Welcome
Congratulations! Thank you for considering me as your wedding photographer for your big day. I cannot wait to meet with you and make your day something special.
I know that the planning process takes a lot of big decisions, but my goal here is to make your life a little easier and the process go a lot smoother. I've put together this guide to help you prepare for our meeting and to get you thinking about any questions you might have for me. I've also provided a step by step guide on what the booking process and after looks like with me as your wedding photographer. Let's get started.
The Very Beginning
At this point we've probably discussed some minor details about your wedding day and came to the conclusion to set up a consultation. Whether that be in person or a virtual coffee date, here we are. I'm so excited that we made it. Below is where you'll find just a quick outline of the booking process and what the next steps will look like when booking rylan tess photography.
The process
STEP 01
Fill out the form
You have officially inquired and are interested in working together for your wedding day. Inquiring may have been through social media, email or my websites official inquiry form.
STEP 02
Consultation meeting
You are HERE. Together we will get to know one another, put a face to the name, and go over all the information regarding working with Rylan Tess Photography. Feel free to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
STEP 03
Important paperwork
When you're ready to book, you will receive all the necessary paperwork. This includes your contract, quote, and final invoice for your selected package. These forms are required along with your retainer fee to solidify that your wedding day is set in stone. This is also a great time to discuss your engagement session if necessary.
STEP 04
engagement session
Engagement sessions are a great way to capture your relationship while providing me with an idea of what poses you love, how you feel in front of the camera, and ways to get creative with each other. If you haven't already sent out your save the dates, 6-9 months before your wedding day is recommended when getting your engagement photos done.
STEP 05
planning & preparing
Approximately a month before your wedding date you will receive an in-depth questionnaire crucial to planning your timeline. Take your time with it and be as thorough as possible with your answers in order to ensure smooth transitions throughout the day.
STEP 06
last minute details
While you may always reach out to me any time during the planning process, I will always contact you two weeks before your wedding for any last minute changes that may be needed as well as collecting your final payment.
The experience
Your wedding day is the culmination of promises, anticipation, and love gathered in one place, unfolding with a beauty that can never be replicated. Every detail, every embrace, every joyful breath becomes part of a story only the two of you can tell—one that deserves to be preserved with the same care and intention that went into creating it.
That's why it is so very important to me that you find the best wedding day experience that fits you and your vision. Whether you're planning a smaller or intimate ceremony or a full-day celebration, I offer two thoughtfully designed photography packages to meet your needs while keeping things simple and precise.
8 Hours
This package is great for couples planning smaller weddings or events with shorter timelines.
It includes up to 8 hours of photography coverage, a professionally edited online gallery, timeline preparation, discounted engagement session, and an optional second photographer add on.
10 Hours
If you're planning a full-day event with lots of moving parts this package is tailored for full wedding day coverage.
This package includes a professionally edited online gallery, timeline preparation, premium print shop access, a second photographer included, and a complimentary engagement shoot.
Timeline Examples
Part of your wedding day is making sure you get everything you want captured and making sure we have all the time to do so. Based on what package you have decided on, whether it's an 8 hour or a 10 hour package, this will decide what your timeline will look like. Below are some examples of what an 8 hour and a 10 hour day might look like. Please keep in mind that these are only examples and will be customized based on needs and time of year.
wedding day timeline
8 hour example
12:45 PM - Photo Team Arrives
1:00 PM - Detail Photos
1:30 PM - Getting Ready Photos
2:30 PM - First Look & Private Vows
2:45 PM - Couple Portraits
3:15 PM - Immediate Family Photos
3:45 PM - Wedding Party Photos
3:55 PM - Sequester for Ceremony
4:00 PM - Ceremony Starts
4:30 PM - Ceremony Ends
4:45 PM - Cocktail Hour
5:15 PM - Grand Entrance
5:30 PM - Dinner is Served
6:15 PM - Sunset Couple Photos
7:00 PM - Cake Cutting
7:15 PM - Bouquet & Garter Toss
7:30 PM - Formal Dances
7:55 PM - Open Dancing
8:30 PM - Staged Send Off
9:00 PM - Photo Coverage Ends
wedding day timeline
10 hour example
10:30 AM - Photo Team Arrives
10:45 AM - Detail Photos
11:30 AM - Getting Ready Photos
12:20 PM - First Look & Private Vows
12:45 PM - Couple Portraits
1:15 PM - Immediate Family Photos
2:00 PM - Wedding Party Photos
3:00 PM - Couple Sequester for Ceremony
3:15 PM - Photo Team Gets Photos of Guests Entering & Ceremony Space
4:00 PM - Ceremony
4:30 PM - Ceremony Ends
4:45 PM - Cocktail Hour
5:00 PM - Extended Family Photos
5:30 PM - Sign Marriage License
5:45 PM - Grand Entrance
6:00 PM - Dinner is Served
6:30 PM - Sunset Couple Photos
6:55 PM - Toasts & Speeches
7:15 PM - Cake Cutting
7:30 PM - Formal Dances
7:45 PM - Open Dancing Begins
8:30 PM - Staged Send Off & Photo Coverage Ends
WEdding Questionnaire
This questionnaire is crucial to obtaining all the important details of your wedding day. Without it, I wouldn't have any information about when your ceremony starts, who’s in your wedding party, any must-have shots, family dynamics, and your full family photo list. Filling out your questionnaire is also required in order for me to curate your wedding day timeline. The more I know, the better prepared I am to capture your day the way you envision it.
