Engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations, and more!
Wedding Guide
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Again, thank you for choosing to work with me and trusting me with such an important day in your lives. Don't ever hesitate to reach out if you have questions not answered below, or if I can be of any additional assistance!
I am so excited to work with you and can’t wait to get to know you better in the coming months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you've made for wedding day and I am so very honored to get to capture your wedding day in beautiful imagery.
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or having a smaller, more intimate wedding celebration, there are likely still a number of things left on your 'to do' list. I always joke that planning a wedding is (legit) like having a part-time job, so I understand how much work is involved and how stressful it can be.
I created this guide to help ease some of the stress by offering helpful tips and some additional support along your wedding planning journey. Having photographed a number of weddings over the years, I often get asked the same questions, so I hope this guide will answer some of yours as well. We'll cover everything from timelines to engagement sessions, inclement weather, and more.
a quick note from Carin
Welcome friend!
plan your session
There are several advantages to doing engagement photos before wedding day. Not only will you get some beautiful images together commemorating this special time in your lives — it is also great practice being in front of the camera before wedding day (which is especially helpful if you're camera shy). It's a great opportunity for us to spend some time together before wedding day, and you'll get to see how I work and guide you through posing with prompts and a lot of encouragement. My hope is that you'll also find it's actually pretty fun having photos taken! All of this will significantly reduce nerves on wedding day. And last, but not least, you'll be able to use the beautiful photos for your save-the-dates, wedding website, and more!
I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations, and more!
Engagement Session
Cultured Travel - Hamilton
Travel Cafe - Missoula
Flathead Travel Service - Kalispell
Travel
Beach Transportation - Missoula
Catch Transportation - Missoula
Royal Limousine - Missoula
MT Party Bus - Missoula
The Local Transport - Missoula
Transportation
K Potter Fine Art - Livingston
Live Painting By Rosie - Montana
Julia Rose Artwork - Great Falls
Live Painting
Noteworthy - Missoula
Alpha Graphics - Missoula
Winter Paper Co - Stevensville
Lichen & Pines Letterpress - Whitefish
Invitations
Perfect Events - Missoula
Montana Party Time - Missoula
44 Rental & Design - Missoula
The Party Store - Kalispell
Table Twenty-Five - Missoula
Bustle + Blush - Missoula
Empress Tents & Events - Columbia Falls
RENTALS
Rococo Bridal - Missoula
Velvet Bride - Missoula
Mimi's Bridal - Kalispell
J Scott Couture - Bigfork
The Bride's Shoppe - Great Falls
Sweet Pea Bridal - Anaconda
WEDDING DRESS
Bernice's Bakery - Missoula
Artcake MT - Missoula
Gretchen Dunn Cake Studio - Missoula
Bonjour Bakery - Kalispell
Montana Wildflour Baking Co - Whitefish
Soul Sugar (custom cookies) - Missoula
CAKES
Skin Chic - Missoula
MVP Beauty - Missoula
Allure Weddings - Missoula
Sugar Tree Bridal - Missoula
Shayna Beauty - Flathead Valley
HAIR & MAKEUP
Mobile DJ Brandon - Ronan
Bradshaw Media - Missoula
The V-Team DJs - Flathead Valley
Montana Wedding DJs - Missoula
Big Mountain DJs - Whitefish
RMF Entertainment - Missoula
DJ & BANDS
The Silk Road - Missoula
Ring of Horns - Hot Springs
The Notorious P.I.G. - Missoula
Pangea - Missoula
Montana Q (bbq) - Missoula
Saddled Up Tacos - Polson
CATERING
CosmicCine Film - Great Falls
Glacier Wedding Films - Kalispell
Cinematic Spirit - Bozeman
Burton Productions - Missoula
ViDEOGRAPHY
Bleeding Heart Flower Farm - Stevensville
Bitterroot Flower Shop - Missoula
Earth Within Flowers - Missoula
Habitat Floral Studio - Missoula
Alpine Designs - Polson
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Emerald Isle Events - Missoula
Weddings By Sara - Missoula
Blush + Bloom Events - Missoula
Hitched Without A Glitch - Missoula & Bitterroot Valley
WEDDING PLANNERS
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 recommend them highly! And please know, this is not a paid list — I'm sharing these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their overall professionalism.
that WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
Photo Booth
RMF Entertainment - Missoula
Zootown Booth - Missoula
Hey Mr DJ - Missoula
Kaleidoscope Entertainment - Missoula
Farmhouse Photos - Bitterroot Valley
Other Unique Vendors
Big Sky Fireworks - Helena
Candid Creative Co (content creation) - Missoula
Ball & Chained (permanent jewelry) - Missoula
Montana Hat Bar
Sweet Peaks (ice cream bar)
Veil
Wedding shoes
Ring
Wedding jewelry
Lingerie
Hair accessories
Makeup touch-up kit
Session Checklist
Be sure to bring your wedding shoes, veil, jewelry, and any other accessories that are meaningful to you. It's also a really good idea to try on your lingerie beforehand to ensure proper fit and avoid any wardrobe issues during the shoot. Make sure your wardrobe pieces are wrinkle-free to ensure the best photos, and avoid spray tanning before the session to prevent any streaks or uneven skin tones. Lastly, a fresh manicure and pedicure are always a great idea for the session, so be sure to have your nails neatly manicured for the photos (bare feet can be absolutely beautiful in boudoir images!).
My schedule tends to fill up quickly during wedding season (May-October), so I recommend booking your boudoir session as soon as possible, especially if you're hoping for a weekend shoot. Early spring (March, April, and possibly May) is the ideal time for these shoots, but weekday availability offers more flexible options. I also have a list of recommended Airbnbs and hotels in Missoula — just ask, and I’d be happy to share them with you!
To schedule your bridal boudoir session, just email me and let me know your thoughts for when you'd like to shoot and we can start looking at dates for your session!
A bridal boudoir session is a wonderful way to capture your beauty and confidence at this time in your life and before the big day. These sessions typically last ~90 minutes and can be scheduled at a location of your choosing, such as your home, an Airbnb, hotel room, or (weather permitting) a private outdoor area.
It’s important to select a space that fits the aesthetic you envision for your photos, with plenty of natural light and ideally hardwood floors if indoors. If you're booking an Airbnb, be sure to check that photography is allowed and that the space aligns with your vision. For hotels, try to book a room with south or west-facing windows to take full advantage of the natural light. I also recommend to request an earlier check-in time to allow for more natural light in the space (especially important if we are shooting during winter).
When preparing for your bridal boudoir session, bring at least two outfit options and a third as a backup in case time allows. White lingerie looks beautiful for bridal boudoir, especially when paired with your wedding veil and/or shoes, but feel free to bring whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable. You can also opt to wear colored lingerie, or really to steer the shoot in any direction you'd like!
Elegant + Empowering Imagery
Bridal Boudoir Session
The moment you see each other for the first time on wedding day will truly be magical. You have two options to consider for when you first see each other: either privately before the ceremony or in the traditional manner, during the ceremony itself. Both options are special, and neither one is "right" — it all depends on your preference and priorities.
Until I became a wedding photographer, I honestly didn’t know what a "first look" was. If you’re unfamiliar as well, a first look is a private moment that couples choose to share before the ceremony. It’s when you see each other for the first time, have an intimate moment together, and sometimes exchange private vows — without the pressure of all eyes on you. It’s also a great opportunity to pause, take a breath, and be present with one another before the whirlwind of the day begins.
First looks have become increasingly popular in recent years for a few reasons, and they can help set a relaxed, meaningful tone for the rest of your celebration. Here's why...
Things To Keep In Mind
First Looks
If there’s a chance of bad weather on your wedding day, planning a first look gives you more flexibility for photos. Should it rain after the ceremony, you’ll be glad you took photos in advance. And if you know tears are likely when you first see each other, a first look gives you time to freshen up before the ceremony and group photos.
Regardless your choice of first look or not, the first time you see each other on wedding day will be extremely special, and I will be there (as unobtrusively as possible) to document it for you.
