Your wedding day is one of the most magical moments of your lives, and the photographs you take are the timeless memories you will cherish forever. As one expert reminds us, “wedding photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s about telling a story.” In fact, a WeddingWire survey found that 90% of couples hire a professional photographer and consider it a top priority when planning their wedding. At Senses at Play Photography, we believe that every smile, every tear, and every stolen glance contributes to the story of your love.
We’ll walk you through every step of planning your wedding photography from choosing the right photographer to coordinating with your planner and vendors, creating the perfect timeline, styling your photo shoot, and capturing those natural, unscripted moments you’ll treasure.
We’ll also highlight what makes Senses at Play a trusted, creative partner in immortalizing your love story. Our goal is to inspire you, answer all your questions, and help you approach your wedding photography with confidence and excitement.
Selecting your wedding photographer is a deeply personal decision. These are the people who will witness every tear and every kiss, who will capture your joy at the altar and the laughter on the dance floor. It’s important to find a photographer whose style matches your vision and whose personality makes you feel at ease. Here are some key steps to help you choose:
What kind of images speak to your heart? Do you love classic, posed portraits, or do you prefer a more candid, photojournalistic approach? Maybe you’re drawn to fine art, editorial fashion-style photos, or a blend of styles. (Popular photography styles include Traditional (classic), Photojournalistic (documentary), Fine Art, Lifestyle, and Editorial.) Knowing your aesthetic helps you find a photographer whose portfolio resonates. Make a Pinterest mood board or collect sample photos to see what themes or compositions catch your eye. As wedding expert Alicia Rius notes, “before choosing a photographer, it’s essential to understand what style resonates with you and your partner”. Once you know what you love, look for photographers who consistently deliver that style.
Start by browsing photographers’ websites and social media. Read online reviews and ask friends or wedding planners for recommendations. Pay attention to how recently they’ve posted and what their clients say. When looking at portfolios, notice if the images have consistent quality and if the couples look comfortable. Don’t be shy about asking potential photographers to see full wedding galleries – not just highlights – so you can judge how they handle the entire day. The details matter: look beyond the backdrop decorations and focus on the moments and emotions captured. A strong wedding album will show happy, relaxed couples throughout the day.
Determine how much you can allocate to photography (a common rule of thumb is around 10–15% of your total wedding budget). A good photographer invests heavily in high-end equipment, assistants, and editing time. As one planner warns, “Photos are expensive… after your photographer spends 8 to 10 hours shooting, they will spend countless more hours editing your photos before delivering them to you”. Don’t just pick the cheapest option; instead, find the best fit for your priorities. (You might find it helpful to get quotes early in your planning so there are no surprises later.) Remember that these photographs are what will last long after the flowers have wilted.
Chemistry with your photographer is crucial. Schedule a meeting or video call to discuss your vision. During this conversation, ask lots of questions: what gear they use, how they handle bad weather or low light, and what backup plans they have. Notice if they listen and show genuine enthusiasm for your ideas. As one professional blogger puts it, “It is SO IMPORTANT to build a relationship with your photographer… the better you know each other, the better your photos will be”. You should feel comfortable talking to them after all, they’ll be by your side all day.
A reputable photographer will have referrals and clear contract terms. Check if they have awards or industry recognition (for example, John McCall of Senses at Play was honored with a WeddingWire “Groom’s Award” for making the wedding day “fun, stress-free and easy”). When you’re ready, carefully review the contract: know what you’re getting (number of hours, number of images, album delivery time) and what happens in unforeseen situations. Most contracts cover scenarios like illness or equipment failure it’s better to be prepared.
If you follow these steps defining your style, doing diligent research, meeting in person, and setting clear expectations you’ll be well on your way to choosing a photographer you love. At Senses at Play, we pride ourselves on transparent communication and getting to know you personally, because we agree wholeheartedly that “the better you know each other, the better your photos will be”.
