WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WELCOME GUIDE
KALEN JESSE PHOTOGRAPHY + Co.
Thank you so much for booking with Kalen Jesse Photography Co.
We are so excited to work with you and document your celebration!
VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS, CEREMONY TIPS, FAMILY PHOTO GUIDANCE & SO MUCH MORE
These are our vows to you:
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We will take time to understand your values and vision.
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We will document your love beautifully, honestly and authentically.
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We will capture the in-between, quirky moments that capture human connection: the sporadic laughter, heartfelt hugs, windblown hair, and the tears that unexpectedly trickle down your cheeks.
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We will capture the moments as they truly are and your love story from the inside out.
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Everyone has a story, and as your wedding photographer, I will uncover and capture your unique narratives.
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We’ll create a personalized experience, customizing everything to fit your needs and ensuring you feel at ease every step of the way.
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It is our goal to curate a light-hearted and natural process, so you can be assured you WILL in fact be comfortable in front of the camera and the final product is distinctly and honestly YOU.
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We are observant and acute to our surroundings.
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We step up to guide situations and people naturally when needed, but are also unobtrusive in nature.
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Whether you need advice on your timeline or input on what jewelry to wear, we've got you. Ask us anything because we are here to make things easy for you.
WELCOME
I’m so honored you’ve trusted me to document your wedding day. I can’t wait to celebrate alongside you and get to know you more as your plans unfold over the coming months.
This guide is here to support you in creating a celebration that flows beautifully and photographs honestly — from timeline pacing to meaningful details to family photos. Think of it as a helpful compass, not a rulebook.
Thank you again for choosing to work together. I’m always here if questions come up at any point in the planning process!
Love,
Kalen
What this relationship looks like:
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ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
& WHY WE LOVE THEM
Engagement sessions are our chance to slow things down and connect before the wedding whirlwind hits. You’ll get a feel for how I shoot, we’ll build trust, and you’ll get comfortable being yourselves in front of the camera. By the time your wedding day arrives, photos won’t feel like a performance — they’ll feel second nature. Easy, relaxed, and very much you.
Planning Your Session
MAKE IT A DATE
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO WEAR
My number one guiding light for engagement sessions is to think of it as a date. Pick an activity that you actually enjoy doing together. Pack a picnic, take me to your favorite local dive bar or coffee shop. Weaving in the following elements can help make your session more than just a photoshoot.
The Essentials
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Water (hydrated humans photograph better — science)
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A light snack, just in case
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Comfortable walking shoes for easy swaps between locations
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A jacket, sweater, or layer — practical and photo-friendly
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Lip balm / makeup touch-ups / hair ties
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Phone for music, directions, or quick coordination
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Rings, if you’d like them featured
For Personality and Play
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Fur babies 🐾 (just double-check they’re allowed at your location)
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Bubbles — we love ending with a little celebratory chaos
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A blanket to sit on, snuggle into, or toss over shoulders
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Meaningful props (coffee cups, hats, books, picnic goodies, etc.)
Plan an activity - Movement creates magic. Bring something you genuinely enjoy:
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A deck of cards or favorite game
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A picnic
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Ice cream stop
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A casual walk-and-talk ritual you already love
If it feels like you, it’ll photograph beautifully.
Optional but encouraged:
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A second outfit for variety
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Sunglasses (great for in-between moments)
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A small towel or blotting paper on warm days
And finally:
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Bring a sense of openness and a willingness to lean in. The rest, I’ve got!
Engagement sessions are up to one hour. There’s usually time for two different outfits. Here are some styling suggestions to help you plan your looks:
HECK YES: Complementary color schemes, items that are comfortable + easy to move in, flowy skirts or tops that show movement, Something you feel AMAZING wearing - I want you to feel confident and like yourselves!
TRY TO AVOID: Small, intricate, busy patterns, tiny stripes, super wrinkly or linty clothes (the camera sees everything!), big logos and writing on shirts, something that just isn't YOU, something uncomfortable that needs constantly adjusted.
If you're stumped about where to start, check out Kalen Jesse Photography Co. engagement outfit inspo!
