engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
lavel marie photogrpahy
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Thank you again for choosing to work with us and please don't hesitate to let us know if we can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! We know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and we're so honored you chose to work with us!
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 150 weddings over the past few years, we tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So we thought it would be beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather and more.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
An engagement session is one of our favorite parts of the wedding experience. It’s an opportunity to celebrate this season of life together while creating timeless imagery that reflects your story. Beyond beautiful photographs, these sessions help you become comfortable in front of the camera, ensuring a relaxed and effortless experience on your wedding day. To help you prepare, we've curated a guide featuring wardrobe inspiration, location recommendations, timing considerations, and expert tips for a successful session.
Engagement Session
coming soon
Rachel Kelli (Violinist)
Ryan Smith Cello Music
Kelly Bransford (Guitar)
Justin Nunez Music
Bosque Quartet Strings
Musicians
Transportation
Enchanted Photo Booths
Complete We Do
Photo Booth Rentals of New Mexico
Pink Mustache Photo Booth
Magic Mirror Photo Booth NM
Photo booths
OFFICIANT
venues
Invitations
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
CAKES
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
ViDEOGRAPHY
Albuquerque Floris/Elite Weddings
Flowers From Kara
Florecita Flowers
Silver Stem Floral
Two Baroque Girls
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we 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
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. We 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, we highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, we'll 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 we 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, we are 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're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, we recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup, and your bouquet. We typically spend 1 hour 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, we recommend choosing locations that are well-manicured, clean, and offer a great variety of indoor and outdoor options.
Bridal Portrait Experience | $500
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 share together prior to the wedding ceremony, have become more popular over the last few years. About half of our couples chose to do a first look.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look.
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
Three reasons to consider a first look
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.
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 because 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.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
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.
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 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we 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 we 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 the traditional "no see before the ceremony," we 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 sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits, and at least 30 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
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.
The photography team arrives & Details/Flatlays
12 p.m.
12:00pm
Getting Ready Photos of Bride & Bridesmaids // Groom & Groomsmen
1:15 p.m.
1:15pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
1:30 p.m.
1:30pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
The first look takes place.
1:45 p.m.
1:45PM
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
Family portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
3:30 p.m.
3:30pm
Additional Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, we might grab 1 or 2 more full bridal party shots.
4:00 P.M.
4:00pm
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.
4:30 p.M.
4:30pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:00 P.M.
5:00 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
6:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
6:30pm
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
7:15 P.M.
7:15pm
Photographers Depart
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
The photography team arrives & Details/Flatlays
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.
1 p.m.
1:00pm
Getting Ready Photos of Bride & Bridesmaids // Groom & Groomsmen
2:00 p.m.
2:00pm
Bride slips into dress and any first looks with family/bridesmaids take place.
2:15 p.m.
2:15pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
3:30pm
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
4:00pm
Introductions & First Dance
5:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:30 P.M.
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:30pm
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
If the forecast is calling for rain, don't worry, some of the most beautiful wedding images are created on rainy days. A little rain rarely affects the joy and emotion of your celebration, and with a flexible approach, we can still create stunning photographs.
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas in advance. They photograph beautifully and help keep everyone comfortable throughout the day.
We may also adjust portrait locations as needed to take advantage of covered areas and the best available natural light. Sometimes this means utilizing different spaces at your venue or exploring nearby options.
And if you've been eyeing a cute pair of rain boots, this might be the perfect excuse; they're practical, comfortable, and can make navigating wet areas much easier between photo locations.
At LMP, we're always prepared with a backup plan and will work closely with you to ensure your day is photographed beautifully, rain or shine.
Rain Tips
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your wedding, we need about 60 minutes to capture and style details. We recommend choosing a getting-ready location with natural light and, if possible, keeping the space free of trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could gather all your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations, and other keepsakes in one place for us. Please unwrap your dress, but don't worry about styling it - we'll 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
Fresh cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day.
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'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When we can, we 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 dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
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
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’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.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
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 we're 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. 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.
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and 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.
Extra Florals
03
If it's going to be hot, a fan, a cooler of cold water, 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
Included in every wedding collection is a personalized timeline consultation, where we'll thoughtfully design a photography schedule that maximizes natural light, minimizes stress, and allows you to be fully present on your wedding day.
We're here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
Make a list
07
We 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
