Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS wedding GUIDE
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 honoured you chose to work with me!
There are so many moving pieces when it comes to your big day and I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be useful to put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions to wet weather.
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
xo, Sonya
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've 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.
Weddings Of Desire
Bow Creative
Tori Allen Events
Poni Studio
Wanderlust Creative
Whole Lotta Love Creative
Ruffles & Bells
The Small Things Co
The Nuptial Collective
Cene Studio
Ruby and James
Black Finn Weddings
WEDDING PLANNERS & STYLISTS
The Petalier
Sassafras Weddings
Flowers St. Germain
Tremella Botanicals
Floral By Taleah
Wild Flos
Flowers Vasette
Georgie Boy
Ivy & Eve
Pomp and Splendour
Prunella
Tweed Twigs
FLORISTS
ViDEOGRAPHY
CELEBRANT
Tobi Tobi
Rutherford Entertainment
Rump Shaker
Rory McKenna
Cal Young
Hey Jack
Just Me Plus One
Kyle Ross Gitan Jazz Duo
entertainment
Stephanie Cahyadi
Styled by Teresa
Jenifer In Makeup
Makeup by Jane
Phuong Do HMU
Bridal By Nicole Kene
Alex Harden Makeup
Hair By Ashlea
Miss Aimmey
Emma Jane Makeup
Milco Hair and Makeup
Maria Gullace
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
Helen Rodrigues
Mariana Hardwick
Mia Ateliers
Jane Hill Bridal
Shehzarin Batha Couture
Oglia Loro Couture
Georgia Young Couture
Karen Willis Holmes
Cappellazzo
Elly Sofocli
Leah Da Gloria
Lola Varma
Maison Oui
Paolo Sebastian
Pallas Couture
Prea James
Tony Maticevski
bridal designers
hire
Azalea Calligraphy & Design
Petite Paper Co
Fox and Hart
Rebel Reflect
Edith Rose
Esthetic Bride
By V (Lettering and Illustration)
Stationery
JEWELLERY, SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Grooms
caterers
The Lane
Vogue Brides
The Bridal Journey
Brides
Together Journal
Magnolia Rouge
White Wren
Wedded Wonderland
inspiration
Engagement sessions are simply wonderful! They provide an opportunity for you to become comfortable with being photographed and to showcase your true selves in a relaxed setting that holds special meaning to both of you. To make the most of your session, I have put together a comprehensive guide covering everything from attire to location selection and scheduling.
Engagement Session
learn more
When we work together, my top priority is to truly listen to you and your partner. I want to fully grasp your vision for your special day, including the style, colours, and the important people in your life. My goal is to use my creative expertise to bring that vision to life and present you with a final gallery that exceeds your expectations.
As your experienced wedding photographer, I understand the significance of capturing all the important moments. However, my approach is about more than just ticking off items on a checklist. I strive to tell your love story as genuinely as possible by capturing your day as it naturally unfolds.
If there are any unique moments you wish me to capture, please don't hesitate to let me know. I also invite you to share any images that inspire you or resonate with you. I'll use them as a source of inspiration to create photos that are truly one-of-a-kind. Together, let's create a beautiful and unforgettable celebration of your love.
photography checklists
combining your vision with my creative expertise
Your wedding story doesn't just revolve around the big day. Many couples opt for rehearsal dinners or recovery brunches after the wedding. If you plan on having these smaller events, it's a great idea to extend your photography coverage to capture the entire weekend.
If you have guests coming from out of town, a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch is an excellent way to make the most of their visit. It's also a chance to bond with guests in a more relaxed atmosphere, which might not be possible on the wedding day itself.
By documenting these events, you'll have even more opportunities to capture portraits of you and your loved ones, making for a more comprehensive final gallery.
pre/post wedding celebrations
Rehearsal dinners & post wedding brunches
Two photographers means two different perspectives, two different angles and more moments and images in your final gallery to choose from.
I highly recommend a second photographer if:
- You've got a gorgeous dress that you want captured from the back as you're walking down the aisle
- You've invested a significant amount into your styling and decor for your ceremony & reception
- You've got an extensive guest list (100+ guests) and you want more images of your family and friends, especially at cocktail hour
- You've got a large wedding party
- You want more images of the two of you in your final gallery
do you need a second photographer?
your love story from another perspective
Wedding Photography Timing
all about
It is ALWAYS my goal to create images that you are going to absolutely love! So here are some timing tips to make the most of your photography.
groom prep
Allow at least 45 minutes - 1 hour
Nothing posed here, just the boys having beers and hanging out before getting into their suits.
I'll always capture groom details prior to the boys getting ready too.
bride prep
Allow at least 1.5-2 hours
This will give me enough time to capture you with your girls, your gorgeous details, getting into your dress, etc.
Wedding party portraits
Allow 20-30 minutes
Depending on the size of the party, I always capture the entire group together, just the girls, just the guys and if we have time, individual shots too!
couples portraits
Allow 45 mins - 1 hour
Your couples portrait time is one of the best parts of your day. This is where we get to have some fun and you get some quiet time together!
They are usually the ones that you will fall in love with and want to print and hang, or have featured throughout your album.
Allow more time if you want to visit multiple portrait locations.
group & family formals
Allow 15-20 minutes
I make it my mission to make group & family formals fast, easy and as efficient as possible! It’s always nice to look back on these pictures to remember who you celebrated with!
I recommend a maximum of 10 group combinations.
ceremony & venue details
Allow 15 minutes each
The details that you spent months dreaming up deserve to be remembered; they have a part to play in the story of your day. I just need 15 minutes for each location.
