A Complete Melbourne Wedding photography Guide to Get Amazing Wedding Photo

No matter how much time you spend on wedding planning, the timeline of your wedding day may be the hardest task to manage. As wedding is the first big event to start a brand-new life, you may find it is impossible to make a one-fits-all time frame to everyone attending the wedding then don’t worry, you are not alone!

Today I will set up a wedding photography guide to give you some ideas of how much time you need for each section on your wedding day with some top tips from an insider’s view.

Who am I and my position to help you to go through this?

As a wedding photographer based in Melbourne many years, not like other wedding vendors – play and leave, I always work with everyone attending the wedding from bridal getting ready till the end of the wedding reception. I can provide suggestion from a view of whole picture to help each part of your wedding run smoothly and photogenically.

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What Happen on Groom Getting Ready?

Groom Preparation Podcast

Candid Wedding Photography

Relax! It just a wedding preparation. Tell everyone stay in casual before things get into a litter bit serious. Grab a beer or open a whisky then spend some time with your groomsmen outdoor if the weather is allowed. Footy, golf, dog or just have a chat. This can help the everyone chill and let your wedding photographer know your bridal party and family.  

• Groom and groomsmen having fun
• All boys toasting
• Photo with your pet
• Ironing the shirt
• Preparing the jack
• Organising accessories

Accessories and Gift Photo

Everything wedding related were carefully selected by the groom and bride which has unique meaning to the groom to be! Especially the wedding band and the gift from the bride. Before the groom open and put them on. It always my favourite part of the groom’s getting when the groom opening a gift and/or a letter from the bride. What else can settle a stress nerves into the stomach and signal you are starting your wedding day! 

You may also prepare some gift like tie, cufflink, pocket square customised glass, flask or cigars for your groomsmen. I will take some photo of these as well. It will be very helpful if you can have them all together on bed or on a table

Groom’s wedding photography accessory checklist:

• Groom’s Jacket hanging on a wooden hanger
• Gift and/or letter from the bride
• Gifts for groomsmen
• Tie or bowtie
• Polished shoes
• Cufflinks
• Wedding band
• Buttonhole or corsage
• Pocket square
• Watch
• Invitation
• Perfume

Hair and Shaving

These can be a few quick photos if you need to waxing your hair or shave. It can be fun if you have you groomsmen to do it in a bathroom

Getting Change

Before I start the getting change photo for the boys, I will look around the place of groom’s getting ready. A good lighting and clear backdrop spot are somewhere I’m looking for. Please keep bags, trash, water bottles, snacks away and turn off TV. It is necessary to spend a little time to rearrange furniture to have bit more space or according to lighting.

It is not that easy to put on male wedding outfit, have your groomsmen, brother, dad or someone important to help can be much easier. Wedding party can change casual clothes to shirts and pants in different rooms. Then all boys can start help each other with accessories then put jacket on.

• Boys putting sock, shoes, shirt, cufflink on
• Boys helping each other with cufflinks and ties
• Parent can help put the buttonhole and tie on for the groom

Wedding Photography Portrait Indoor and Outdoor

Once groom put everything on, it is the time to have some solo photo been taken. Stand in front of a mirror to check yourselves, adjusting the watch, cufflink and tie, make sure every detail is ready to wow your bride!

Depends on the weather and you style, portrait can be done indoor or outdoor with interest lighting and background.

• Photo of groom checking outfit
• Detail photo of the accessories on groom

Portrait with Groomsmen Indoor and Outdoor

Once groom done the single portrait photo, it is the time to have some group portrait with the wedding party on his side. Alternatively, this photo can be done after ceremony if running behind the schedule.

Family Photo

Family are definitely playing important role on the wedding. Once everyone changed, before leaving to ceremony I recommend to have some photo of groom and his parent and other families. It’s not necessary to have every family member to attend this photo section, because it may be too early or too far for them to be there. Also, there is a formal family photo section after ceremony. 

• Groom with mother
• Groom with father
• Groom with mother and father

Why Photograph the Groom’s Getting Ready?

Many couple skip the groom’s getting ready photo as they think there are not much photogenic things to do for the boys as they only need few minutes to throw everything on. However, this is maybe the biggest misunderstanding of wedding planning. There are many memorably moments during this part as it is the last hours as a single man, they also spent a lot of effort to spruced up to wait their most beautiful bride walking down the aisle. Who wants to miss those moment and their handsomeness after everything settled?

