Hi, I'm Stephany
I’m a New Mexico wedding photographer focused on capturing real, connection-driven moments as they naturally unfold.
I work with couples who want to feel present on their wedding day, not pulled away from it, and who care more about how it felt than how it looked.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to connect.
Formal photos during a wedding are some of my favorite images to capture. These photos showcase the important people in your life who are with you on your special day. From parents and close family to your wedding party and friends, these images highlight the people who matter most. Here are a few tips for creating your list of people to include:
1. Consider Every Combination: Each combination of people is a separate photo. For example, a photo of the couple with both sets of parents or a group photo of siblings requires separate attention. Smaller combinations, like each of you with your parent(s), take less time, while larger groups need more time.
Example List:
- Couple + Everyone
- Couple + Parents + Siblings + In-laws + Kids
- Couple + Siblings + Kids
- Partner 1 + Siblings
- Partner 1 + Parent 1
- Partner 1 + Parent 2
- Partner 1 + Both Parents
- Couple + Parents
- Couple + Both Sets of Parents
- Partner 2 + Both parents
- Partner 2 + Parent
- Partner 2 + Sibling
- Partner 2 + Sibling + Nephew
- Partner 2 + Nephew
- Couple + Officiant
- Couple + wedding party
- Partner 1 + Best Man
- Partner 2 + Maid of Honor
2. Prioritize Comfort and Convenience: Start with larger groups, then move to groups with kids or those who might need extra assistance, like grandparents. This approach helps ensure everyone is comfortable and can join the cocktail hour or find a shaded area if needed.
3. Estimate Time Efficiently: Determine how long family formals will take by counting the number of combinations. For example, with 18 combinations, allowing about 1 to 2 minutes per photo gives a good estimate. Adjust for larger groups and young children, which may require more time.
4. Add in a Little Buffer Time: It's always a smart move to add some buffer time to your family formals. Sometimes, family members might wander off to grab a drink, find someone, or just mingle. While it would be great if everyone stayed put, that's not always what happens. To keep things running smoothly, make sure to build in a bit of extra time, just in case. I’ve even had family members try to "hide" or act like they didn’t know it was time for photos because they weren't too keen on being in pictures. Adding a little buffer time means we can still catch those moments and make sure everyone is included.
5. Plan for Flexibility: If the process goes faster, it opens up time for additional couple photos, wedding party formals, time to join the cocktail hour , or even time for you to have a completely private break. It's always best to plan for more time than to start with not enough.
6. Include Additional Requests: If you want wedding party-only photos or specific guest photos outside the planned formals time, make separate lists for these. I’ll do my best to accommodate all your requests!
Wrapping It Up:
Planning your wedding day family formals doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can create a timeline that keeps things comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved. By prioritizing comfort, estimating time wisely, and adding in a little buffer time, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and relaxed photo session. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating with your loved ones, so let’s make sure we capture those special people without any stress. Together, we’ll create a seamless and memorable experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.