engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations, RMNP permit info
& more!
Wedding Guide
to the HILLARY SHEDD PHOTOGRAPHY website
Thank you again for trusting me in this process, and please don't hesitate to ask for additional inspiration and guidance throughout your wedding planning experience. Most of all, enjoy being engaged!
Warmly,
Congratulations on your engagement! You are experiencing such an exciting stage of your life, and I am excited to help you through it! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and my hope is that this guide will help you make educated decisions so you'll feel confident while wedding planning.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having attending more than 100 weddings over the past few years, I tend to get asked the same questions over and over again. I put together this guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather in hopes to answer your questions before you think to ask them.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
I’m a BIG fan 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. I’ve created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Your
Engagement Session
Transportation
OFFICIANT
Invitations & Calligraphy
Colorado Tents & Events
The Borrowing Bride
Event Rents Vail & Aspen
Front Range Event Rentals
Lighting & Design by Scott
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
Colorado Rose Cake Company
Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe
Sugar Bake Shop
Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet
La Momo Maes Bakery
CAKES
HAIR & MAKEUP
Colorado Sound
Hampton Entertainment
DJ Miss Haze
Ron Michaels Weddings
Diamond Empire Band
Harpist Mary Keener
On Cue Entertainment
DJ & Live Music
CATERING
Love Letter Film Co
Plumeria Films
Castle House Videography
Blnk Films
Majestik Films
Tasha Joy Media
Canvas and Light
ViDEOGRAPHY
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Mountainside Events
L Elizabeth Events
Carver Coordination
Eventfully Unique
Pink Diamond Events
A Touch of Bliss Events
Always Flawless Productions
Veils of Vail
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, I’ve learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I’ve worked with many of the vendors below and I cannot recommend them enough!
This is not a paid list – I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism and warmness on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Reccommended Vendors
Dream Lake
Trail Ridge Road
Moraine Park
Sprague Lake
Alluvial Falls
Old Fall River Road
Lilly Lake
Favorite RMNP Views
Rocky Mountain National Park is also a great location for portraits. Gorgeous mountain scenery makes the park the perfect backdrop for engagement sessions and your first look on you wedding day!
Between the months of May-October, RMNP Park requires a Timed Entry Permit for all guests entering the park. The Timed Entry Permit is how they manage foot traffic and keep the park hypothetically less crowded. Timed Entry Permits can sell out quickly but so be sure to plan your visit in advance.
Thankfully, my Guide Permit takes care of both your Timed Entry Permit and Portrait Permit when you book me as your photographer! You will still be responsible for your Entry Fee into the park, but I'm able to schedule our session within the park and help you pick the perfect location.
If you're interested in going into the park for your first look, we can schedule time into your wedding day for the two of you to enjoy your first look surrounded by mountains, rivers, and fresh air!
One of the top reasons why couples get married in Colorado is because Rocky Mountain National Park is both easily accessible and absolutely breathtaking. As a registered guide for RMNP, I'm happy to help you pick the perfect location for your engagement session, first look, wedding, or elopement!
If you're interested in getting married within the park, you will need to apply for a Wedding Permit. Permits open 1 year before your wedding date, and I recommend you apply for a permit as soon as you can! Certain months sell out quickly. To follow the Leave No Trace Guidelines, there are designated ceremony locations for weddings with up to 30 people in attendance. Find out more about the permitting and locations process by clicking the link below:
photographing in colorado's scenic national park
Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP Weddings
That moment a couple sees 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 half of my couples last year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself someone who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 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 3 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 I 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 enjoy 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. I 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 I 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 I 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 the traditional "no see before the ceremony" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, 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 one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 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
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 the weather 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 you can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, you can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful 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 rain is in the forecast, I recommend purchasing a few clear umbrellas. 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.
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
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I'd like about 35-45 minutes to capture and style details. I 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 me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I will hang it in a beautiful spot!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
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
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: I would LOVE to have a few blooms of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. Ask your florist to supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots. I'm happy to pick the bucket up before the rest of the flowers are deilvered if necessary for timing purposes.
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When I can, I 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 I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows! I like to plan 3 minutes per additional family photo while thinking about timing.
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Extended Family
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Parents + Siblings
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Parents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 1's Siblings
Partner 1 + Mom
Partner 1+ Dad
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Extended Family
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Parents + Siblings
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Parents
Partner 1 + Partner 2 + Partner 2's Siblings
Partner 2 + Mom
Partner 2+ Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I will place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, and some including your new spouse, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When I send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, I will 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 my typical list below.
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 I am sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for 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, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
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 wedding party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and 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 wedding party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
tips
Additional
01
I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to send me an email!
I'm here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, my second shooter will follow you 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. I send my couples a questionnaire to fill out so we're all on the same page with a list of family portraits before your wedding day.
Make a list
07
I always recommend the bride go into hiding at least 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Hide the bride
06
I cannot wait to start planning with you and getting to know you better! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at info@hillaryshedd.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat through ideas, I'm here for you.
I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide!