What Actually Happens on the Morning of a Wedding
Nothing here is set in stone.
This isn’t a schedule you have to follow.
This is just a rough guide to help you understand how the day usually flows, so you’re not lying awake at 3am wondering “are we doing this right?”
Every wedding is different.
Every couple is different.
And the day always bends to suit you — not the other way around.
First Things First — Nothing Is Set in Stone
Before we get into timelines and times and how the day usually flows — I want to say this clearly.
Nothing here is a rule.
This is just a rough guide. Something to give you a feel for how about 90% of weddings tend to run.
If things run late. If plans change. If you want something different on the day.
That’s completely fine.
We always work around you, not the other way around.
Before Anything Else — The Questionnaire
The questionnaire isn’t paperwork for the sake of it.
It helps me understand what actually matters to you on the day, plan things properly, and make sure the right people and moments don’t get missed.
It also helps me tag and credit your brilliant suppliers properly afterwards. Bands, venues, makeup artists, hair, celebrants — all the people who worked hard for you.
Fill it out as best you can before the wedding. The more I know going in, the smoother everything runs on the day itself.
Photographer Arrival Time
As a rough guide:
Winter weddings: I usually arrive between 9am and 10am
Summer weddings: I usually arrive between 10am and 11am
That can change completely if:
You need me there earlier
Things are starting later
Or you just want something different
The morning is usually great craic. This time lets me fit in, get to know everyone, and see who’s likely to have the big laugh and who might get emotional later on.
It also gives people time to relax around me, so once the day really gets going, no one feels awkward or nervous about the camera.
“We’re Awkward” — I Hear This Every Single Week
If you’re thinking “we’re not natural in front of the camera” — you’re in very good company.
Honestly? Most couples feel awkward. Even the ones who look like models in the photos.
You don’t need to know what to do. You don’t need to pose. You don’t need to perform.
My job is to make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely yourselves — without forcing anything.
If something feels uncomfortable or not “you”, we don’t do it.
After the Ceremony — Family Photos First
Once the ceremony is finished, it’s best to go straight into the formal family photos.
You know yourself — once guests hit the bar, there’s no getting them back out of it 😅
When done right, these photos are quick, painless, and don’t drag on.
I’ll ask you for a must-have family photo list. This is for:
Family members travelling a long distance
Godparents
Friends you haven’t seen in years
Anyone you’d be gutted to miss a photo with
Most of the standard ones I already know. Just add anything important to you.
How to Send the Family Photo List
You can:
Write the list directly in the form
Or send it to me on WhatsApp
I’ll also ask you to send the list to your main bridesmaid. She usually knows most people and can help me round everyone up quickly on the day.
95% of Your Day Is Candid — Not Posed
About 95% of every wedding day is photographed naturally.
I’m not posing you all day long. I’m not pulling you away every five minutes.
Most of the time, I’m quietly capturing what’s already happening — the laughs, the hugs, the tears, the in-between moments you don’t even notice.
And when we do step in for portraits?
I don’t just “pose” you.
I create a moment within the pose. I get ye chatting, moving, laughing — so what you’re seeing is real.
Real laughter. Real connection. Timeless, unfiltered moments that still feel like you years from now.
Bride & Groom Portraits
If the venue grounds don’t have anywhere suitable for portraits, it’s ideal to head somewhere nearby after the family photos.
We’ll run off for a short while, keep it relaxed, and be back before anyone even notices you’re gone.
Nothing forced.
Nothing awkward.
No weird posing.
Why Couples Choose JOD Photography
I don’t shout instructions. I don’t force moments. I don’t turn your day into a photoshoot.
I blend in. I read the room. I let things happen — and catch them when they do.
Especially for couples who say, “We’re a bit awkward” — you’re exactly my people.
Before Dinner
Dinner call is usually around 5.30pm – 6pm.
Once we’re back from portraits, I’ll be photographing guests, capturing natural moments, and letting the day unfold as it happens.
This is when a lot of the real stuff happens. The laughs. The hugs. The moments you didn’t realise were happening.
Evening & First Dance
There’s usually about an hour between dinner and the first dance.
First dance is nearly always around 9.30pm.
Around that time, I’ll often steal you for 5 quick minutes outside for a few relaxed evening photos.
You won’t miss much. They’re fast. They’re easy. And they’re always worth it.
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After the First Dance
I normally stay for:
The first dance
And 3–5 songs after
If the dance floor is hopping and the craic is flying, I’ll stay on and keep shooting the madness.
One Last Thing
This is your day.
If you’re camera shy, don’t want certain parts photographed, or want to change how anything works — that’s absolutely fine.
Nothing here is a rule. It’s just a guide to help you see how the day usually flows.
We’ll always do what feels right for you.
At the End of the Day — This Is About You
If you take nothing else from this page, take this.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to worry about how the day “should” look.
You just need to show up and enjoy your day.
I’ll read the room. I’ll guide you when you need it. I’ll step back when you don’t.
We’ll move at your pace, adapt as the day unfolds, and capture it honestly — as it felt, not as it was staged.
This is your wedding. I’m just there to make sure you never forget it.
Common Questions Couples Ask
What if the day runs late or things change?
That’s completely normal. Weddings rarely run exactly to plan. I adapt as the day unfolds and work around whatever happens. Nothing here is rigid.
We’re really awkward in front of the camera — is that a problem?
Not at all. Most couples feel awkward — even confident ones. My approach is relaxed and natural, so you never feel forced or uncomfortable.
Do you pose us all day?
No. Around 95% of the day is candid. When we do step in for portraits, it’s gentle guidance that creates real moments, not stiff posing.
How long do bride and groom photos usually take?
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on the location and light. We keep it relaxed and efficient so you’re not missing your own wedding.
What if we don’t want certain moments photographed?
That’s absolutely fine. You’re always in control. Just let me know beforehand and I’ll respect it fully.