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WEDDING GUIDE
carsyn Craytor PHOTOGRAPHY
weddings tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I am so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day. This is where my guide comes in! Having photographed more than 100 weddings over the course of my career, there are common questions that tend to pop up. This guide answers many of those questions and will hopefully give you some clarity throughout the planning process.
If you ever have a question that isn't covered here or would like to discuss something further just let me know! I am here to serve YOU!
Cheers! carsyn
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
The next step in our timeline! I am 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. If you have chosen an engagement session and haven't already, please fill out this questionnaire that will help us plan your session!
Engagement Session
questionnaire
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
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 can't 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 on the actual wedding day. I even used some of these vendors for my own wedding!
Aisle Be With You Weddings
Hello Events, LLC
Embellished Weddings
Savvy Social Co.
Southern Charm Events
Nicole Allen Events - Tulsa
WEDDING PLANNERS
Poppy Lane Designs
Rootstock Floral
XO by Haleigh Kenney
Gorgeous Blooms
Tony Foss Flowers
Ever Something - Tulsa
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Leslee Layton Films
Reagan Lynn Films
Jimmy Tran - Transform Visuals
Alumni Productions
Ty Uhles
Megan Reeves
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Invitations
CALLIGRAPHY
OFFICIANT
p.s. There are countless other wedding vendors in Oklahoma that are incredibly talented and wonderful to work with. please do not feel limited to this list if you find a vendor that you love that isn't listed!
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!
If you're considering a Bridal Portrait Session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. I typically spend 1-1.5 hours shooting at bridal sessions and it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward!
When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety in indoor and outdoor locations.
Bridal Portraits
One of the biggest advantages of a Bridal Portrait Session is that they can serve as a practice run for the big day that you can SEE
Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. I want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside. I am always more than happy to help with venue selection!
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, we highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, I'll shoot anytime and anywhere there's great light!
Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other venue services. I typically have to work with the venues on times, but I love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light or in the morning, as early as you feel comfortable with. However, if your venue has strict hours, I am happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session to make sure you can see the full look!
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
That moment the Bride and Groom see 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 45% of my couples choose to do a first look.
While I love tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look, but my biggest advice is to do what feels right for you and your Fiance! . Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
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 my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening. Whether its a first look or a prayer around a corner, whatever feels right to you!
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
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. This allows the couple to enter the reception earlier, or even enjoy a bit of cocktail hour if you choose! I usually still do the majority of family photos and Bride + Groom portraits after the ceremony.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
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 3b 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. (this was me!!!)
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special and I will be thrilled to capture it all for you!
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
1 p.m.
Krista arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and Davey arrives at Groom’s getting ready location.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen depart for ceremony site & take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location and take pre-ceremony group photos.
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
The ceremony takes place.
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Note: We do family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Introductions & First Dance
5:30pm Introductions
6:00 P.M.
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Photographer’s Depart
9:00pm Photographers Depart
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! I have learned lots of tips and tricks over the years to make even the rainiest days look just as beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. I'll also be in contact with you if we need to reevaluate the timeline for any reason.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Rain-boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations. Save those cute shoes!
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 humidity 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. Communication is key!
We all know that Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable, but with a solid plan in place your wedding will be just as beautiful as ever!
Other things to bring if there is a chance of rain:
• Towels
• Extra pair of socks for the groom
• Extra beauty product for after your HAMU team departs.
Wedding Day Details
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 need about 30 minutes to capture and style details (this will be included into the timeline). If you are not getting ready at your venue, I highly recommend choosing a getting ready location with open spaces and lots of natural light. and please try and keep it clutter free :)
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. You can also pass it off to your planner if you'd like one less thing to worry about! Please have your dress ready to photograph (steamed) and let me know prior to the wedding day if you are keeping your dress a secret from your bridesmaids so I don't ruin the surprise!
Dress
Dress Hanger
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.
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.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
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 always love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots. If you have chosen a florist from my vendor list I will coordinate with them prior to the wedding :)
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
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. I will bring along a Gem Pen for any last minute touchups.
The Rings
For family portraits, I'll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then I'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, some with the groom and your family, 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 my pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll 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.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows! I am also happy to grab any remaining photos during the reception.
Consider Unplugging
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 we're sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our 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 whether its by a sign or having your officiate make a statement before you walk down the aisle.
1. 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 bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. 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. Put extra water bottles in there too!
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire. Let me know and I will add enough time into the timeline for them to get dressed and feeling beautiful!
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests. If the venue is more than 20 minutes away I might suggest we add an additional photographer to ensure the reception is properly covered.
Additional Tips
AFTER all my years in the wedding industry and planning my own wedding, here are a few extra tips i've learned
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding 45 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings. I will use this time to finish photographing any decor.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying me with a list ahead of time, including names, makes sure I can go over it and make sure I shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, I am more than happy to follow you around and grab a photo anytime you'd like a photo with someone! I just ask that you please communicate this wish ahead of time. Otherwise I will spend my time covering the entire room and shooting candids of your guests having fun!
9. If you would like more tips, just let me know! I have learned so much over the last 8 years and can usually help with most situations!
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors.
These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.
They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
Ie can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me anytime at carsynabrams@gmail.com or shoot me at text at 405-343-6012
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!