First Look
03
Without a first look, most of the group and family photos are taken after the ceremony. Family portraits are generally done immediately following the ceremony while everyone is still gathered around, followed by bridal party photos and then portraits of the bride and groom. This can keep you away from your guests during cocktail hour.
A first look, however, gives you time before the ceremony to take bridal party photos, immediate family portraits, and a few bride and groom portraits (though there will be more of these later during sunset). This leaves only a few extended family photos to be done after the ceremony, allowing you to head to cocktail hour sooner and spend more time with your guests.
It Makes More Time for Photos Without Sacrificing Cocktail Hour
02
Avoid Potential Bad Weather and Have Time to Freshen Up
Once the ceremony begins, the day picks up speed quickly. A first look gives you the chance to spend some quiet time together, reflect on the importance of the day, and enjoy each other’s company before the excitement takes over. You’ll also get to see each other at your absolute best, before exposure to the sun, wind, and other elements.
Wedding days can often be a whirlwind, and they tend to fly by. For this reason, I encourage you to take a few moments during the day to stop, breathe, and soak it all in — and a first look is a great opportunity to do just that.
A First Look Cuts Through the Chaos of the Day
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If, on the other hand, you’re planning a first look, we’ll divide group photos into two blocks of time. After the first look (and before the ceremony), we’ll photograph immediate family, the bridal party, and a few portraits of the two of you. Then after the ceremony, we’ll have a shorter window for extended family photos. In this case too, an officiant announcement helps keep everyone in place.
Whether or not you do a first look, your timeline will be built starting from your ceremony time and working forward or backward from there. While every wedding is different, I generally recommend: 30–45 minutes for detail shots (hanging dress, rings, invitation suites, etc. — more on that later in this guide); 1 hour for getting ready photos with the bride and bridesmaids; at least 30 minutes for getting ready photos with the groom and groomsmen; and 10–20 minutes for sunset portraits of the two of you.
For sunset or evening ceremonies, it’s important to do all group portraits beforehand so we don’t run out of natural light for these important photos.
About a month before wedding day, I’ll send you my Pre-Wedding Questionnaire to collect all the details I need to build your photography timeline and shot list. Whether you choose a first look or a traditional aisle reveal, I’ll make sure your timeline allows plenty of time for the photos you want and the activities you have planned. In the meantime, here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind.
If you’re opting for a traditional approach without a first look, we’ll do most group photos after the ceremony — including immediate and extended family portraits, bridal party photos, and portraits of the two of you. The number of groupings you want will determine how much time we’ll need — usually anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (or more).
To keep things running smoothly, ask your officiant to make an announcement at the end of the ceremony asking all family and bridal party members in photos to stay nearby. Let your family know ahead of time as well — this helps us move quickly through the shot list and minimize time spent wrangling folks for photos!
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Photographer arrives + detail shots
Getting ready photos of bride + bridesmaids
Getting ready photos of groom + groomsmen
First Look
Immediate family portraits
Bridal party portraits + portraits of bride & groom
Ceremony start
Extended family portraits + cocktail hour
Reception start
Grand entrances + first dance
Dinner
Toasts + speeches
Sunset portraits bride & groom
Dancing
Cake cutting
Photographer departs
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:15 pm
2:45 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
5:45 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:15 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
9:00 pm
With a first look
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:15 pm
2:45 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
5:45 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:15 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
9:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:15 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
9:45 pm
10:00 pm
Photographer arrives + detail shots
Getting ready photos of bride + bridesmaids
Getting ready photos of groom + groomsmen
Ceremony start
Family portraits (immediate & extended) + cocktail hour
Bridal party portraits + portraits of bride & groom
Reception start
Grand entrances + first dance
Dinner
Toasts + speeches
Sunset portraits bride & groom
Dancing
Cake cutting
Sparkler exit
Photographer departs
Without a first look
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:15 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
9:45 pm
10:00 pm
If you're not working with a planner, it’s a good idea to touch base with your vendor team to ensure everyone’s prepared. Hair and makeup may need adjustments to hold up in humidity, musicians or DJs may need to weatherproof equipment, and your venue or rental team can help reduce mud in outdoor spaces.