Why Photographer Start at Groom’s Getting Ready?

As the boys only need few minutes to do their hair and makeup then change their outfit, while the girls often spend more than two hours for their hair and makeup and it is not necessary the capture the beginning. So, photographer can start with the boys first then the see the girls while they almost finish their hair and makeup.

How Much Time Do You Need for Getting Ready Wedding Photo?

• 1 to 1.5 hour in total.
• Groom’s accessory detail and wedding band (10-15 minutes)
• Gift giving (5-10 minutes)
• Candids moments of groom and groomsmen (10-15 minutes)
• Groom’s portraits (10-15 minutes)
• Family photo (10-15 minutes)
• Tradition (10-15 minutes)

When Should the Photographer Arrive?

1 – 1.5 hour before the groom is ready to go. Generally, when groom and groomsmen finish their shower and shave but still in causal and preparing for the wedding detail (ironing, playing video game or pool)

What Need to Be Done Before the Photographer Show Up?

• Groom and all groomsmen need to show up on time. Photographer have to leave the grooms place on time as happy bride happy wedding.
• Prepare some drink to start the wedding day but don’t drink too much!
• Take a shower before the photographer arrive as they may charge extra to photograph this part
• Iron the shirt for groom and groomsmen
• Learn how to tie a tie
• Make sure florist deliver bottom hole and corsage before the photo start   
• Make up a room with good nature light, a clear backdrop and good lighting can make your photo way better
• Some furniture like armchair and mirror may help to style you photo
• Clean up an area in your yard if you want some photo outside
• Have all your accessories, gift and dress together. You can put the all on bed or style them on a bedside table next to window by yourselves

What Time Should the Parent and Other Families Arrive?

If you parents want to partially involved in the getting ready photo. I recommend let them arrive when the boys start changing. It will be great photo opportunity when parent help to put jack and tie on for the groom. Then start the family photo when the other families arrived

Groom Getting Ready with Tradition

Let your photographer know if you have tradition part (shaving, pining flower or giving gift for families, pickup of the bride and tea ceremony) before leave for ceremony. Depends on the time and the length of the event I recommend leave 30-60 mins for this part beside the getting ready.

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What Happen to Bride’s Getting Ready?

Bride Preparation Podcast

Hair and Makeup

Hair and make is the first wedding preparation of the day and they are often incorporated into each other part by part. I recommend bride to be the last in bridal group to finish hair and makeup. This way, the freshest and final look of the bride is captured and a lot of time is saved.

Occasionally – the makeup artist might run late on finishing everyone. In this case, the bride needs to finish both hair and makeup first before the bridal party does. Otherwise the photographer cannot start shooting the after parts, such as bride changing into gown, putting accessories on and portraits etc. More importantly, this could lead to delaying commencement of the ceremony.

• The one help you change should done hair and makeup early
• Try to use nature light as much as possible
• Rob is the perfect outfit when doing hair and makeup
• Ask you makeup artist avoid wearing Jean

Morning Excitement

It is you big day. You will want to always remember this day with excitement since wake up. Tell everyone show up on time or have you bridesmaid stay with you a night before will be a good idea. Make sure all girls have button-down tops when doing hair and make to avoid ruining them when changing, pretty robs will be perfect. It is also more photogenic when girls pop a champagne or just chit chat before get changed. 

• Bride and bridesmaid having fun
• All girls toasting
• Photo with your pet
• Preparing the dress
• Organising accessories

Jewellery, Bouquet and Gift

Photography the bride’s accessories and flower is the second thing to shoot when I arrive at the bride’s perp. Make sure you give wedding photographer everything you will wear on the day. Then photographer will style them with your bouquet and invitation card at a good lighting spot. To speed up this process, you can put everything at one place before I arrive.

Feel free to style by yourself – please choose a place have enough nature light with a simple backdrop.

A gifts or a letter from the groom are definitely adding something special on a wedding day. It always a touched moment when the bride opening the gift with her bridal party surrounded. Read the letter in front of your besties to share the love story or just read it in your mind if want to keep it secretly. Prepare some little special things to surprise you closest friends in the morning while you enjoying your champagne. I am sure you will get great photo when they opening the gift.

