WEDDING TIMELINE QUESTIONNAIRE - "THE OVERWHELMED BRIDE"
Often I hear that people have a hard time creating the perfect timeline for their special day. The timeline is such an important part of the wedding day, I cant tell you how many times I have been to a wedding in the past with little to no timeline. All I can say is how horribly planned those weddings felt. We decided to create the perfect timeline to make sure things go smoothly and nothing is missed. If you have yet to create a timeline or just want something better, don't hesitate to use ours!
- Jarrett
WEDDING TIMELINE QUESTIONNAIRE
Wedding Date:
General Information:
Brides Name:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Grooms Name:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Mailing Address:
Emergency Contact:
Phone:
Wedding coordinator/ planner contact information:
Disk jockey contact information:
Do you have a wedding website?
Describe your wedding theme:
Notes:
Photographer Start Time:
Photographer End Time:
Cinematographer Start Time
Cinematographer End Time
Event Information:
Please list the location name, location address, start time at the location, what events will occur at that location, and what time those events will start. (make sure to give ample time between each event)
Will there be a first look/ soft reveal?
Location # 1 - Where will the bride be getting ready?
(Name and address)
At what time?
What events will take place? (Photographing dress, shoes, makeup, ect.)
Location # 2 - Where will the groom be getting ready? (Name and address)
At what time?
What events will take place? (Groomsmen photos, getting ready, etc.)
Location # 3 - Where will the wedding ceremony take place? (Name and address)
At what time?
Can the cinematographer/photographer be in the aisle during the ceremony?
Can the cinematographer/photographer be behind or off to the side of the officiate/pastor during the ceremony (overlooking the crowd behind you)?
Can the cinematographer/photographer move around during the ceremony?
Are there any other ceremony restrictions/ rules?
Who will be speaking during the ceremony? (I will attach a wireless mic to the groom to capture audio from the couple and officiate, but any other speakers/performers will need to be given a hand mic so that their voice can be heard on camera, or if you are using an amplified microphone, I will need to be able to plug into the sound system to record audio). Please list all who will be speaking during the ceremony:
What events will take place? (Candle lighting, sand, etc.)
Will there be a receiving line?
Where there be a bubble/ rice leave?
Who will be in charge of helping the photographer direct your family members during family portraits?
How many family members will there be?
Are mom and dad still together?
Are there any family members that have a health condition making it difficult for them to take photos?
What time do we need to be out of the ceremony location by?
Location # 4 - Where will bride & groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridal party photos be taken? (Name and address)
Please leave a minimal of 30 minutes for bride & groom photos and 30 minutes for bridal party photos. We typically prefer two hours. (Keep in mind that more time equals more photos)
At what time?
Are there any special photo requests that you have?
Location # 5 - Where will the reception take place? (Name and address)
At what time?
What time will these events take place?
Speeches: Who will be speaking during the reception? (any speakers/performers will need to be given a hand mic so that their voice can be heard on camera. Please note that my mics do not amplify voice, they simply record them. If you are having the speeches amplified through your DJ), I will need to be able to plug into the sound system in order to record audio). Please list all who will be speaking during the reception:
Cocktail hour:
Cake cutting:
Dinner:
First dance:
Garter & bouquet:
Are there any other events during the reception taking place?
May we photograph couples pictures of your guests during the reception?
Do you have ample time for us to capture all of your events?
We typically photograph rings during dinner in order to have ample time to do so. (This is just a great detail shot to get for your album)
Notes:
Where did you here about us?
We just want to get some additional information about creating your perfect wedding video.
What song, artist, or music genre would you like your video scored to?
Do you have any questions about editing for me, or any suggestions?
Please list all the vendors it took to make your special day happen, so that we may give them credit, if we decide to use your wedding in our blog.
WEDDING DAY - COURTNEY & TIM - BIRMINGHAM, MI
Courtney & Tim had a small family oriented dinner party styled wedding. Only good friends and family were invited as it was to commemorate their families coming together as one. Their special day took place in Birmingham, MI at this gorgeous place called The Reserve (the same owners as Big Rock Chop House). C & T's event incorporated their children at every moment, making it something very special. It was surely and awesome wedding, be sure to check it out!
- Jarrett
Love Birds - Jennifer & Matt - Detroit, MI
Jennifer Matt and I had a blast shooting their engagement session at the Detroit Zoo last year. I just love how she looks at him and cant stop smiling!
This session got lost in all of our files and we couldn't not share it, enjoy!