If you're concerned about rain, it's also helpful to have a backup plan for outdoor photos. We can always look for covered areas or indoor locations that still give you the feeling of being outside. I’m happy to work with you and your venue to find creative ways to get the shots you want, rain or shine. Plus, wet pavement and misty backgrounds can give your photos a romantic, moody vibe that sunny days just cannot replicate!
While I can’t promise rain is good luck, I can promise we’ll make a plan to keep the day running smoothly and your photos looking incredible. Rainy weddings might require a little extra flexibility, but they’re just as joyful — and often even more memorable — than sunny ones!
If the forecast is calling for rain, don’t stress — rainy wedding days can be absolutely beautiful. Overcast skies create soft, flattering light, and a little drizzle can add a unique and organic vibe to your photos. Plus, the clouds often make for an extra dramatic sky!
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas from Amazon. They photograph beautifully and won’t cast any odd colors on your skin or outfits. I’ll also scope out alternative locations for your portraits to make sure we’re covered (literally and creatively!).
If you don’t already own a pair of cute rain boots, now’s the perfect excuse to grab some — even if you only wear them between locations. There are tons of cute white or neutral-colored options that photograph beautifully and pair well with a wedding dress while keeping your feet dry and happy.
Tips for rain
Inclement Weather
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to make your wedding day special and unique! I typically do detail shots first thing after arriving at your wedding venue, and I will need about 30-45 minutes to style and capture detail shots. You likely won’t have any control over the lighting in the getting-ready space, but please keep it tidy and free of trash and clutter (this is especially important in small or tight spaces!).
It’s extremely helpful if you can round up all your smaller items for detail shots ahead of time. Put these items together in one spot for me — including your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, perfume, vow books, invitations, and any other keepsakes. If possible, try to unwrap your dress before I arrive, but don’t worry about styling it. I’ll hang it in a beautiful spot and get it looking perfect for photos!
If you have any meaningful sentimental items you’d like captured (family heirlooms, gifts from your partner, or something personal), make sure those are included in the detail collection.
Details
Wedding Day
Wedding dress
Dress hanger (a pretty one!)
Wedding rings (both engagement and wedding band)
Wedding shoes
Veil or hair accessories
Bouquet
Garter
Perfume
Jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelet)
Wedding invitation suite (invites, RSVP cards, etc.)
Hair & makeup products (lipstick, compact, etc.)
Vow books
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like photographed
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional — but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in the details shots.
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply a small bucket of extra pieces I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDe DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
Dress shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cufflinks or tie clips
Tie or bow tie
Watch
Boutonnière
Vow book
Wedding ring
Anything else special or sentimental he'd like photographed
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
When possible, I love to capture photos of your rings while you're getting ready. To ensure your rings look their best, it’s a great idea to have your engagement ring cleaned (or clean it yourself) so it’s extra shiny for the photos!
To clean your rings at home, soak them in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. After soaking, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and repeat as needed until they’re nice and sparkly.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + 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 + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I come prepared with a detailed shot list to ensure we capture every important photo. I’ll gather all the necessary information from my Pre-Wedding Questionnaire, which I’ll email to you about a month before wedding day.
The shot list will outline every group photo (family, bridal party, etc.) you want, along with the names of each individual in each photo. After the ceremony, we’ll begin working through the list by calling people up. In the Pre-Wedding Questionnaire, I’ll ask you to designate a wedding day point-of-contact — someone who knows the individuals in each group and can help call them up for me while I photograph. Having a helper makes the process go much faster and smoother. I will bring along a printed copy of the shot list for this person to use.
To make things even more efficient, it’s helpful to let your family and bridal party know about the portrait process ahead of time and ask them to stick around after the ceremony. This way, we can avoid wasting time tracking down people who wander over to cocktail hour.
When you fill out the questionnaire, I will also ask about any special circumstances (such as divorced parents or family members with mobility issues, dementia, etc.). If you’d like to start brainstorming ideas, I’ve included a typical list of groupings below.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
If you've attended a wedding recently, you may have noticed a sign asking guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
While it may seem like an unusual request, there’s a good reason for it! You’ve made a significant investment in your wedding photography, and one of the last things you want is for your ceremony photos to be filled with distracting cell phones, iPads, or relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. To help me capture the best possible images, I recommend politely asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
You can also have the officiant remind everyone to silence their phones during the ceremony.