• Don’t worry about how to style the jewellery, let your photographer will do it
• Make sure all bouquets deliver before photographer arrived
• Keep the bouquet in fridge
• Keep all accessories together
• Lay out all accessories (engagement ring, wedding band, bracelet, earrings, shoes, perfume and invitation) the night before
• Prepare an attractive hanging for your dress or a wooden one
• Open the gift when photographer is there

Change to Wedding Gown

When I finished shooting the accessories and all girls finished their hair and makeup. It is time for you to step in your gown. Let you bridesmaids change to their outfit first then assist you step into your white gown. Don’t forget to go to the toilet while bridesmaid changing, this maybe the last chance till the ceremony finish! Once you in you dress and look decent let your photographer start photograph your mum or someone important to close the dress for you.

A simple background space with tons of nature light can be really helpful to create stunning photos. Keep water bottle, snacks, bags, makeup stuff away from this area. Bridesmaid can change after the bride if it is already behind the schedule.

• Shoes is always the last one to keep the girls’ comfort
• Mum can help put the veil on for the bride

Bride’s Portrait Indoor and Outdoor

When the dress is fixed, it is the time to have some single portrait photo of the bride. A arm chair can be helpful when you putting shoes on, also, make you photo more stylish. Stand next to a window to put your engagement ring, earning on. Check yourselves in front of a mirror, adjusting the dress and accessories, make sure every detail is ready to wow your groom!

Depends on the weather and you style, portrait can be done indoor or outdoor with interest lighting and background.

• Don’t forget to breath
• Tell the photographer if you have a preferred side

Portrait with Bridesmaid Indoor and Outdoor

Once bride done her single photo, it is the time to have some group portrait with the wedding party on her side. Alternatively, this photo can be done after ceremony if running behind the schedule.

Family Photo

Before the bride leave to ceremony, I recommend to have some photo of bride and her parent and other families. It’s not necessary to have every family member to attend this photo section, because it may be too early or too far for them to be there. Also, there is a formal family photo section after wedding ceremony. 

• Bride with mother
• Bride with father
• Bride with mother and father

How Much Time Do You Need for Bride Getting Ready Photo?

• 1.5 to 2 hours in total.
• bride’s accessory detail and wedding dress (15 minutes)
• Gift giving (10 minutes)
• Candids moments of bride and bridesmaid (10-15 minutes)
• Bride changing (15 minutes)
• Bride’s portraits (10-15 minutes)
• Family photo (10-15 minutes)
• Tradition (10-15 minutes)

What Time Should the wedding Photographer Show Up?

Half hour before the bride finish her hair and makeup. I will style the accessories beautifully for photos, then take few shoots for the bride’s final touch up.

What Need to Be Done Before the Photographer Show Up?

• Bride and all bridesmaids need to show up on time. Photographer have to leave the Bride’s place on time as they need to set up gear for ceremony.
• Prepare some champagne to start the wedding day but don’t drink too much!
• Make sure florist deliver bouquets and corsages before the photographer arrive   
• Make up a room with good nature light, a clear backdrop and good lighting can make your photo way better
• Some furniture like armchair and mirror may help your get some creative photos  
• Clean up an area in your yard if you want some photo outside
• Have all your accessories, gift and dress together. You can put the all on bed or style them on a bedside table next to window by yourselves

When to Put on The Veil?

Normally after the dress as you don’t want the veil tangle with your dress when you changing. Ask your hairdresser if they can stay after you put the gown on. Alternatively ask the hairdresser to show you bridesmaid or mum how to do it.

What Time Should the Parent and Other Families Arrive?

If you parents want to partially involved in the getting ready photo. I recommend let them arrive when the girls start changing. It will be great photo opportunity when father first seen her beautiful daughter in the white gown! Other families can arrive 30 mins before the bride leave to ceremony. By this time the bride should have everything ready and doing her portrait photo.

Bride Getting Ready with Tradition

Let your photographer know if you have tradition part (dance, pining flower or giving gift for families, pickup of the bride and tea ceremony) before leave for ceremony. Depends on the time and the length I recommend leave 30-60 mins for this part beside the getting ready.

