Welcome to your..

Wedding Welcome Guide

To the madly in love,


There is so much beauty found in a love so big between two people that they fully commit themselves to becoming one. Marriage is the largest testament to love Earth has. And love in its purest form, is art.


I am beyond honored to be chosen as the one you want to document your testament, your life of love, and your art. I will capture it all in a real, organic approach with a modern, yet timeless style.

 


FROM, RAYNA

CONTACT INFORMATION


I'm here for you through the entire prep and post process of your wedding. To get in contact with me, please reach me via email.

I will almost always reply to emails within 24-48 hours. If you don't hear a response to me within that time frame, please reach out to me again.


//fromraynaphoto@gmail.com


 

 

Wedding Welcome Guide

Table of Contents

Click to navigate.



My Love Story

MY APPROACH

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

TRAVEL COST BREAKDOWN

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

ENGAGEMENT SESSION INFORMATION

BUILDING YOUR TIMELINE

GETTING READY DETAILS

PACKING CHECKLIST

FIRST LOOKS

FAMILY FORMALS

BAD WEATHER

PRINTING YOUR PHOTOS

HEIRLOOM PREMIUM HARDCOVER PHOTO BOOK

WEDDING VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS

 

My love story

A Summer camp up north, stealing a Hallmark movie plot, and a little bit of divine intervention from God.

At the beginning of 2019, I decided to “get away” from the stresses of my college life. I went on a search to find something I could spend my time doing that would bring me purpose and career growth. Already in love with photography, I decided to pursue that avenue and see what I could find. This led me straight into an interview for a photography specialist position at an all girls summer camp in Minnesota.


I quickly accepted the offer as it included three of my favorite things in life: the outdoors, kids, and cameras. I flew into MSP only months later where I was picked up by one of the camp’s vans. To my surprise, there were boys waiting to be picked up, too. My internal dialogue was in a frenzy. “Isn’t this an all girls camp? Am I in the wrong place?” I soon found out that this camp was directly taken from your typical movie plot. Girls camp lay right across the lake from their “brother camp.” .. thank God it did.


I met Drew on the boy’s side of camp where I was convinced love at first sight is a real occurrence. We spent the entire summer growing closer with each other and once summer came to a close, lucked out to be attending different schools across the map in Wyoming and Colorado that were only one hour apart. Three years later we returned to the same summer camp and got engaged on a recreation of our very first date.. on our anniversary.. talk about the perfect Hallmark plot! The following year on September 02, 2023, we made the trip back Up North to camp say our vows on the "sunny shores of Lake Hubert."

My Approach


When people bring up the conversation of your engagement era and wedding planning, it’s often in a bad light. Everyone assumes you're stressed, running behind, and are lost in it all. And maybe you are! But that’s what makes my job so special. I get to make you smile. The one to show you the beauty of the day.. the joy shared between all the guests.. your partners eyes when they see you for the first time. I get to be the one to show you that no matter how you felt leading up to your wedding, that the day of conquers it all.


It used to scare me carrying a responsibility that big, but now it excites me. You’re meaning to tell me that I’m the one who gets the creative license to tell your love story? That’s beyond amazing. It becomes no longer a job, but rather a gift to capture every little detail of your day so that you can relive it whenever you please.

before we start,

Remember that this is your day.


Often, couples have “Will my guests appreciate this?” as one of the main motivators for their wedding day decisions. If you’re including this as a part of your planning process, the stress of what the outcome will be will never leave. To avoid the intrusive thoughts and worries about whether your guests are having a good time, eliminate the question from the beginning. The most important part of the day is the consolidation of two people becoming one. If this is your focus, I promise the guests will have an unforgettable time. What makes a wedding day so beautiful is when the power of love is undeniable. Leave the stress of people pleasing at the door.


Figure out what helps you do this- hiring a coordinator, listening to your heart, or keeping certain people out of your planning process.. and stick to it!

