05/08/2026
I always find the moment right after the couple's photo session to be the biggest turning point of the entire wedding day. It’s the ultimate sigh of relief.
Think about it: everything before this moment is filled with high-stakes timelines and anticipation. You’re navigating hair and makeup, arrivals, the ceremony, greeting guests, family formals, and the photo shoot itself. It can feel like a blur of things that just have to go perfectly.
But everything after the shoot? That’s the reception. To a newlywed couple, the reception feels familiar and exciting. It’s all about hanging out, eating great food, and partying with your favourite people. (Sure, speeches might bring a little stress, but otherwise, it's just pure celebration!)
Even so, by this point in the day, most couples still haven't had a single second of actual alone time since saying "I do." And no, the photo shoot doesn’t count—even if it's relaxed, it’s still you, me, and my camera!
That is why I always bake this into the timeline. I purposely wrap up the couple shoot about 10 minutes before the grand reception entrance.
I pack up my gear and step away, leaving the two of you completely alone to catch your breath, soak in the fact that you’re finally married, and share a few quiet moments that only the two of you will ever remember.
Trust me, it’s a much-needed reset on a beautiful, busy day.