Engagement photo sessions are more than just “nice to have” extras they are a wonderful opportunity to capture the excitement of your relationship and build comfort in front of the camera. These sessions typically take place several months before your wedding and offer numerous benefits:
Your engagement shoot is a low-pressure, relaxed environment where you can become familiar with the photographer’s style and personality. As one wedding expert notes, “engagement photos are the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer”. These sessions are generally more casual than the wedding day itself, so it’s a great time to learn how your photographer works and to practice posing naturally. Many couples say their engagement session felt like a fun date after which they felt much more confident on their wedding day.
Use your engagement session to showcase who you are as a couple. Incorporate hobbies, outfits, and a location that reflect your personalities. For example, if you both love fishing (like the couple above), bringing a fishing rod and tackling a lakeside spot can create authentic moments and meaningful photos. As one photographer advises, “incorporating hobbies and activities you enjoy is a great way to show who you are as a couple.”. By doing something you love, you’ll be relaxed and genuine in front of the camera, which makes for the most fun and natural pictures.
Your engagement photos can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, invitations, or even slideshow displays at your reception. Feel free to dress up or down for variety – think about one formal outfit and one casual outfit that complement each other (remember, coordinating rather than matching colors makes for the most timeless look). Choose a location that’s significant to your relationship: the park where you first met, a favorite café, the beach where he proposed. The backdrop you pick “helps paint the picture of your life together”.
Treat the engagement shoot like a fun date night that also doubles as preparation. Get a good night’s sleep, drink some water, and try not to stress about it. One planner suggests doing your hair and makeup the way you plan on doing it for the wedding as practice. In fact, “getting a good night’s sleep the night before” and feeling happy and relaxed will make a huge difference. The more comfortable and natural you feel even going for a pre-session drink or taking a moment to laugh with your partner the more that joy will shine through the lens.
The point is to let loose and enjoy being together. Laugh, hug, whisper something, dance these candid moments will become the most treasured images. Remember: “the less stressed you are, the happier and more relaxed you will look in front of the camera”. Many couples find that their favorite engagement photos are the unexpected ones: a sudden tickle, a shared joke, a stolen kiss.
“Engagement photos are the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer… These sessions are generally more casual and relaxed than the big day.”
After your session, you’ll have beautiful images and also a preview of how it feels to have professional photos taken. You might discover new favorite poses or learn what kind of direction helps you look your best. At Senses at Play, we include an engagement session to ensure we’re all comfortable long before “I do.” It also gives us creative ideas and informs our planning (for example, if you take a memorable photo under a giant tree, we’ll remember that for your wedding day!). In short, an engagement session is a stress-free way to build confidence, have fun, and make photos that reflect you as a couple.
A thoughtfully crafted timeline is essential for ensuring every important moment is captured. While wedding photos may look effortless, achieving those stunning images requires planning. As WeddingWire states, “creating a wedding photography timeline is an absolute must”. Here are the key elements to consider when building your photography schedule:
Decide which group shots are most important to you (immediate family, bridal party, etc.) and keep them to a reasonable list. For example, the experts recommend about 15 family-and-friends groupings. The more portraits you take, the more time you spend out of the celebration and fewer candid moments with guests. Most photographers will provide a suggested shot list; use it as a starting point and personalize it. Reserve 30 minutes for extended family and another 30 for your bridal party. Remember to include any special portraits (like with children or grandparents) in your list ahead of time.
Once you know who needs to be in photos, figure out where you’ll take them. The ceremony site and reception venue are obvious choices, but don’t forget about getting-ready locations (for example, a pretty room or suite at the hotel). If there’s a dream spot you’ve always envisioned a beach, a park, an iconic city landmark you’ll need to schedule travel time. For multiple locations, plan transportation so that everyone (bridal party, family, and photographers) can move smoothly from one spot to the next. As WeddingWire advises, “you’ll have to factor travel time into your wedding photography timeline and plan for transportation so that all of your VIPs get there safely and on time.”.
A first-look is the moment when the couple sees each other privately before the ceremony. Doing a first look can significantly affect your schedule. With a first look, you can capture almost all the portrait photos before the ceremony, freeing you to enjoy the cocktail hour with guests. Without a first look (the traditional route), you should expect to spend your entire cocktail hour (or more) taking the couple portrait session after the ceremony. Either way is fine it’s about what feels right to you but make sure you make this decision before finalizing the timeline. WeddingWire explains, “Be sure to decide which path you prefer to take before creating your wedding photography timeline”.
