One of the biggest factors that impacts the quality of your wedding photos and video? Your timeline. A well-planned schedule ensures that no moment feels rushed, lighting is at its best, and you get the romantic, cinematic coverage you’ve dreamed of. At Leah Marie Photography & Videography, we help our couples build stress-free timelines that make room for both magic and memories.
Whether you’re planning a Temecula vineyard wedding, a luxury celebration in Palm Springs, or an intimate beach ceremony in San Diego, this guide will help you plan a seamless day from a photographer and videographer’s perspective.
📆 Why Your Timeline Matters
A thoughtful timeline gives your creative team the time and light we need to capture:
- Natural, candid moments
- Artistic editorial portraits
- Full coverage of your ceremony and reception
- High-quality audio and video
- Peace of mind for you, your partner, and your planner
⏰ Sample Full-Day Wedding Timeline (With First Look)
This sample is based on an 8-hour photo and video package with a first look and sunset portraits. Adjust based on your ceremony time and season.
12:00 PM – Getting Ready Coverage Begins
Photo + video team arrives. Detail shots (dress, rings, florals), candid moments with the wedding party, and prep footage begin.
1:30 PM – Final Touches & Getting Dressed
Candid moments of robe-to-dress transition, bridesmaids first look, groom’s suit-up, and parent reactions.
2:15 PM – First Look & Private Vows (Optional)
Couple sees each other for the first time. Emotional, natural moments captured. We love doing this in soft shaded areas or tucked-away vineyard paths.
2:45 PM – Couple Portraits
Romantic and relaxed portraits while hair and makeup are fresh and lighting is soft.
3:30 PM – Wedding Party Photos
Full bridal party portraits. Energetic and fun or elegant and posed—your call.
4:15 PM – Family Portraits (Optional Pre-Ceremony)
If doing a first look, this is a great time to knock these out early.
5:00 PM – Ceremony
We capture everything with multiple angles and clean audio: the walk, the vows, the kiss, the celebration.
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour / Sunset Portraits
You relax with guests—or sneak away for 15 minutes of dreamy golden-hour portraits while the light is perfect.
6:15 PM – Reception Begins
Grand entrance, toasts, dinner, first dance, parent dances.
7:45 PM – Open Dancing + Candid Coverage
We document the dance floor energy, stolen kisses, and all the fun.
9:00 PM – Final Shots / Exit
Sparkler send-off, private last dance, or nighttime portraits to end your story beautifully.
☀️ Seasonal Lighting Tip for Temecula + SoCal Weddings
Sunset lighting is a major part of the magic in our wedding photography and videography. Here’s an approximate golden hour window by season in Southern California:
- Spring: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Summer: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Fall: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Winter: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
We’ll help you plan around this for the most flattering and romantic light possible.
🎥 Bonus: Why Timeline Planning Is Crucial for Video, Too
Great video isn’t just about showing up and pressing record. It requires:
- Space for high-quality audio setups
- Drone footage timing
- Multiple camera angle coordination
- Clean transitions and movement
Our team builds a custom timeline with every couple, tailored to your venue, vibe, and light.
✨ Let’s Build the Perfect Day Together
Your wedding should feel effortless—and your photos and video should reflect everything you felt. Whether you’re planning a Temecula winery wedding, a Palm Springs celebration, or a coastal event in San Diego, we’ll help create a timeline that honors your vision.
📍 Serving Temecula, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, Palm Springs & Southern California
👉 Let’s chat about your ideal photo & video timeline
