ISMAILI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE | IDEAL TIMES FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

With the diversity of the cultural aspects of our weddings, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact wedding photography timeline template. However, there are ideal time frames you should consider when planning your day. Some of these times may seem long on paper but keep in mind that 1) the day will fly by, 2) most weddings run slightly behind schedule, and 3) we’ll make these photo sessions fun, so it won’t seem like a long time. If there is enough time allotted for everything mentioned below, it will allow plenty of time for memorable photos, as well as a relaxed atmosphere with more time to party and enjoy the wedding.

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RINGS, SHOES, TASBEEH, AND OTHER DETAILS

Ideal Time Allotment – 15 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning
Ideal Location – Residence or Hotel Suite

Advice – Keep all the accessories together for the photographer to begin working with when they arrive. Having at least 15 minutes for details ensures that we have plenty of time to get that perfect photo of the rings, shoes, bouquets, and the other details of the day.

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PREPARATION

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Residence or Hotel Suite

Advice – When the photographer has captured the detail shots, the bride and groom should be completely ready by this time. Having at least half an hour of preparation shots is ideal for our style. During this time, we are getting close ups of the bride’s dress and accessories on her.

The lead shooter will be with the bride while the second shooter will be with the groom.

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INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Bridal Suite, Hotel Suite, Venue Lobby, or Venue Garden

Advice – Right after prep is the best time for individual portraits of the bride and groom (separately). Besides makeup and hair being completely fresh, the day hasn’t gotten hectic yet so we can take our time and get those perfect portraits.

Also, keep in mind that the window lighting in most homes and hotel rooms creates a unique look that can’t be duplicated in any environment throughout the rest of the day.

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LOVING MOMENTS WITH FAMILY

Ideal Time Allotment – 15 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
Ideal Location -Residence or Hotel Suite

Advice – It’s important to have images with your parents and siblings in the intimacy of your home or bridal suite. During this time, we allow you and your family to cherish a beautiful moment together. It can be an emotional yet fun part of the day, as photographs with parents are invaluable. Keep in mind that these are some of the most emotional and fun times of the day, so you don’t want to cut it short.

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PRE-NIKKAH COUPLES SESSION

Ideal Time Allotment – 15 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Early Afternoon
Ideal Location – Outside Jamaat Khane, Hotel Lobby, Park.

Advice – The couple’s session prior to Nikkah should be at least 15 minutes. During this time, we capture the bride and groom’s wonderful moments together before they are about to get married. These are basic and fairly quick portraits, as the couple needs to get ready for the ceremony line up.

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FORMALS WITH IMMEDIATE FAMILY AFTER NIKKAH

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Afternoon (Post Ceremony)
Ideal Location – Ceremony Site

Advice – Formals should take around 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your family and the number of guests.

Plan on 2 minutes per group on average.  For example, if you have 15 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.

Some couples have decided that they want a picture with all guests while others have decided that they only want pictures with select family to save time. Either way, we recommend being very organized, with a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.

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POST-NIKKAH COUPLES SESSION

Ideal Time Allotment – 1 hour
Ideal Time of the Day – Late Afternoon, Evening. Pre-Khoba Khobi
Ideal Location – Venue, Hotel, Park, Off-site Location

Advice – Couple session should be around 1 hour and should take place ideally 30-45 minutes before sunset. The is the best time in terms of lighting.

It also allows us to capture the awesome scenic shots with colorful skies. If your wedding is in downtown or in an area with tall buildings, it’s not as important for us to have this specific time frame (although it still helps).

However, if you booked your venue because of the spectacular views of nature and architecture, it’s essential to follow this advice in your timeline.

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WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

Ideal Time Allotment – 30 minutes
Ideal Time of the Day – Late Afternoon, Evening. Pre-Khoba Khobi
Ideal Location -Venue, Hotel, Park, Off-site Location

Advice – Wedding Party Photos should be around 30 minutes. During this time, we get a variety of shots in a variety of poses. We start off with the basic, classic photos focused on great expressions and lighting. Then we move into a set of fun and creative shots.

More than anything, we want to make sure the day is planned with plenty of time for photos around you and your loved ones…and plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the moments!