Have an honest conversation with your photographer about timing. A good rule of thumb is: ~30 minutes for the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen), ~30 minutes for family portraits, and ~45–60 minutes for just the two of you. This can be done before or after the ceremony depending on your first-look choice. If any part of the day is especially important (for example, there are dozens of relatives to include), adjust accordingly. Also plan 5–10 minute “buffer” slots throughout the day to absorb small delays. Even small lags can add up; buffers give you breathing room so you don’t feel rushed.
Once you’ve mapped out the photo sequence, document it in your master wedding schedule. WeddingWire emphasizes writing a fully detailed timeline (with photography times) and sharing it with everyone who needs to know. This includes your wedding planner, venue coordinator, the wedding party, parents, and anyone who has a role (like the officiant or DJ). That way, no one is wondering “when are they ready for pictures?” and everyone can stay on track. A little stickiness here goes a long way: “Even if you’re the ‘always early’ type, weddings have a funny way of running late so encourage your loved ones to stick to the schedule”.
For illustration, if you have a 6-hour photography package, a typical schedule might look like this:
This is just a framework the exact order can flex to your preferences. The key is to communicate it clearly to your team. By budgeting time for portraits, travel, and a little buffer, you ensure you’ll get “every last shot and still enjoy your day,” as WeddingWire puts it.
Your wedding photography doesn’t happen in a bubble it’s intertwined with the entire event timeline. For smooth sailing, it’s crucial to coordinate closely with your wedding planner, venue, and other vendors. Here’s how to make sure everyone works together seamlessly:
Give your wedding planner (or maid of honor/someone detail-oriented) the photography schedule, and encourage them to share it with all key players. WeddingWire advises adding the photography timeline to the day’s schedule and ensuring “all of your VIPs are aware of this schedule”. This means your bridesmaids know when to line up, the caterer knows when you’ll be done with dinner, and your family knows when to be ready for portraits. Clear communication prevents awkward waiting (or missing the garter toss because Grandpa was offloading his car).
Introduce your photographer to the wedding planner, venue coordinator, DJ/band, and caterer well in advance (even at the rehearsal dinner, if possible). That way, everyone knows that a talented photographer is capturing the day. Discuss the schedule with them too: for example, make sure the DJ delays dinner by a few minutes if a toast or special dance needs extra coverage. If your florist is setting up a cake or bouquet late, the photographer can coordinate to get those detail shots. The goal is to keep the day flowing naturally. As one bride raved about Senses at Play, “He did such a good job that most of the time I didn’t even realize he was there… He was not intrusive at all”. This kind of smooth collaboration comes from planning and trust.
Every venue has its quirks. Work with the venue staff so the photographer knows what’s allowed. For example, some churches forbid flash in the sanctuary, or some parks close at sunset. Share any shot preferences: if you dream of a beach sunset photo but your ceremony is before dusk, discuss how to incorporate that into your timeline (or whether you might arrange a brief private sunset shoot after the reception). BlackSalt Photography’s guide reminds us: “Don’t fall in love with the sunset photos by the beach if you plan on having your wedding in a church… Likewise, if you want your wedding at sunset it’ll leave very little time… to capture those golden hour shots”. Ask your venue if they can show you example photos from past events to set realistic expectations.
If there are complicated family dynamics (divorced parents, step-siblings, etc.), coordinate these with your planner in advance. That way, your photographer can gently manage the groupings without any awkwardness. Give your photographer and coordinator a list of immediate families or special groupings, so they can shepherd the right people in and out of photos.
By taking a team approach planner, photographer, vendors, and family all in the loop – your wedding photography becomes an integrated part of the day, not an afterthought. Remember, a little organization leads to more relaxed and natural photos. As WeddingWire notes, a well-prepared timeline with buffers is key so “you’ll have plenty of time” for everything. At Senses at Play, we always communicate ahead of time with planners and vendors. We blend into your team and work quietly behind the scenes. The result? More authentic moments and fewer missed opportunities.
