Light is the quietest member of your wedding party, and one of the most influential. The time of your ceremony, the hour you step outside for portraits, and the direction your venue faces all change how your photographs feel.
Start with the sunset
Look up the sunset time for your date before you finalise your schedule. In the Washington, DC area the sun sets early in late autumn and winter, which can shape everything from ceremony time to when portraits are possible outdoors. In summer you have more room to breathe.
Leave room for portraits
Portraits made in good light need a little breathing space in the schedule. Rather than packing them in, think about where in the day the light will be at its best, and protect that window.
- Ask your venue which areas catch the best light at the time of day you are planning for.
- Build in a few spare minutes between moments, so nothing feels rushed.
- Consider a private moment together before the ceremony, if that appeals to you.
- Plan an indoor option with a large window in case the weather changes.
Talk it through together
There is no single right timeline. The best one reflects the way you want your day to feel. If you would like a second opinion on how timing might affect your photographs, I'm always glad to talk it through.