VENDOR GUIDE
THAT’LL MAKE FOR AN EPIC WEDDING DAY
On average, couples hire a team of 15 vendors for their wedding day. Here’s my list of go-to tried and true vendors that I’ve worked with or come highly recommended by my trusted industry connections. If you’re looking for a vendor category that isn’t on my list, reach out and I can get you pointed in the right direction!
PLANNERS
BAND / DJ
FLORALS
RENTALS
DESSERTS
CATERING
DRINKS
SUITS
DRESSES
HAIR AND MAKEUP
PHOTOBOOTH
DRINKS
UNLIKELY VENDORS
YOUR CEREMONY
This is the big moment! Walking down the aisle, honoring your love, and making it official.
Every ceremony is different; weaving in different traditions and spiritualities with elements of your own unique personalities. Here are a few pointers to consider to help make everything flow organically and feel natural.
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WEDDING OFFICIANT
Having a friend or family member officiate is incredibly meaningful — and very common. Getting ordained online is simple, and it adds a deeply personal layer to your ceremony. If you choose this route, consider having your officiant watch a free masterclass or invest in one-on-one coaching with the wonderful Heather Baron. A prepared officiant helps the ceremony feel grounded, confident, and beautifully seamless.
One very important photographer note: please ask your officiant to step to the side before your first kiss so their face isn’t accidentally framed right between yours in the photos. Future you will be grateful.
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CHAIRS
Yes — chairs matter. They quietly set the tone for your ceremony and appear in nearly every photo. If possible, consider skipping plastic folding chairs in favor of something that elevates the overall aesthetic. It’s often a small upgrade that makes a surprisingly big visual impact.
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THE RULE OF THREE
When it comes to your first kiss, trust the rule of three:
• First kiss — when your officiant announces it
• Second kiss — right after (this gives us a safety shot, which photographers deeply appreciate)
• Third kiss — halfway back down the aisle. Pause, soak it in, maybe even dip if that’s your vibe.
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HAND HOLDING & STANCE
You don’t have to hold hands the entire ceremony, but do stay close — within easy hand-holding distance. Standing centered and connected keeps the moment feeling intimate and prevents that awkward “gap” that shows up in photos. Small shift, big difference.
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UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
An unplugged ceremony keeps the moment present, emotional, and distraction-free. Ask your officiant to invite guests to silence their phones and keep them tucked away until the ceremony ends.
If you still want guest photos, build in a quick photo moment right after the first kiss before encouraging everyone to put phones away again. Best of both worlds.
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PROCESSIONAL PACE
Walk slowly. Then slow down a little more. Nerves make everyone speed-walk like they’re late for a flight. A relaxed pace feels more intentional, allows guests to truly take you in, and gives space for beautiful photos. Deep breath. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
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HOLD THE KISS
When you kiss, linger for a few seconds longer than feels natural. What feels like forever in real life is actually perfect in photos. Think soft pause, tiny smile, maybe a forehead touch after. Cinematic magic.
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READ YOUR VOWS WITH INTENTION
If you’re reading personal vows, hold the paper low enough so your faces stay visible. Speak slowly, pause often, and look up at each other. Give your vows room to breathe.
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LIGHTING & CEREMONY TIME
Whenever possible, schedule your ceremony so the sun is gentle rather than harsh — typically 1–2 hours before sunset outdoors. Soft light creates warmer skin tones, fewer squints, and that dreamy glow everyone loves. Nature doing her best work.
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TAKE ONE PAUSE TO SOAK IT IN
Before walking back down the aisle, take one quiet second together. Look at your people. Feel the shift. Be present and let the moment land.
These tiny pauses are often the most meaningful memories of the entire day. And yes… they photograph beautifully too.
THE SECRETS TO
CANDID DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOS
If you’re here, chances are candid, documentary-style photos matter to you. Same here. The real magic lives in the unscripted moments....
the quick glances, quiet laughs, and in-between seconds that carry you right back to how it all felt.
So what’s the secret to beautiful candids?
Being fully present.
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Giving yourselves space + time.
Try to avoid a timeline that feels packed, rushed, or ruled by a checklist. I will help you with this! Leave room to slip away with your partner, linger in conversation with guests, or share a meaningful toast with your wedding party. Those unhurried moments are where the story truly unfolds.