“We worked so seamlessly that we hardly noticed his presence…which is the mark of a true expert.”
– A happy couple on Senses at Play Photography
This review from one of our clients highlights exactly the kind of experience we strive for: a camera that captures magic without stealing the spotlight.
While some wedding photos are posed (the dress shot, for example), the most enchanting images are often the candid, unscripted moments that unfold naturally. These are the genuine laughs, stolen kisses, and tender embraces that truly reflect your personalities and love. To maximize those authentic moments, keep these tips in mind:
On your wedding day, try to stay “in the moment” with your partner rather than looking at the camera. When you focus on each other – sharing a secret, whispering a joke, or simply holding hands the photographer can catch your natural smiles and emotions. As Senses at Play advises, “allowing the couple to enjoy their day naturally results in the most authentic images.” So lean in, breathe each other’s presence, and let the joy take over.
Stiff poses can feel awkward. Instead, do things that encourage motion. Walk hand-in-hand, twirl on the dance floor, sway gently, or even dance spontaneously. Movement brings out real laughter and softness. For example, a slow spin with your dress flowing or a playful trot down a path can create energy and intimacy. Our cameras are always ready we might say, “Okay, take a little dance!” or “Walk slowly toward me.” The result is usually candid shots of you both smiling or laughing without even realizing it.
Little gestures speak volumes: a forehead kiss from the groom to the bride, a shared giggle when the officiant makes a lighthearted moment, a joyful toast with friends. These fleeting bits of connection are gold. We’re ready to click at any heart-melting moment. Don’t worry about interrupting your day to pose – trust that we’ll capture those moments spontaneously. Sometimes the best photo opportunities happen in the “in-between” times: the micro-moments during cocktail hour, a private laugh in the corner, or glancing at your ring right after it’s on your finger.
If you feel tense, take a deep breath. Shake out your shoulders. Focus on your love – maybe even close your eyes for a brief second together and simply savor the moment, then open your eyes and carry that calm forward. Your photographer may encourage you to snuggle up or lean on each other’s shoulders, which naturally relaxes the pose. The more at ease you are, the more magic unfolds in the images.
Remember, part of our job at Senses at Play is to make you feel at ease and to watch for those moments. Our lead photographer, John McCall, “prefers to capture you throughout your day in a natural, fun and easy way.” We know when to gently prompt you and when to simply blend into the background and let things happen. Many couples remark that during the day, “we hardly noticed he was there”. That’s exactly the goal: to click away joyfully and unobtrusively, so the smiles on your faces are all genuine.
Find little pockets in the day for private moments. A few minutes alone just after the ceremony (even if it’s just walking to the receiving line together) can yield beautiful intimate portraits. Likewise, a minute on the dance floor right after your first dance or sneaking to the balcony during sunset can produce emotional photos. These quiet interludes often spark the purest expressions of relief and love now that the stress of the ceremony is over.
Some of the best photos happen when Grandpa tells a joke at the reception, flower girls play, or guests cheer during a speech. When guests see the camera around, we suggest that they simply be themselves dance if they want, raise their glass, clap, or tear up. A lively, unstaged environment is the photographer’s dream for capturing candid energy.
“He took my vision and style and turned my special day into unforgettable memories… capturing moments with grace and professionalism.”
– A bride on Senses at Play Photography
This feedback from one of our clients perfectly encapsulates our mission. We strive to take the vision you have for your wedding and translate it into images filled with grace and heart. Our favorite moments are the unguarded ones the genuine laughter, the hug that lingers a second too long, the tear gently wiped away. By following the above tips (and trusting your photographer to be your silent storyteller), you’ll end up with a wedding album that feels as honest and heartfelt as the day itself.
