BEAU VAUGHN
Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding Photography
Q: How do I plan my photographers start/stop times?
A: You get to choose what times you want our team present during your big day! Our photographers are staffed for 8 hours each and can be staggered by up to 2 hours from their start times. An example of this is:
Photographer #1: 12:00 - 8:00p.m.
Photographer #2: 2:00 - 10:00 p.m.
As you can see, each photographer is scheduled for 8 hours, but is staggered by 2 hours in their start time, so the coverage during the day is 10 full hours
(12pm-10pm).
We usually suggest looking at your timeline and determining if you need more coverage at the beginning or end of your day. If you are planning a grand exit at the end of the night and want it captured, it's easiest to start with the time the photographer will leave and work backwards. However, if you don't have a grand exit or don't plan on coverage for the full day, we recommend starting our team the last hour of getting ready.
Q: What are some general guidelines when planning/making a timeline?
*Getting ready coverage: We normally suggest having your photographer present for about 45-60 minutes of getting ready photos. This allows enough time to get detail shots and the finishing touches on hair & make-up, as well as getting the gown on.
*Family photos: Formal family photos usually take between 25-45 minutes depending on how many different combinations of family members you are planning. If you aren't seeing each other before the ceremony, you can still do some shots ahead of time if you choose: ex: Bride with family, Groom with family, etc. Most of the time, we usually see all family photos taken after the ceremony when guests leave. Have all family stay present and we will call each combination up from your paperwork our team receives before your big day.
*Bridal party photos/couple photos: Again, some of these can be completed prior to the ceremony whether or not you plan on seeing each other first or not. I would plan to allow 30 minutes with the bridesmaids and 30 minutes with the groomsmen. We can also do some individual shots during this time as well. You will want to be tucked away at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, so if any off-site photos are taken around the city/area, we will need to plan accordingly.
*Off-site photos: If you are planning to take photos with your wedding party around the city or at different locations other than the ceremony or reception location, we usually recommend 2-3 hours for these photos. We are happy to provide suggestions of different locations around the Kansas City area. If your wedding is happening outside of Kansas City, we are familiar with several other locations and would be happy to give suggestions.
*Reception: Unless you are planning a grand exit, we normally recommend no more than 2-3 hours of reception coverage. That is usually plenty of time to get the main events as well as some open dancing photos.
Q: Can I see an example timeline WITH a first look?
A: Sure! Based on a fictional wedding where the bride and groom share in a first look and have a grand exit, here is what our team suggests:
12:00 p.m. - Photographer #1 arrives
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Ladies finish getting ready
1:15 p.m. - First look with Dad
1:30 p.m. - First look with Groom
2:00 p.m. - Photographer #2 arrives
2:00 p.m. - Wedding Party get on bus for off-site photos
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Off-site photos around the city
4:45 p.m. - Arrive back at venue
5:00 p.m. - Wedding party tucked away before guests arrive
5:30 p.m. - Ceremony Start Time
6:00 p.m. - Ceremony End Time
6:15 - 6:45 p.m. - Family Photos / Cocktail hour for guests
7:00 p.m. - Grand Introductions of Wedding Party
7:15 p.m. - Cake Cutting
7:20 p.m. - Toasts
7:30 p.m. - Dinner is served
8:00 p.m. - Photographer #1 departs
8:30 p.m. - First Dance Bride/Groom
8:35 p.m. - Father/Daughter Dance
8:40 p.m. - Mother/Son Dance
8:45 p.m. - Open Dancing Starts
9:30 p.m. - Bouquet/Garter Toss
9:55 p.m. - Last song / Sparkler Exit Announcement
10:00 p.m. - Grand Exit/Sparkler Exit
10:00 p.m. - Photographer #2 depart
If you have a different type of day layout, or a ceremony in mid-afternoon, we are happy to help with a personalized timeline via email. Please reach out to us via: weddings@beauvaughn.com for help!
Q: Can I see an example timeline WITHOUT a first look?
A: Sure!
11:00 a.m. - Photographer #1 arrives
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Ladies finish getting ready at church
1:00 p.m. - Photographer #2 arrives
1:00 p.m. - Ceremony Start time
2:00 p.m. - Ceremony End Time
2:10 - 2:30 p.m. - Family Photos at Church
2:30 p.m. - Wedding party photos at Off-Site locations
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Cocktail hour at Venue for guests
6:05 p.m. - Grand Introductions of Wedding Party
6:15 p.m. - Dinner Blessing and greeting
6:20 p.m. - Dinner is served
7:00 p.m. - Toasts
7:00 p.m. - Photographer #1 departs
7:30 p.m. - Cake Cutting
7:35 p.m. - First Dance Bride/Groom
7:40 p.m. - Father/Daughter Dance
7:45 p.m. - Mother/Son Dance
8:00 p.m. - Open Dancing Starts
8:45 p.m. - Bouquet/Garter Toss
9:00 p.m. - Photographer #2 departs
8:45 - 11:00 p.m. - Open Dancing continues
If you have a different type of day layout, or a ceremony in mid-afternoon, we are happy to help with a personalized timeline via email. Please reach out to us via: weddings@beauvaughn.com for help!
Q: We are having a break after our ceremony. Can your photographers stop shooting then start again?
A: Unfortunately, all of our coverage is consecutive, so you must use all 8 hours without any breaks. Any breaks in coverage will count towards your 8 hours.
Q: Do we have to provide a meal for your photographers?
A: No. You are not required to provide any food or beverages for our team throughout the day. However, if you would like to offer them dinner, they would be grateful. If we do take a break to eat, it is very quick (approximately 10 minutes) and we will be back up and working for you to capture your beautiful wedding day!