- kyra9211
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
How to Plan a Wedding Day Timeline That Feels Effortless and Elevated
Your wedding day is more than just a timeline — it’s a series of once-in-a-lifetime moments. And while the photographs and details matter (the dress, the florals, the setting), it’s often the in-between memories that become the most cherished: your mom’s hands zipping up your gown, a quiet breath before walking down the aisle, or your partner’s eyes softening during your first look.
As a wedding photographer who captures refined, fashion-forward celebrations across Canada, Mexico, and Europe, I always guide my couples through crafting a timeline that doesn’t just look beautiful — but feels calm, intentional, and true to them.
Here are a few parts of the day you’ll want to give ample time and space to be present and remember:
1. The Morning: Create Room to Breathe
The morning of your wedding is sacred. It’s the moment before everything begins — a time for calm, reflection, and connection.
Getting ready: Choose a space with beautiful light and a relaxed atmosphere. Having your closest people with you (plus a great playlist and some champagne) sets the tone.
Intimate moments: Think about who you want to share these first memories with. A first look with your dad? A quiet moment with your sister? These are the frames that stay with you.
The groom’s side: Whether it’s a scotch toast or a group of groomsmen sharing stories, give this part of the day the same attention — it’s part of your full story.
2. Family Portraits: Know Your Style
This portion of the day can feel either calm or chaotic — the key is intention.
Formal groupings: If you love timeless, traditional portraits, plan 2–3 minutes per grouping. Create a list ahead of time so everyone knows where to be, and when.
Candid moments: If your style leans more editorial or documentary, we can capture these interactions during cocktail hour — hugs, laughter, champagne clinks — all naturally unfolding.
Deciding what matters most helps us tailor this time around you.
3. Couple Portraits: Your Vision, Your Way
This is one of the most personal parts of the day — the first time you’re photographed as a married couple. But how that looks (and feels) should reflect you, not a Pinterest board.
Start by thinking about the types of images you’re drawn to:
Do you love editorial, stylized frames that feel like they belong in a magazine?
Or are you more drawn to relaxed, candid, even imperfect moments that feel undeniably real?
Do you envision something more structured and romantic, or spontaneous and playful?
These answers help us plan everything from timing to location.
If there's a dream spot nearby — a cliffside lookout, a vintage car, a hidden garden path — we can build time (key being time!) into your schedule to slip away for portraits. If you’d rather keep things natural and let the day unfold, we’ll capture quiet in-between moments, subtle gestures, and unfiltered joy as they happen.
Whether it’s a dedicated 2-hour block or multiple 20-minute segments throughout the day, the time for your couple portraits should feel intentional, not rushed — a chance to pause, connect, and reflect on what just happened. It’s about more than getting “the shot.” It’s about preserving the feeling. Beautiful shots happen when there is genuine joy - I promise!
A wedding is a core memory — not a photo op.
Let’s make sure the moments we capture are actually beautiful… not just in the frame, but in how they felt.
If you're planning a luxury celebration in Banff, the Okanagan, Calgary, or abroad, and want a photographer who cares just as much about how your day feels as how it looks — I’d love to help you design a timeline that’s both elevated and effortless.
FEATURED VENUES IN IMAGES
FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL, BANFF CANADA
A number of the weddings in this post were hosted at the renowned destination wedding hotspot, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a magnificent castle nestled within the Rocky Mountains. I have had the privilege of both photographing weddings at this world famous venue and celebrating my own nuptials there. If you are currently exploring potential venues, the Banff Springs Hotel is an absolute must-see. Should you have any inquiries or an interest for photography at the Fairmont Banff Springs, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am delighted to share my insights, tips, and recommendations for local vendors to ensure your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary.
HOTEL DENALI, VENEZIA ITALY
Facing the Venetian lagoon and just steps from Piazza San Marco, Hotel Danieli, Venice is a 5-star property, with elegant and spacious accommodations, while the Restaurant Terrazza Danieli rooftop offers spectacular views of the beautiful landmarks of Venice. The historic hotel showcases majestic Venetian architecture that dates back as far as the 14th Century.
FLORA FARMS, CABO SAN LUCAS MEXICO
Slightly north of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, serenely nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, lies Flora Farms – a 25-acre organic working farm.
Today, it's the proud home of Flora’s Field Kitchen, the Farm Spa, the Farm Bar, Flora Farms Grocery, and Flora Farms Celebrations.
The farm also encompasses the Shoppes at Flora Farms, the Culinary Cottages & The Haylofts—our hand-built, straw bale luxury homes designed for culinary enthusiasts.
Unparalleled service and timeless elegance.
Built in 1925, the Hotel Raphaël is an impressive stone building with an intricately sculpted façade. Tradition and the French art of hospitality are at its core. Situated in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, only metres from the Arc de Triomphe, you are guaranteed a stay that is typically Parisian.
Our rooms and suites have genuine antique furniture, hand-carved wood panelling and hand-painted wall murals. The most beautiful rooftop in Paris, a sophisticated restaurant and a luxurious bar will make your stay unforgettable.
The Hotel Raphaël is emblematic of Roaring Twenties Parisian glamour. It boasts elite Les Clefs d'Or concierges an attentive team of professionals.
The Hotel Raphaël is part of the Les Hotels Baverez collection of unique Parisian hotels. Three 5-star hotels managed by the same family for four generations, with the utmost respect for customer service and for the tradition of classic French hospitality.