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Some Tips for Better Wedding Ceremony Photo

Wedding Ceremony Podcast

You may have dreamt your wedding ceremony many times since you were a child. You may also picture the moment you two joined hand and saying wow to each other then have the first kiss. As a wedding photographer, I have few suggestions that can make you ceremony photo look better.

Bride’s Arriving

Stay in the car when the bride arrives the ceremony site to avoid an early seen by the guests. Also, the photographer may still take photo at the ceremony site. Let the photographer know you have arrived so they can come and photograph you step out of the car, bridesmaid final check you dress and you walk towards your husband to be.

Bride and Bridesmaid Walking Down the Aisle

• Have you bridesmaid kept enough distance from each other when walking down the aisle so photographer can get individual photo of each of them.
• Tell you bridesmaids relax, just walk normally. Don’t run or do slow motion let the photographer have chance to capture everyone’s solo photo.
• Have a wedding ceremony rehearse can help everyone reduce the stress when taking their position on real wedding ceremony
• Photo will look better if the bride and groom stand at the center of an altar or arch
• Tell the wedding party to keep equal distance from the bride and groom to make the photo look balanced

Bride and Groom Exchange the Vows and Rings

• Look at each other instead of the camera or celebrant
• Let your ring bearer pass the ring from the celebrant side, so, the guest and photographer can see what is happening instead of his/hers back.
• The celebrant is part of the wedding ceremony, he/she don’t need to hide from the photo. Tell the celebrant stand naturally next to you. A straight arm holding a microphone from someone hiding in the back does not looks great.  

The First Kiss

Don’t be shy, kiss longer! So, the photographer can capture the moment from a wide angle with the bridal party’s reaction and a tide angle for just you two.

Bride and Groom Signing the Wedding Certificate

The ceremony is almost done! Seat closer to sign the paper! Put your bouquet next to the certificate to make the moment more stylish. Don’t forget to have another kiss in front of the camera after everyone signed.

Bride and Groom Leaving Together

Now you married! Grab each other’s hand and walk down the aisle together. Enjoy the shower of confetti and pedal. Tell your guests throw the them in the air, not at you face!

Group Photo

Why not to have a photo with all guest that attending the ceremony. Make sure put this in to your ceremony booklet in case your guest start leaving after say congratulation to you. Normally group photo will before the family photo this is because family photo will take longer and the guest will start wondering around when they have nothing to do.

Family Photo

Family photo is probably the only photo I will urge you take on your wedding day. People often don’t realise the importance of the photo with a close family until it is too late. Make a list of who in involving in this photo session before the wedding. Give the list to someone who know the listed people to organise the family photo with the photographer. As even with the list, your photographer doesn’t know who is who. If you are running late to the reception, please at least have the photo with your mums and dads.

Location Photo at the Ceremony Site

Your may have your ceremony in a church or a scenic location like beach, garden or a secret place in Melbourne. Why not take some photo with your brand-new husband or wife in this memorable place? 

What If You are Late?

Don’t worry. The ceremony can’t start without you. Take your time, make sure you have you shoes on, veil and dress fixed, bouquet in position when walking toward your groom.

Does the Lighting Matter for An Indoor Wedding Ceremony?

We do prefer as much light as possible for an indoor setting wedding ceremony. Before the ceremony start, I will check if there are any light can be turn on. Because I personally don’t use any flash during ceremony to avoid distracting the ceremony and drawing attention. 

Does the Lighting Matter for An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony?

Photography is all about lighting, direct sunlight is the one not easy to work with. Check the weather, choose you outdoor ceremony site wisely. Have your ceremony set under the shade to avoid the hash sunlight creating deep shadow on your face. Also, you don’t want to see anyone over heated during ceremony in summer Melbourne. If there is no other option or not enough shade space, avoid the direct sunlight on only the bride or groom to make sure they have to same lighting in the photos.

When Should the Photographer Arrive for Wedding Ceremony?

I will arrive at the ceremony site at least 30 minutes before start. As the guest start arriving for the ceremony, I need the time to capture the empty site as you may not have a chance to look at it on the day.

• Make sure the decoration of the wedding ceremony site finished at least 30mins before the ceremony commence

Considering an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

It is your biggest moments of the day, you want to see the smile, laughter and tears on your families and friends’ face when you walking down the aisle. Tell the celebrant to make an announcement that everyone put the phone away to see you getting married with their eyes instead of on the screen.

