⚜︎ First things first...
YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED 😭
Second, thank you.
Truly.
There are a lot of photographers out there, and the fact that you trusted me to document one of the biggest days of your life means more than I can explain. I know wedding planning can feel exciting, overwhelming, chaotic, emotional, magical, and somehow all happening at the exact same time, but take a deep breath. We’ve got this.
After 16+ years of weddings, one thing I know for sure is this: Your day does not have to feel stressful to be beautiful.
My goal is to help things feel intentional, organized, and true to you while documenting the moments you’ll want to relive for years to come.
Inside this guide, you’ll find helpful tips, planning advice, timeline information, engagement session prep, and answers to some of the most common questions I get along the way.
But most importantly? Know this: You do not have to have everything figured out right now..
That’s part of what I’m here for 😌
Now let’s do this thing!
⚜
Meet the Photographer
If we haven't met already.. Hi, I'm Tatam
In Case You’re Wondering Who You Hired… Hi, It’s Me 👋
I figured before we get too far into wedding things, I should probably introduce myself properly. And yup, it really is pronounced "T8um", just spelt weird.
I’m Tatam, the face behind the camera, the owner, editor, timeline helper, family wrangler, dress fluffer, and professional hype woman, 😌
If you want the full character development arc, click that button below. If not, totally fine! Keep scrolling so we can get to the wedding fun!
⚜︎ The Flow
Wedding planning can feel like a lot, and well.. that's because it kind of is. If you're anything like most couples, you're probably wondering "okay cool... now what?"
So below Is overly simple breakdown to take away some stress of what the process typically looks like from here on out. Think of it as your little roadmap for what to expect, when things usually happen, and how we'll go from here.
⚜︎ 01: We make it official
Contract signed : Check
Date secured : Check
Happy dance highly encouraged because look at you go baby!
You can officially cross "find a photographer off your list"!
Now just to make sure your dream location is secure for your date (If that isn't already done too) and you're already on the most perfect of perfect days.
⚜︎ 02: THe planning begins
Whether you have a Pinterest board with 937 screenshots or you're more of a "I trust you, do your thing" type.. I'm here for both.
We'll chat through ideas, locations, vibes, logistics, timeline thoughts, and whatever else you need me to help figure out.
We will make sure you have all the vendors information and ideas you need to make your day exactly as you dreamed.
⚜︎ 03: Engagement session
If your package includes an engagement session, we'll start planning location, outfits, vibes, all the fun stuff.
The biggest thought is just to make sure you're getting a season you enjoy your photos in. Personally, I always recommend the opposite season in which you're getting married in. That way when it comes to photos to have in your home. You have a mix of perfect engagement photos in one season and beautiful wedding portraits in another. Best of both worlds.
And don't worry if you think you're going to be the most awkward person in front of the camera, I'm probably the most awkward person behind the camera so I think it cancels out... right? Either way, I got you ;)
⚜︎ 04: Timeline and Final Details
As the wedding gets closer, we'll start putting all the puzzle pieces together to make sure everything flows as smoothly as possible.
Family photos, lighting, ceremony timing, golden hour, all the moving parts and pieces coming together just the way you visioned it.
And before you know it. YOU'RE MARRIED!
We'll make it to the end, fixing hair, fluffing dresses, adjusting ties, getting all the moments documented as planned. We'll get across the finish line, pinky promise.
⚜︎Let's talk engagement session ✨
If your package included an engagement session or your added the experience, first off YAY! I love engagement session for so many reasons, the main one being we get to meet typically for the first time!
And I know, not everyone is as excited about photos as me. How I see it, you have someone who would take professional photos at any given time, and someone who could go their whole life never taking any... and then they marry one another. I don't understand the math, but there's something there.
But just trust. We'll talk location. Come up with if you want sunset moody photos, forest vibes, downtown in the city, maybe we go on a cute little picnic or to a cozy record store, or even some super creative theme that's custom to you. We'll set the tone and you just leave the rest up to me.
I pride myself in trying to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible in front the camera. Even if that means I need to take an extra amount of time just to yap and find common interest(and trust me, ya girl, she's a YAPPER😅) but I've just learned over the last 16 years the more authentically me I am, the more you, you both become. And that's all I'm striving for is photos you look at and feel your story inside of.
⚜︎ Step one: Getting ready
First things first, where are you getting ready? At home? An Airbnb? The venue? Once we know the location we can start figuring our hair/makeup timing. Your hair and makeup team should be able to give you a pretty solid idea on how long the process with them should take especially after trial runs, which helps us build the first part of the day.