 

YOUR WEDDING DAY PACKAGE COMES INCLUDED WITH:

 

  • Engagement session (dependent on package)
  • Complimentary wedding day timeline consultation call
  • Access to the From, Rayna wedding welcome guide
  • A curated online digital gallery with the ability to print, download, favorite, and share from.
  • A print release form

TRAVEL COST BREAK DOWN

I charge the standard IRS mileage rate of $00.70/mi starting after a 20-mile radius from Grand Haven, Michigan. Lodging is required to be purchased when coverage extends equal to or longer than twelve consecutive hours of transportation + photography coverage combined.​


If you're hiring me for a destination wedding, a flight can be provided vs. mileage reimbursement. If taking this route, the mileage fee will be waived, and a full reimbursement for the plane ticket and ground transportation will be required.


In all lodging and transportation costs, there is no flat rate. It is based on what's available and gets booked.

 

your wedding photography timeline

 

STEP 01

 

Planning

Upon the booking process, I’ll send over a questionnaire that covers all of your wedding day basics. From here, we'll get your invoice and contract squared away. Once your deposit is paid and your contract signed, your wedding day photography services are officially confirmed!

STEP 02

 

Engagement session

It is super important to me that we get to meet and take your engagement session photos before your wedding! On top of having beautiful photos to celebrate your engagement, this is a great time for everyone to become comfortable with each other, allowing us to have a reunion together on your wedding day instead of introductions.

STEP 03

 

One Month Out

I'll send out an in-depth questionnaire to go through each step of your wedding day. Once this is filled out, we'll schedule a video call to go over everything together and plan the day's timeline and details.

STEP 04

 

Post wedding day

In no more than twelve weeks, you'll receive a carefully curated, fully edited, digital gallery full of all your favorite moments. From your digital gallery, you can print, download, favorite, and share all of your photos.

Engagement session information


Please keep in mind these sessions must be scheduled prior to your wedding date and will include an additional travel fee if located outside of a 20 mile radius from Grand Haven, MI.


The details

Sessions last around 1 - 1.5 hours

Choose up to two locations for shooting

Expect around 50+ pictures delivered


An engagement session is essentially signing yourself up for your most romantic date yet. Getting all done up to purely spend quality time lovin' on your partner. This is the perfect time to tell your love story. Maybe we take the pictures at the place you met or go on an adventure you’ve always wanted to do together (I will third wheel anywhere!).


These moments of your life matter, Let’s document them to turn an exciting finite time, into an unforgettable everlasting memory.

What to wear

I recommend keeping your outfits on a neutral color palette and without busy patterns. Earthy tones and solids are flattering to photograph, and will often complement the environment we're shooting in.

Let your clothes move with you. Flowy fabrics, natural layers like cotton, linen, and denim, all create a sense of comfort and work well with the above-mentioned color palette. You want to be able to move in your outfits! Energy in photography is movement.


Ensure your outfits complement each other, not match. You don't want to be wearing the same colors or shades. Harmony is created between complementary textures and colors! Choose outfits that feel true to yourselves, and build from there. The location we're shooting at can be a great source of inspiration. For example, if we're at the beach, draw from the blue waters, sandy beiges, and green beach grass.


Remember, if you feel comfortable, you'll feel confident!


Still stuck? Here are a few of my tried and true favorites:

Textures/Materials: Linen, cotton, denim, leather, knits.

Outfits: For the girls.. flowy maxi dresses, lighter flowy fabric tops with jeans (I will typically recommend no holes in pants), linen pants with a tank top, or a denim jacket on top of a knit sweater and trousers. For the guys.. button up shirts and a nice pair of khakis, denim jackets, jeans, and a nicer t-shirt, or neutral colored shorts.

BUILDING YOUR TIMELINE

When crafting the timeline for your wedding day, here's how much time you should expect each portion to take:

Day of details and getting ready (2 hours)

Couple portraits (45 minutes)

Bridal portraits (30 minutes)

Groom portraits (20 minutes)

First look (15 minutes)

Bridesmaids party portraits (30 minutes)

Groomsmen party portraits (30 minutes)

Bridal party portraits (20 minutes)

Ceremony (30 minutes-1 hour)

Family formals (30-45 minutes)

Example timeline

10 Hour Coverage



10:00am - Day of details and getting ready

This time is devoted to capturing the little things. I'll be creating flatlay images with your day of details, capturing you and your besties getting ready, and those special final moments while putting on your dress.