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What is Wedding Photo Location on Wedding day?

Wedding Location Podcast

Great wedding photos last forever, and you would expect to have the best photos with your best friends on your special day. Melbourne has its fulfilled historical landmarks, remarkable gardens and colourful lifestyles. It is always one of the best wedding destinations in the world, offers stunning locations for wedding photo after the formal part.

Where to Go for Wedding Photo Location in Melbourne?

Gardens and old building are the most popular photo location in Melbourne. You can always find some picturesque spot on the way from ceremony to reception. Alternatively, if you are getting married in a one-for-all wedding venue, it will have some picturesque place to cover all photo to be taken on your wedding day. Normally I will work out the time and photo location with clients 1 month before the wedding day. Please tell me if you have any preference about choosing photo locations or I can assist you to organise the list.

Here is a list for common types of photo locations

• Garden
• Architecture
• Laneway
• City skyline
• Bar
• Beach
• Vineyard
• Woods/forest
• Long grass field
• Car
• Sunset

How Much Time Do You Have for wedding Location Photo?

It depends on when the ceremony finish and when the bride and groom need to arrive at the wedding reception. For example: family photo finish at 3pm at church and the bridal party need to get back at reception at 5:30pm. So, you have 2.5 hours for location photo.

How Many Locations You Can Go on You Wedding Day?

I recommend 2 or 3 photo locations to be perfect for wedding day. Choose different types of location to diversify you wedding photo. Depend on how much time you have for location photo. I recommend at least 30 minutes photo time for each location except travelling. Alternatively, if you don’t have enough time for location photo or just want to have a break after ceremony on your wedding day – an engagement shooting / pre-wedding shooting day can save you.

Are Bridal Party Needed for All Location Photo?

Normally bridal party will accompany with bride and groom during whole location photo section. However, if your bridesmaid and groomsmen (or flower girl and page boy) have to leave for some reason, I suggest have the photo taken with them at the first location. Sometimes, if the wedding ceremony are delayed or finished just before the last best light of the day, I recommend to take the photo of bridal and groom first then take photo for the whole bridal party.

Are Families Needed for Location Photo?

I strongly recommend to have family photo taken at the ceremony site. This is because, the families are already there. You don’t have to worry they can’t find the location or being late for family photo in another place.

Also, they will be hanging around watching and taking their own photo when you have your location photo taken. This can sometimes make you feel quite embarrassing.

What If the Weather Is Not Great?

You can plan everything for your wedding except for the weather in Melbourne. But don’t worry. there are many things that can help you survive the inclement weather.

• Check the weather regularly but don’t worry too much. You can’t stop the inclement weather, but the weather won’t stop you. Be prepared and relax and let your wedding photographer do the magic.
• Clear umbrella from general shop is perfect for photography with rain
• There are many locations are partial under covered around Melbourne city can be backup photo location in a rainy/extreme hot day
• Indoor venue is perfect photo location for inclement weather. There are many café or venue are welcoming for indoor shooting in Melbourne, choose the one you like and contact them before the wedding day as a backup option

Don’t Want to be Jammed in Traffic?

Most wedding happened on weekend in Melbourne. The traffic is generally better than weekdays, so you shouldn’t worry too much about the traffic. However, if your wedding is on weekday or in/close to Melbourne CBD you should beware of congest traffic. Figure out the location photo plan with you wedding photographer to minimise the travelling though/close to the congest traffic area.

Any Ideas for Creative Location Photo?

Get bored with stereotyped wedding photos? There are many unique locations in Melbourne to fit any style. Some of them need permission and charge for photography.

Here is a short list for creative photo locations. Feel free to contact us in you need more ideas for creative photo locations.

• Glasshaus, Richmond
• Labassa Mansion
• Spice Market

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Some Tips for Better Wedding Reception Photos

Wedding Reception Podcast

Wedding reception is the first event newlyweds spend a lot of effort to celebrate their marriage with both sides’ family and friends in their life. As a wedding photographer I have seen may unforgettable moments in this wedding section. I have many suggestions that can help to capture the laughter, tear and happiness that last many years.

What Time Should the Photographer Show Up?