FIRST LOOK OR NOT TO FIRST LOOK
Seeing your partner for the first time on your wedding day is unforgettable—whether it happens in a quiet first look or in that sweeping moment as you walk down the aisle. Both are meaningful in their own way. Wondering if a first look is right for you?
I’m personally a big fan of first looks for several reasons. If you’re deciding what feels right, here are a few things to think about:
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QUIET MOMENT TOGETHER
Wedding days move fast. From the moment everything begins, you’re surrounded by people, plans, and excitement. A first look creates intentional space for just the two of you (with me photographing from a respectful distance) to pause, breathe, and take in what the day truly means.
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A SMOOTHER TIMELINE
With a first look, we can capture portraits of the two of you, your wedding party, and even some family photos before the ceremony starts. This helps the day feel more relaxed and gives you more freedom to enjoy cocktail hour and the celebration that follows—rather than spending that time on photos.
It also offers flexibility if weather or timing shifts, since we’ve already captured many of the most important moments earlier in the day.
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SPACE FOR REAL EMOTION
A first look allows you to feel everything fully, without an audience.
You can laugh, cry, and hold each other for a moment—
then have time to freshen up before the ceremony begins.
TIMELINES
Whether you decide on a first look or prefer the traditional aisle reveal, we’ll build a wedding day timeline that fits you beautifully. Explore the sample schedules below for a helpful sense of when photography typically happens throughout the day.
WEDDING DAY
FIRST LOOK
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12:15 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos
1:00 pm | Getting ready photos
1:15 pm | Final touches / Fully dressed
1:30 pm | Couple’s first look & portraits
2:00 pm | Wedding Party Photos
2:45 pm | Family Photos
3:30 pm | End pre ceremony wedding photos
3:30 pm | Ceremony detail shots
4:00 pm | Ceremony
4:30 pm | Extended family photos / Sign License + cocktail hour
5:00 pm | Reception setup details
5:30 pm | Guests invited to take their seats
5:45 pm | Grand Entrance + welcome toast
6:00 pm | Dinner Service
7:00 pm | Toasts
7:15 pm | Cake cutting into first dance + special dances
7:25 pm | Dance floor opens
8:15 pm | Photographer departs
NO FIRST LOOK
12:30 pm | Coverage begins & detail photos
1:15 pm | Getting ready photos
1:30 pm | Final touches / Fully dressed
1:45 pm | Partner 1 & Wedding Party
2:15 pm | Partner 2 & Wedding Party
2:45 pm | Ceremony setup and details
3:00 pm | Guests begin to arrive
3:30 pm | Ceremony
4:00 pm | Family Photos + cocktail hour begins
4:30 pm | Full wedding party photos + second photographer captures reception setup (couple will miss most if not all of cocktail hour)
5pm | Newlywed Portraits
5:15 pm | Grand Entrance + first dance
5:30 pm | Dinner Service
6:30 pm | Toasts
6:45 pm | Special Dances + cake cutting
7:00 pm | Golden hour photos
7:00 pm | Dance floor opens
8:30 pm | Photographer departs
FAMILY PHOTOS
This part of the day can easily become the most stressful and tiring if it isn’t thoughtfully planned. Below, you’ll find helpful tips, simple strategies, and sample shot lists designed to keep everything running smoothly and feeling effortless.
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CROWD MANAGEMENT
Designate a wrangler
Choose a trusted friend or family member to help gather people for photos. This person should recognize everyone on the list and keep things moving—bonus points if they’re not needed in many of the photos themselves.
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MAKE A CLEAR LIST
You’ll include your family groupings in the wedding photo questionnaire you’ll receive ahead of the day. Please list everyone by first name so I can call people out quickly and confidently. (There’s a customizable template below to make this easy.)
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KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET
Family portraits are meant to be efficient. Each grouping usually takes about 2–3 minutes, so think intentionally about which combinations matter most to you and how you want to spend your time on your wedding day.
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GIVE EVERYONE A HEADS UP
Family photos go much faster when everyone knows the plan. Let your people know where to be and when, so we’re not playing hide-and-seek while the party waits.
