So you can feel calm, look amazing, and be fully present for every moment.

You’ve found the venue, locked in your dream photographer (👋), and started visualising how the day will feel. But one thing still feels a little fuzzy:
How do you actually structure the timeline?

You want enough time for everything

The details.

The nerves.

The quiet first look.

The family hugs.

The golden hour glow.

But you also want the day to feel relaxed. Not rushed. Not forced.

As a Melbourne wedding photographer who’s captured dozens of beautiful, emotion-filled celebrations across Victoria, I’m here to guide you through a timeline that actually works.

No guesswork. No stress.
Just space to breathe and to remember what this day is really all about.

First things first: Build your timeline around light, not just logistics.

In Melbourne (and across Gippsland), the light shifts quickly and golden hour doesn’t last long. The best timelines prioritise the natural rhythm of the day, with photography woven in to support the story, not interrupt it.

Morning: Getting Ready (2–3 hours before the ceremony)

Ideal window: ~2.5 hours coverage
Photography focus: Details, atmosphere, connection

Brides / Getting Ready Vibe:

• Dress, rings, florals, perfume, shoes
• Candid moments with your crew
• Mum helping with your dress, or your best friend fixing your veil
• Soft window light, quiet emotion, nerves, laughter

Pro tip: Have your room tidy-ish and your details gathered before I arrive. It saves time and sets a calm tone.

Grooms / More Chill But Just As Special:

• Buttonholes, suit shots, last-minute speeches
• Laughter with the guys
• Maybe a sneaky beer or espresso shot to calm the nerves

Not every moment is styled. But every moment is meaningful.

Ceremony: Let’s Talk Timing

Ideal time: 2–3pm (if you want golden hour portraits later)
Photography focus: True documentary storytelling

I’ll be there 30–45 minutes before the ceremony starts to capture:

• Guest arrivals
• Ceremony styling
• You two separately, taking deep breaths and feeling all the things

During the ceremony: I’m quiet. Unobtrusive. Present.
This is where the real emotion lives — and I’m there to catch it all.

Family Photos (20–30 mins)

Right after the ceremony, while everyone’s still gathered and excited.

Tip: Make a short list ahead of time — not every cousin twice removed, but the combinations that really matter.

I keep it efficient, warm, and as fun as family photos can be. Promise.

Portrait Time (45–60 mins)

This is your time. No phones, no pressure — just the two of you together, soaking in what just happened.

We’ll wander the property, take in the light, and capture:

• The just-married glow
• The genuine in-between moments
• A few frame-worthy editorial shots for the wall

If the timing works, this is also when I’ll sneak you out again for golden hour photos before the reception. Worth it. Every time.

Reception Coverage (min. 1.5–2 hours)

Let the party begin.

Whether it’s a backyard dinner under festoon lights, a candlelit winery, or a full dance floor in the city — I’m there to catch it all.

What I capture:

• Table styling, ambience, golden-hour toasts
• Speeches (tears, laughter and heckling included)
• First dance, surprise dance-offs, your uncle doing the worm
• The shift from elegance to celebration, it’s all part of the story

How Much Coverage Do You Actually Need?

That depends on your day — but here’s a rough guide:

Coverage Time	Best For
6 Hours	Elopements or simple weddings with a single location
8 Hours	Full wedding day, one or two locations, full story
10+ Hours	Larger events, multiple venues, full prep to final dance

If you’re planning a wedding in Melbourne, Gippsland, the Yarra Valley or anywhere across Victoria, I can help you build a timeline that works with the light, the season, and your energy.

Final Thoughts: Make Room for the Good Stuff

Your wedding day isn’t a production schedule.
It’s not about cramming in as many moments as possible.
It’s about creating space for connection, beauty, spontaneity, and joy.

A well-designed timeline makes space for all of that.
And the right photographer (👋 again) helps you feel calm and present through it all.

Planning your Melbourne wedding timeline?

Let’s create something that feels like you. Full of heart, full of intention.
Reach out here and let’s start mapping it out together.