The Lilybean Guide to Your Perfect Wedding Timeline
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. At Lilybean, we believe the best wedding photos happen in the moments between the milestones—the quiet laughs, the shared glances, and the unscripted joy. But we also know those moments need room to breathe. This guide is our gift to you: a roadmap built from years of experience to help you create a day that flows naturally, feels like you, and leaves plenty of space for the magic to happen.
1. Getting Ready (The "Calm Before the Joy")
Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours of photography
We usually arrive about 90 minutes before you head to the ceremony. This gives us enough time to capture the "details" (the dress, the shoes, the sentimental jewellery) and those candid moments of champagne toasts and nervous laughter.
- Lilybean Tip: Try to keep the room where you’re getting dressed relatively tidy. A stray takeaway coffee cup or carrier bag in the background of your "putting on the veil" shot is a vibe, but maybe not the vibe you want.
- Lilybean Tip: To save time (and stress!), gather your "details"—rings, invitation suite, perfume, and jewellery—into one box before we arrive. This lets us get straight to work creating those beautiful flat-lay shots without having to play "hide and seek" with your shoes!
2. The Ceremony
Time: 30 – 60 minutes
This is the big one. We’re experts at being "professionally invisible" during your vows. We’ll capture the look on your partner's face when they see you, the teary-eyed parents, and the first kiss.
- Lilybean Tip: Consider an unplugged ceremony. When guests aren't holding up iPhones, we can capture their actual faces reacting to your big moment!
- Lilybean Tip: When walking down the aisle, try to resist the urge to look at your feet! Look up at your partner, breathe, and take it slow. Those "walking toward forever" shots are much better when we can see your beautiful and happy face.
3. The "Just Married" Mingle & Groups
Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Directly after the ceremony, everyone wants to hug you. We love these candid shots! After about 20 minutes of mingling, we’ll move into the formal group photos.
- Our Approach: We know people get "photo fatigue." We work through a pre-agreed list of family shots quickly and efficiently so your guests can get back to the bar. We recommend keeping this list to 6–8 key groups.
- Lilybean Tip: Assign one organised bridesmaid or groomsman to be the "Wrangler." They know your family better than we do, and they can help us round up Uncle Bob while we focus on making sure everyone’s tie is straight and eyes are open.
4. The Couples Portraits
Time: 20 – 30 minutes
This is your first chance to breathe and realise: We’re married! We’ll whisk you away for a short stroll. No awkward, stiff posing here—just some gentle direction to help you look your best while you enjoy each other's company.
- Lilybean Pro-Tip: Check your weather app for the sunset time. If the sky turns that perfect honey-gold during dinner, We might give you a tiny "nod." If you can sneak away for just 10 minutes, the light will be your favourite wedding gift—We promise.
- Lilybean Pro-Tip: Treat your portrait session as your "sanctuary time." It’s often the only 20 minutes of the day you’ll spend just the two of you. Forget the camera is there—just chat, laugh, and let the "we actually just did that!" feeling sink in.
5. The Wedding Breakfast & Speeches
Time: 2 hours+
While you eat, we recharge (and usually back up your photos!). We’ll be ready for the speeches—capturing the laughs, the embarrassing stories, and the heartfelt toasts.
6. The Party
Time: First dance + 30 minutes
Once the cake is cut and the first dance is done, we’ll capture the energy of the dance floor and all important evening guests. Once we’ve got some dance floor, perhaps some sparklers or fireworks and some creatively light night-time shots, our work is done.
Wedding Stories: See How It Flows
A Spring Wedding at The Elvetham
For 12 years, we've been recommended Hampshire wedding photographers at The Elvetham, mastering its diverse seasonal beauty. This long-standing partnership allows us to capture each wedding day with unparalleled elegance, from vibrant spring blooms to serene winter snowscapes, ensuring unique and breathtaking backdrops for our couple’s wedding day’s.
A Summer Wedding at Wasing Park
We know every hidden corner of these grounds—from the wildflower meadows that catch the perfect "Golden Hour" glow to the quiet, cool shadows of the Parish Church. At Lilybean, we love capturing the way the hazy summer light plays across the parkland, turning your celebration into a sun-drenched story that feels as warm and effortless as the day itself.
Latest Features On The Blog
Our blog is a living window into the diverse celebrations we have the privilege to document. Each story showcases our ability to adapt with ease, whether we’re chasing the last light of an autumn sunset or finding the perfect indoor nook during a sudden spring downpour. Explore these real moments to see how we blend professional expertise with a calm, friendly touch, ensuring that no matter the season or the setting, your day flows beautifully and your story is told with heart.
Wedding Inspiration
Our portfolio is a testament to the fact that magic isn't seasonal—it’s about the connection. We’ve navigated rain-soaked afternoons with umbrellas in hand, chased the fleeting gold of a summer sunset, and found the heartbeat of every celebration from grand estates to intimate city corners. Browse through these diverse samples to see how we adapt and evolve with the day, Ensuring that no matter the weather or the setting, your memories are captured with the effortless ease and quiet confidence that only comes with years of experience.
FAQ
What if it rains on our wedding day?
In the UK, rain is just part of the story! We are experts at "Plan B." We always scout your venue for beautiful indoor backdrops and professional lighting spots ahead of time. Some of our most romantic, atmospheric shots have been taken under a shared umbrella or in a cozy, candlelit hallway. We’ve got the gear and the eye to make the rain look like it was part of the plan all along.
What if our schedule starts running late?
Weddings are live events, and hair and makeup sometimes take a little longer than planned—it happens! We purposefully build "buffer time" into your photography timeline so that a 15-minute delay doesn't feel like a disaster. We’re here to keep things moving with a smile, adjusting on the fly so you never feel rushed or stressed.
Do you help us create our own personal timeline?
Absolutely. We don’t expect you to be expert wedding planners! Once you’ve booked with Lilybean, we’ll sit down together (virtually or over a coffee) to map out your specific day. We’ll look at sunset times, travel between locations, and your "must-have" moments to create a bespoke schedule that lets you breathe and enjoy every second.
What if we’re awkward in front of the camera?
Ninety percent of our couples say this! Our style is built on gentle direction rather than stiff posing. We give you small things to do—walk here, look at each other, tell a secret—so that you forget about the lens and focus on each other. The result? Real smiles and genuine connection.
Ready to relax on your big day?
If you’re looking for more than just a photographer—if you want a partner who brings a sense of calm, a wealth of experience, and a genuine love for your story—we would love to hear from you.
Let’s chat about your vision, your venue, and how we can make your wedding day as effortless as it is beautiful. Our calendar fills up quickly, so get in touch today to see if we’re a match!
How to Join the Lilybean Family
We believe the booking process should be just as stress-free as the wedding day itself. To keep things simple and secure, we follow a straightforward three-step process:
- The Contract: Once we’ve confirmed your date is available, we’ll send over a digital contract. This outlines everything we’ve promised to deliver, ensuring your memories are protected and we’re all on the same page.
- The Booking Fee: To officially swoop your date off the market and lock us in, we require a non-refundable booking fee. This secures our services for your exclusive use on that day.
- The Balance: Life is busy in those final weeks before the wedding! To get the "admin" out of the way early, your remaining balance is due 4 weeks prior to your wedding day. This means once your wedding month arrives, you can stop thinking about invoices and start thinking about your vows.
Ready to make it official? Get in Touch