Your wedding’s overall style the colors, theme, and visual mood should shine through in your photographs. A bit of pre-planning and coordination can elevate your images from great to breathtaking. Here are some styling tips to consider:
What mood do you want your photos to have? Romantic and dreamy? Bright and vibrant? Vintage and rustic? Knowing your vision helps in choosing details like bouquet colors, table decor, and even outfits. We recommend creating a mood board (digital or physical) with colors, textures, and images you love. Share this with your photographer – Jenna Hidinger notes that “knowing the vision, aesthetic, and style behind a wedding helps [the photographer] come prepared from the get go.”. At Senses at Play, we use questionnaires and consultations to learn about your theme and preferences in advance, so that on the wedding day, every shot feels cohesive with your personal story.
When choosing outfits for photos (especially for engagement shoots or first-look photos), coordinate colors but avoid being too “matchy.” For example, one outfit in a soft blush dress, the other in a complementary navy suit or similar tonal color looks polished. As LakeBride Magazine advises, “Think coordinating, not matching. Choose outfits within a color palette that complement each other”. This way, the two of you will look harmonious together without blending into the same color. Also consider the setting: a flowy, neutral dress suits a beach scene, while a colorful floral dress could pop in a garden. Make sure your outfits are comfortable and appropriate for the location you won’t get natural photos if you’re constantly tugging at tight clothes or squinting in the sun.
Every wedding venue has its own personality and lighting conditions. A beach ceremony might give golden natural light, while a church will have more shaded, indoor light. If you’re hoping for a certain style of photos (like a glowing sunset shot), talk to your photographer about the timing. BlackSalt Photography reminds us not to “fall in love with the sunset photos by the beach if you plan on having your wedding in a church”. In other words, match your expectations to the reality. If you want those sunset silhouettes, consider a brief private portrait time just after dinner. Your photographer can also scout locations ahead of time and suggest poses or backdrops that complement your decor.
Small touches can add depth to your photos. Incorporate a family heirloom (like a locket or embroidered handkerchief) into your bouquet, or use personalized signs that reflect your wedding theme. We love shooting your wedding rings with a bit of flair perhaps laid on a vintage book cover or held in the bride’s hand with the bouquet in soft focus behind it. Your hairstylist and florist can help ensure that details (hair accessories, bouquet style) stay fresh for photos. Remember: “From the portraits, to the details, to everything in between,” as one photographer puts it, understanding “the vision, aesthetic, and style behind a wedding” lets us capture these elements more effectively.
Even if you’re having a traditional wedding, consider adding a few contemporary touches to keep the album dynamic. For instance, you could include one or two fun props that resonate with your story (umbrella for a rain-themed shoot, a vintage car for a retro vibe, sparklers for evening shots). Senses at Play’s own style tips suggest that “combining classic poses with a few natural interactions” keeps images feeling genuine. Similarly, incorporating a mix of color and black-and-white images can add variety: “A mix of color and black-and-white images can give your album depth and variety, enhancing emotional moments.”. For example, we might deliver a few dramatic monochrome shots of quiet moments (like the first dance) alongside the bright, colorful party shots.
You hired a pro, so use their advice. Tell us your must-have shots and any creative ideas you dream of. We can suggest poses or sequences that match your theme. If you’re going for an editorial/fashion look for some portraits, we’ll plan bold angles and styling cues. If you prefer dreamy romance, we’ll look for soft natural light and gentle compositions. Trust that we’re listening to your vision. In our own “Wedding Photography Styles” guide, we highlight this flexibility: for traditional style weddings we can pose elegantly “with a few natural interactions”, and for more modern weddings we might include dynamic angles or unique backdrops.
On the wedding day, we’ll capture the grand moments and the small ones: the rings, the lace on the dress, the flower girl’s shoes. To ensure these are stunning, take a few extra minutes to arrange them. For instance, have your bouquet well-lit and fluffed when we go to photograph it. Put your rings in a nice box or on a reflective surface. We’ll photograph these detail shots to complement the big portraits.
Styling your day may feel like a lot of work, but every thoughtful choice helps your photographer craft a beautiful visual narrative. To sum up: know your colors and vibe, coordinate outfits, maximize beautiful light, and let meaningful details tell your story. By aligning your aesthetic with your photos, you’ll end up with images that look and feel perfectly “you.”
