Wedding Guide

Long Island Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Amy! Your Long Island wedding photographer and built in hype woman.


My job is simple: make you feel comfortable, confident, and fully present while creating images that feel like memories. Not performances.


I capture a mix of guided portraits and natural, candid moments so your gallery reflects the real energy of your day. Think romantic, emotional, joyful, and true-to-life, with direction when you need it and space when you don’t.


This guide walks you through how I work, what to expect, and how to prepare so that you can enjoy your wedding without worrying about the photos.

Let’s make magic together!

THE EXPERIENCE:

How We’ll Work Together


Before the Wedding

A timeline consultation to customize your schedule

Location planning, lighting guidance & logistics

Family list + expectations so nothing gets missed


On the Wedding Day

A calming presence & organized direction

A balance of posing + candid documentation

A focus on emotion, connection & storytelling


After the Wedding

Sneak peeks in 1 week

Full gallery in 6–8 weeks

Professional print shop, albums & design support

Every step is designed to be stress-free and enjoyable. I’m here to guide you. You don’t have to know what to do.

WEDDING DAY PREP:

Ideal timing:

  • Bride: 2 hours before leaving for first look/ceremony
  • Groom: 1 hour before leaving


Have these ready in one box:

  • Invitation suite + envelopes
  • All rings & jewelry
  • Shoes, perfume, vow books
  • Dress + veil + extra florals
  • Any sentimental items


Pro Tips:

  • Steam dresses early.
  • Have florist drop off your flowers along with any extra florals for your lay flat details.
  • Hair & makeup finished by photographer arrival.
  • Keep the space near a window if possible (light matters!)


If you want candid, documentary moments, be yourselves. Move, talk, laugh, interact, don’t freeze waiting for direction.

TIMELINE EXAMPLE:

1:15pm: Photographer Arrives, Bridal Details & Candid Moments

2:15pm: Second Photographer Arrives, Groom Details

3:15pm: Travel to First Look

4:00pm: First Look + Portraits + Bridal Party

6:00pm: Finish Portraits / Guests Arrive

6:30pm: Ceremony

7:00pm: Cocktail Hour / Reception Details

8:00pm–11:00pm: Reception & Dancing

10:15pm: Photographers Depart

This is just a template. We will customize yours

Close-up sequence of hands exchanging wedding rings during a ceremony with sparkly dress details.

PORTRAITS:

Recommended Portrait Window: 2 Hours

This keeps the day calm and protects lighting & location variety

20–30 min: First Look

30–40 min: Bride + Groom Portraits

20–30 min: Bridal Party

20–30 min: Family Portraits (with list)

FAMILY SHOT LIST:

This is the most emotionally chaotic part of the day. A list makes it smooth.

Please provide:

Names + relationships

Any sensitivities, divorces, no-contact notes

Example structure:

Bride + Mom

Bride + Mom + Dad

Couple + Parents

Couple + Siblings

(add groups depending on family size)

Wedding couple performs a choreographed first dance in an elegant ballroom with crystal chandeliers overhead.

FAMILY TIPS:

  • Keep your shot list short & sweet!! Stick to immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents). Each combination takes about 3-5 minutes, which adds up fast.
  • Work with your planner & photographer to ensure the list flows efficiently.
  • Communicate with your family in advance so they know the “where” and “when.”
  • Whenever possible, do all family formals prior to the ceremony (if you’ve done a first look, this is gold!!)
  • Designate someone in your family to be the “photo wrangler” (aka make sure Grandpa Jim doesn’t mosey off to cocktail hour)
  • After all, the faster we get through the formals, the faster you and your loved ones get back to celebrating!

GALLERY DELIVERY:

  • Sneak Peeks: within 1 week
  • Full Gallery: 6–8 weeks
  • Gallery Active: 6 months (please download & back up)
  • Re-upload after expiration: $50


PRINTS:

Your gallery includes access to a professional print shop.

REVIEWS & REFERRALS:

 

If you loved your experience, the kindest thing you can do is leave a review on Google or Facebook.


