I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you.  I have created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!

Engagement Sessions

plan your session

Vendors

WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE

Over the years, I have learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day.  I've worked with many of the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough!  This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.

WEDDING PLANNERS

FLORAL DESIGNERS

ViDEOGRAPHY

CATERING

DJ & BANDS

HAIR & MAKEUP

CAKES

attire

RENTALS 

invitations & decor

other

OFFICIANT

TOUCH OF ELEGANCE
KATE AND ALLY'S
SHORE FIRE GRILLE
BRUNO'S MEAT MARKET

SCE EVENT GROUP
BE THE GOOD
FRESH NEW ANGLE
OFF THE CHART ENTERTAINMENT
ONE OF A KIND EVENTS
SNEAK ATTACK (BAND)
THE ROCK LOBSTERS (BAND)
MISSION DANCE (BAND)

REYNOLDS GARDEN SHOP
BETINA'S AT PARKVIEW
MDS FLORAL DESIGN
NARCISSUS FLORALS
MADE OF LEAVES

RUSTIC DRIFT
3 CROWNS
STYLIZED EVENTS
OCEAN TENTS

WARETOWN BAKERY
BIG APPLE BAKERY
CARLO'S BAKERY
CHOCOLATE CAROUSEL
PALERMO'S BAKERY

SALES UNLIMITED
CASTLE COUTURE
CHAZMATAZZ FORMALWEAR
HEARTS FOR YOU BRIDAL

EVENTS BY NIKKEE
ANGELS OF LOVE
BEN HICKEY
CELIA MILTON

MKCREATIVE
ART PAPER SCISSORS
CUSTOM EVENT MAPS (HIP MAPS)
MISCELLANEOUS METHODS


LORENZO MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
MONARK MEDIA
NINO GALLEGIO STUDIOS
DELIA STUDIOS
FRESH NEW ANGLE

CIAO BELLA EVENTS
DETAILED EVENTS BY LO
WRITTEN IN THE STARS EVENTS
EVENTS BY ALLISON

SWEET HAIR PEACE
PROFILES SALON
TOP KNOTS BY AIMEE
MAKEUP BY MONICA
MAKE ME UP EVA
BEACH HOUSE SPA
GINA RITACCO MAKEUP

HONEYMOON PLANNING
MAGICAL MOMENTS VACATIONS (CHRISTINA KOKOT)

CIGAR ROLLERS
CORTEZ CIGARS
MOBILE CIGAR BAR

PHOTO BOOTHS
GIF AND GIGGLE PHOTO BOOTH
MIRRORED MEMORIES NJ
FRESH NEW ANGLE

ARTISTS
CARICATURES BY PHILIP HERMAN
EVENT PAINTING BY ADELLE MARCERO

WEDDING DAY DOG CARE
FUREVER & FUR ALWAYS

BOUQUET PRESERVATION
YOU WILL BLOSSOM
SOIL & SOUL (DIY KIT)

That moment the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical.  And this is true whether they choose to wait until they meet down the aisle or choose to do a “first look" prior to the ceremony.

First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years.  About 60% of my couples choose to do a first look on their wedding day.

While tradition is nice, there are definitely a few good reasons to think about doing a first look.  Here are 3 reasons to consider one:

Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.

Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.

1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.

When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full wedding party, and then couples portraits. If your ceremony and reception are taking place at the same location, this means you and your wedding party will have to forgo cocktail hour.

A first look opens up more flexible timing prior to the ceremony to get all of your necessary portraits done without feeling rushed, and allows you and your closest family and friends to get to try all that amazing cocktail hour food!

2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.

If you run into poor weather on your wedding day, doing a first look gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain in the morning, making us have to stick indoors for most of your portraits, we still have some time to work with after the ceremony if we want to sneak out for a few more portraits if the skies clear up.

And for all you cryers out there, if you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.

First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.

3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying

If you're wondering whether a first look is something you want to do on your wedding day, stop here.

Is a First Look Right for You?

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Wedding Day Timeline

building the perfect

Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, i have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible.

Take into consideration the recommended coverage times below to ensure a less stressful experience and maximum coverage of your day. If you ever have any questions along the way concerning the timeline, don't hesitate to reach out to me!
  • Getting Ready: 2 Hours (hair and makeup to be done by 1 hour before you need to leave)
  • Couple's Portraits Including First Look (Optional): 45 Minutes
  • Wedding Party Photos: 1 Hour
  • Family Formals: 30 Minutes

View Example Timelines

view the timeline

WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK

view the timeline

WEDDING TIMELINE WITHouT A FIRST LOOK

If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful!

If rain is in the forecast, I always have a few of these clear umbrellas in my trunk. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.

Rain Tips

If you don't own a pair of cute rain boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations. 

If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.

While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, I can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.

Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!

Wedding Day Details

I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your prep location, I need about 45 minutes to capture and style details.

