the wedding guide
timeline
Below are two sample timelines based on two very different weddings. They are just examples--Each wedding is different and yours will also be unique. Together we will plan a schedule that captures everything you want while also working within your chosen Wedding Collection.
the wedding day
detail shots 30 min
The first thing we’ll do when I get there (after saying hello and gushing about how excited I am for you) is take some detail shots. It’s helpful if you gather everything so that it’s all together when I arrive. Some items that I need for detail shots include rings, invitations, jewelry, tie, dress, and shoes. Ribbon and extra flowers from your florist will make your photos over the top. If you have any sentimental details, please throw them in there! Also - I highly recommend getting a nice hanger for your dress, and for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Make sure your florist delivers your bouquets, corsage and boutonnieres before your portraits start.
what to wear
While I know most of us like to get ready in an old t shirt and some sweatpants, but on your wedding day the photos of you and your bridesmaids chatting, laughing, and walking around will look so much cuter if your outfits give them a pop! We’re a big fan of white, lacy robes for the bride, and floral or pastel colored ones for the bridal party. There are also cute satin rompers that look adorable in photos. The possibilities are endless.
the space
The getting ready location really defines the look of every photo for the morning. There are a lot of great options between your home, parents/friends homes, salons, hotels, your venue or even airBNBs. Windows are the most important part - soft, natural light will make all the difference. It’ll make you look radiant, rather than washed out and yellow. Keep this in consideration when you decide where you will get ready.
getting dressed
30 min
These photos often end up being some of my favorites. There’s just something about those pre-wedding jitters, the little moments and the laughs with your best friends. This part is mostly candids - but we usually try to make sure everyone is mostly ready and in a well lit, cleaned up area before we take their photos. Consider a quick bridal boudoir session before you hop into your dress.
first look - bridesmaids, dad and groom
30 min
We already know you’re going to look amazing - so why not capture all your favorite people’s reactions to seeing you for the first time as a bride. We can help set up special first looks with your bridesmaids, dad or any other important family members. After these first looks, we roll
right into formal photos with your bridesmaids and family.
Most importantly, we will set up a first look with your groom. A first look gives you a chance to have a private moment with your love, away from all the eyes on you at the ceremony. We’ve found that a first look provides a “safer” space for the groom to get emotional. It also allows you more time for photos and a more relaxed, laid back wedding experience overall.
couple portraits
60 mins
We’ll use the natural chemistry between the two of you to make sure you have a damn good time. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you and tell you what to do - if your hands are hanging awkwardly, we’ll tell you where to put them instead. But for the most part, we don’t do the super pose-y stuff, and we let the session flow naturally. Sometimes we’ll ask you about your first date, or have one of you whisper something in the other’s ear. This way, we’re not just taking photos, we’re creating moments. It may seem silly but we promise authentic images where your smiles are never forced.
Bridal Party
We’ll get photos of just the girls, just the guys, and some of everyone together. We’ll also make sure to get individual photos of the bride with each bridesmaid, and of the groom with each groomsman. After the ceremony or first look, we’ll do a few of the whole party together! Make sure that the groomsmen arrive with boutonnières on, and the bridesmaids have their bouquets. We know you want all of your best friends to have a blast at your wedding - so we stay away from stiff poses. One of our favorite prompts is to have everyone shout their best marriage advice at the same time - trust us, its fun.
the ceremony
30-60 mins
This is it! The moment you’ve been waiting for. For ourdoor ceremonies, the best time for lighting is 3 hours before the sunset. The lower the sun, the better the lighting. Avoiding direct sunlight is preferred. For indoor ceremonies, please let us know if there are any weird lighting situations we should know about. If your wedding is inside a church, don’t worry - we are experts at respecting the rules and sneaking around silently to get your photos. We even test out how loud our work shoes are before buying them.
family
30 mins
Family photos are the least fun part of the day - we know. That is why we have a well developed system to get these done as quick as possible. During your planning season, we will discuss your family breakdowns and have a list with us on the day. Please let your family members know where and when they are expected to be in photos. The only thing that ever holds us up is losing a family member to cocktail hour. We will capture both sides of the family and extended, if requested.
the reception
3-4 hours
You did it!! You got married, and now it’s time to party! During the reception we’ll take some candids and some group photos, so if there are any friends or coworkers that you need photos with, now’s the time! A lot of stuff happens during the reception, and we’ll take photos of all of it. If you are doing any special dances, please let us know at the planning session (email us if its a surprise). We always chat with the DJ on the day to find our the order of events but we like to be super prepared for whatever might happen. Since our packages include full day coverage, we will always check in with you before leaving.