- Jarrett
Your Story - First Look
First looks are becoming quite a big thing couples do on their wedding day. First looks can alleviate a lot of stress; they give the couple the opportunity to not only see each other before the ceremony but to take in that moment a bit longer. Having that chance to chat and admire eachother before they are whisked off into thanking all their guests for coming is important. Photographing this moment really adds to the story being told, not to mention the time that can be saved later for portraits. We are more than just wedding photographers, we are story tellers and we are here to capture the moments you rarely catch in an image.
Although, if you want to keep it traditional you could always hold hands around a corner, maybe say a prayer. I think it really has a similar effect on your feelings throughout the day and again gives that moment for just the two of you.
Dad's also love to catch the first glimpse of their daughters. This is the day that they are giving their little girl away. They want to take in that moment, see their gorgeous daughter, and share a moment in time before sending their little girl off to marry her prince charming.
- Jarrett
Guest Post - Two Foot Creative - "The Overwhelmed Bride"
Planning a wedding can be very exciting at first, but can quickly become overwhelming. Let’s face it, as much as we love Pinterest, magazines, and helpful wedding websites, it can become way too much. I think the most important thing to do first is figure out your budget. So many couples have big dreams and a big guest list and then when they find out how much things cost they can quickly go into panic mode.
Yes, the cost of a wedding does add up, but if you know what your budget is from the start you can find things that fit into that budget, and omit the ones that don’t. Your guest list is a huge component. I would suggest making an A list which is the people that are most important to invite, and then a B list which are the people you would like to be there, but can be cut if necessary. Once you determine how many people you can afford to invite depending on your budget, you can make that A list bigger!
Once you know your budget, you need to find a venue. It is a good estimate to say that at least 50% of your budget will go towards your reception. If you have a specific date that it has to be on then you need to start visiting or calling around as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a particular one. Venues book fast, some even book 2 years in advance.
I think a big thing is to sit down with your partner and determine what is important and what is not. If you really have to have that band, then put your money towards that and less on something else. If you really want an amazing cake then spend the money on that and not a photo-booth. Make sure you remember that this wedding is about the two of you and you should both have an equal voice in the planning.
Once you have that date you need to book your photographer and entertainment. The popular dates book fast, and if you really like a certain photographer or DJ make sure you contact them as soon as you know your date. These two in general are ones that you are going to want to book sooner than later. Having your venue, photographer, and music are big things you want to check off your to do list in the early planning stages. Flowers, cake and linen can easily be done in the next upcoming months.
I would suggest hiring a planner for many reasons. They will help refer you to vendors that are in your budget, your style, and who they know will be a good fit for your needs. I meet with a lot of couples who have the vision but need help executing it. Most planners have different services they can offer depending on how much help you need.
They will also help break down the huge list of things to do by month so you can work on something specific each month to try and help you not feel so overwhelmed. They will help you stay on track and make your vision come true. On the wedding day they are your voice in making sure that you have your prefect day, and most importantly you get to enjoy your it knowing that someone is looking out for you every step of the way.
A wedding planner should be about 10% of your budget. If you don’t have the budget for a planner, I would suggest taking a look at a basic wedding checklist and breaking things down month by month so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Don’t lose focus on what you want. As much as I love Pinterest it is very easy to have way to many ideas and to be swayed from this to that. If you are having a hard time deciding color scheme’s or décor items, look around your house, look at your Pinterest home ideas page and see what you are drawn to.
You want your wedding to feel like the two of you; if you are into movies why not tie that into things, if you love to travel have pictures of the two of you traveling. Weddings are more personal than ever and if you both love something, incorporate it into your wedding. Your guests will leave knowing that this wedding was truly about the two of you.
Lastly, don’t forget why you are planning this wedding. It is easy to get caught up in everything and lose focus on what is important, the marriage itself! Congratulations, and I wish you the most amazing adventure ever!
-Melanie
Two Foot Creative
www.twofootcreative.com | (734) 709 - 6656
WEDDING DAY - LINDSAY & JAMES - HOWELL, MI
Lindsay & James wedding day took place in Howell, Mi. The day started off with Lindsay and her girls getting ready for her big day. Lindsay's mother tried to feed me from the moment I walked in the door, cracking a joke about their last name being Cook. That was the moment I knew this day would be grand. Lindsay and her girls were having a blast, their personalities complimented one another well. It was awesome seeing a group of girls having so much fun and joy, it really started the day off right. This was going to be a celebration.
