Wedding Guide
Lea Evrevin
Thanks
First and foremost, I just want to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve chosen to bring me along on this incredible journey, and I couldn’t be more honored. The trust you place in me is what inspires me every day—it pushes me to give my very best and allows me to create the most beautiful memories for you.
Rules
Don’t think of this guide as a rulebook. Instead, see it as a collection of insights and suggestions that I’ve gathered over the years to help you make the most of your day. My goal is for you to feel relaxed, enjoy time with your loved ones, sip champagne, and create incredible wedding photos—without any stress.
Thanks
First and foremost, I just want to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve chosen to bring me along on this incredible journey, and I couldn’t be more honored. The trust you place in me is what inspires me every day—it pushes me to give my very best and allows me to create the most beautiful memories for you.
Rules
Don’t think of this guide as a rulebook. Instead, see it as a collection of insights and suggestions that I’ve gathered over the years to help you make the most of your day. My goal is for you to feel relaxed, enjoy time with your loved ones, sip champagne, and create incredible wedding photos—without any stress.
Timing
Good timing is essential to ensure everything flows smoothly on your big day, without unnecessary stress.
You should be able to fully enjoy each moment, as the day will pass by in the blink of an eye.
The best approach is to limit travel and keep the number of locations to a maximum of one or two. Everything tends to take longer than expected—especially with a group—and small unexpected delays are common. Building in extra time will allow you to stay relaxed and present.
Working with a wedding planner is a great way to keep your mind at ease and avoid the stress of an overly tight or unrealistic schedule.
REMINDER: If something doesn’t go exactly as planned or a detail isn’t quite as you envisioned, focus on what truly matters—you, your loved ones, and the love you’re celebrating. Laugh, soak it all in, and cherish every second—because when you look back at your photos 6 months or 6 years from now, those joyful, authentic moments are what will shine through.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
My wedding coverage often follows a similar timeline, with bridesmaids getting ready first in the morning and the bride preparing later in the day:
- 12:00 PM – Venue + Ceremony Design + Detail Shots
- 1:00 PM – Bride Getting Ready
- 2:00 PM – Groom Getting Ready + Groomsmen Group Shots + Portraits
- 3:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed + Bridesmaids Group Shots + Portraits
- 4:00 PM – First Look + Mini Couple Session
- 4:30 PM – Ceremony
- 5:30 PM – Group Photos After Ceremony Exit
- 6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
- 7:30 PM – Couple Session + Optional Outfit Change
- 8:00 PM – Evening Reception Begins
- 8:30 PM – Dinner
- 10:30 PM – Mini Night Session
- 11:00 PM – First Dance + Wedding Cake
- 11:30 PM – Dance Floor Opens
Unplugged Wedding
An unplugged wedding is not only a fantastic opportunity for your guests to disconnect and be there in person, but it’s also the only way for me to capture truly beautiful wedding photos for you.
You don’t want your guests missing key moments because they’re glued to their screens—or worse, blocking your ceremony aisle with their phones and cameras. The last thing you want is a sea of devices in your wedding photos instead of the emotions and faces of your loved ones.
I highly recommend having your officiant or a trusted person make a quick announcement before the ceremony, kindly asking guests to put away their phones and cameras. Remind them that they’ll have full access to a professional gallery afterward, so they can focus entirely on being there in person and enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime moment with you.
Engagement session
I truly believe every couple should experience an engagement session before their wedding—you won’t get a second chance!
This session is the perfect opportunity for us to meet in person before the big day, helping you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. It’s a chance to build confidence, get used to being photographed, and make the wedding day experience even smoother—less stress, more ease.
We’ll plan the session at a time that works best for you, choosing a meaningful location—whether it’s a place close to your heart or something completely different from your wedding venue. We’ll also go over outfits, inspiration, and create a mood board together to ensure the session feels like you.
If you’re still hesitant, take this as your sign—let’s make it happen and book your engagement session!