CONSIDER UNPLUGGING
If your reception is at a separate location, be sure to build in some “fluff time” so I can capture some photos of the reception space before guests arrive and start mingling.
Fluff time
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If you're planning a first look with your parents or bridal party, having them fully dressed in their wedding attire will help them feel more comfortable and ensure the photos look their best.
First looks with parents
04
Make sure your bouquet arrives in time for detail shots and your first look, if you’re having one. Bouquets often come in water and may need to be dried off beforehand, so having towels on hand is a great idea. Ask your florist if they could provide any extra clippings that I could use in your detail and flay lay photos.
Extra florals
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On a hot wedding day, a cooler stocked with cold water bottles and frozen washcloths can be a game changer — especially for groomsmen wearing multiple layers. And it never hurts to remind and encourage everyone to stay hydrated.
Prep for the heat
02
If you’re getting married during the summer months, consider providing a light snack or lunch before portraits. This can keep your bridal party from getting hungry or lightheaded during the day!
Don't forget the snacks
01
tips
Additional
Even if your wedding is months or more than a year away, I’m always available to answer your questions, help with planning, or simply chat! Feel free to email, call, or text me anytime with questions, or to just check in and say 'hello'!
I'm here to help
09
During cocktail hour and the reception, I’ll be floating around to capture candid moments. But, if you (or a guest) would like a photo with someone, don’t hesitate to holler! I love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Consider having a pair of cute sneakers, Converse, or comfy flats on hand for dancing. Not only will they let you enjoy the party without sore feet, but they also make for fun, playful photos as you kick up your heels on the dance floor!
Comfortable shoes for dancing
07
I recommend that the bride go into hiding at least 15 minutes before the ceremony. Guests tend to arrive early, and this will ensure a smooth transition into the ceremony.
Hide the bride
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I wholeheartedly believe that photographs aren’t meant to live only in the digital world. One day, Instagram will change, phones will be replaced, and digital storage may become obsolete. But a handcrafted album? That’s a timeless way to relive your day — and pass it down for generations.
Think about it: if I’d delivered your wedding photos on a floppy disk 20 years ago, you’d have no way to view them today. Even the online galleries I use today won’t last forever. Albums create permanence — something real you can hold in your hands.
Each heirloom album is custom-designed by me to reflect the story of your day. They’re hand-built by skilled artisans here in the U.S. using the finest materials. Every album features a one-piece, lay-flat cover and is printed on premium photographic paper with an archival value of 100+ years.
Albums include 20 spreads (40 pages) and up to three lines of custom debossed text on the cover (e.g., your names and wedding date). You can choose from a curated selection of cover materials — including full-grain Italian leathers, rich velvets, and textured linens. Optional customizations include acrylic covers, etched leather, or a cameo photo window.
The Perfect Heirloom to Hold Your Wedding Memories
Handcrafted Albums
Albums are available a la carte or as part of your wedding collection. A “spread” refers to two facing pages — a full visual story laid out across both sides when the album is open flat. Additional spreads and cover upgrades are available to personalize your book further.
Once your wedding gallery is delivered (within 6 weeks of the big day), I’ll invite you to select your favorite images for the album. From there, I’ll design the first draft of your album and we’ll work together through revisions until it’s perfect. Turnaround for the final printed piece is usually 2–4 weeks from final approval.
Albums must be prepaid (or placed on a payment plan) prior to design, and are non-returnable except in the case of manufacturing error. They can be ordered any time — before or after your wedding day.
If you're interested in a custom-designed heirloom album, reach out directly for details and pricing.
I’m so excited to start planning with you and getting to know you better! If you haven’t scheduled your engagement session yet, let’s get that on the calendar, or feel free to reach out and let me know when you’d like to do it (spring or fall, perhaps?). You can always email me at carin@carinrene.com.
If you have any questions or just want to chat, I’m here for you! I hope this guide has been helpful and made your wedding planning a little easier. If you have any suggestions for future revisions of the guide, I'd love to hear! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through it!
