Fran Jorgensen photography
WEDDING
GUIDE
Wedding day tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more
WELCOME
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Hey! I am so excited to be working with you and your partner and I can’t wait to hear what you have in mind for your wedding day.
Not all photographers are created equally and they definitely have different styles, values and ways to work. My aim through this guide is to show you how I work. I am a big believer that your wedding day should be a way to tell your story and not a way to display wealth and status. A wedding day should have meaning and I believe in wedding days that are meaningful and soulful. There are a number of ways you can add bits of yourself and your story together to make memories and have a day that is full of fussy feelings.
I believe in honesty and transparency so my pricing is available on this website.
I can’t wait to see what your wedding day looks like!
Why wedding
Photos?
For a lot of women this is the first and one of the few times when they will get their hair and makeup done professionally, it is the most expensive dress or outtfit you will ever wear, it is the only time you will be the centre of attention and it will also be one of the few times when everyone from your family in your generation will come together and be photographed together looking their best.
FAMILY is the reason for wedding photos.
VENDORS
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years I have been lucky enough to cross path and meet amazing humans working in the wedding industry. This is not a paid referral list, I have met and worked with these peeps and I believe that their values and work ethic align with mine.
WEDDING PORTRAITS
GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND A PRACTICE RUN FOR THE DAY
The Benefits of Wedding Day Portraits
Despite the benefits of adjusting the timing, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of this component of your wedding day. Wedding day portraits are a timeless tradition for a reason:
Capturing the Intimacy: This is your chance to have beautiful, intimate photos of just the two of you. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate each other amidst the whirlwind of the day.
Creating Memories: These portraits will become cherished memories, capturing the essence of your love and the details of your wedding attire and venue.
Providing a Keepsake: They serve as a keepsake for you and your family, often becoming treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.
By considering an earlier portrait session, you can enjoy all these benefits while also making the most of your wedding day. It’s a small change that can lead to a more relaxed, enjoyable, and unforgettable celebration for you and your guests.
One of the most used photos of your wedding day are the ones from the portrait session, typically taken after the ceremony and before the reception. Traditionally, this time is set aside for capturing the couple’s love in beautifully composed shots, lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. But as a wedding photographer who thrives on unique, relaxed, and unconventional weddings, I’ve found that moving this cherished photo session to earlier in the day can enhance the entire celebration for everyone involved. Let’s explore why this adjustment can be a game-changer.
Capturing Fresh, Pre-Ceremony Energy
By scheduling your wedding portraits before the ceremony, you can harness the excitement and anticipation of the day. This is when you’re fresh, your makeup is pristine, and the energy is palpable. These emotions translate beautifully into your photos, adding an extra layer of genuine joy and anticipation.
More Time to Enjoy the Party
One of the main benefits of taking portraits earlier is that it frees up time for you to fully immerse yourself in the reception. Instead of sneaking away during the cocktail hour or just as the party starts to heat up, you’ll be right there, celebrating with your loved ones from the get-go. This way, you won’t miss a moment of the fun, laughter, and dancing.
Easing Nerves Before the Ceremony
For many couples, the idea of being in front of the camera can be a bit nerve-wracking. By scheduling your portrait session earlier, you can use this time to relax, connect with your partner, and get comfortable with being photographed. This pre-ceremony portrait session can act as a warm-up, making you feel more at ease and confident as you walk down the aisle.
Maximizing Natural Light
Photographing earlier in the day also means taking advantage of the beautiful, soft natural light. Morning or early afternoon light can provide a more flattering and consistent look for your portraits, reducing the need for artificial lighting and ensuring your photos look stunning.
Creating a Smooth Timeline
Shifting your portrait session to earlier in the day can help create a smoother timeline for the entire wedding. You can transition seamlessly from the ceremony to the reception without interruptions, making the day feel more cohesive and relaxed for you and your guests. This also means less time herding guests around and more time spent enjoying their company.
FIRST LOOKS
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
So, you're planning your big day and thinking about all the moments you want to capture. Let’s talk about one of my favourite parts of a wedding day—the "first look." If you haven’t heard of it, a first look is when you and your partner see each other for the first time before the ceremony. Trust me, it's a game-changer! Let’s dive into how you can organize it and why it might be perfect for your Melbourne wedding.
The Logistics of Organizing a First Look
1. Timing is Everything First things first, you’ll want to plan the first look a couple of hours before your ceremony. This gives you enough time for photos and a few moments alone together. I recommend scheduling it after you’re both dressed and ready, but before any major touch-ups.
2. Choose the Perfect Spot Melbourne has so many stunning locations to choose from, whether it’s a charming garden, a chic urban spot, or even a beach if you’re up for it! Pick a place that holds meaning for you or simply looks amazing in photos.
3. Keep it Private You’ll want this moment to be intimate, so consider a spot that’s a bit secluded. It’s a chance to share a personal, emotional moment without an audience. Just you, your partner, and me—your friendly wedding photographer capturing every second.
4. Coordinate with Your Photographer and Planner Make sure your photographer and wedding planner are on the same page. We’ll need to know the timeline and location to ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s all about making this moment as stress-free and magical as possible.
5. Communicate with Your Partner Both of you should be comfortable with the idea. Talk it over and decide if a first look feels right for your wedding day. It’s all about what makes you both happy.
