Family portraits are some of my most treasured photos from my own wedding day. These are the images that will be printed and framed not only in your own home, but your parents and grandparents homes as well. My goal is to create beautiful and timeless family portraits for you that will live in your families for generations and generations to come!

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Photo List:

A couple months before your wedding day, I will send out a worksheet where you will be able to add in all of your desired family groupings.

Sample recommended photo list –

After years of shooting weddings and families, I have compiled a recommended family groupings list as a guide. This does not mean you have to follow this exactly but it’s a helpful tool in getting started!

• Bride – Bride Parents (together and individual)
• Bride & Groom – Bride Parents
• Bride & Groom – Bride Parents plus Brother(s) and Sister(s)
• Bride & Groom – Bride Parents plus Brother(s) and Sister(s) plus kids and Partners
• Bride & Groom – Brother(s) and Sister(s)
• Bride – Brother(s) and Sister(s)
• Bride & Groom – Bride Grandparents

• Groom – Groom Parents
• Bride & Groom – Groom Parents (together and individual)
• Bride & Groom – Groom Parents plus Brother(s) and Sister(s)
• Bride & Groom – Groom Parents plus Brother(s) and Sister(s) plus kids and Partners
• Bride & Groom – Brothers(s) and Sister(s)
• Groom – Brother(s) and Sister(s)
• Bride & Groom – Groom Grandparents

• Bride & Groom – Both sets of Parents

*When adding in your family groupings – please include first names next to the relation. For example: Brides Parents, Linda & John. This comes in handy so we are able to call out names, identify each family member and efficiently line everyone up.

When will the family groupings occur?

If you have opted for a first look – we will schedule to take all of the family portraits prior to the ceremony. If you are not doing a first look, these will take place directly after the ceremony (at a location close by).

Location:

Before the ceremony:

When I initially arrive to the venue this will be when I scout to find the best location for family photos. If you have a favorite location in mind, please let me know ahead of time and I will do my best to make this work! 🙂 Once decided, I will let you know (& a designated family member) where these will take place and your family member will assist in letting both families know.

After the ceremony:

The simplest and most efficient location to take family photos is close to the ceremony location. Prior to the ceremony I will scout the venue and let you know (& a designated family member) where the photos will take place so they know directly where to go when the ceremony has concluded. It’s also very helpful if your officiant can announce where the photos will take place after the ceremony as well. This helps ensure everyone sticks around for photos rather than head straight to cocktail hour for a drink 😉

It’s absolutely no problem to take a few more photos with family that are not on the list if they are close by. But I highly recommend that we finish the groupings from the list first. After that, you are covered with the groupings that are the most important and anything after that is an added bonus!

Tips/Suggestions:

• A couple weeks before the wedding, send out an email or group text to everyone who is on the family groupings list. Let them know the time the photos will take place so they can make the necessary arrangements (this is especially important if we are taking prior to the ceremony). Then, two days before the wedding, send one last reminder out!
• I highly recommend padding the timing when sharing the family portraits time with your families. For example, if we are to start at 3:30, tell everyone 3:15 – this ensures everyone is on time and ready to go!
• Designate a point person. This individual (either family or a friend) knows or is familiar with almost everyone on your list and can help assist in calling out and finding family members. I do not want you to be the one hunting down Aunt Susan so that she can be in the photo! This truly helps family photos go more smoothly and efficiently 🙂
• Trust me, I know you want ALL the photos with your families – but keeping in mind the timeline, it’s helpful to just include immediate family on your list. If there are other family members or friends you want professional photos with, we can create a separate photo list to capture during the reception! 🙂 a win win!

With some planning and implementation of the suggestions and tips above, family groupings can not only be stress free but fun! My hope for you after reading through this, is to feel confident and 100% ready for the family groupings portion of your wedding day!