In July 2017, Nick & I got married and we became Mr & Mrs Dimakis! (Photo courtesy of Luke Middlemiss Photography)It was a truly beautiful winter's day in Maleny; our stunning venue, Weddings at Tiffany's, had the most spectacular view of the Glasshouse Mountains, and we were surrounded by our closest family and friends to celebrate the day. And it was FREEZING!Our day ran SUPER smoothly and I would put that down to the fact that I am 100% OCD about timing! Like I'm not even kidding... I have a problem with numbers, and that problem is that I NEED TO KNOW THEM! (stay tuned for a 'budgeting' blog!)I'm also super organised and had a timeline printed out and given to every single bridesmaid and groomsmen and anyone else I felt needed it!Yes, I have a problem.No, I have not been tested for said problem.But this problem is about to work in your favour as I explain how to schedule your day, so that is a stress-free day!SCHEDULING YOUR WEDDING DAY TO MAXIMISE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHEROkay so as a Bride & a Photographer, I'll tell you the truth.You need to get your shit together and know what is going on, you need to know what you want from your photographer AND what you want on your wedding day.No one likes a bride who has NO IDEA what is going on; no idea when the florist is arriving and no idea whether she wants to wear the pink earrings or the blue ones (or the green or the purple, or the dangly or the studs!).p.s. it's okay to have like 2 options but not 5Seriously though, use a guide like this to organise everything, even if you aren't having it all photographed, and then give it to your Maid of Honour or a Bridesmaid and put them in charge of making sure everything is running on time!"Getting Ready" PhotosBride/Bridesmaids - you need to give yourself enough time to be photographed AFTER the hair & makeup is finished, you don’t want to be stressed!We suggest to allow 45-90 minutes (MINIMUM) for photos once your hair & makeup is completely ready. This means if you need to leave at 2pm to get to the venue, we need to start taking photos 12.30/1pm!If you don’t know how long hair & makeup will take, ask your stylists, they should have an approximate time per person. Ask your bridesmaids to hang your dress up, with shoes underneath it and have any special accessories or details laid out to be photographed!*"Why does it take so long?!" you ask; it doesn't, that is literally how long it will take you to get dressed. You will be nervous, so will your bridesmaids - who have to help dress you, put your shoes on, make sure you don't fall over and we have to document it all! Plus there is always something that is forgotten! And then ofcourse we want to take actual portraits of everyone together before you leave for the ceremony!Groom/Groomsmen - okay so guys are a bit easier, your photographer will visit you 30-45 minutes before you are scheduled to leave for the ceremony (or whatever has been organised) We suggest you only have your suit pants on, but your suits, shoes, ties, belts, cufflinks etc all out and ready to be put on!That's it...Don't be drunk.Ceremony
Allow 30 minutes for a non religious ceremony & 60 minutes for religious or intricate ceremonies. With 2 photographers, we photograph the bride entering, while simultaneously photographing the groom and his reactions; your whole ceremony will be captured from every angle... Look honestly we will cover all that even if there is 1 photographer so don't stress. Just cry.Crying photos are the best!Group PhotosHave a list to give to either your photographer, or a family member/bridal party member (prior to ceremony or via email) to call out and organise. We can provide an example list if you need ideas!Allow 30 minutes for 70 guests or less, 45 minutes for more than 70+ guests. If you have 150-200+ guests, make a list of MUST GET group photos, and let the rest be photographed at the receptionBridal Party Photo TourPlease allow 1-2 hours Photoshoot locations will be scouted by your photographers prior to the start time on the day, but if you have any spots in mind that you have scouted yourself, let them know! And keep in mind travelling time!Our photographers will give you direction so that you don’t have to worry about posing and knowing what to do, but don’t forget to have fun with your bridal party, and also take the time to spend time together as husband and wife, for the first time! OMG!!!As a tip - if you have a big bridal party, allow for more time so we can photograph everyone together and also just focus on the two of you.Reception In regards to your photographer, discuss with them what is important to the you, with what you want photographed. If they are scheduled to finish soon after the reception starts, organise a cake cutting & first dance - either mock set up, or you could do it then!
If the photographer is present while you eat, keep in mind that you should probably feed them as well, after all they have been photographing you all day!Most importantly, enjoy the amazing dinner you have organised. Eat the food, drink with your new husband/wife, family & friends, have fun and dance the night away!Here is a MOCK example of a RUN OF DAY schedule for a wedding if you need any extra pointers!Run of Day Schedule for Wedding Photography - 6 hours
Photography 1pm-7pmGetting ReadyBride & Bridesmaids• Makeup starts 8am • Hair starts 9am• ‘Final touches for H&MU 1-1.30pm
• Photographer 1 - arrives 1pm
• Bridesmaids to be dressed by 1.45pm • Bride gets dressed 1.45pm
• Portraits 2.pm-2.30pm
• Drive to Ceremony - 2.45pmGroom & Groomsmen• Photographer 2 - arrives - 1pm • Groom & Groomsmen get dressed 1-1.30pm• Portraits 1.30-2pm• Drive to Ceremony - 2pmCeremony 3pmGroup Photos 3.30pm-4pm
Bridal Party Photo Tour 4pm-6pm Reception 6pm• Bride & Groom “Enter” 6pm• Entrance
• Mock Cake Cut/Dance 6.30pmPlease feel free to ask me as many questions as you need to, either below or via email pointeshootlove@gmail.comUntil next time xxKate Dimakis || Bride || Photographer

Bride Guide: From Me to You! Scheduling