Tips and Tricks for Family Portraits
FAMILY SHOT LIST TEMPLATE:
PARTNER ONE'S SIDE:
P1 & P2 + PARENTS
P1 + MOM
P1 + DAD
P1 & P2 + PARENTS & SIBLINGS
P1 + PARENTS AND SIBLINGS P1 & P2 + SIBLINGS
BOTH SIDES TOGETHER:
P1 + P2 + all parents
P1 + P2 + all siblings
EVERYONE
PARTNER 2'S SIDE:
P2 & P1 + MOM & DAD
P2 & P1 + MOM
P2 + DAD
P2 & P1 + PARENTS & SIBLINGS
P1 & P2 + SIBLINGS
P2 + SIBLINGS
P1 & P2 + GRANDMA
P2 + GRANDMA
YOUR RECEPTION
Throughout the reception, I’ll be documenting the toasts, dancing, and all the candid moments unfolding between you and your guests. I’m also always available to capture photos with anyone who may not have been included in the formal portraits earlier in the day.
I recommend planning your special dances—such as parent dances, the Horah, or other meaningful traditions—toward the beginning of open dancing. This helps ensure these important moments are beautifully photographed, even if the timeline happens to run behind.
GALLERY DELIVERY
EDITING TIMELINE
You’ll receive a handful of sneak peeks within the first week after your celebration. From there, I’ll carefully hand-edit your full gallery, which will be delivered within 8–12 weeks. Once it’s ready, you’ll receive a personalized online gallery where you can relive the day and share the images with loved ones if you’d like.
DIGITAL GALLERY
Your completed gallery will arrive by email and will include high-resolution images ready for print and download. The gallery will remain active for at least one year. I always recommend saving your images in multiple places—such as cloud storage and a physical hard drive (details below)—to ensure they’re safely preserved for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
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PRINTING & BACKING UP
YOUR GALLERY
Recommended Backup Method
Because these memories deserve more than a hard drive.
Did you know 22% of hard drives fail after just four years?
And flash drives? They last anywhere from 1–10 years on average.
Better safe than sorry — the more copies of your photos in different places, the better. Here’s my recommended method to keep your wedding memories safe for generations:
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Download your entire gallery to one or two of your own hard drives.
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Save another copy on a portable hard drive and store it at a trusted relative or friend’s home.
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Upload your full gallery to a secure cloud service such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
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Print your photos! Digital files are fleeting, but printed images have a beautiful kind of permanence. Whether you choose loose prints or an heirloom album, holding your photos in your hands brings your story to life in a way a screen never can. I offer 15% off prints within the first month of your gallery delivery :)
You can easily order professional-quality prints and albums directly through your online gallery — they’re made to stand the test of time, just like your memories.
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Check in every few years. If (when) a hard drive fails, replace it so you’ll always have plenty of safe backups.
Wedding Planning Resources
Let’s make this journey feel as inspired and effortless as your love story. Browse the posts below to ground your plans in authenticity, joy and vision.
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I Just Got Engaged! Now What?
A refined kickoff guide to your fiancé(e) chapter: celebrate, dream together and build your foundation with intention. (Kalen Jesse) -
How to Save Time + Money While Designing Your Dream Wedding Aesthetic (and have less waste!)
Practical elegance: smart planning strategies so your wedding looks and feels like you — without burnout or extra waste. -
Tips for a Stress-Free Denver Wedding Experience
Because your wedding day should feel like your love story, not a checklist. Soft buffers, mindful choices, breathing room for magic. (Kalen Jesse) -
How to Get Married at the Denver Courthouse
For the couples who want authentic, intimate, and beautifully simple — a guide to elopements or micro-weddings in the Mile High city. (Kalen Jesse) -
The Magic of a First Look: Why You Should Consider One for Your Wedding Day
A perfect posture into the moment before your “I do”: understanding the emotional and photographic benefits of that shared, quiet reveal. -
Everything you need to know about getting married and planning a wedding in Denver....
Honest reflections and behind-the-scenes on elements that help shape your day—so you can pick wisely and plan boldly.
