Child's Wardrobe

Child’s Wardrobe

6-9 Months

9-12 Months

12-18 Months

18-24 Months

3-4 Years

4-5 Years

6-7 Years

Wedding Planning

Wedding Timeline Tips


Having a schedule sets the tone for a wedding-- it can make the difference from the day feeling frazzled and stressed versus smooth and flawless. This is the best timeline from experience to get the important moments.

I recommend maximizing time for scheduling and photography instead of allocating time to travel-- for locations that require a lot of travel time, these can make great engagement sessions instead during perfect lighting-- weddings may not have perfect lighting so an engagement session is the perfect 'dry run' without the additional stress and to feel confident in the end result. If there is only a 'cocktail hour' set aside for the wedding photography, you do not want to be spending 75% of it hiking up a mountain (unless hiking up the mountain is part of your adventure, of course!)

Remember:

  • Please keep in mind the ceremony is usually 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This timeline does not include reception.

Here’s how much time I typically suggest allocating for each section:

  • 1.5 hours for the Bride Getting Ready (includes 30 minutes of rings, dress, shoes and other details). Make sure to have your details together so they can be done when I arrive, including a nice copy of your invitations and save the dates! Placing them in a basket works best! Lead shooter stays with the bride and second shooter goes to the groom (if hired).

  • 1 hour for the Groom Getting Ready (recommended with second shooter)

  • First look- 30 minutes (if desired, please note if midday, shaded areas will be found for this to prevent harsh lighting and scowls)

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  • Ceremony (45-1 hour)

  • 45 min to 1 hour for family photos (depending on how many people there are)

  • 45 min for Bridal Party Photos

  • 1 hour for Bride and Groom Portraits -recommended to be late afternoon when the lighting is warmer and avoid high light times for the best photography outcomes.

  • 15 min – 30 min to photograph reception decor (prior to the arrival of guests, if possible

  • Dinner & Cake (45min-1hr) (save time by starting speeches once the head table is done!)

  • Reception (variable coverage time)— highly recommend a second shooter for candid moments.

  • 15 minutes sunset photographs with bride and groom -the ‘sneak out’

Be mindful of allowing wiggle room for these time frames! You don’t want things to constrict and feel uncomfortable the day of, but rather have an ease and flow to them.

Here is the compact list of a 7 hour timeline excluding reception and any travel time:

  • 1 hour for the Groom Getting Ready (can overlap with Bride with second shooter)

  • 1.5 hours for the Bride Getting Ready (Inlcudes 30 minutes for details at the beginning)

  • First look- 30 minutes

  • Ceremony (45-1 hour)

  • 45 min to 1 hour for family photos (depending on how many people there are)

  • 45 min for Bridal Party Photos

  • 1 hour for Bride and Groom Portraits

  • 15 min – 30 min to photograph reception decor (prior to the arrival of guests, if possible)

Reception can vary depending on what your vision is. Meals commonly take an hour and need to be factored into the overall timeline. These times are suggested for best outcomes, but I am adaptable and open the the priorities needed to make your wedding successful.

‘Can you break it down for me?’

Generally, the detail shots are done during the getting ready when all the important items are together and not yet worn to not eat into other time frames later on that are faster paced. I recommend a few photos while the makeup and hair is fresh. Ceremonies generally are 45 minutes and can run longer depending on how long it takes to 'rally the troops'. Group photography typically takes place after the ceremony with a few notable exceptions listed below. Starting with family photos is ideal and then ‘dwindling down’ to smaller subgroups so people can get back to the celebrations-- family first and then the bridal party. Finally, the bride and groom portraits— keep in mind this may some of your only one-on-one time during the entire day! It also depends on if the pictures are on location or if people want to travel to another location (requiring additional travel time). Receptions can be variable for time frames so it depends on what is important to you!



Additional Tips & Suggestions:

  • Make sure to have all your details ready at the beginning for when I arrive to photograph! This includes but is not limited to save the dates, invites, shoes, rings, jewelry, flowers & boutineers, and other significant details.

  • We are often at the mercy of the venue for time of the ceremony— try to keep in mind lighting— harsh lighting may lead to scowls and even lighting is better. When in doubt, feel free to reach out and connect! I’m happy to assist!

