engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding
Guide
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
Interested in learning more about us, & hearing what we're all about? We introduce ourselves at the bottom of this page.
Congratulations on your engagement! We're so excited for you! Wedding planning is a crazy thing, and we know it's a little overwhelming trying to even figure out where to begin. Our hope is that we as photographers are the easiest vendors you work with, and that's why we made this guide, to make your life easier.
The biggest resource here is the giant vendor list we compiled for you, from venues, to hair and makeup, to invitations. We cover it all! No need to scroll aimlessly through Google, WeddingWire, or The Knot.
Having photographed 200 weddings over the past ten years, we tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So we thought it would be beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. We've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
Invitations
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
HAIR & MAKEUP
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
FLORAL DESIGNERS
WEDDING PLANNERS
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
CAKES
Over the years, we've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. We've worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - we chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Venues
Pearl S. Buck Estate
Mansions
estates
barns + Farms
Pen Ryn Estate
Thousand Acre Farms
country clubs
City Venues
Other Gems
Cairnwood Estate
Appleford Estate
Philander Chase Knox Estate
Glen Foerd Estate
Aldie Mansion
The Farm at Eagles Ridge
The Barn On Bridge
Bally Spring Inn
Bluestone Estate
Springton Manor Farm
Ridgeland Mansion
The Lake House Inn
Historic Acres of Hershey
Moonstone Manor
Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury
Knowlton Mansion
Hotel du Village
The Arts Ballroom
Osteria Philly
Yards Brewing Co
Hotel DuPont
Union Trust Ballroom
The Kimmel Center
Colonial Dames
Aronomink Golf Club
Overbrook Golf Club
French Creek Golf Club
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Talamore Country Club
Fiddler's Elbow Country Club
Scotland Run Golf Club
Huntingdon Valley Country Club
Bluestone Country Club
Greenville Country Club
Willow Creek Winery
Riverhouse at Odette's
Wave Resort
Terrain Gardens
Anthony Wayne House
John James Audubon Center
Merion Tribute House
Choosing the right venue is likely the most important aspect of your wedding day. It is a key factor in setting the tone of the day. We've left 40+ venues below that range from barns, to estates, to farms, and ballrooms. These are all places we've worked at and you'll see photos we've taken there over the last 10 years.
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About 75% of our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While we consider ourselves people who value tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are only 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
First Look
03
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
02
Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to have some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
01
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 1.5 to 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all we ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding.
If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, bridal party and your couples portraits. Making sure we have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, we will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to not share in a first look, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about 20 minutes of pre-ceremony photos for bridesmaids, and another 20 minutes of pre-ceremony photos for the groomsmen at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15-20 minutes of family portraits and around 20 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Josiah & Steph arrives for getting ready + details
1:00 p.m.
1:00pm
Groom Gets Dressed
2:10 p.m.
2:10pm
Bride gets in wedding dress
2:30 p.m.
2:30pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations.
The first look + portraits
3:15 p.m.
3:15PM
Bridal Party Portraits
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm
All Photos End.
Hide away from guests.
4:30 p.m.
4:30PM
The ceremony takes place.
5:00 p.m.
5:00PM
Family portraits + cocktail hour
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
5:30 p.m.
5:30pm
Introductions & First Dance
6:30 p.m.
6:30 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:45 p.m.
6:45pm
Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 20 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:00 p.m.
7:00pm
7:30 p.m.
Dancing begins
7:30pm
Cake cutting whether it's announced or unnanounced.
7:45 p.m.
7:45pm
Photographers Depart
9:00 p.m.
9:00pm
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Josiah & Steph arrives for getting ready + details
1:45 p.m.
1:00pm
Groom Gets Dressed
2:30 p.m.
2:10pm
Bride gets in wedding dress
3:00 p.m.
2:30pm
Bridesmaids Photos
3:40 p.m.
3:15PM
Groomsmen Photos
4:10 p.m.
4:00pm
All Photos End.
Hide away from guests.
4:30 p.m.
4:30PM
The ceremony takes place.
5:00 p.m.
5:00PM
cocktail hour // family formals // full bridal party // bride & groom portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
5:30 p.m.
5:30pm
Introductions & First Dance
6:30 p.m.
6:30 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:45 p.m.
6:45pm
Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 20 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:00 p.m.
7:00pm
7:30 p.m.
Dancing begins
7:30pm
Cake cutting whether it's announced or unnanounced.
7:45 p.m.
7:45pm
Photographers Depart
9:00 p.m.
9:00pm
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a wonderful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Vince + Grace's wedding. It rained the entire day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite, or finding a nice spot indoors.
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
Rain Tips
We love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once we arrive at your getting ready location, Steph needs about 45 minutes to capture and style details. We recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for us. Please unwrap your dress, but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Rings (2 Bands + Engagement)
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
If you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: We'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
Family portraits are incredibly important. While they might not be the most fun, or enjoyable moment of the day for you, these photos are part of your legacy and you'll cherish them years from now. This is easily one of the most chaotic parts of the day.
We try and speed things up as much as possible and make it easy. When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
We recommend most family formals happen after the ceremony when everyone is already present, but we do see a handful of couples every year choose to have their immediate family formals photographed pre-ceremony. The choice is ultimately up to you.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend having your officiant make an announcement at the start of the ceremony asking guests to keep their phones away and be present.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
05
If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
First looks for parents
04
Have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
Extra Florals
03
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
Prep for the heat
02
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
We'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, don't hesitate to ask and we can get that process started!
We're here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll always be around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
Make a list
07
We always recommend the bride go into hiding 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
We’re big believers that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
Handcrafted Albums
who are we?
Get to know us
We’re Josiah & Steph, a husband & wife wedding photography team based on the Main Line in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with 10 years of experience documenting wedding days. We’re high school sweethearts who love a good story, whether it’s one we’re watching snuggled up on the couch or the story we’re telling of your wedding day.
We believe in being friends first and photographers second. The better we get to know you, the better we can document your wedding day. Take the first step and get to know us!
a comfortable, joyful, & romantic fine art experience
Beautiful Friendship
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We are so excited for you as you begin planning your wedding! Delivering a comfortable and refined photography experience is what we're all about. Check the links below to see more of our work and learn more about us.
It is our honor to document weddings in a way that regardless of how fast the day moves, no small detail is missed. From the tear that rolls down his cheek as she walks down the aisle to the way they lean in and laugh together during the toasts.
We personally hand tailor our collections to each client. No more cookie cutter photography collections. We do accept a very limited number of weddings each year. Custom collections start at $6,850 for 8 hours, two photographers, and digital and printed photos.
For investment details, and availability, please send a message using the contact form or email us at hello@josiahandsteph.com.
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