Same goes for your better half. Where are they getting ready at? What tasks do they have for the day and what time do they need to be dressed and ready?
⚜︎ Step Two: First look or no first look?
This is a question I get asked often. Should we do a first look? Answer: Do you want one?
Yup. It's literally that simple. Talk it over with your partner. If you all want a private moment before all the wedding day crowd steps in and maybe even a private vow exchange. Then do it. If you want the suspense of walking down the aisle seeing your person all dressed up for the first time. Save it. But if you do want to see each other before. Then we can plan time after getting ready and before ceremony start time. It's always a thought I want my couples to sit on. You're allowed to do whatever feels best for you all but to make sure that moment happens, we need to plan accordingly.
⚜︎ Step Three: Family Photos
Congrats! You're probably married at this point! Fast right? Unless you wanted to do a first look and get as many family photos done before hand.. then sorry.. you probably have a good hour and a half before the big kiss.
But with that being said. This is also something to consider. If you want any photos before hand. I will say. If you don't do a first look, I don't suggest many photos (besides wedding party). Let's be real. Family is hard to all get at the same location at one time and on a big day where everyone is trying to "help" they're all going 20 different ways. And if you aren't taking photos together before the ceremony, all family photos will be split. Always things to consider when making choices on timeline as well.
As far as family photos, to help best me as your photographer. If you would make a list naming off all your relatives or just people attending your wedding you want a photo with, it will help us come wedding day and photo time. We can read off names like a check list and make sure we don't miss anyone!
⚜︎Step Four: Ceremony Timing
Okay, now at this point you're DEFINITELY married. Now the next important thing... when are we all eating because I'm sure none of have us have had a legit meal all day.
Aside from making sure you're not going to fall out on me, I'm sure you're like "Tatam, what does dinner have to do with my ceremony?" Well my new bff, knowing when you want dinner is, is actually really important. It helps is decide when the ceremony should be and how much time we have between. Things to consider, Family size(based on this I can give you an estimate on how long family photos will take), are we moving locations? Do you want a cocktail hour? What time of year is it because if we need to nail golden hour photos before dinner, let's get those done. Lots of factors go into picking your ceremony time even down to timing dinner.
⚜︎Step Five: Reception
Finally, the last step. We've gotten ready, married, ate, and are about sick of Tatam taking photos of our every move. Now we get to have fun, but fun is also on a schedule on your wedding day LOL
First off, I'm a strong believer in knocking everything out of the way so there is no more plan and you can move freely about the cabin, TRUST.
So when it comes to receptions, I know we're tired but if we can just speed run some cake cutting and a few dances BEFORE guest leave, the better.
Which is why I try and have my couples think about order of their events. Are we walking in to our first dance? Are we eating food and going right into cake cutting (G.O.A.T. choice btw because you take home less wedding cake) . Are we doing games or dollar dances? Because if guest are leaving before you get the chance, we're missing out! So it's always good to think about how to want the end of the night to flow just as much as the beginning.
࿇ FAQ ࿇
How long do family photos take?
That all does depend on family size and how easily we can keep everyone together. I would say it normally takes about 30 minutes on average.
So my fiancé hates photos
That's fine, but they love you. I've seen some of the most anti photo takers in my lifetime come some of the biggest camera hogs over the years. I usually turn up the goof just enough to get everyone having a good time.
Turn around time
Wedding albums are around 60 days
Standard session are up to 2 weeks
It's scheduled to rain on my wedding day, now what?
Rain on your wedding day? They say that's good luck right? Well, plus side.. your venue should have a backup plan. As far as photos, we will work with what we can. I try and keep family and wedding party indoors but if the rain lets up and I also keep clear umbrellas in my car. So we may try and sneak you two away if we get the chance. But really don't sweat it. We will absolutely make it work.
You're based out of STL. Do you travel?
Sure do. Anything that's above 2 hours away from me does require a travel fee. But I'm happy to pack a suitcase and snacks to follow your story wherever that may be.
⚜ The fun part starts now
You’re engaged. You booked your photographer. We’ve got a plan.
Now take a deep breath and actually enjoy this season of life. I know wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but trust me when I say, we’re gonna figure it out together.
Questions? Send the text.
Need reassurance? I got you.
Pinterest spiral at midnight? Respectfully… same. I have all my socials listed below, feel free to follow on all platforms and send me all the ideas!
Thank you again for trusting me with your story. I genuinely cannot wait to celebrate with you and create photos that feel like you.
Until then, keep the good vibes rolling and I’ll see you soon!