  • I am happy to attend your wedding rehearsal if scheduling allows to provide feedback to help make your day the best it can be! It also gives me a good idea of where to stand and maneuver about on your wedding day. I’m also happy to visit the venue with you leading up to the wedding if scheduling allows!

  • Set aside important details so I can photograph them right away when I arrive— then it’s one less weight on your mind!

  • Point out important people in your life to make they have special attention paid to them for candids!

  • Wooden hangers are much more appealing in photos than metal hangers.

  • During the ceremony, make sure everyone walks down the aisle very slowly or these moments may be missed. Nerves are a real thing and anxiety makes you think you are walking slower when you are actually going pretty quick!

  • First kiss: Kiss long and kiss twice, this leads to a better chance of getting a different perspective.

  • Have a family list/schedule. Make sure to ask everyone beforehand that they give consent for the photos and then assign a family member or friend who is aware of most of the people present and with a loud voice who can call and direct people for the family photos. This is especially important to designate an individual familiar with people to help control the chaos during this moment and make things run more smoothly.

  • Make sure elderly or more immobile people are attended to first during these photos so they may relax and sit down again.

  • If you are wearing high heels, consider 'heel stompers' to add to your heels so you don't sink into the ground.

  • During family photos, I will ask that no one stands behind me and uses cell phones (unless I ask someone specifically to act silly for laughs!) This is to prevent wandering eyes and make sure everyone's focus is on the camera.

  • Once food is served (if you’re doing this), people will eat in intervals often over the course of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Consider beginning speeches once the head table has finished eating to save time and maximize your schedule.

  • Consider cake cutting immediately following speeches to finish ‘formal’ dining and allow you to let loose!

  • Make sure to leave wiggle room in your scheduling for a breather or for the unexpected so your day can go more smoothly-- worst case scenario, you end up with a moment between you and your intended on your otherwise busy day!

  • Make sure to make time for fun! Don't hold back laughs and laugh often! These make for the most beautiful photographs!


Things to be Mindful of:

  • Be aware of permits and other fees. Some popular locations require permits over one year in advance for photography so be mindful of this when planning the day!

  • Be aware that some locations you choose may need the use of flash photography-- even if you don't expect it. This is especially true indoors. Make sure to check with officiants about rules and guidelines for locations, especially if using a church as sometimes flash photography is not possible and then every best effort will be done to get your photos without flash.

  • People often forget travel to and from locations. This needs to be incorporated in addition to the scheduling.

  • In order to have fresh, beautiful photos, be mindful of the mess. Assign a bridesmaid to tidying areas and keeping them clean. You may also see me or my second shooters moving things or objects around to help in this regard too-- try to ignore us if we are not giving direct instructions as we are more 'flies on the wall' to not interfere with these moments of connection on your day. We will give direction as necessary to obtain certain photos.

  • If you have an outdoor wedding location, make sure to plan for a backup spot for photos in case of rain! This can be gazebos or treed areas-- I'm fine with standing in the rain for photos, but you shouldn't ruin the time and effort put into your day for photos! Clear umbrellas are also an excellent suggestion as a 'just in case'.








Selecting Your Photos

Welcome! Here are step by step instructions to access your photos!

This process is self fulfillment and is completed by you without the need to have me confirm your gallery. This way, you can comfortably choose your images without pressure and at your own leisure.

This needs to be done from a computer, not cellphone or tablet to ensure you get your high resolution files.

Please scroll past these steps if you wish to download all photos :)


  • The site will prompt you to make a password. It will do this with each new gallery I send you. After, your gallery will open with images in colour and black & white.

  • Your gallery will have ‘x’ number of images total. To choose your photo allotment, click the heart icon on the images provided until you reach the number of images in your package.

  • Exit to the full view of the gallery where you can see all the phots. Click the heart on the top right of the page.

  • After you click the heart, a window will pop up with your photo selections .

  • When you have confirmed your choices in this window, click “Download Photos-High Res” on the left.

  • Click download to computer. You can only download images to your computer.

  • You will receive an e-mail shortly with your digital image choices in your e-mail inbox.

  • The watermarks will disappear on your final chosen downloads.

If you want additional photos, an additional photo is $25 a photo, or 5 photos for $100. This is just the additional hearts/favorites you select. If you would like to purchase your entire gallery for $195, see the instructions below.