11:30am - Bridal portraits

I recommend bridal portraits taking place as soon as possible in your timeline so that your hair and makeup are fresh!



12:00pm - Bridesmaid party portraits



12:45 - Groomsmen party portraits



1:15pm - First Look



1:30pm - Couple portraits

I love taking all of our portraits as early in the day as possible. This allows us to knock out all of the "must-haves" of wedding day photography, letting you enjoy the rest of your day organically and uninterrupted.



2:00pm - Bridal party portraits



2:30pm - Bride into hiding

Take this moment as a breather before you walk down the aisle! I will, in the meantime, be capturing the ceremony and reception space fully decorated.



3:00pm - Ceremony

This slot always varies depending on the type of ceremony you have. I've seen 10-minute ceremonies and I've seen an hour-and-a-half-long ceremonies. If able, reach out to your officiant and see if you can get a rough time estimate.



4:00pm - Family formals

I like to do family portraits immediately following the ceremony. Everybody's already in the same spot and easy to wrangle. For this portion, we'll work together on crafting a very specific family portrait list of who you'd like in these formals.



5:00pm - Cocktail hour coverage



5:30pm - Grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting

My favorite reception sequence is moving into the cake cutting and bride + groom first dance straight away. Everyone's attention is still captivated and energy is high! However, the reception timeline is able to be extremely tailored to what you feel most happy with as a couple. Do what brings you joy.



5:45pm - Dinner



6:15pm - Speeches/toasts



6:45pm - Father/daughter mother/son first dances



7:00pm - Dance floor opens


8:00pm - Coverage ends

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Getting ready details

Want the snapshots of you getting ready to be as beautiful as you feel? Here are some expert tips to make sure they come out timeless and priceless.

CHOOSE A BRIGHT, NATURALLY LIT ROOM


To achieve photos with good lighting, the light needs to be easily accessible. If you have the option, try to pick a room with a lot of windows for getting ready. A well-lit area will also help when doing your hair and makeup.

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Getting ready details

Want the snapshots of you getting ready to be as beautiful as you feel? Here are some expert tips to make sure they come out timeless and priceless.

LIMIT GUEST ACCESS


I understand everyone wants to be in this room getting ready with you- these are big moments. But the more traffic you have going through, the less intimate it will feel. If you have the option, try limiting access to close friends and family who are involved in your party or the ceremony.

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Getting ready details

Want the snapshots of you getting ready to be as beautiful as you feel? Here are some expert tips to make sure they come out timeless and priceless.

DETAILS AT THE READY


Make sure you have an extra invitation, save the date, and envelope on your checklist when packing up. These, along with the little detail items like jewelry, shoes, perfume, hair accessories, etc., make for fabulous flat lay images and help preserve some of the memories from the “little” parts of your day.

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Getting ready details

Want the snapshots of you getting ready to be as beautiful as you feel? Here are some expert tips to make sure they come out timeless and priceless.

HAVE AN ORDER OF EVENTS SET


The best order of events is NOT to have the bride's hair and makeup done last. In my experience, the #1 reason a timeline starts to run behind is due to hair and makeup lasting longer than planned. If that does happen, we want to make sure that the bride is ready to continue on with putting the dress on & any other moments needed.

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Getting ready details

Want the snapshots of you getting ready to be as beautiful as you feel? Here are some expert tips to make sure they come out timeless and priceless.

DELEGATE SOMEONE IN THE ROOM TO KEEP THE VIBE UP


If you have a friend you can trust with keeping the vibes and energy on a level you want for your morning, give them the responsibility of things like making a playlist and curating these moments to fit your mood.

