEFORE THE BIG DAY....
Capturing destination weddings involves clients from various corners of the globe. Typically, we don't get to meet in person during the booking phase. However, an engagement session offers a great way for us to connect, for you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and for you to enjoy the experience of being photographed together in a relaxed environment and breathtaking scenery with all the time. It is also the perfect way to start collecting memories that flow into your wedding journey. Additionally, engagement sessions are enjoyable and provide a chance to capture stunning, adventurous images without the constraints of a wedding day. We can arrange this the day prior to the welcome dinner or when you will be visiting your venue.
Communication is the foundation for us to fully understand the unique vision each couple has. We put a lot of effort into good communication and encourage you to share anything extraordinary or specific you’d like, we aren’t mind readers so please communicate your needs through the questionnaire or to us directly - we are always here and happy to offer calls or meetings before the wedding to finalize every detail. Trust and respect are also essential to our work. If you’ve chosen us, it’s because you appreciate our portfolio and approach, and we deeply value this mutual trust and respect.