If the timeline is tight, consider a second photographer to capture more angles and more images of your specially curated details.
sunset portraits
Allow 20 minutes
This is the best light of the day and I usually sneak out with my couples for a few minutes to take advantage of that gorgeous golden light.
Trust me, you don't want to miss out!
Reception
This is dependant on the formalities or any special entertainment you have planned for your guests.
Usually 2-3 hours is sufficient to cover off
Grand Entrance
Speeches
Cakes
First Dances
If you have a special event like a sparkler exit or fireworks that you want captured, consider extending your coverage to make sure no moment is missed.
It’s the morning of your wedding! Hopefully all of the little details are taken care of and you’re relaxing with your best friends while sipping on champagne.
The "getting ready" part of the day is one of my favourites to photograph and there are a few things to consider about this portion of the day.
Here are a few things that will help the time before your ceremony be more meaningful and help the quality of the photographs.
Tips for getting ready photos
Details, bubbles, scotch and pre-ceremony rituals
The getting ready photos can make up one third of your overall gallery. That's why choosing a space that's intentional is key to the overall vibe and mood of your final gallery.
Consider the style of your wedding and opt for a space that aligns with that vision. I highly recommend a space that has a clean aesthetic, is filled with natural light and is large enough for you and your entire wedding party (this goes for the guys too!).
If you're opting to get ready at your family home, make sure the space is tidy and clutter free. This way, your images will be focused on you and not on distracting objects within the frame.
Another great option is to book a beautiful apartment or house close by to your ceremony location to cut down on travel times - there are some great options on AirBnB. Most hotel rooms are poorly lit, so if opting for a hotel room, I recommend booking a room with a separate living space and plenty of large windows and natural light. Be sure that only the people who need to be there are present, for instance, bride, bridesmaids & parents - it can become quite hectic otherwise.
Lastly, it's always a good idea to use one room to store all the bags and keep another room with lots of light completely mess and clutter free - this will be the room you'll get dressed in.
1. intentional spaces
For the guys, I recommend that all the boys are showered and dressed in their trousers and shirts by the time I arrive. From there, I'll start with the details and then capture the boys as they start getting ready.
I like to allow a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. This way we can get all the details, all the candids, drinks with the boys and some beautiful portraits of the groom in his tux or suit.
For the ladies, I always recommend having your hair and makeup completed before I arrive. Most people don't want their picture taken when they're bare-faced. Scheduling your hair and makeup to finish by the time I arrive also ensures that you have plenty of buffer time in case there are any delays.
I like to allow at least 1.5 -2 hours between hair and makeup finishing and when you need to leave for the ceremony. Getting into your dress can take longer than anticipated, especially if your dress is tight or has a lot of buttons.
2. Before your photography starts
This is perhaps the most important element to breathtaking 'getting ready' photos. Be sure to choose the room in your getting ready location with plenty of big windows that allow as much natural light in as possible.
This is the room that I recommend using for all of your photos. If possible, keep the area near the window as clear as possible as this is the space I will want to use for your beautiful portraits.
3. window light
A first look doesn't always have to be between the couple. It can be a beautiful surprise for family members or the wedding party alike.
If you're planning to surprise family members or your wedding party, it's a good idea that the space you get ready in has at least two separate areas that will allow you to get ready without anyone seeing you before you're ready.
4. first looks
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 30 minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space near the window free from rubbish and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewellery, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
- Dress
- Dress Hanger (be sure to have a lovely wooden hanger if possible)
- Ring
- Shoes
- Veil
- Bouquet
- Hair pieces
- Jewellery
- Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
- Vow Book
- Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
- This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in your detail shots.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
- His shoes
- Cuff Links
- Tie or Bow Tie
- Pocket Square
- Boutonnière
- Cologne
- Rings
- Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
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. About half of my couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself a person who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
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.
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. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
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 because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full wedding party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full wedding party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although I prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
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.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. 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.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
the ceremony
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple, or the celebrant asking for guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, cameras or tablets, there's a pretty good reason for it!
You’ve made a big investment into your wedding photography and I’m sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for your photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras.
In order to help me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony. It will also ensure your guests are present and enjoying the moment.
consider unplugging
For family portraits, I’ll place you in the centre of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then I’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
I’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
I recommend a maximum of 10 group combinations to keep things moving on the day.
Family portraits
your entire family, dressed up and together
- Couple & Bride's Parents, Siblings, Grandparents
- Couple & Bride's Parents, Bride's Siblings
- Couple & Bride's Parents
- Couple & Bride's Siblings
- Couple & Bride's Grandparents
- Couple & Groom's Parents, Siblings, Grandparents
- Couple & Groom's Parents, Bride's Siblings
- Couple & Groom's Parents
- Couple & Groom's Siblings
- Couple & Groom's Grandparents
Suggested family portrait
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!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!
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.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies or gum boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations - they’ll save your feet regardless!
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 a quality rental team can minimise 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!
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dish-washing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
1. 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 wedding party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
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 your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure you have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance 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.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your wedding party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING for four years, I'm happy to share a few additional tips
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to list everyone's name on your family portraits list and assign a helper who knows everyone and who can help round them up.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I'll float around to photograph your guests. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last and come to life is by ordering
an album. These luxury, custom designed albums come in a
variety of linen, leather & vegan leather colours.
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.
Albums
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
Order your album
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you!
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm 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 this guide!