I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep a well-lit space free from trash and clutter.  If you are getting ready at a hotel, sometimes giving me access to a nearby room that belongs to someone in your wedding party works best.

Put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, purse, perfume, invitation and other keepsakes together in one spot for me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!

Dress
Dress hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil and/or hair pieces
Bouquet
Perfume
Ring boxes or dishes
Jewelry
Invitation set
Any other paper stationery you have

Bridal DETAILS Checklist 

Shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff links
Tie
Pocket square
Boutonnière
Vow book
Cologne
Watch

Vow book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include

Bonus: I would love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day.  If your florist will supply me with a small bundle of extra pieces, I can incorporate those in your detail shots.

GROOM DETAILS Checklist 

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I always get some photos of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned in the week prior to your wedding day. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.

The Rings

At a minimum, your formal family photos should include your immediate family. Who is included in “immediate” family? Your parents, siblings, your siblings’ spouses and children, and grandparents. Whether or not you include any boyfriends or girlfriends for your unmarried siblings is up to you, but I always recommend including them, since my method involves a photo of every arrangement so you have plenty of variety!

If you are interested in getting some photos with extended family – aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. – I usually recommend taking those in a more informal setting later on during your cocktail hour or reception when there’s a lull around dinner time. However, I occasionally get a longer list from couples that include some must-have extended family members and it’s definitely possible to work them into the formal photo time.

When I send you your wedding prep questionnaire, I will ask you for a list of specific groupings and any sensitive situations (such as divorces or conflict).  If you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find my typical list below, using my "build up, break down" method.  This list assumes I’m working with a bride and groom, each with 2 parents, 2 sets of grandparents and siblings.

Family Formals

your entire family, dressed up and together 

  • Bride alone with paternal grandparents
  • Both with paternal grandparents
  • Both with maternal grandparents
  • Bride alone with maternal grandparents
  • Bride alone with mom & maternal grandmother (the “generational shot”)
  • Bride alone with mom
  • Bride alone with mom & dad
  • Bride alone with mom, dad & siblings
  • Bride alone with mom, dad, siblings, siblings’ significant others, nieces & nephews
  • Both with mom, dad, siblings, siblings’ significant others, nieces & nephews
  • Both with mom, dad & siblings
  • Both with mom & dad
  • Both with siblings
  • Bride alone with siblings
  • Bride alone with dad
  • Groom alone with maternal grandparents
  • Both with maternal grandparents
  • Both with paternal grandparents
  • Groom alone with paternal grandparents
  • Groom alone with dad & paternal grandfather (the “generational shot”)
  • Groom alone with dad
  • Groom alone with mom & dad
  • Groom alone with mom, dad & siblings
  • Groom alone with mom, dad, siblings, siblings’ significant others, nieces & nephews
  • Both with mom, dad, siblings, siblings’ significant others, nieces & nephews
  • Both with mom, dad & siblings
  • Both with mom & dad
  • Both with siblings
  • Groom alone with siblings
  • Groom alone with mom

family Portraits Checklist 

Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!

Consider Unplugging

If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony. 

And while it might seem like a strange request to ask guests to put down their phones and cameras, there's a pretty good reason for it!  You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras.  In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.  It also helps them be present in the moment with you.

tips for an unplugged ceremony

1. Have food delivered to your prep location. The day will be busy and it's good to make sure you and your wedding party get to eat and stay hydrated before the day really kicks off.

2. Make sure that at least one other person knows how to bustle your dress before the wedding day.

3. Have your florals delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look (if you're doing one). Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use.

4. Always plan for more time than you think is necessary for hair and makeup (I recommend estimating 45 minutes per service per person), and plan to be done with both no later than 1 hour before you need to leave for your ceremony or first look. This will allow you to take your time getting dressed and finalize all the last minute details in a stress-free environment.

Additional wedding day Tips

AFTER SHOOTING over 200 weddings since 2012, i'm happy to share a few pointers for the day of

5. Have a wedding day emergency kit of must-have items for getting ready. Things like: stain remover, dental floss, double-sided fashion tape, bobby pins, safety pins, mints, a sewing kit, tissues, pain reliever, tampons, lip gloss and spray deodorant. I'll also be bringing along my bag of goodies!

6. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to allow both sides of the family have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. We will go over this list ahead of time together and make sure I shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.

7. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!

8. I love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like my input on anything, even if you think it has nothing to do with photography, don't hesitate to email or call!

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NICOLE'S FAVORITE WEDDING DAY ITEMS

One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album.  These high quality, professionally designed albums come in a variety of fabric & leather colors.  These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.  They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.  They will be part of your family's legacy for years to come.

Albums

more details

the perfect way to remember your wedding day

I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you!  If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books.  Feel free to email me any time at info@nicoleklym.com.

If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you.  I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful.  I can't wait to see you soon!

THANK YOU!

xo,

Nicole