the wedding guide
What You Can Expect
This wedding guide has been created especially for you.
- To assist you throughout the planning process
- To help you stay organized
- To provide trusted vendor recommendations
- To answer many of your questions
- And to prepare you for what to expect on your wedding day
from start to finish, your wedding captured with impeccable care
here's the game plan:
Get to know more about the process, recommendations and approach.
you've officially booked me as your photographer!
Securing your photographer is an important milestone in the planning process, and you’ve officially checked it off your list. I am truly honored to be part of your day.
No. 1
Planning and scheduling your engagement sesssion
Engagement sessions are typically booked at least two months in advance and take place in the Harrisburg, PA area. Sessions are scheduled on weekdays, as weekends are reserved for weddings.
We will plan to meet approximately 1–3 hours before sunset, depending on what works best for your schedule.
No. 2
receive your engagement photos (insert a timeframe here)
Take a moment to recognize how beautifully you were able to show up in front of the camera. Your images reflect not only how you looked, but the genuine connection and ease you carried throughout the session.
No. 3
planning and timeline revisions
During the middle of your engagement period, after the majority of your vendor selections have been made, communication may naturally become less frequent. Please know that I am always just an email away should you need anything at all.
We will reconnect in greater detail as your wedding approaches to focus on timeline planning when you are ready, or at a minimum, approximately three months prior to your wedding date.
No. 4
pre-wedding information gathering
This is designed to be a comprehensive tool for gathering all the necessary details about your wedding day, allowing me to thoughtfully build your timeline.
Once you have completed and submitted the questionnaire, I will prepare a preliminary timeline and share it with you for review. From there, we will schedule a call to walk through the timeline together and make any adjustments as needed.
No. 5
wedding week reminders
During the week preceding your wedding, I will reach out via email with final reminders and to check in on any last-minute needs you may have. At that time, I will also share the finalized timeline, along with any final recommendations to help ensure your wedding day flows smoothly.
No. 6
you wedding day arrives!
On your wedding day, my focus is on documenting your story with intention and care while maintaining a calm and supportive presence. I will guide you as needed, work seamlessly alongside your vendor team, and ensure your timeline is followed, allowing you to remain fully present and enjoy each moment as it naturally unfolds.
No. 7
your wedding photos are ready
You should have your wedding photos in hand within XX weeks via an online gallery to view, share, and order from!
No. 8
Album design
After you receive your full wedding gallery, I will send you information on wedding albums or get you started in the design process if your package included one!
No. 9
While your wedding day will follow a thoughtfully crafted timeline, it is never meant to feel overly structured or rigid. Instead, it serves as a gentle framework, providing guidance and flow while still allowing space for meaningful, unscripted moments. This balance ensures the day remains relaxed and enjoyable, while also allowing everything to unfold with intention and ease.
plan for the perfectly imperfect moments
Getting Ready
For the most polished and timeless getting-ready images, a space with ample natural light and minimal clutter is ideal.
First Look
A first look is a wonderful way to create a calm, private moment together while allowing for relaxed, low-stress couples portraits earlier in the day. It also helps create more flexibility in your timeline so you can fully enjoy the flow of your celebration.
Rainy Days
Rainy wedding days can create a beautifully romantic atmosphere, and with a flexible mindset, they often result in some of the most unique and memorable images. We will prepare in advance with thoughtful backup plans, such as covered locations, indoor options, and clear umbrellas, to ensure everything continues seamlessly regardless of the weather.
all in the family
fun family formals that don't take forever
Family formal portraits can be completed efficiently with thoughtful preparation in advance. Communicating clearly with those involved prior to the wedding day ensures a smooth and timely process. When everyone is present and ready either just before or immediately following the ceremony (depending on your preference), I am able to move through the agreed-upon list with ease. As with immediate family, notifying extended family members in advance is key to keeping this portion of the day organized and seamless.
make a grand exit
If your photography coverage concludes before the end of your reception, you may still choose to include a sparkler or exit moment through what is often referred to as a “faux exit.” This has become a popular option for couples who wish to capture these special images without extending coverage time.
We simply step outside briefly with a small group of your closest friends and family, capture the moment, and then you can return to your celebration without interruption.
thank you!
I am so excited to be a part of your wedding day, and look forward to a fun and fuss-free day!
If you have any questions along the way that are not addressed here, please know I am always available to assist you. My goal is to ensure your wedding day is both seamless and enjoyable, while delivering imagery that beautifully reflects your experience.
Please never hesitate to reach out for guidance, support, or recommendations. It is truly an honor to serve as your wedding photographer.
© Michele Maloney Photography 2026
