What Happens Next? Your Wedding Photography Journey with Me
So, you've booked me as your wedding photographer — amazing! I’m buzzing to be part of your day and can’t wait to tell your story in the most natural, relaxed way possible. But now that your date is locked in, you might be wondering… what happens next?
Here’s a quick, down-to-earth guide to what you can expect from me and when, so you can feel totally at ease and focus on enjoying the lead-up to your big day.
1. Let’s Get the Boring Bits Done First (Quick & Painless, Promise!)
As part of getting everything locked in, I’ll need a few details from you. You’ll get a link to your online wedding questionnaire – it's super simple and covers things like:
- What time you want me to start
- Both your full names (middle names too, please!)
- Contact details for both of you and address
- Ceremony and reception full address
That sort of thing! Once that’s in, I’ll draw up a contract you can sign online (no faff or extra software needed). It'll be with you within a week of filling everything in.
2. Engagement Shoot? Just Say the Word
Some of my packages include an engagement shoot – or you can add one on anytime. If that’s something you’re up for, let me know your ideal date, season or vibe, and I’ll pop it in the diary. No pressure though – it’s totally optional!
3. Payment Details – Easy Does It
A £300 deposit secures your date (if you haven’t already sorted this). Then the final balance is due 30 days before the big day. Want to pay in instalments? Totally fine – just let me know and I’ll sort receipts for you along the way.
4. YOUR WEDDING TIMELINE – WE BUILD IT TOGETHER
We’ll put together a full photography timeline together closer to the date. It’ll help keep the day flowing and make sure we don’t miss a thing, from first looks to cake cutting and that epic first dance. I’ll also share a prep schedule you can pass on to your glam squad so nobody runs late (or stressed).
5. Planning Catchups – In Person or Online
About 2 months before your wedding, I’ll be in touch to schedule a final planning catch-up. We can meet at my office in Stockton or jump on a video call – whatever works best for you. We’ll go through your timeline, any changes, and tick off anything we missed.
Got religious traditions or unique family dynamics I should be aware of? This is the time to let me know so I can photograph your day with care and sensitivity.
6. Family Photos – Optional but Handy!
Not everyone wants formal family photos, and that’s totally fine. But if you do, I recommend jotting down a list of 4–8 key groups. Keeps things smooth, quick, and ensures no one’s missed. Pop this into your wedding questionnaire whenever you're ready.
7. After the Day – The Good Bit!
Once I’m back from your wedding, your photos get backed up four times (yes, really – I’m that paranoid about keeping them safe). Editing takes:
- 3–4 weeks in the quieter months (Nov–March)
- 4–10 weeks during peak season (April–Oct)
Your photos will be delivered in a beautiful online gallery (password protected and shareable with your family and friends). It’ll stay live for 12 months, and I’ll keep a backup for 2 years – just in case!
8. USBs & Albums
If your package includes a USB box or album, I’ll prep these after your gallery is ready. If you'd like to add either, just let me know:
- USB Box: Ready 1 week after your gallery’s delivered
- Album: I’ll design it first, you can make unlimited changes (free of charge only for the first time), and then it takes 2–5 weeks to be printed and ready
In a Nutshell – Your Checklist 📝
Here’s your handy little to-do list:
✅ Fill out your wedding questionnaire
✅ Sign your contract
✅ Book your engagement shoot (if included)
✅ Submit your family photo list (2 months before your wedding)
✅ Schedule your catch-up chat (I'll contact you 2 months before your wedding)
✅ Make final payment (30 days before your wedding)
Questions or need help? Just Shout!
I'm here for you every step of the way. Got a question? Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning? Want to run an idea past me? Drop me a message, give me a ring, or send a carrier pigeon – whatever works best.
📞 07899 902144
📧 nick@nickgeorgiouphotography.co.uk
