Because at Michelle Behre Photography, we know that your wedding photography is just as exquisite as your love.
Your wedding day is nothing short of a masterpiece—a celebration of love, joy, and the life you’re building together. Every detail, from the delicate lace of your gown to the golden glow of a perfect sunset, is a reflection of who you are and the love you share. At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe these moments deserve to be preserved in a way that feels as perfect and timeless as the day itself.
Envision the laughter shared as you get ready with your closest friends, the quiet flutter of your heart as you walk down the aisle, the sparkle of candlelight during your first dance. These are the moments that matter most—the ones you’ll hold close for years to come. And as your photographer, our role is to not only document these memories but to curate them into a story as beautiful and unique as your love.
We’ve always believed wedding photography should be an experience, and one that feels effortless yet intentional, grand yet deeply personal. No matter if it’s the soft glamor of your Upper East Side engagement session or the breathtaking views of a Lake Como destination wedding, every moment needs to be thoughtfully crafted with care and precision.
Use this guide as your companion to planning wedding photography that feels as undemanding as it is extraordinary. From curating a seamless timeline to orchestrating flawless family portraits, every detail needs to be thoughtfully considered to ensure your images are a true reflection of your love and vision.
Build the Perfect Timeline for Your Wedding Photography
Your wedding day should feel like a dream, unfolding from one moment to the next. A thoughtfully built timeline is the secret to ensuring your photography and wedding day flows beautifully and with ease. At Michelle Behre Photography, our thought process is that every detail of your day deserves to be remembered, so we work closely with you to craft a timeline that honors you and your unique vision.
From the first swipe of that crimson-pink blush in the bridal suite to the glow of fireworks beneath the evening sky, every moment of your day requires intricate planning. For instance, we’ll endeavor to provide ample time for those cherished “getting ready” shots—the quiet moments with your bridesmaids, the delicate buttoning of your gown, and the loving glance exchanged with your parents.
To help your photography timeline flow delightfully, consider the following process:
- Start with the ceremony time. Work backward to determine how much time you’ll need for getting-ready moments, first looks, and pre-ceremony portraits.
- Allow extra time for details. Include time for capturing your dress, shoes, invitation suite, and heirloom accessories with care.
- Plan for golden hour and room reveals (as desired). Schedule 20–30 minutes for dreamy portraits during this magical time of day.
- Consult your photographer. We’ll help fine-tune the timeline to account for lighting, travel, and must-have shots.
The Art of Curating Wedding Photography Styles
Your wedding photography should feel as unique as the love you share—a bespoke reflection of your style, your personality, and the life you’re building together. That’s why we take a blended approach, marrying editorial artistry with photojournalistic authenticity to create a collection of images that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Are you drawn to the cinematic class of editorial wedding photography? Or do you prefer the quiet intimacy of candid, documentary-style images? Perhaps it’s a mix of both. We’ll take the time to understand your preferences, guiding you through every pose and angle to guarantee that your images radiate with effortless beauty. It may be the romantic softness of a veil caught in the wind or the laughter shared between loved ones during cocktail hour, and our main goal is to create cover-worthy imagery that feels authentically yours.
Crafting and Curating Family Portraits with Ease
Family portraits are some of the most meaningful photographs you’ll treasure from your wedding day—but let’s be honest, they can also be one of the most chaotic moments if not planned properly.
Before your wedding, we’ll collaborate to create a detailed list of every must-have family photo, including the names and relationships of those involved. This not only saves time but makes sure that no one is overlooked. On the day of your wedding, we guide your loved ones with a calm and professional presence, making the process feel relaxed and enjoyable.
The result? Heartfelt portraits that celebrate the people you hold dearest, captured with class and elegance. These are the images that will fill your heirloom albums and frame the walls of your home, preserving your family’s legacy for generations.
Here’s how to make family portraits run smoothly:
- Create a detailed shot list. Identify key groupings—parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family—to confirm no one is missed.
- Appoint a family coordinator. Ask someone who knows both families well to help gather groups quickly.
- Allocate enough time. We recommend 20–30 minutes for family photos, depending on the size of your group.
- Choose the right location. Opt for a spot with soft, natural light and a clean background to keep the focus on your loved ones.
Embracing Golden-Hour Magic
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens during golden hour—that soft, diffused light as the sun begins to set, casting a romantic glow. It’s a photographer’s dream and a moment we carefully plan for in your wedding day timeline.
To make the most of golden hour:
- Plan ahead. Check your wedding date’s sunset time and set aside 20–30 minutes for portraits during this golden window.
- Scout the perfect location. Open fields, gardens, or venues with a view are ideal for basking in soft, golden light.
- Trust your photographer. We’ll guide you into poses and compositions that make the most of this dreamy lighting.
Finally, Preserve Your Love Story in Bespoke Heirlooms
At Michelle Behre Photography, our clients’ are celebrated in the most exquisite way—through bespoke heirloom albums and fine art prints. Your wedding photography doesn’t end with the last click of our camera—this is the moment you can begin creating something tangible, something timeless.
Each photograph is carefully curated, edited to perfection, and printed using only the finest materials. The result? A collection of awe-inspiring heirlooms that tell your story with the same beauty and intention as the wedding day itself. These can be treasures to be passed down, and a legacy of love for centuries to come.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and your photography should feel like an extension of its magic. With thoughtful planning and a touch of impeccable artistry, we’ll create a collection of images that capture exactly how your day felt in the moment.
Shall we begin curating your story?