James and his group of guys were no different, they too were full of laughter and fun, cracking jokes left and right. You could tell this couple had surrounded their selves with such positive people and you could tell they were right for each other.
L & J's reception took place at the Howell Opera House, one of my favorite, unique wedding venue to shoot at. It has this artistic vibe to it that makes you challenge yourself to get some really cool shots. Not to mention all the natural lighting beaming in through the windows.
Needless to say, the day was jammed packed with laughter and bliss, making it such an amazing wedding!
- Jarrett
Love Birds - Emma & Matt - Farmington Hills, MI
Emma & Matt's engagement session took place in Heritage Park - Farmington Hills, MI. The location where majority of our engagement sessions take place. These images are so amazing because, you can tell by the way Matt smiles at Emma that he is ready to just give her the entire world. E & M are such an adorable, fun , and loving couple. We cannot wait to photograph their special day and capture more of this emotion.
Be sure to check out these love birds!
- Jarrett
Your Story - Groom Prep
After Bridal prep is complete, its time to hop over to the groom. This is a huge day for him, he is finally getting to marry that girl that he has dreamt about his entire life. We look to capture those moments where time stands still on camera.
Photographing how sharp the groom looked on this special day is just as important as getting the shots of the bride. We get all the details of his preparation so both bride and groom can reminisce in the moment time and time again.
Strong details of the suit are significant as well because most guys rent their tux or suit. Its nice to be able to look back on those images some day and say "that's what I looked like on my wedding day son."
Most weddings we attend, the bride sends one of her maids over to the grooms room to deliver a sweet letter and an awesome gift. (I think it makes all the other guys jealous.)
Sneaking in a couple shots of the guys before the ceremony helps save time to be able to take pictures of the ladies and the couple after the ceremony. The truth is, the guys are ready for the "one, two, and done" when it comes to photos, so its important to capture the images when you can.
Every time you ask a couple of guys to do a shot like the reservoir dogs, they are amped up and jump at the chance. Being able to relate to them really increases the comfort level, making the images later in the day that much better.
Just Like the bride, the groom gets a small session where its just him. Guys totally want to look GQ in their tux and that's what we aim to do.
- Jarrett
Venue We Love - Toledo Country Club - Toledo, OH
- Toledo Country Club
- Address: 3949 River Rd, Toledo, OH 43614
- Phone:(419) 382-3416
Wedding Day - Kaitlan & Peter - Cadillac, MI
Kaitlin & Peter's wedding day took place in Cadillac, MI a quaint farm town at a family owned venue called The Fox Hills. K & P's friends and family drove for miles to see these two say their vows and become united as one. K & P are always a joy and very animated, this wedding was no different. The day was jam packked with intense emotions, tears, and ear to ear smiles. This couple, I swear, came right out of a romance movie...
I am glad to share Kaitlan & Peters first day of the rest of their lives!
- Jarrett
Love Birds - Kaitlan & Peter – Farmington Hills, MI
Kaitlin & Peter's adventurous winter wonderland engagement session took commitment to a whole new level. The session took place at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills, MI one of my favorite places to photograph engagement sessions, on one of the coldest days. K & P's natural performance in front of the camera and spark for each other really brought the images to life, despite the frigid cold. Every second was enjoyable even with little feeling in our hands. We all toughed through the cold and after several 15 minute intervals of shooting then running back to the car to warm up we decided we had some amazing shots...
Check out the video of Jarrett shooting K & P's engagement session in action and the breathtaking photos!
Your Story - Bridal Prep
The day begins with photographing the specific details that are important to the bride on her big day. Items such as the dress, shoes, any jewelry, and anything else she might be wearing that day or even something of sentimental value. Each photo commemorates a particular memory that goes into creating a story. Choosing a certain pair of shoes had its reason, and that memory is what we as photographers are here to capture.
Hair and makeup are also a very important part of the day. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, you want to look your absolute best, exemplifying grace and beauty.
Here is the part where the emotion really sets in, when the bride puts on her dress on for the first time in front of her mother, sister, and her best friends. She becomes something out of a magazine, the embodiment of love and romance. Mom laces up her dress and the girls who have seen her relationship grow over the years get to whiteness her commitment and fortitude put into the day.
Last but not least of the bridal prep is the "glamour-esk" photo-shoot. Something to show off the dress, brides beauty and the glow she emits on her special day. Stunning images to reminisce upon with her granddaughters and say "look how drop dead gorgeous grandma was"
- Jarrett
Krystyna & Matthew - Lake Orion, MI
When you think of winter, you think of extremely cold days, snow stopping you from making it to work, and that slush you step in when you get out the car. You rarely think of a day where two people share a magical moment and vow to commit their lives to one another, but here is that story.