Remember your discount code applies!

Purchasing the Gallery

  • To purchase the entire gallery, skip favoriting your photos. On the top right, click this icon:

  • This window will open. Click the red “Add all photos” option and then “Download Photos-High Res’ option.

  • Proceed through the checkout to complete your purchase. Don’t forget the coupons!

Important to know:

  • I provide a 20% discount for the first 4 days in your gallery— this is applicable to gallery upgrades as well as any prints.

  • Please let me know if you need help with a link to show others (like grandparents and family!)

  • You can select the photos from your gallery and use them to make prints or other products in the store, there will be no watermarks on the final result.

  • With your download, you will receive high resolution digital images for printing. Via your gallery, you have access to a professional print lab to ensure your images turn out the best and I only cover discrepancies through the labs attached to your gallery. You are welcome to choose prints elsewhere but I can not be held accountable to unverified labs. If you choose to do this option, please ensure you take the original digital file and not a version saved to your phone or screenshotted or the quality of the image will suffer. Only the original files can be used if you are wishing to make larger images and prints.

  • If you choose to go elsewhere, my recommendation is to choose photo paper and color correct for that site’s/locations printers. Any inaccuracies with printing cannot compensated if there are errors printing elsewhere.

  • I recommend saving the photos to your computer. Phones will decrease the quality and the size of the photos will use up a lot of space on your phone!

Newborn Shoots

Testimonials

 

"I had my first boudoir photoshoot with Amanda, what an incredible experience! She made me feel so comfortable and was professional through out bookings, the photoshoot and presenting my photos. Not only did I receive the photos in a timely manner but they turned out beautifully! I can't wait for my next photoshoot!"                         -Cassy

 

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"I've had Amanda photograph me in many walks of life; I've had her do boudoir, maternity and most recently a newborn/family shoot. In every case she has managed to make me look my absolute best and give me so many pictures I'm going to cherish forever."      -Sefora

 

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"Amazing photographs! I usually don't photograph well, but you caught all my right angles! Thank you! "                                        -Galia Zavgorodni

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"I can't even begin to express how amazing Amanda is! She has done three photo sessions for our family and has rocked every one of them! She makes every shoot feel extremely comfortable and fun. Thank you so much Amanda for capturing these precious moments!"    -Marisa

 

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"Let me start by saying that Amanda is, and always has been, wonderful! She has been taking photos of my family for the last three years, mostly of the kids with the occasional shot of my husband and I. A few weeks ago we finally had a full family session done. If I hadn't already been impressed with her work and professionalism, I certain would have been by the end of the morning. During most of the session my, just about, three year old was of the opinion that it is not fun to have to be staged for family photos, and mostly refused to smile. Amanda didn't get frustrated, she just moved on and figured out where to go next with our photos, whether it meant distracting him or working through to catch the wonderful photos she was able to or even just moving on. She also allowed us to all relax and captured some shots that are truly us as a family. I will continue to recommend Amanda to everyone, whether for baby, kids, wedding (she did some of my second camera photos), or family sessions. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you for everything, Amanda! ♡♡♡"                              -Keisha

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"Amanda is awesome. She's the perfect combination of respectful and bossy to make sure you look as good as possible in every shot. She did my wedding and now my baby pictures and I see no reason not to use her for every future event that might require photography!"  -Tamra

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"Love this girl! She's amazing at what she dose and clearly has a passion for it! Our family photos not only turned out perfect and beyond anything I imagine, they where also so much fun to take! I'm in love with Amanda Lee Photography!"                                             -Whitney

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"I had admired Amanda's talent for quite a while before committing to a family photo session. Amanda was extremely professional, yet very easy to work with. She managed to put my apprehensive family at ease and we are all so happy with the results! Thank you Amanda for capturing us at this stage in our lives. I can see many more sessions in our future!" - Lynn

 

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"I have had the opportunity to work with Amanda for two sets of photo shoots. She has an artistic eye and when she captures you behind the lens magic happens. It is a pleasure to work with such a professional and talented photographer. Truly a gem."                                  -Pamela
 

