PRE-WEDDING PREP FOR FAMILY PORTRAITS

6 weeks before your wedding, I will send you a Shot List that will allow you to choose specifically, which family portraits you would like to have at your wedding. Typically, most family portraits are immediate family only, plus your grandparents. All other groupings usually happen at the reception, but if you would like for other family members or groups of friends (example, your sorority sisters) to have formal portraits, you can list them on your official Shot List.

Once you have finalized the Shot List, you can print it out or save it. I would suggest printing out several copies and giving it to key members of the family before the wedding, so that they know the “flow” or the portraits, and know if and when they have to be present. Also have a separate conversation with all grandparents, as they have a tendency to wander off and forget they are needed during the portrait time hehe!

**Side note: I love mothers! That being said, mothers sometimes have a tendency to want to dictate this part of your day, organizing groups of people and inviting others into the shots that were not only your Shot List. If this occurs, I politely let them know that I am working from a list directly from the bride and groom, and that if time permits I can more than happy to capture their specific group shots. Otherwise we can save those for the reception too :) Discussing the Shot List with both mothers before the wedding can limit this awkward moment if you do anticipate this happening on your day.

crowd management

Appoint a crowd manager — someone you trust who can help direct your guests to the reception or cocktail hour, so that we can have uninterrupted time for your family portraits (aunts or godmothers are usually great at this task.)

ceremony reminder

Tell your officiate to make an announcement, directing guests where they should go, and remind family members to stay for their family portraits.