engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
mandi mitchell Photography
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let us know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed more than 250 weddings over the past 17 years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
I am a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I have created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
Travel
Transportation
Invitations
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
CAKES
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
Sarah Clawson Films
ViDEOGRAPHY
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, I have learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I have worked with many of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! 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.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
BEV Weddings
Felix Wedding Films
Alex and Dylan Video
Madelyn Tenny Events
Ashlie Muller Celebrations
Jackson and June Events
Your Big Day Events
Gold and Bloom
Flourish and Bloom
Sweet Magnolia Wedding
Bouquet Atlanta
JLD Designs
Millbrook Farm Flowers
Talk of the Town
Proof of the Pudding
Sun in My Belly
Your venue might have preferred and required caterers. A lot of them do.
One Night Entertainment
Party Nation Band
Emerald Empire Band
City Heat Band
Artistry by Shannon
Elite Makeup and Hair
Bridal Beauty Authority
Make Me Up Georgia
Cakes by Carissa
Cake Envy
Confection Perfection
Wedding Angels
Winnie Couture
Bel Fiore
Aisle and Veil
Miss Milly's
Atlanta Party Rental
House of BASH
The Prissy Plate Company
Ledgewood Fine Stationery
Paper Daisies Stationery
Empress Stationery
Pixie Travel with Stephanie
Travelmation with Katie
GOGO Charters
Sofia Ocampo Events
Kris with Honeymoons Inc.
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Session Checklist
Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. I want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, I highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, I will shoot anytime and anywhere there's great light!
Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other venue services. We typically have to work with the venues on times, but I love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, I am happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!
If you are considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. I typically spend around 1 hours shooting at bridal sessions and it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward!
When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety in indoor and outdoor locations.
Gorgeous Photos + practice run for the big day
Bridal Portraits
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical; and this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a First Look prior to the ceremony.
First Looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. Most of my 2024 couples chose to do a First Look.
I did a First Look myself when I got married back in 2007 and to this day, I am thankful on a personal level for my First Look with my husband. Here are the top 3 reasons to consider a First Look.
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a First Look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
Lastly, if you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
First Look
03
When there is no First Look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends as it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour. We usually have 10-20 minutes for couple portraits.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for bride and groom portraits, full bridal party pictures, and even immediate family formals. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed. We will usually do a few more couple portraits during Golden Hour.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
02
Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A First Look is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off. Often, my couples do private or personal vows during this time.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
01
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of about 2 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
Depending on whether or not you choose to do a First Look, your timeline will look very different. With a First Look, we can get virtually all pictures done before the ceremony if you choose to do so. Most of the time, we leave the extended family portraits for after the ceremony and do everything beforehand. Without a First Look, the timeline shifts to almost all of the pictures to be complete after the ceremony, minus the bride with bridesmaids and groom with groomsmen.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Mandi and second shooter arrive for the day. Mandi starts details and flat lay images while second shooter takes getting ready images.
12:30 p.m.
12:30pm
First Look with couple. Private vows and gifts can be exchanged at this time if desired.
1:30 p.m.
1:30pm
Couple portraits around the property
2:30 p.m.
2:30pm
Note: If you have a second shooter in your package. we will take pictures of both girls and guys simultaneously utilizing both photographers.
Wedding party pictures
3:30 p.m.
3:30PM
Immediate family portraits
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm
These do not take long at all. As long as everyone is ready and on time, we will pull from the outline I've given you in order to knock these out quickly!
Hide before the ceremony starts.
4:30 p.m.
4;30PM
Say goodbye to your groom and hide from the guests! I call this your "pee and pray time" as you go hide while guests show up for the ceremony.
Ceremony time!
Time to get you married! Let's do it! Generally, most ceremonies are 20-30 minutes. However, I do understand that some ceremonies last longer, especially full Mass Catholic weddings.
5:00 p.m.
5:00pm
Extended Family formals
5:45 P.M.
5:45pm
These do not take long at all. As long as everyone is ready and on time, we will pull from the outline I've given you in order to knock these out quickly! Share with family beforehand so that your cousins, aunts, grandparents, etc. know to stick around.
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that you get to join the party almost right away. You might not even need an entire cocktail hour unless you want! Depending on when sunset occurs, we will sneak off for 10 minutes of Golden Hour Portraits.
6:00 p.M.
6:00pm
Introductions & First Dance
6:30 P.M.
6:30 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:45P.M.
6:45pm
Sunset Portraits
We can sneak out for 10 minutes during dinner to get some amazing Golden Hour images. These tend to be the best light of the day!
