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Wedding Day
It's your turn to achieve those perfect timeless wedding photos and videos.
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 fr 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.
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The photography timeline 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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01.
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.
Separate Glam Space: Keep your getting ready room just for yourself. 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.
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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. Before the big day, please have all details ready for us,
ready to screenshot list:
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~ Shoes
~ Jewellery
~ All three rings
~ Bridal Bouquet
~ Gown / outfit / dress
~ Parfume
~ Any Garter, gloves, tiara, photo charm
~ Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts
~ Tie or Bowtie
~ Cufflinks
~ Watch
~ Invitations or any stationary
~ Handwritten Vows
& 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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03.
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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For the bride, we recommend at least 1.5 hours, up to 2.5 hours depending on your needs. This time includes 30 minutes for dress and accessory details, followed by some candids moments in robes (maybe a champagne toast) or starting straight away with getting dressed, followed by a bride 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. For this part of the day, times truly flies, 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!
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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 30 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, 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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Lighting & Orientation: Timing and light are crucial for stunning photos/videos. Avoid midday ceremonies and opt for a shaded spot to prevent squinting (and sweating), harsh shadows, 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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We’ll discreetly move around to capture every angle and may briefly step in front of guests to get the best shots. Let us know if you have any concerns about this process.
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.
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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
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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 souls 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 cypresses alley would really set apart your session.
To capture every detail of the reception setup and decoration, which is one of the most beautiful and authentic representations of your wedding day, please consider that we need at least 20 minutes time alone at the dinner setup. If possible, and when outdoors, we also love using our drones to capture an aerial view of the venue and reception setup. Ensure enough time is allocated so we can fully document this important part of your celebration.
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Reception is definitely the part of the day when the most things happen: entrance, dinner, cake-cutting, speeches, bouquet toss, games, first dance, exit... 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.
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.
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.
BEFORE THE BIG DAY....
Capturing destination weddings involves clients from various corners of the globe. Typically, we don't get to meet face-to-face 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. 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.
A FEW PRO TIPPS:
~ Have a pair of comfy shoes with you (especially for our brides)
~ Pack a small touch-up kit
~ Unplugged wedding - consider asking your guests to be present and do not use their phones
~ Buy some clear umbrellas (just in case!)
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& DON'T WORRY, WE ARE HERE!
We will be by your side during the whole process. Do not hesitate in contacting us
We can't wait to capture your special Day!
Con amore,
Esme team
Sash & Matt