Often during my initial chat or phone call with potential clients, we discuss expectations for the day and I typically hear the same "we want to get those over with as quick as possible," or "we don't want to do them but kind of have to" response about formal photos. Trust me when I say, they are not my favorite part of the day either, formal photos lack the natural look I strive for when capturing memories. With all that being said, I highly encourage family and friend "formals" for every wedding, but that does not mean it has to be painful. With a little planning in advance, we can knock them "Grandma-wall-pictures" (sorry Grannies, it's totally okay to love your formal pictures) out of the way quickly and effortlessly. We can keep family formals around twenty minutes with organization in advance.

Twenty minutes is not a lot of time, but it is 100% reasonable when approached in my tried-and-true method (steps below.) There are a few exceptions that I would like to point out first that may or may not apply to your formal list but are very important to take into consideration.

The first thing you want to consider is when you are doing your formal photos. If you plan on doing a first-look, you could eliminate bride/groom photos and immediate family formals such as parents or siblings before the ceremony even begins. This would split your list making into two separate tasks but uses time the most effectively. If you are planning a traditional approach of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, all of your formals will be after the ceremony(approximately twenty minutes for friends and family followed by bridal party and bride/groom photos.)

The next thing you want to consider for your list is if there are any members in your group that may have limitations. An example would be an elderly grandparent or a disabled family member that would struggle to stand for extended periods of time or younger children who may have limitations with their patience. In these situations, I suggest getting all of the pictures you have them included in done first so they can proceed to comfort.

Thirdly, if you have a very large family and more than the suggested photo groupings(explained below,) I suggest saving some of the extended family shots until the reception so that family portrait time will not interfere with your romantic portraits or keep your guests waiting at the reception.

Lastly, please inform me of any family conflict so that we can avoid any awkward interactions during family photos. This can be family members that might not get along and/or may not want to be grouped with certain family members. It happens, it's okay, just let me know so I'm not out of the "evil glare" loop.

Each formal list should be composed of no more than ten groupings and within each grouping, you can have more than one shot. A grouping would cover multiple members such as "parents," "grandparents," "siblings," etc.. Please include names so that I can call family members by their first name as we organize the portraits. ALSO, please specify if there are STEP PARENTS and STEP SIBLINGS involved in portraits.

For example:

1. Bride and groom with parents.

•  Bride's-(Kevin, Brenda, Spencer, Austin)
•  Groom's-(Kevin, Brenda, Joey, Peggy)
•  All together-(Kevin, Brenda, Spencer, Austin, Joey, Peggy)

2. Bride and Groom with grandparents.

•  Bride's-(names)
•  Groom's-(names)

3. Bride and Groom with siblings.

•  Groom's-(names)

.....

It helps that everyone that is to be included in pictures is aware so they don't disappear, I've seen it happen and it takes time to find people. This really should be a smooth and easy process, teamwork makes the dream work! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your wedding list, I'm here to help.