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"I am still in awe of the family photos Amanda took of myself and my son. She knew what poses worked and her choice of venue - the Governor's Mansion - was perfect. She certain knows how to work her magic with the camera - the proof is in the amazing shots she took of my son, who is energetic and always on the move. In the future, I hope to work with Amanda on my Masters Graduation photos. I can wait to work with her again soon!"                                                                    -N'Donna

 

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"Thank you Amanda for the gorgeous newborn photos you took of Scarlett! You were so easy to work with and lots of fun as well! You are a very talented photographer, all the photos turned out beautifully and we will cherish them for years to come."                                                    -Leonie

 

 

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"Amanda is courteous, professional, and dedicated to her craft. She works constantly at improving her knowledge and skills in photography. She has a gifted eye for composition that she supplements with expertise, and she delivers striking portraiture in every shoot. Amanda knows how to enhance the beauty in each of her subjects and bring out the best of their personalities in every shot."

                                                                                                                              -Megan

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"Amanda, we are so incredibly blown away with our engagement photos...not only do they really capture all the moments we had in such a beautiful way, but the process was a lot of fun.♡ Looking back, I can definitely say they're both exactly what we envisioned but also better than what we ever could've pictured. Thank you so much♡♡♡" -Sarah & Tchadas

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"My husband and I were so happy with our newborn photos with Amanda! I was quite nervous to do newborn photos, because let's face it - babies are unpredictable! Amanda was so relaxed and patient with our little man, it made all the difference. She was very professional and knew exactly how to get the right shot, yet it felt like we had a family friend taking photos. We would highly recommend Amanda and are really excited for our next chance to have her take some more beautiful photos for us." Lisa & Brad McCrea

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"I signed up for my first boudoir session with Amanda, and I’m so happy that I did. Right from my initial inquiry into the boudoir session, Amanda was always nothing short of professional and considerate in all her planning and correspondence with me. She did everything to make my session as successful as possible from the get-go, and I was impressed with every part of the process. Before the session, I could count on Amanda to promptly reply to any questions I had. She provided me with advice and tips for preparing for the photo-shoot, and she booked the perfect venue (for this particular round of boudoir sessions, Amanda picked an elegant, Tudor style hotel room that worked perfectly as a backdrop). On the big day, I don’t think I even had time to feel nervous or uncomfortable once stepping into the room because she and her assistant made me feel completely at ease right away with their lighthearted and energetic natures, meanwhile staying completely professional the whole time. The only thing I didn’t expect was just how much fun I would have during the shoot! Amanda had no shortage of suggestions and tasteful poses for me to try, and was always mindful and considerate about what I was comfortable doing, and what I preferred to skip. She made me feel confident and glamorous, and I look back on the day as a really positive experience. After the photo-shoot, I was so impressed at how quickly I received my final images. And while she was efficient with the editing part of the process, the quality of the images had my jaw dropping. I am extremely pleased with how they turned out, and I would recommend Amanda to anyone, and would go back for another photo shoot with her in a heartbeat!"

                                                                                                 -Nadia

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"Amanda has taken absolutely beautiful pictures for me on multiple occasions, including the gorgeous couples shots we now have hanging in our home. She has a talent for capturing the emotion in faces and eyes, and is always helpful with posing to make you look your best. Her eye for lighting is sublime, and the results are truly spectacular. 
5 stars, and I look forward to more photos with this wonderful photographer!"              -Ciane

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"All the years that I have known Amanda, her photographic talent ceases to amaze me. You can clearly see her love for photography demonstrated through the beautiful photos that she takes. Amanda can make the most mundane environment such as a rock on the side of the road and make you look like you’re in a majestic field that only wildlife in the most remote places of the world get the luxury of stumbling across. Her creativity and imagination has given me some of the most beautiful photos I get to reminisce over for the rest of my lifetime. I always look forward to each photo shoot and receiving the resulting photos and can always count that the final product will be breath taking. I can’t thank Amanda for all the time and devotion she has put into each of our photo shoots and in each of my photos that she has taken."

                                                                                                               -Dalicia

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"I have been photographed by Amanda on a few separate occasions. Each time she has done an amazing job. She knows just how to direct you to position yourself to look your best and she has a great eye for scenery. She was my wedding photographer and I could not be happier with the results. The photos were done in a timely and organized manner and each final photo that she picked and edited turned out better than I could have imagined. I would hire her again for any professional photography needs."

                                                                                                     -Nicole