Pre-Wedding Form

1. Read the "Suggestions" at the bottom of the page

2. Complete the "Pre-wedding Form" on this page (to be completed 3 weeks before the wedding)

3. Create a Close Family Portrait List for your wedding day. Think of it as your cheat-sheet to make family photos smooth, fast, and complete. Because your photographer doesn’t know your relatives (and sadly doesn’t come with face recognition!), it’s the couple’s responsibility to bring this list and ensure it’s followed.

How it works (simple + stress-free):

  • Before the wedding: You write out every must-have family combo (ex: “Couple with Bride’s Parents,” “Couple with Groom’s Grandparents,” “All Siblings,” etc.).

  • Choose a “Photo Captain”: Assign someone who knows faces— could be you, your partner, maid of honor, best man, sibling, or bridesmaid—to hold the list and call people over.

  • On the day: Your Photo Captain guides the lineup and checks off each grouping so no one is missed and we keep things moving.

  • Photographer’s role: We’ll stage, light, pose, and capture beautifully—you and your Photo Captain ensure the right people are in the frame at the right time.

Why this helps you:

  • No awkward “Who’s Aunt Maria?” moments.

  • Faster photos = more time to enjoy your party.

  • Confidence that every important combination is captured.

Quick tip: Print two copies (or keep one on a phone + one printed), and put the most important groupings at the top.

4. Send the timeline (if any) and a photo of your and your partner (for photography purposes) to christian@thetalentedphotographer.com

Pre-wedding Form

Close Family Portrait List (Your Stress-Saver)

We don’t require a full “shot list” for your wedding. The only list that truly helps is a Close Family Combinations List—because every family is different, some loved ones may be missing or unable to attend, and your photographer won’t know faces or relationships.

Why this matters

  • It’s the couple’s responsibility to create and bring this list.

  • The photographer handles posing, lighting, and making you look amazing—you (or someone you assign) makes sure the right people are in the frame.

  • This turns a 45-minute scramble into a smooth 15-minute breeze.

A simple example

Bride: Sofie
Groom: John

  • Sofie + John + John’s parents (Mary & David)

  • Sofie + John + Sofie’s parents (Elena & Peter)

  • Sofie + John + Uncle Joe & Aunt Linda

  • Sofie + John + John’s grandparents (Nana Ruth & Pop George)

  • Sofie + John + Sofie’s grandmother (Tatiana)

  • Siblings only (list names)

  • All immediate family (list names)

  • Any special must-haves (godparents, caretakers, lifelong friends—list names)

Notice how it’s names, not just titles—that’s what makes calling people quick and accurate.

How to make it foolproof

  1. Draft your combos (use names): prioritize the must-haves at the top.

  2. Appoint a “Photo Captain” (you, partner, maid of honor, best man, sibling—someone who knows faces).

  3. Bring the list (printed + phone). The Photo Captain calls names while the photographer shoots.

  4. Customize for your family: if a grandparent has passed, or an aunt can’t attend, simply remove/adjust the combo—this is exactly why the list is yours, not the photographer’s.

Key reminder (so it’s unmistakable)

  • The photographer does not know your family, who is present, or which relatives are most important to you.

  • Ensuring the list is followed is the couple’s (or Photo Captain’s) responsibility, not the photographer’s. This is how we make sure no one important is missed.

Helpful Tips & Suggestions

(wisdom gathered from years and years of weddings, laughter, and experience)

1. Remember what this day is truly about.

Your wedding is a celebration of love — not a photoshoot marathon. Have fun, soak it in, laugh with your friends, hug your family. The best photos come from joy, not perfection.

When it comes to photography decisions, please trust your photographer — not your aunt, not the DJ, not the planner, not the venue coordinator. Everyone means well, but only your photographer knows how to shape light, angles, and backgrounds into timeless images.

2. Ask the photographer about photography.

If you’re wondering how long something takes (like first-look photos or family portraits), ask us — not the DJ, florist, or venue team. Every photographer works differently, and timelines that make sense for one team may not for another. We’re always happy to guide you on what’s realistic.

3. No shot list needed (and here’s why).

We know every couple has favorite ideas, and you’re always welcome to share them. But a long “Pinterest-style” shot list actually does more harm than good — it pulls the photographer’s attention away from the real moments happening around you.

We’ve done hundreds of weddings — we’ll capture the details, emotions, laughter, tears, and everything in between. Just trust the process. The less you stress, the more authentic your photos will be.

4. Tell your DJ: “No purple beams, please.”

Those colorful DJ lights might sound fun, but they turn your skin purple, green, or blue in photos — not “interesting.” If you can, kindly ask the DJ or venue to avoid colored spotlights during first dances or parent dances. Your photos (and skin tone) will thank you!

5. Sleep is your secret weapon.

We get it — the night before your wedding feels like a pre-party. But if you can, rest. Even a few extra hours makes the day calmer, happier, and more emotional (in the good way).

Also: if makeup takes 2 hours and your ceremony is at 5pm, you don’t need to wake up at 4am. Trust us — sleep, sleep, sleep.

6. Don’t be hangry.

Weddings are busy, emotions run high, and food can get forgotten. Keep snacks and water nearby. A little protein bar can do wonders for your energy (and smile!).

7. Communicate freely.

If you’ve had enough photos and just want to relax — tell us! We’re here to make the day enjoyable, not exhausting. Communication is key.

8. We’re photographers, not mind readers.

We’ll capture everything we see, but if there’s something special — like your cat sitting on the fridge or your late grandmother’s locket — let us know ahead of time. The more we know, the better we can tell your story.

9. Tipping isn’t required, but always appreciated.

Photography is both art and service. If you absolutely loved your experience, a tip is a kind way to say “thank you” — but your smiles and kind words already mean the world to us.

10. Even light.. the civil-twilight (light at the end of sunset) = magic.

If your wedding runs into the evening, try to sneak out for 15–20 minutes during the last bit of sunset. That soft light can add some of the most breathtaking photos of the day.

Check your sunset time online and let us know — we’ll help you plan the perfect quick session. (If it’s been cloudy all day, we may skip this since lighting is already soft.)

11. Details and dress photos — if you want them.

If you’d like photos of your dress, rings, invitations, or other details before you get ready, please set those aside in one spot for when we arrive.

Give us at least 15–20 minutes in your “getting ready” schedule so we can photograph those beautifully — otherwise we’ll focus on candid moments instead.

12. Be kind.

We genuinely love what we do and pour our hearts into it. A smile, patience, and kindness go a long way. When the energy is good, we go the extra-extra mile for you — always.

13. Don’t rush the magic.

We totally understand weddings are expensive — but photography is the one thing that lasts forever. You don’t keep your DJ, flowers, or cake — you keep your photos.

If your timeline feels tight, consider adding more coverage time. It’s much better than trying to fit an 8-hour story into 3 hours. Your day should feel like a celebration, not a race.

Also: a phenomenal photographer for a few hours is better than an average one for many. Quality always wins.

14. Loved a specific photographer? You can request them.

If you booked an Easy Package but fell in love with a certain photographer’s style, you can still upgrade to secure that specific artist (based on availability).

15. Relax — you’re in good hands.

You’ll receive hundreds of photos. If there’s one you don’t like, you can simply click “hide” in your gallery before sharing it. No stress, no worries — only memories you love.

So breathe. Enjoy your day. Trust your team.
We’ve got you. ❤️