Investment Planner
Booking your wedding photographer is a big but exciting investment. My goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible, especially when it comes to payments.
RETAINER FEE:
To officially hold your date, a 50% non-refundable retainer is required upfront. This retainer locks in your wedding date on my calendar and goes directly toward your total package cost.
REMAINING BALANCE:
Your remaining balance is due two weeks prior to your wedding day. This remaining cost will depend on which package you have decided on. This timeline ensures everything is squared away in advance, that way I’m not chasing you down for payments on the day of.
LATE BALANCE:
Here’s the honest truth: if your final payment has NOT been made by the two week deadline, I WILL NOT show up to photograph your wedding. Trust me, I want to be there. Let’s avoid that situation altogether and please make your payment on time!
PAYMENT PLANS:
If you need a little flexibility I will work with you. Payment plans are available and you’re welcome to make payments at any time that works for you. I’m here to help make things easy and stress-free, every step of the way, so please communicate with me regarding payments.
Have any questions about the payment process or need a custom plan? Just reach out.
Booking Requirements
required paperwork
Retainer Fee
Your retainer fee is a non refundable cost that secures and locks in your wedding date. This is required to book your wedding day and will go directly towards your total cost. This payment is non refundable so please be sure you are ready to book.
Accepted Quote
You will receive a quote with investment options once you are ready to book. After reviewing and deciding which option fits your wedding day needs, please select your package and any optional add ons that may apply.
Signed Contract
Your contract is extremely crucial to the booking process. This must be signed and returned by both clients in order to book your wedding date. This contract protects both the client and photographer and ensures we both agree to making sure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
Your Wedding Day
Once your wedding arrives, the day will naturally take off with full excitement and ease. Before hand there are some important things to keep in mind throughout the day. Here's a little bit of what to expect from me as your wedding photographer.
ARRIVAL:
Once I arrive, I’m all in. I’ll show up at our agreed-upon time to get settled and start capturing your detail shots while you finish getting ready.
TIMELINE:
I do my best to stick closely to the timeline we’ve built together, but as we know, your wedding might fall a little behind but that’s okay! If things get a little off track, I’ll help guide us back and communicate any adjustments we may need. My goal is to keep time flowing smoothly, so you can stay present and enjoy every moment.
BREAKS:
Throughout the day, I’ll be there for all the big moments and everything in between. I’ll also be taking small breaks when it's slower in order to stay energized and focused.
MEALS:
I do kindly require a vendor meal be provided during your wedding day. I will eat during your reception when everyone else does, that way no important moments are missed. I will NOT be taking photos of people eating.
END OF THE NIGHT:
When our time has come to a close I will double check with you guys and be sure we got all we needed before heading out. If you are planning a formal exit, this would be the time to do it or plan a mock exit for the photos.
MISSED MOMENTS:
I will do my best to be sure to capture the most important moments of your day, but there might be moments that are missed. If there is only one of me at your wedding, please be aware while I try to be everywhere I can there might be photos that don't make it into your final gallery. While this is the last thing I want, please be aware that it may happen and I will try my best to capture anything and everything.
Sneak Peeks
I know how exciting it is to relive the magic of your wedding day and share it with friends and family. That’s why I prioritize delivering a curated selection of sneak peek images within 24–48 hours after your wedding.
These early previews will highlight a few key moments from your day which are perfect for announcing your marriage and giving you a glimpse of what’s to come in your full gallery.
Gallery Delivery
TURNAROUND TIME:
Your wedding photos will be delivered in a fully edited online gallery within 6–12 weeks of your wedding day. The gallery will tell the complete story of your day from the quiet getting ready moments to the last dance and will be captured with intention and presented in a way that flows naturally from start to finish.
FINAL IMAGES:
I do my best to include all the beautiful, meaningful images taken throughout the day. However, please note that some photos may not make the final gallery due to factors like blinking, soft focus, or test shots.
DIGITAL GALLERY:
My goal is to deliver a cohesive collection of images that truly reflects the joy, emotion, and energy of your wedding day. Your gallery will be easy to view, download, and share with family and friends, so you can relive the magic whenever you’d like.
That's It
When you book with me, you’re not just hiring someone to take pictures—you’re getting a calm, supportive presence who’s genuinely invested in your day. I’ll be there to capture the big moments and the quiet ones, to help keep things on track, and to make sure you feel confident and cared for throughout the entire process.
You’re in good hands—and I can’t wait to tell your story, so let's make it official.