Krystyna & Matthew had their special day at the illustrious castle known as Indianwood. The elegant yet rustic styled building gives you that warm feeling you would hope for at a winter wedding. Krystyna's bubbly personality and excitement made their day just that much more enticing. Mats tailed tuxedo resembled that of a penguin, in fact, part of what the pastor said at K & M's ceremony had to do with that. Penguins mate for life, and this wedding was a representation of that.
From the moment I met K & M I knew their special day was going to be amazing. I could sense the chemistry flowing between the two of them and you can see that portrayed in their images as well.
I couldn't wait to share this amazing wedding!
- Jarrett
Nichole & Nicolas - Ann Arbor, MI
Nichole & Nicholas got married in Ann Arbor, MI where we went down to University of Michigan to capture some amazing photos. This young couple had such a fun and bubbly personality and were just so natural with posing for photos. I just wanted to share their spectacular wedding with everyone, enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
-Jarrett
Kelly & Nick - Leonard, MI
Kelly & Nick got married at one of my favorite venues in Michigan, Addison Oaks - Buhl Estate. The estate is just timeless, designed to look classic and elegant, its a masterpiece really.
Kelly's dress was different than most dresses I normally come across, making for very unique images. Her brides maids all wore different styled dresses in a similar color which is slowly becoming popular, I think its a fun idea and makes a statement.
Nick's classic black tux just topped the cake with this wedding, keeping it very black tie and James Bond like. Kelly and Nick were a joy to work with, a real passionate couple with a lot of heart. The wedding was just overall simply amazing.
Please check out their amazing images!
- Jarrett
Krystyna & Matthew - Shelby Township, MI
Krystyna & Matthew fall engagement session was at Stony Creek Metro Park in Shelby Township Michigan. This session was a blast, they had some great chemistry and were super easy to work with. The fall colors and the red trees just pop and make the images that much better, not to mention all the awesome sweaters they had. I am excited to be photographing their wedding this November.
Kristin & Dennis - Ann Arbor, MI
Kristin & Dennis Got married at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The hotel had some gorgeous locations to take images at, and we had lots of opportunity to snap some amazing ones. Kristin & Dennis were a super laid back and fun couple to work with. Both really quirky, and ready for any photo.
I personally was excited to take some images with Dennis's awesome 66 Mustang...
Overall, it was a great experience with a lovely newly-wed couple, so check out their amazing wedding day pictures & Video!
We also decided to add their spectacular coffee shop engagement Photos to this post as well, enjoy...
-Jarrett
Tomithia & Kyle - Tiffin, OH
Talk about an awesome wedding party and you get this lovely couple and their close friends. Tomithia and Kyle's special day was in a small town called Tiffin, OH known for its college Tiffin University. These two have some awesome chemistry and their wedding picture show it. The ceremony was the shortest we had ever attended, it was literally 10 minutes long and to the point. Spending time with their wedding party was a blast, such a fun charismatic group of people.
Victoria & Mike - Charleston, SC
Victoria and Mike caught me just in time to schedule an engagement session at the beautiful battery park in downtown Charleston, SC . The gorgeous spanish moss trees provided the perfect amount of shade to create some amazing images. Victoria and Mike have some amazing chemistry, can you believe this is the only time Mike has publicly displayed affection?
I am seriously excited to be photographing their wedding and I know its going to be amazing!
If you have never had the chance to visit Charleston, SC you are seriously missing out. It is noted as the number one wedding destination in the united states. The historical buildings, cobble stone roads, and old spanish moss trees just take your breath away...
- Jarrett
Maria & Elmer - Chicago, IL
Maria and Elmer's wedding day started in the heart of downtown Chicago at the illustrious Trump Hotel, where we were able to capture some stunning images of the bride and her maids. Ready to say their "I do's" we headed for the ceremony, the wedding took place in this breathtaking church in downtown Chicago where the entire buildings architecture just had you in awe.
We strolled around downtown in this adorable little park where the treed branched across almost making a tunnel for formals of the couple and just as we were getting into the good stuff, we got rained out. Heading straight to Crystal Gardens on the infamous Navy pier for the reception and final events, Maria and Elmer waltzed the night away...
Overall, the images turned out fantastic no matter the rain!