golden hour
15 min
I always recommend that my couples schedule fifteen minutes during the sunset for a few more couple’s photos. You’ll get that gorgeous golden light, and maybe a new location at your reception so that you have some variety in your photos. It creates an extra quiet moment for just you two to take in the moments of the day. If the schedule of events doesn’t allow for a golden hour session, we can always take some portraits at night time.
extra tips
SPRAY TANS: Spray tans can be problematic for photo editing because they can cause uneven skin tones and coloration. The artificial color of the spray tan can also make it difficult to accurately adjust the skin tone in post-processing. This can lead to a final image that looks unnatural or fake. Therefore, if a bride wants to ensure that her wedding photos look natural and beautiful, it may be best to avoid spray tans altogether. Instead, she can focus on taking good care of her skin leading up to the wedding day and opt for a more natural look that will be easier to edit and enhance in post-processing.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY: Consider placing a sign, writing it in your program or having your officiant announce to please keep cell phones away during the ceremony. Firstly, it allows the guests to be fully present in the moment and enjoy the ceremony without the distraction of phones, cameras, or other devices. This can help create a more intimate and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Secondly, an unplugged ceremony can help ensure that the professional photographer is able to capture the best possible images without any interference or distractions from guests. This can be especially important for capturing key moments such as the exchange of vows or the first kiss. Overall, an unplugged ceremony can help create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, while also ensuring that the professional photographer is able to capture the best possible images without any distractions or interference.
Location ideas
-- nature --
Tifft Nature Preserve
Knox Farms
Glen Falls Park
Amherst State Park
Clarence State Park
Chestnut Ridge
Akron Falls
Buffalo Outer Harbor/Wilkeson pointe
Erie Basin Marina
Beaver Island State Park and Beach
Hoyt lake
Japanese Gardens
Stiglmeier park
Woodlawn Beach
-- rooftop --
Fernbach Parking garage
Curtiss Hotel
-- architecture --
Buffalo City Hall
History Museum
Old Post Office
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House
Buffalo Central Terminal
Richardson Olmsted Complex (Hotel Henry)
Albright Knox Art Gallery
Kleinhans Music Hall
Knox Mansion
-- murals --
"Wildflowers for Buffalo" at 465 Washington Street
Hertel Murals
700 Main St in the Theatre District
"Welcome to Buffalo" Ellicott Street
Town Ballroom Mural
Larkinville Tulip Mural
-- indoor *Client will need to get permission and possibly pay a fee--
Moonshine studio
Ellicott Square Building
Market Arcade Building
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Remedy House
Brew works
Buffalo Central Terminal
Remedy House
Curtiss Hotel
Favorite Bar or Restaurant
Where you met, first date, proposal location…etc
delivery
highlights
Within 1 month after your wedding you can expect to see a small collection of photographs from your day. We select some highlights that can be downloaded and shared. Perfect for ‘Thank You’ cards, social media posts and gifts for friends
and family.
full gallery
Within 6 months after your wedding, you will receive an email with the link to your online viewing gallery. The email will also contain a personal download pin that enables you to download your high resolution, unwatermarked images. The online viewing gallery allows you to create favorite lists, selects for your album, and has a built in storefront to purchase prints and other products.
online sharing
Our business is successful because of our clients. Our number one way we get more work is through word of mouth and online sharing. We LOVE that you want to share your photographs with the world! We please ask that you properly credit Moonshine and following the guidelines below:
Please do not edit or alter the images in anyway.
Please ALWAYS list photo credit in the caption and tag Moonshine in the image.
If you get asked from vendors to use your photos, please ask them to contact us directly.
vendor recommendations
FLORISTS
Williams Florist
Beck and Forth
Catherine Rose Floral
Flowers By Nature
Marigold & Vase
Blossoms n Treasures
Wild Blossom Hollow
HAIR & MAKEUP
Salon Elizabeth
Makeup by Mal
Honey Beauty Bar
Brianna Ronan
AmandaLee Shamrock
Rachel Rizzo
Blush Salon
STATIONARY
Hoopla House
Graphic Poetry
Ashwood Ink
PLANNERS
Weddings by Gianna
Social Maven - Syrie Roman
hereandnow buffalo
EVL Events
Sincerely Melissa
RENTALS & SIGNAGE
B in a bonnet
McCarthy Events
Quaint Rental
Sincerely Melissa
DJS
Michael Khoury
H&H Entertainment
716 Sound
Toy Brothers
BANDS
Nickel City Pimp Choir
Honeymooners
Vinny Derosa - Vitamin D
Big City Horns
Party of Nine
Silver Arrow Band