Creating a wedding day schedule
Here are some things to consider when making choices about your wedding day schedule:
Morning Prep
Yes, you want this covered. Typically I will show up an hour before you want to depart. I can capture your dress hanging, your decor bits and jewelry bobs, and more importantly, your people. Candids that are not manufactured are infinitely more valuable than anything contrived. By an hour before you leave, typically your people have their hair and makeup done and the energy is starting to bubble. They are fussing over their bride and giggling together and zipping around. Loads of spontaneous embraces and animated conversations happen during this time, and because your people are relatively made up, they are more comfortable having me lurk.
- Yes, you need an extra hour or half-hour for hair and makeup.
- It’s possible that everyone won’t be ready on time, and you don’t want to stress or have to check up on anyone. Hence, extra time. Worst case, everyone IS ready on time and you can do a few extra portraits together!
- Either way, I'll make it work and get killer photos
First Look
Only do one if it feels right. If you love the idea of waiting to see each other at the ceremony, do that instead. Trust your gut. Trust your girl. Often couples are pressured by their vendors to do a first look because all things are easier if you have lots of time. However, it is not a requirement for great photos. Often when I’m asked to do a first look, we are shooting it during a crappy time for light (the closer you are to 12 noon, the less flattering the sunlight). Because of this, photographers will often find a space in the shade, which will not necessarily take advantage of your venue’s best views.
- You get private moments in these incredible spaces
- We can use the best light of the day
- You'll actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour
- Your makeup will be fresh AF for photos
### Ceremony Timing
Let me be crystal clear about this: If you're having an outdoor ceremony, we need to talk about sunset times. Not sunset time according to Google, but actual, real-world, factoring-in-the-mansions'-shadows sunset time. Because trust me, the difference between good light and HOLY-SHIT-THAT'S-AMAZING light can be 15 minutes.
## The Investment Talk
Okay, let's have the real talk about money, because I respect you too much to dance around it.
Newport weddings are expensive. Like, make-your-accountant-sweat expensive. But here's why they're worth it:
### The Photos Will Actually Be Different
I'm not talking about just pretty. I'm talking about photos that make your friends' jaws actually drop. Photos that your grandkids will look at and say "holy shit, our grandparents were ICONIC." (Yes, I'm manifesting that for you right now.)
### The Experience is Unmatched
When you're:
- Getting ready in a room bigger than most NYC apartments
- Walking down a staircase that's been featured in actual movies
- Dancing in a ballroom that's hosted actual royalty
- Watching the sunset over the Atlantic while sipping champagne on a marble terrace
That's not just a wedding. That's a whole damn MOMENT.
## The Vendor Team You Actually Need
Let me be blunt: Your Newport wedding team needs to be as iconic as your venue. Here's your non-negotiable dream team:
### Planning
You need someone who can:
- Handle actual logistics (not just make pretty Pinterest boards)
- Navigate Newport's strict vendor requirements
- Manage multiple personalities (including your mother-in-law's)
- Execute a rain plan that's as gorgeous as your original plan
### Florals
Trust me when I say this: Newport florals hit different. You need someone who:
- Understands scale (those mansion ceilings are HIGH)
- Can handle the wind (because ocean breeze is real)
- Knows how to make arrangements that photograph like fine art
### Hair and Makeup
Non-negotiable requirements:
- Understands humidity-proof styling
- Can handle natural light photography
- Creates looks that last 12+ hours
- Makes you feel like the absolute queen you are
## The Truth About Timing Your Newport Wedding
### Peak Season (Summer)
Pros:
- Perfect weather (mostly)
- Everything in bloom
- Peak Newport vibes
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Tourist crowds
- Limited availability
### Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall)
Hot take: This is actually the move. Here's why:
- Better availability
- More reasonable pricing
- Still gorgeous weather
- Fewer tourists
- Amazing photo opportunities
### Off-Season (Winter)
For my bold brides who understand that:
- Dramatic skies make epic photos
- Mansion interiors were MADE for indoor events
- Cozy luxury is still luxury
- Better pricing means more budget for other things
## Final Truth Bombs
1. The weather will do what it wants. Have a rain plan that you actually love.
2. Your guests will get lost in Newport. Plan for it.
3. The photos will be worth every penny, but only if you trust your photographer's timeline.
4. You can't control everything, but you can control how you react to it.
5. Your wedding will be amazing, not because everything was perfect, but because you're marrying your person in one of the most iconic places on Earth.
## In Conclusion
Your Newport wedding isn't just a wedding – it's a statement. A moment. A whole damn vibe. And if you're going to do it, do it right. Trust your vendors, trust the process, and most importantly, trust yourself.
Because at the end of the day, this is your love story. We're just here to make sure it's documented in the most epic way possible.
Now go pop some champagne and start planning your iconic Newport moment. You've got this, and I've got you.
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*For real-time Newport wedding inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, follow along on Instagram. And remember, the best photos happen when you trust your photographer and just be your badass self.*
