Wedding Vendor Information

The Wedding Details

There are a couple things I like to go over prior to the wedding that will help ensure your photography is smooth, everyone is on the same page and nothing is overlooked. I know this is a LOT of information and questions but I promise everything is relevant and will only help create the best possible end result for your wedding photography! Also, I try to keep each topic needing coverage short and sweet. Listed below are some extremely helpful tips that will allow for your wedding photography to go smoothly and for the most natural and beautiful images! There are two separate questionnaires on this page, please be sure to complete and submit both before your wedding. Ask if you have any questions, we are a team and I am here for you! :D

1. Make sure there is natural light in the room where the bride will be getting ready(big windows are seriously the best,) it makes a huge difference in your images, I promise!

2. If possible, try to have all bridal details together before the photographer arrives(dress, jewelry, shoes, bouquet, garter, veil, etc..) The detail shots will go smoother and quicker allowing for more time and variety for your images!

3. Allow more time than you think you need to get ready, it’s better to be safe than RUSHED! Plan on getting your hair and make-up done first if at all possible. The last thing you want is your hair and make-up rushed because the bridesmaids or flower girl took longer than expected. IF push comes to shove, compromises can be made for other hair styles but yours is specifically chosen by you, for you.

4. Keep the area near the window free of trash, bags, snacks, etc., it's where we will capture most of the bridal portraits! We don’t need any water bottles in our bridal portraits :).

5. Some suggestions or requests I have may seem a little weird or farfetched at times BUT, I guarantee you that I am extremely confident in what I capture. The most important thing you can do on your wedding day for beautiful imagery that will always make you smile is TRUST ME.

6. Lastly, relax and have fun! You’re getting MARRIED and your day is going to be absolutely perfect!!

In addition to the tips above, I also suggest checking out my Smoothest Wedding Photography Tips.

**Please remember, your second payment is due ON or BEFORE your wedding day and is equivalent to 50% of your package price unless you have paid more in advance or we have already discussed an alternative schedule. Please reach out if you are unsure of what your payment is or if you have any concerns. Venmo is the easiest form of payment, Venmo payment to @Dawn-DeWees-Crane. Checks, money orders or cashiers checks should be made out to "Trace Elements Photography" and mailed to 2777 Portland St., Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819. Please let me know when it is en-route and I will let you know when it arrives. Thanks so much!

Wedding Day Information

Couple's Names:

What address should I arrive at first? (where is the bride getting ready) Please give actual address for GPS purposes.

Are there any RULES or REGULATIONS for photographers at your ceremony location?

What time will the bride arrive at the ceremony location?:

Approximately what time will the bride be almost done with hair and makeup? (this will be used to determine best arrival time.):

Are you planning on doing a first look and what time if so:

What are your COLORS? This will help me as I prepare to shoot your details!

Name of the Maid of Honor:

Name of the Best Man:

How many Bridesmaids? (including MOH)

How many Groomsmen? (including the Best Man)

Will you be doing any type of “Exit” from your reception? If so, whats the plan and what time will this take place?:

Is there anything I should be aware of on the wedding day? Surprises? Gifts? Etc?

What address should I use to send your gift to you after the wedding?

Please provide a solid timeline for the wedding day* (see example below)

Please list 10 Family Groupings for Family Portraits**(see assistance below)

Are there any divorces, separations or family situations that I should be aware of during family formals?

Timeline Example

I would love to help you create a timeline that will allow for plenty of beautiful portraits and a stress-free day! If you’re having any issues with the best schedule that will work smoothly for you, please reach out, I'm beyond happy to help!

*For example:

1:00 - Details at bridal suite

1:30 - Getting ready pictures

2:00 - Travel to Ceremony venue

2:30 - Ceremony & Reception Details (if reception is set up)

3:00 - Staging groom prep at reception

3:30 - Ceremony

4:00-4:25 - Family formals (must make sure family to be in pictures knows they’re to stay put after the ceremony)

4:25-4:45 -Bridal Party

4:45-5:10 - Couples pictures

5:15 - Introduction and dances

5:30 - Dinner

Family Formal Assistance

Family formals do not have to take over 20 minutes. However, this is only possible if we are organized beforehand! 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. (Kevin, Brenda, Spencer, Austin)

2. Bride and Groom with grandparents. (names)

3. Bride and Groom with siblings. (names)

With-in these groupings, you can have more than one shot (ex. B&G with Grooms parents, B&G with Brides Parents, etc.) If you have a very large family and more than 10 group photos, I suggest saving some of the extended family shots until the reception so that family portrait time will not interfere with your romantic portraits and you will not keep your guests waiting at the reception. Please inform me of any family members that may not get along and/or may not want to be grouped with a certain other family members so that we can avoid any awkward interactions during family formals.

LASTLY!!!! When all is said and done, I always give credit where credit is due and networking is a huge part of my continued growing and success. The following information about your vendors will give me the ability to network with the rest of the team you chose to work with on the day of your celebration. Chances are, you did not hire this many vendors and that is totally okay! Fill in what you can and skip what does not apply to your celebration. Please list name and website or other contact information, business names can be similar sometimes and I'd rather not give the incorrect professional the credit. Thanks you so much friends, I appreciate it more than you know!

Wedding Vendors

I know it's a lot but I want to stress that you can always reach out to me if you have any questions! Call, text, email or whatever is easiest for you! I'm here to help you and I am so excited for your big day!

-Dawn <3