Have you ever wondered what your photographer actually does during your entire wedding day and how she supports you at every single moment?
Here is how our workflow will look, from the hours leading up to the main event all the way through the party, so you know exactly what to expect from me and my team.
Message the Day Before
As I mentioned in the previous article [Bridal Guide], one day before your wedding I will send you a DM to confirm that we’ll be seeing each other in just a matter of hours.
Meeting with the Planner
If applicable, we will meet or jump on a video call weeks before the wedding with your planner to review all the final details.
If you happen to be control-freak newlyweds handling the planning entirely on your own, then I’ll review those details directly with both of you.
The Wedding Day
I will arrive at least 30 minutes early to get to know the venue and figure out the best spots to capture detail shots, take portraits, set up the first look, and organize family photos.
The Moments Before
I don’t like walking in camera-in-hand and immediately shooting right away. Cameras can be really intimidating—I know. I don’t even like having my own picture taken, which is why all my photos of myself are self-portraits (the hypocrisy, I know...).
That’s why, before starting, I’ll take a moment to introduce myself to the rest of your team and chat a bit to build rapport and calm any nerves.
Detail Shots
While they finish getting you ready, we will start capturing the important detail shots.
At this point, I’ll also start recording a bit of content for social media—so if something fun happens, it might just end up in a Reel.
Rest assured, I will never publish private conversations without your consent.
The Groom
Once we finish with the details, we’ll move over to the groom if he is getting ready at the same location as you.
We’ll take portraits with him and the key people in the room. If you are religious, we’ll step back and let you pray with your loved ones while we document that moment from a respectful distance, because that space belongs to you.
Back to the Bride
We’ll finish up with you while someone helps you step into your dress. Once you are with your mom, we’ll stop directing you so that whatever genuine emotion wants to surface can unfold naturally.
In other words: tears are welcome. We love emotional people.
First Look & Family Photos
If you choose to do one, we’ll set up the First Look. Here, we’ll simply give you the necessary instructions, and once we put you in position, we cease to exist.
This moment is yours. Enjoy it.
We’ll wrap this up with photos of your immediate family.
Important Note: If there is a videographer accompanying us, you’ll be mic’d up from this point forward. If you say anything scandalous or spicy, Saúl will hear it!
We will always guard your privacy with complete discretion, but I leave this little reminder here because couples often forget they are wearing microphones.
On to the Next Step
We follow all the rules of the church or ceremony venue to avoid conflicts and, above all, to show utter respect for your faith.
We will also introduce ourselves to the venue coordinator to ask if there are any specific restrictions.
Extra points for the groom if he cries here—don't pay attention to what society says, guys can cry comfortably too!
From this point on, all you have to do is enjoy your ceremony. On our prep video call, I’ll share a few recommendations for your wedding party during the service.
The Grand Exit
If you want that iconic dip kiss photo, you’re going to have to practice it! I’ll explain more about this during our final call.
Cocktail Hour
Depending on your schedule and the venue, during the first few minutes of cocktail hour we’ll ask for 20 to 25 minutes of your time to do your couple’s portraits.
Once finished, we’ll take photos of the venue setup and reception decor.
If there was no time for family photos before the ceremony, we’ll take advantage of this window to get them done.
The Grand Entrance
There will be very little direction from us here. Just enjoy, be yourselves, and bring the energy!
The First Dance
Take your time to truly savor this moment. If you have a choreographed dance and forget the steps, it doesn't matter.
We will only check a quick technical detail regarding lighting with your DJ/lighting vendor to determine if we need to adjust anything or if I’ll need to use flash.
Party Highlights, Reception & Bouquet Toss
Party highlights happen fast, so it’s essential that we discuss what’s planned in detail so I don’t miss a thing.
If your guests bring incredible energy, your photos will be epic.
At this stage, there is zero direction from us. We just let your crowd flow, and once the bouquet is tossed, we’ll say our goodbyes so you can keep enjoying the night.
The Reception Meal (The Controversial Dinner)
I left this point for last just to add a bit of drama.
Truth is, there shouldn't be any drama at all.
Should the vendor team be served dinner? Yes, please.
By this point, we’ve been accompanying you for hours, and it wouldn't be wise for us to leave your wedding to hunt down a convenience store and risk missing key moments in the interim.
My solution to this is very simple: I cover this expense myself.
I made this decision after a bad past experience. That way, I ensure my team doesn't end up eating pizza and burgers every single weekend.
We’ll also cover this detail during our video call.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Guadalajara?
If after reading this you feel that the way I work aligns with what you want for your wedding, I invite you to explore more of my work and see how I document my couples' stories.
I photograph weddings in Guadalajara, CDMX, and destination venues. Tell me all about your wedding—feel free to reach out to schedule a video call so we can get to know each other!
This is how I work on your wedding day: wedding photography in Guadalajara
¡Que viva el AMORS! My playlist for those who haven't found their song