At Senses at Play Photography, our goal is to be much more than just a vendor – we want to be your trusted creative partner in capturing your love story. Here are some ways we stand out:
We are based in Key West, Florida, and lead photographer John McCall brings over 15 years of wedding photography experience to every event. John’s philosophy is simple: to photograph couples in a “natural, fun and easy way”. You’ll notice our style blends photojournalistic candids with thoughtful portraiture. We listen to your ideas and vision first, then let your personalities shine through. As one couple raved, “He took my vision and style and turned my special day into unforgettable memories… capturing moments with grace and professionalism.”.
We’re proud to have earned industry recognition for our service. On WeddingWire, John received a “Groom’s Award” for making wedding days “fun, stress-free and easy”. We’re also rated highly in the Key West photography scene. These honors reflect our commitment to treating every couple like family and going the extra mile to make your day stressless.
We know you can’t wait to relive your wedding, so we work quickly. We offer a special “Sneak Peek” service: you’ll get a handful of edited highlight photos in your inbox within 48 hours of the wedding. Share them with friends and family right away! Then, the full gallery of high-resolution images will be online in about 30–40 days. We provide an online album that you can view or download for six months, so you can easily share with loved ones.
Every wedding is unique, and so are our packages. By default, we shoot only one event per day that means all our focus is on your wedding. Need extra hours? Second shooter? We have those options. Looking for something special? We can arrange everything from romantic engagement shoots to adventurous “trash the dress” sessions. Want a glamorous bridal boudoir session while in town? We do that too. We even carry liability insurance if your venue requires it. In short, we adapt to your needs and help craft a package that fits your wedding.
While based in Key West (and loving its tropical light!), we’ll travel wherever your wedding takes us. We’ve shot intimate beach ceremonies, elegant ballroom affairs, and fun city elopements. Whatever the setting, our creativity shines. We’re comfortable with a range of styles (classic, moody, modern) and will collaborate with you to deliver the look you dream of. For example, if you want a whimsical fine-art vibe, we’ll compose images with soft light and careful framing. If you want edgy editorial shots, we’ll experiment with angles and backdrops. One tip from our own style guide: sometimes a simple mix of color and black-and-white in the final collection “can give your album depth and variety, enhancing emotional moments.” We’ll use our expertise to decide what works best for your story.
From our very first consultation, we treat your wedding as our priority. You’ll find us quick to respond, willing to meet as many times as needed, and eager to answer every question (no matter how small). We often chat with our couples about the schedule, must-have shots, and even their daily playlist so we know what music to imagine. On the wedding day, we work quietly behind the scenes only “popping up” when it’s time for those important moments. Our couples frequently mention how unobtrusive we are: “He was not intrusive at all”, one bride said, noting how our presence felt natural. That’s exactly our goal to capture life unfolding without forcing anything.
Above: A Senses at Play couple pauses on a Key West swing even small portraits are styled with romance and comfort in mind.
Ultimately, Senses at Play Photography is about capturing you your smiles, your glances, your laughter, and your tears. We are honored to be entrusted with these memories. As you plan the rest of your wedding, know that we will bring creativity, warmth, and professionalism to the table. We promise to preserve your wedding story with the passion and artistry it deserves.
Planning your wedding photography may seem like a big task, but with thoughtful steps and good communication, you can relax knowing every moment will be beautifully captured. Remember to choose a photographer who feels like a true partner, invest in an engagement session to break the ice, build a timeline that gives everyone enough time (plus a little buffer!), and keep all your vendors and family informed. Embrace the natural moments your genuine smiles and emotions are what will make the photos unforgettable and style your day in a way that reflects you.
At Senses at Play Photography, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you through setting priorities, fine-tuning your timeline, and suggesting creative ideas for styling. Our approach is romantic, personal, and 100% focused on you. We believe every wedding has its own magic, and we can’t wait to capture yours. When you look back on your album years from now, our hope is that you’ll feel transported back to the exact happiness of that day. Let us be the ones who freeze those precious moments in time, so you can relive the love story of your wedding again and again.
