For the guys getting ready, we need 30 minutes. For the girls, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

For family photos, we need 30 to 45 minutes depending on the number of combinations you have. It is ideal to keep it shorter so we don’t tire you out too early in the day!

For wedding party photos, 30 minutes is usually good. If there are more than 4 -6 per side we might need closer to an hour. If your bridal party is a particularly rowdy or drunk group we might need longer to get them organized and posed.

For photos of the couple, we only need 30 minutes but longer is always great too! Or If you want multiple locations make sure you work travel time into the schedule!

Absolutely! If your venue is near a green space or some trees or even downtown or something that would be great for some photos, please leave about 10 to 15 minutes for photos!

If you would like photos with each guest, consider doing a receiving line as guests arrive for cocktails, during which each couple or family can pose with you for a quick photo. This is the best way we have found to maximize time and get a nice printable photo. Photos as messy tables with a messy background and food in front of people are not as printable and nice of a portrait.

Yes we can. If you want to do sparkler photos with words or drawings, please make sure you have 2 people dressed in all black to run around and spell things out. It has to be pitch black outside to do this, so make sure your timeline allows us to stay that late! Make sure you have LOTS of sparklers, and make sure you have some barbeque lighters, sparklers are hard to light and barbeque lighters make it easier to avoid burning your fingers!

Absolutely! I love confetti! Make sure you have LOTS of confetti, enough for like 4 or 5 rounds of photos. Also make sure you have tested out that specific brand of confetti popper before to make sure it works, has lots of confetti, and pops nicely into the air, and doesn’t just kind of fall out of the tube. Smaller confetti is better than long strings!

Absolutely they can. For the ceremony I just ask that everyone remains in their seats and is not walking around or behind you or the bridal party. Treat it like a Disney land ride, stay seated and keep your arms and legs inside your row. We don’t want people sticking arms and cameras out in the aisle during the ceremony as it might block something important. For dimly lit churches we ask that people not use flash.

For the reception any one is free to take as many photos as they please, as long as they respect us and do not block our view or jump in front of us.

We ask that other people not take photos during family photos so we can ensure all eyes are on us. That way we can also stick to our timeline better, if we allow everyone to take their own as well as us capture each posed grouping, it will delay things significantly. No one else is allowed to come along with the bridal party or couple when we are doing photos.

Yes we do! We are always prepared for all kinds of lighting situations. We have multiple kinds of lighting that we can use to best showcase the events & atmosphere of the wedding.

The best times for the most flattering light is sunrise and sunset. Typically, 2 to 3 hours before sunset is an ideal time to start shooting. Keep this in mind if you are having an outdoor ceremony, noon is the harshest light to shoot in and is the least flattering. The farther away from noon we can shoot, whether its formal photos or an outdoor event, the better it will look and the softer it will be.

If it is at noon, that’s not a problem at all, we do that all the time too!

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, make sure you take the direction of light into consideration; the best is either with or against the direction of the aisle, not sideways. That way neither of you will be facing the bright sun and unable to see whom you are marrying.

Yes we will stay; however we will bill you for the extra time. We only bill you in 15 minutes increments though, so if on the day you need just a bit more time that’s not a problem! If you need a whole hour or two more, that’s not a problem either! We only book one wedding per day, so we are yours for as long as you need us.

You can wear anything you like, but keep in mind you will be photographed. Wear something flattering. There are super cute “bride” t-shirts and tanks or hoodies and so many places you can get robes for yourself and your girls that looks so so good in getting ready photos!

I do not have a preference, I think both options are great; it just works differently for different couples. I don’t think its bad luck, that saying came from the days of arranged marriages when the couple had never seen each other. They didn’t want the groom to run away if the bride was ugly. So…I think now it’s fine if you see each other before hand! The only time I would strongly encourage it is if you have a late ceremony and there will not be enough available sunlight after the ceremony for photos.

The only list Justine requires is for family photos. Beyond that, she hopes you’ve chosen her for her signature style and artistic vision to capture your moments, memories, love, and friendships. If there’s a specific, out-of-the-ordinary shot you’d like, please share it in advance so it can be thoughtfully incorporated. Likewise, if there are meaningful details or items you want highlighted, let her know, and she’ll ensure they’re beautifully documented.

For weddings covered by the J Team, specific shot lists or vibes can be sent to Justine or her administrative assistant. They’ll review the details and pass them along to the right team member. Please refrain from sending instructions directly to your photographer to keep the process smooth and streamlined.

The questionnaire is just gathering a little bit of information about your big day. This makes it much easier for us when we go to blog your gorgeous photos! Please fill it out around two months prior to your wedding.