It truly helps my small business grow. Even a quick sentence means the world.


A message like “We’re obsessed!” genuinely makes my day.

ALBUMS:

Your wedding day deserves more than a screen. It deserves a place on your coffee table, in your home, and in your family for years to come.


About the Albums

I offer three album sizes: 10×10, 8×8, and 8×8 Lite. Each album is created through RedTree Albums, a company I’ve trusted for years. Their quality continues to exceed expectations.

All albums are flush mount, printed on archival lustre photo paper, and made to stand the test of time. These aren’t just photo books, they’re keepsakes meant to be enjoyed now and cherished for generations.

The Design Process

You’ll choose the images that mean the most to you (using the cute little heart icon), and I’ll take care of the design from there. Once your album is ready, I’ll send you a digital proof so you can flip through it page by page and request any adjustments.

Once approved, I’ll place the order and your finished album will arrive at your door within a few weeks.

Using Your Print Credit?

Totally fine! Your print credit will be included in your final invoice.

Optional Upgrades

All albums offer:

Additional photo spreads (priced during design)

Cover embossing


Click here for more information on Albums

 

A couple walks together along a garden path with lush greenery and blooming flowers on a spring wedding day.

FINAL PAYMENTS:

Final payment for your wedding photography is due by the day of your wedding. I accept: Cash (preferred), Check, or Zelle.


If you’d like to set up a payment plan, we can absolutely discuss this ahead of your wedding date to make things easier for you.


Please reach out to coordinate any alternative arrangements.

 

 

F.A.Q:

What if it rains on our wedding day?

No need to stress! I always come prepared with a plan! Rainy days can actually create romantic, unique images. We’ll use covered areas, beautiful indoor spaces, or umbrellas if needed, and I’ll adjust locations and timing to make the most of the day while keeping you comfortable and relaxed.


Can we add extra hours of coverage last minute?

Yes! Additional coverage can usually be added on the wedding day if needed. Extra hours are billed at my standard hourly rate and can be decided as the day unfolds. No pressure to commit in advance.


What happens if someone is late?

I do my best to stay flexible and adjust as needed, but delays can impact the overall timeline and available photo time. If something runs late, I’ll help prioritize what matters most to you so we still capture the key moments of your day.


Are you insured?

Yes! I carry full liability insurance, and I am happy to provide a certificate of insurance to your venue when needed.

Vendor Recommendations:

🎥 Brianna — Content Creator

Best Day Ever captures your wedding day through fun, candid, behind-the-scenes content made just for social media. From sweet moments to the little details you might miss, Brianna creates shareable photos and videos you can enjoy almost instantly. Perfect for reliving your day while you wait for your full gallery.


🎤 Thomas — Guitarist / Vocalist

For intimate ceremony music, cocktail hour vibes, or acoustic sets that truly feel personal, Thomas brings musical talent and heart to every performance.


🎧 DJ Frankie J — Crowd Control Entertainment

Keep the party going! Frankie J knows how to read the room and keep your dance floor full with a mix of your favorite songs and crowd pleasing hits.


📋 Vita — Day-Of Coordinator (Vitas Vintage Events)

A coordinator can be a game-changer! Vita will help run your day smoothly while you relax and enjoy every moment. Vita is organized, detail-oriented, and an absolute joy to work with.

 

Tips for Choosing Other Vendors

  • Connect on a Personal Level: You’ll be spending a lot of time with your vendors. Make sure their energy feels like a good fit with yours.
  • Communication Matters: Timely and clear responses are a must when it comes to planning.
  • Know Your Vision: Share inspiration early so your vendors understand your style and goals.

(Pro tip: don’t hesitate to ask vendors for sample timelines or how they work with other pros on your team. It helps create a smoother day for everyone.)

FINAL WORDS:

You deserve a day that feels peaceful, joyful, and true to who you are.


My promise is to protect that for you in the way I approach your wedding, the way I communicate, and the way I photograph your moments.


Thank you for trusting me with something this meaningful.


I can’t wait to celebrate with you.


XOXO Amy

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