J. Richard Photography

THE weddings

WHAT TO expect

1. **Emotions:** Anticipation, excitement, nerves, and overwhelming joy are common emotions experienced by couples on their wedding day. Expect a rollercoaster of feelings as you prepare to embark on this significant milestone.

2. **Logistics:** Your wedding day will involve various logistical details, from getting ready in the morning to transportation arrangements, ceremony timing, and reception logistics. Having a detailed timeline and trusted vendors in place can help ensure everything runs smoothly.

3. **Surroundings:** Whether you're getting married in a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or an outdoor garden, expect to be surrounded by the beauty of your chosen venue. Take in the ambiance and atmosphere as you prepare to exchange vows with your partner.

4. **Support:** Surround yourself with loved ones who are there to support you on your wedding day. From your bridal party and family members to friends and guests, expect to feel an outpouring of love and support from those closest to you.

5. **Memorable Moments:** Your wedding day will be filled with countless memorable moments, from the first look with your partner to the exchange of vows, first dance, and heartfelt toasts. Take time to savor these special moments and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

6. **Unexpected Surprises:** Despite meticulous planning, it's common for unexpected surprises to arise on your wedding day. Whether it's a sudden rain shower, a wardrobe malfunction, or a last-minute change in plans, be prepared to adapt and roll with the punches.

7. **Joyous Celebrations:** Above all, your wedding day is a celebration of love, commitment, and unity. Expect to celebrate with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt moments as you embark on this new chapter together with your partner.

Remember that while it's important to have certain expectations for your wedding day, it's equally important to remain flexible and focus on the love and joy that surrounds you. Embrace the journey and cherish every moment as you celebrate your love with those closest to you.

HOW TO prepare FOR

YOUR wedding

START PLANNING

If you haven’t already, now is the time to start planning all the aspects of the day including your timeline. Make sure you are keeping notes as you start to work with your vendors to prepare all of the details for your special day.

MAKE A LIST

There is so much to do, the last thing you want to do is forget a critical part in your planning process. A good way to prevent this is to start making lists to keep you on track. You’ll be glad you did!

COORDINATE WITH OTHERS

You don’t have to do this all yourself. Lean on your family and friends to help you with the planning process. Bounce ideas off of them and ask for their input or delegate some of your to-do list to someone you can count on.

TALK TO VENDORS

Start talking to vendors (florists, bakers, caterers etc.) to nail down the ones that will be able to effectively carryout your wedding day dreams. Don’t feel bad about keeping your options open until you find one that you are happy with.

SAMPLE timelines

WITHOUT FIRST LOOK PHOTOS

1:15 Photographer Arrives for Make-up Photos, flat lay, detail shots
2:30 Bridesmaids ready for photos
2:45 Bride Gets Dressed
3:00 Bridesmaid Photos
3:30 First Look with Bride’s Dad
4:00 Groomsmen Photos
5:00 All Photos Wrap Up (Guests Arrive)
5:15 All Decor is set, reception room cleared and candles lit for photos
5:30 Ceremony

6:00 Family formals
6:00 Cocktail Hour Begins
6:30 Wedding Party Photos
7:00 Enter Reception to First Dance, welcome from Bride’s father, and dinner
7:30 Father Daughter/ Mother Son Dances

7:45 Cake Cutting

8:00 Dance Floor Opens
8:00 Sunset Photos
9:30Last song/ guests are sent outside
9:45 Last Dance - just for the bride and groom
10:00 Send Off

WITH FIRST LOOK PHOTOS

2:00 Photographer Arrives for Make-up Photos, flat lay, detail shots
2:30 Bridesmaids Photo Ready
2:45 Bride Gets Dressed
3:00 Bridesmaid Photos
3:30 First Look with Bride’s Dad
3:40 First Look with Groom and Couple’s Photos
4:15 Groomsmen Photos
4:45 Family Photos Begin
5:15 All Photos Wrap Up (Guests Arrive)
5:15 All Decor is set, reception room cleared and candles lit for photos
6:00 Ceremony
6:30 Cocktail Hour Begins
7:15 Sunset Couple’s Photos
7:30 Enter Reception to First Dance, welcome from Bride’s father, and dinner
8:15 Cake Cut and Toasts
8:30 Father Daughter / Mother Son Dances
8:45 Dance Floor Open
11:00 Last Song, Guests are sent outside
11:05 Last Dance (private for Bride and Groom)
11:15 Send Off

FAMILY & BRIDAL PARTY photo ideas

Your family and bridal party photos are so special. Make sure you put together a list of all of the shots you don’t want to forget.

SAMPLE FAMILY PHOTOS

Bride & Groom with both parents
Bride with Mom & Dad
Bride with Dad
Groom with Mom & Dad
Groom with Mom
All of the above & Grandparents
All of the above together

SAMPLE BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS

Bride with Bridesmaids
Bride with Maid of Honor
Groom with Groomsmen
Groom with Best Man
Bride with Groomsmen
All of the above together

Wedding Day Checklist

  • Wedding Dress

  • Tux

  • Outfit Change

  • Shoes

  • Rings

  • Vows

  • Bouquet & Boutonniere

  • Jewelry

  • Gifts for Bridal Party

  • Invitation

  • Any details you wish photographed

VENDOR list

BAKERY

Holly’s Cakes

Couture Cakes of Greenville

Kathy and Co.

BARTENDER

Southern Libations

Bearded Bartenders

Razz Bartending

CATERING

Boulevard Catering

Smittty’s Smoking Soul Food

White Wine and Butter

DJs

SoundChoice Dj

Premiere Party Entertainment

AudioGrafs

FLORISTS

Renee Burroughs Design

Simple Stems

Sweet June Floral Co.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Cotton Rouge

Southern Couture Salon

WEDDING PLANNERS

Timeless Event Planners

Ever Weddings

RSVP Wedding Coordination