7:00 P.M.
7:00pm
7:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:00 P.M.
7:15pm
Photographers Depart
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
We can stay until the end of the night if so desired, but we often leave at a fake exit. We can collect your family and wedding party for 10 minutes for a quick "end of night" shot. We can discuss this option at our timeline meeting.
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
Mandi and second shooter arrive for the day. Mandi starts details and flat lay images while second shooter takes getting ready images.
Groom + groomsmen formal portraits
3:00 p.m.
3:00pm
Note: We swap the groomsmen and bridesmaids if desired, but the girls tend to take longer to get ready, so we often will do the guys first.
Bride and bridesmaids formals
3:45p.m.
3:45pm
Note: We usually only need 15-20 minutes for each side. However, we will plan a 10 minute buffer in between each set of pictures in order to hide bride and groom from each other.
4:15 p.m.
4:15PM
Hide before the ceremony starts.
Time to hide from the guests! I call this your "pee and pray time" as you go hide while guests show up for the ceremony.
5:00p.m.
Ceremony Time
5:00pm
Time to get you married! Let's do it! Generally, most ceremonies are 20-30 minutes. However, I do understand that some ceremonies last longer, especially full Mass Catholic weddings.
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Family Formals
These do not take long at all. As long as everyone is ready and on time, we will pull from the outline I've given you in order to knock these out quickly! Share with family beforehand so that your cousins, aunts, grandparents, etc. know to stick around. We will go from large to small groupings.
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
Introduction to the reception. Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
7:00 P.M.
7:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:30 P.M.
7:30pm
We can sneak out for 10 minutes during dinner to get some amazing Golden Hour images. These tend to be the best light of the day!
Dancing begins
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
Photographer’s Depart
9:00 P.M.
9:00pm
We can stay until the end of the night if so desired, but we often leave at a fake exit. We can collect your family and wedding party for 10 minutes for a quick "end of night" shot. We can discuss this option at our timeline meeting.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
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!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe me, just take a look at Andie and Chandler's rainy December wedding.
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to
re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
If you don't own a pair of cute rain boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
Rain Tips
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 need about 45 minutes 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 rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in a bag or box for me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I will hang it in a beautiful spot!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: I would love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he will have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your engagement ring if you bring a second outfit. I will do these while you're changing. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Ring
Please note that this list is just a starting point. I will provide a more detailed checklist and outline at the timeline meeting 4-6 weeks from the wedding.
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + 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 + Siblings + 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 Checklist
The number one compliment I get at every wedding is how efficient I am with family formals at the wedding. As a formal middle school teacher, I joke that "Mandi doesn't play" and I get it done!
At our timeline meeting 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding, I will give you your family formal outline to fill out. It will include many different family combination possibilities. Should you wish to add or subtract from the outline, that is also totally fine!
I will also ask for special situations such as divorces or handicapped family members & more.
The portraits the day of will go quicker and smoother if you let family know they are expected to stay behind afterwards for pictures. We won't be waiting for "aunt Lucile" to come back from the bar if she left.
Below is the start of what your family formals will look like, but I will provide a more detailed list at the timeline meeting.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I am sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. It happens...
In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
05
If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire or a cute getting ready robe.
First looks for parents
04
You can ask your florist for additional florals for flay lays. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
Extra Florals
03
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Prep for the heat
02
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
I am here to help out throughout the whole process. Connect me with your wedding planner early on and we can make sure we work together to make your day as smooth as possible!
make use of that planner!
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we will follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. My second shooter and I love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
07
As seen in the sample timeline, I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
have fun!
After months of planning and working to make your wedding perfect, remember to have fun on your day! In the end, you will be married. Don't stress over the little things and let your hired team handle any big ones. Have the best wedding day and soak it up! It truly flies by!
I am a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: nearly twenty years ago, when I got married, I had my images delivered on a DVD. (Wow I feel old!) Even the online galleries I deliver won't be there forever.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
After I deliver your gallery, you will have up to 6 months to email me in order to start the album design process. I have to set this deadline in order for me to move onto the next set of clients and albums in order to prevent a backlog. Any client who misses this deadline can still order their album, but may have to wait additional time and will be charged a fee.
I will work with you to order prints and design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
With the exception of printing errors, all albums are non-returnable. You can view the Album Design Process to see how it works after your big day to get your album.
Wedding albums are available a la carte or as part of your wedding collection.
I cannot wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at mandi@mandimitchellphotography.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!