Getting ready
The getting ready phase is the behind-the-scenes of your wedding—intimate, emotional, and filled with excitement, nerves, laughter, and maybe even a few happy tears. This is a unique moment that highlights the deep connections you share with your loved ones.
- To create bright, clean, and timeless photos, choose a naturally well-lit, spacious, and tidy room. Position yourself near windows and in the most aesthetically pleasing part of the space.
- Keep your circle intimate—surround yourself only with those closest to you to preserve the magic and emotion of the moment.
- Gather all your accessories in advance so I can capture them creatively. Ideally, bring elegant hangers for your outfits and set aside: stationery suite, perfume, rings, cufflinks, jewelry, sentimental items, shoes, dress, suit, and bouquet.
- Before slipping into your dress and while getting your hair and makeup done, you’ll be photographed. Consider wearing a beautiful robe or elegant loungewear—perhaps even coordinating with your bridesmaids for a stylish touch.
- To kick off the day in the best way, fully embrace the moment! Pop open a bottle of champagne, enjoy a game of poker, blast your favorite music, and start dancing—these joyful, spontaneous moments create the most authentic and iconic images.
- Adding small, heartfelt gestures can make your day even more meaningful. Writing a love note for your partner to read privately before your first look or ceremony is a beautiful way to create a cherished memory.
First Look
The moment you reveal your wedding outfits to each other is one of the highlights of your wedding day.
- For an intimate experience, you can choose to see each other in private, just the two of you. This is often the most emotional reveal, allowing you to let your guard down and share a tear without the eyes of others on you. It’s also a perfect opportunity for your first couple’s photos and a fresh, unposed look.
You could also consider a reveal with just your father or grandmother beforehand, followed by some group photos.
- If you prefer a more traditional reveal during the ceremony, surrounded by your loved ones, take your time. Walk slowly and savor the moment, allowing me to capture your expressions and emotions.
This doesn’t mean you can’t plan a meaningful moment together before the ceremony—holding hands near a door, exchanging vows without seeing each other… Choose what feels authentic and special to you.
Ceremony
The ceremony is the most anticipated moment of the wedding, and rightly so. Whether you choose to follow traditional customs or add your own personal touch, do what feels right for you.
- Be sure to inform your officiants (both civil and religious) of my presence and get their approval for photography ahead of time. Otherwise, it may cause problems on the day: many officiants are strict about where photographers can be during the ceremony or where they can move.
- Consider the lighting, not only for your comfort but also for your guests and the quality of your photos. Avoid planning a ceremony under direct sunlight or at inconvenient times (too early or too late in the day). If the lighting is inadequate, especially indoors, make sure that using a flash won’t be an issue for you or your officiant.
- Ask your loved ones to stay seated and refrain from moving around during the ceremony, as well as putting away their devices. A quick reminder from your officiant or a trusted person at the start of the ceremony can ensure this.
- For purely aesthetic reasons, be mindful of where your speakers are placed so they don’t detract from the décor. The same goes for your microphone/tripod or the design of the vows holder.
- If the weather is uncooperative, it’s crucial to have a backup plan in place, such as moving the ceremony and cocktail indoors. Beautiful umbrellas are always a great idea.
- Don’t rush off after the ceremony; take time to enjoy your exit with a confetti toss or a flower petal shower. Walk through your guests several times, dance, and kiss to celebrate the start of the festivities!
Group photos
Group photos are becoming less and less requested by couples because they take up a lot of time and aren’t really in vogue anymore.
Typically, I focus on capturing the traditional group shots that hold special meaning for you, with your closest family and oldest friends, and I take advantage of the cocktail hour to photograph candid, authentic moments.
In any case, the group photo session should be scheduled right after the ceremony and before the cocktail hour begins, so all guests are gathered in the same place and available for the shoot!
I recommend creating a small list of the group photos you would like to have before the big day, and making sure to inform your trusted person or wedding planner about it.
Cocktail hour
After the ceremony and group photos, it’s time to relax, enjoy your loved ones, and toast with champagne.
I’ll capture the most authentic moments, full of spontaneity and natural charm, from laughter and congratulations to lively conversations.