Normally, I will arrive at the wedding reception half hour before the guests start entering the venue. I will start the photo of wedding reception decoration, flower, cake, tableware and bridal table before the guests seated.

What Need to Be Done Before the Photographer Show Up?

• Make sure all the room decoration and table setting done half hour early than guest arriving
• Let your wedding photographer know if you need photo in the venue before guest entering
• Point out the person to your photographer if he/she is important and need extra photo
• Inform your wedding photographer if you have any special formality before start or provide a rundown for you photographer
• In some tradition bride and groom will take a photo with guests when they arrived, please let the photographer know and hold a space next to entrance for photography.
• Your photographer needs a rest and energy to photography your party, please organise a seat and some food (not need to be the same as your guests, but should be delicious and nourishing) for them 🙂

Bridal Party Entrance

There are no rules for this part. It is your choice to have an ordinary one or extraordinary one. Here are feel tips for you.

• Have a bridal party entrance rehearsal with the Musicians or DJ before the guest arrived
• Use the grand entrance offered by venue like coming up in a glass elevator in the centre of dance floor, coming from 2^nd floor via staircase or using a stage curtain
• Fireworks and confetti can make your entrance impressive
• Have your bridesmaid and groomsmen paired and enter pair after pair so photographer can photograph every bridal party

Cutting of The Wedding Cake

• Your wedding cake may set next to the bridal table, move it to the front of the bridal table to give you photographer bit more space to play around, also, let everyone have a good view when you cutting it
• Don’t be shy. Have a kiss to each other after cake cutting to rock all your guests

Speeches

• As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen so many tears, laughter during speeches and as many as guest shifting uncomfortably in their chair. Give every speech a time limit can be the best way to keep everyone awake. So, I can capture the real reaction from your guests
• Bring the light up, so I can use the inhouse light to take photo. This is because flash light may interrupt the speaker and your guest
• Use speech table if there is an option

First Dance

• It is a good idea to have all your guests gather around the dance floor to witness your first dance. Please make sure the circle is not too small to limit the photographer. They need some space to walk around to capture the dance from different angle
• Let your photographer know if you have some big moves so they can be prepared and capture the moments from the best angle and time
• You don’t have to dance like a pro. However, your photo will be much better if you can add a bit dance posture instead of holding each other tight all the time.
• Use spot light if there is an option. It can help to make bride and groom pop out from the guests and it is a good light source for creative photos

Boutique Toast and Garter Toast

• The bouquet toast may be the most excited part of a wedding reception. This is the best moment to take some action shot for the bride and girls. Don’t throw the boutique at the first few second of the song. Make sure who want the bouquet has the chance to join this occasion
• Beware of the height of the ceiling and light when throwing

Photo with Guest

• I will randomly take candid wedding photo for your guests during the dance and speeches. However, if you want some setup photo with your guests, feel free to ask me.
• For some wedding tradition you may need photo with each guest when they arrived the reception. I recommend do this 45 mins before the bridal party entrance.
• If you want a guest photo with each table. I recommend leave some time during the formalities so the photographer can organize this for you. 

Bride and Groom’s Departure

• Farewell circle is the most traditional ways to say thank you to everyone as all the guests will form a circle on dance floor. Happy newlyweds can either go together or in separate directions. This can take longer time than you expected, you may need 3-5 songs for this.  
• Farewell arch is a more popular way to receive farewell. Simply let MC announce all guest form two line and make the arch towards the exit, once the arch assembled the bride and groom will leave via the arch. It changes the traditional farewell to a less formal and fun way.
• Farewell sparklers are another way to make wedding farewell fun and photogenic. Like farewell arch, form guests in two lines waving the sparklers when you passing the arch.  
• If you want photo of your departure but your wedding photographer will leave early, you can have a mock departure before they leave. 

What Time Should the Photographer Finished?

I recommend let you wedding photographer finished half hour after dance floor open to all guests. In this case, all formalities like cake cutting, speeches and first dance should be finished and you will have half hour candid photo for you and guests. If you need the photographer stay longer for night photo, farewell and departure just let the photographer know.

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At the End

In conclude, this is a sample wedding photography guide from me – a wedding photographer who has more than 700 wedding experience in Melbourne. Wish you can have timeless photo of your wedding inspire by this guide. If you found this guide is helpful or expecting better wedding photos, please feel free to contact me.