Benefits of Having a First Look on your
wedding day
1. Calm the Nerves Seeing your partner before the ceremony can really help ease those pre-wedding jitters. It’s a moment to breathe, hug, and just be together before the festivities begin.
2. More Time for Photos A first look gives you more time for portraits without the rush. You can take beautiful, relaxed photos before the ceremony, ensuring you capture all the love and excitement of the day.
3. Enjoy More of Your Party By getting your portraits done early, you free up time after the ceremony to enjoy cocktail hour and your reception. No sneaking away for photos while everyone else is having fun!
4. Intimate Moment Together It’s a chance to share a private, emotional moment that’s just for you. You can laugh, cry, and savor the anticipation of what’s to come.
5. Capture Genuine Reactions Your photographer can capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of seeing each other for the first time. These candid shots are often some of the most cherished photos of the day.
BUILDING THE PERFECT
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
Planning your wedding day timeline can feel like putting together a giant puzzle, but don’t worry—I’m here to help you piece it all together! As a wedding photographer in Melbourne who adores capturing unique and relaxed weddings, I’ve seen what works best (and what can go a bit haywire). So, let’s chat about some unusual timeline ideas and a few things to keep in mind to ensure your day flows as beautifully as your love story.
Unusual Timeline Ideas to Consider
1. First Look Before the Ceremony We’ve already talked about how magical a first look can be, but it’s worth mentioning again. Seeing each other before the ceremony can calm nerves and give you more time to enjoy the party later. Plus, it makes for some incredible, intimate photos!
2. Brunch Wedding Who says you need to stick to an afternoon or evening wedding? A brunch wedding can be a delightful twist. Start with a late morning ceremony, followed by a fabulous brunch reception. Think mimosas, waffles, and a relaxed vibe that lets you enjoy the rest of the day however you please.
3. Extended Cocktail Hour If you love the idea of mingling with your guests and savoring every moment, why not extend your cocktail hour? This gives you and your guests more time to chat, nibble on hors d’oeuvres, and soak in the atmosphere before the formal reception begins.
4. Staggered Speeches Instead of packing all the speeches into one part of the evening, consider spreading them out between courses. This keeps the energy up and prevents anyone from feeling like they’re sitting through a lecture. It also gives you little moments to reconnect with your guests throughout the meal.
5. Midnight Snack Break Planning a late-night dance party? Schedule a fun midnight snack break with food trucks or a snack bar. It’s a great way to refuel and keep the energy high. Imagine your guests' delight at grabbing a slider or some fries to keep the party going!
Things to Be Aware of When Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline
1. Buffer Time Always, always build in buffer time. Hair and makeup can run over, traffic can cause delays, and sometimes things just take longer than expected. Adding extra time here and there ensures you stay relaxed and on schedule.
2. Venue Restrictions Check with your venue about any time restrictions they might have. Some venues have strict rules about when you need to wrap things up, so make sure your timeline aligns with these requirements.
3. Sunset Photos If you’re dreaming of those golden hour shots, plan accordingly. Research the sunset time for your wedding day and schedule your portraits to coincide with that beautiful, soft light. Trust me, it’s worth it!
4. Travel Time If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, factor in travel time for you and your guests. Include a bit of extra time to account for any unexpected delays, especially if you’re navigating Melbourne’s bustling streets.
5. Downtime for You Don’t forget to schedule a little downtime for yourselves. Whether it’s a quiet moment together before the reception or a quick break to freshen up, having a few minutes to breathe can make a world of difference.
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WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TIMELINE
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WEDDING TIMELINE WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK
WEDDING TIPS
WEDDING DAY DETAILS
The morning of your wedding day is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a flurry of activity. To help keep things running smoothly and ensure your special moments are perfectly captured, here’s a handy checklist of essential wedding day details to bring with you. From the small, sentimental items to the practical necessities, having these ready will make your morning prep a breeze.
FAMILY
FORMALS
Family formals are what I call your “Grandma shot”. This is the photo that your grand mother and aunties will have int heir mantelpiece. If you have a large group of people and family members on your wedding day, this part of the day can sometimes drag for longer than expected if things are not directed and organised. The first point is to include on the information given to your celebrant to make an announcement about family photos at the end of the ceremony just before you walk out of your ceremony. It’s best when these family formals take place not long after the ceremony and within walking distance of the ceremony.
Over the years I have tested different formats for this part of the day, and I have found that the smoother way of going about this is to have a premade list with all the different groups and we will be doing a roll call on the day and go through the different combinations.
Here is a list of the most common combinations but you can tailor this list to your day.
FAMILY FORMALS CHECKLIST (Partner1=P1, Partner2=P2)
P1+P2+P1 extended family
P1+P2+P1 parents + P1 siblings + Grandparents
P1+P2+P1 parents + P1 siblings
P1+P2+P1 parents
P1+P2+P1 siblings
P1+Mum
P1+Dad
P1+P2+P2 extended family
P1+P2+P2 parents + P2 siblings + Grandparents
P1+P2+P2 parents + P2 siblings
P1+P2+P2 parents
P1+P2+P2 siblings
P2+Mum
P2+Dad
This is just a starting point, please make this list your own, and have as many or as little combinations as you want.
THANK YOU
I can't wait to start planning your wedding day and getting to know you and your partner! 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@mornigntonweddingsbyfran.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. We can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!