Aside from the close circle, which will be easy to spot, there may be more discreet people blending into the crowd, who should not be missed. This is why I ask for the list of your VIPs or a photo directory through a follow-up questionnaire.
I also take advantage of the cocktail hour to photograph the dinner space, pristine and untouched, before the frenzy of the evening begins. To ensure I can take the necessary time, please make sure the space isn’t accessible to your guests beforehand, preventing any clothing or bags from being left there. Kindly ask your wedding planner or catering service to hold off on setting up drinks and bread until after I’ve had the chance to photograph the space.
Couple session
The couple’s session is your time to take a breath and reconnect with each other, eyes locked, for a tender, romantic, and passionate moment.
You know my approach and chose me for my style: I’ll guide you to capture modern, editorial, ultra-aesthetic photos without any fuss. The photo moodboard we create together allows me to understand what you love most, and I’ll have already scouted the location to identify the best spots.
I suggest dividing the couple session into several small moments, each about 15 minutes: during the private first look (if planned), while your guests are settling for dinner, and just before the wedding cake.
This way, you can enjoy the time with your loved ones, take a breather in between, change outfits, and most importantly, get more diverse shots—freshly done hair and makeup at the start, a sunset escape, and a fashion-forward nighttime session with a flash, full of celebration and dance vibes.
Dinner
To ensure you celebrate your union to the fullest and set the tone for the party after the calm of the cocktail hour, a musical entrance is always a great idea. If you want a lively atmosphere, take the lead—you can’t go wrong with a rhythmic entrance followed by 10 minutes on the dancefloor to kick off an amazing evening.
Dinner often takes place in an intimate setting, whether indoors or outdoors, with candles or fairy lights creating a warmer ambiance than the DJ’s lighting.
I take fewer photos while dinner is being served, as you and your guests are eating. However, I capture the key moments, such as speeches, performances, intense exchanges between you, and the soft, festive atmosphere of the early evening.
It’s essential that I also have my meal at the same time and pace as you, and not far from you, so I don’t miss any important moments, especially surprise speeches or declarations. Please mention this to the catering team, who will likely make similar arrangements for other vendors present.
Party night
To wrap up dinner, I recommend taking a quick 10-minute break for yourselves, followed by a mini couple’s session with flash, just before moving on to dessert.
For a warm, visually stunning atmosphere during your first dance, whether it’s sweet or intense, I suggest asking the DJ to use amber lighting tones, like soft white or golden hues. This will create a magical touch to an already unforgettable moment.
Finally, make sure to fully embrace the last moments of your day and hit the dance floor with everything you’ve got. Before I leave, I’ll capture all those unforgettable moments, ensuring you have incredible photos that reflect the joy and excitement of your wedding.
Welcome dinner + Brunch
Wedding weekends are a fantastic way to create even more memories, extend the celebration, and prolong the experience with your loved ones.
There’s nothing better than a welcome dinner at sunset, a poolside brunch, an impromptu game of beach volleyball, or a boat ride. Do whatever you want and enjoy it to the fullest.
The images of these genuine, authentic moments, where the people who matter most to you are gathered together, are priceless and are often the ones you end up cherishing the most.
Ready to celebrate your love and capture it with stunning images?
Reminders
- Plan a realistic and generous timeline.
- Prepare in an aesthetically pleasing space, close to a window, with your inner circle.
- Gather and bring your accessories during the prep: robe or nightgown, beautiful hangers, stationery kit, perfume, rings, cufflinks, jewelry, sentimental items, shoes, dress, suit, bouquet.
- Think about how you’d like to reveal yourselves to each other and organize the couple sessions.
- Ask your trusted person/officiant to mention devices/phones and movement at the start of the ceremony.
- Inform and get approval from the officiant (civil/religious) about my presence and the use of flash.
- Have a backup plan in case of bad weather, and consider bringing beautiful umbrellas.
- Make a list of the group photos you’d like to capture.
- Ensure the dinner space remains off-limits to guests until the designated time.
- Let your catering team know to serve me at the same time as you and keep me nearby.
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