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PACKING CHECkLIST


Recommended Flatlay Photo Details

  • Vow books
  • Veil
  • Jewelry/Accessories
  • Shoes
  • Ring box
  • Invitation suite
  • Cuff links
  • Pocket square
  • Florals
  • Perfume/Cologne



Other Packing Recommendations

  • First aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Toiletries
  • Steamer
  • Hair accessories
  • Phone charger
  • Stain remover pen
  • Straws (sips save pretty lips!)
  • Printed schedule
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks
  • Robe
  • Hanger for dress pictures
  • Speaker (for getting ready jams!)

 

FIRST LOOKS

 

WHICH "FIRST LOOK" IS RIGHT FOR YOU?


That’s the big question. The big question, with no right answer.


The moment the Bride and Groom lock eyes for the first time on their wedding day is absolutely magical. This sense of magic doesn’t change if your first look is walking down the aisle or prior to the ceremony.


Let me insert a reminder here that this day is for, and about, you. There may be many vendors or family members trying to persuade you a certain way, but only you know what you truly want. And if you need help deciding what it is you want, here are some things to keep in mind..

Benefits of a first look before the ceremony

 

MORE TIME FOR PICTURES


If you’re waiting to see each other till the ceremony, that means most of the portraits will have to be taken after it concludes. In this case, family pictures immediately follow the ceremony, then the wedding party, then couple portraits. With this timeline, it’ll typically run well past cocktail hour. With a pre-ceremony first look, we’re able to schedule wedding party and couple portraits prior. This helps the evening feel less rushed, and gives more time to truly soak in the first moments of being newlyweds.

ENSURES ALONE TIME


As soon as the ceremony starts, it’s full steam ahead. A pre-ceremony first look gives you a chance to have some quiet time alone, shake off some nerves, and talk to each other.

ENJOY COCKTAIL HOUR


After family pictures wrap up, you can head straight into enjoying yourself and spending time with your guests at the cocktail hour/start the reception. If your wedding party isn’t part of the family, they’ll get to enjoy it, too!

EVERYTHING WILL BE FRESH


As soon as your hair and makeup are finished and you get dressed, we can move straight into all kinds of portraits. This leaves no time for makeup to smudge or hair to fall out- it’ll all be freshly done!





WHY YOU MAY WANT TO SKIP A FIRST LOOK

 

LESS TIME TO GET READY


Any addition to your timeline pre-ceremony means you'll be giving that time from somewhere else. Normally, that sacrifice will be less time available to get ready.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL MISS THE INTERACTION


If it's important that those closest to you get to witness this moment, a first look down the aisle next to a crowd is the way to go.

GOING AGAINST "TRADITION"


If you've spent your whole life imagining seeing your significant other at the end of the aisle for the first time, a first look may not be right for you! I will say that a first look does not take away from the magical feeling you get walking down the aisle. Whatever is best for you will still make it feel like part of your fairytale.

CONSIDERING A "FIRST TOUCH"


If you want an interaction with your partner before seeing them for the first time, consider doing a "first touch" instead!




FAMILY FORMALS

a moment for the people who have loved you through it all

I recommend photographing family formal portraits as soon as the ceremony has wrapped up and you’ve sent your guests off to their next destination.


On the last questionnaire I send just before your wedding month, you’ll be asked to list every family combination you want photographed. Keep in mind when scheduling that each photo combination for a large group (10+ people) can last up to five minutes. Smaller groups consisting of less than 10 people typically take 2-3 minutes each.

EXAMPLE FAMILY FORMAL LIST


Client #1 Family

Couple with immediate family + grandparents

Couple with grandparents

Couple with immediate family

Couple with parents

Couple with siblings

Client #1 with mother

Client #1 with father

Client #1 with siblings


Repeat for Client #2’s family.

What happens if we get bad weather?


The wedding day can’t be rescheduled due to rain or a less-than-ideal forecast, but slight alterations may be made. If you have an outdoor ceremony or portraits scheduled, we can try to wait out the weather. I am here for each of your decisions, whether it be to wait and see or embrace what God has given.


As for myself, I love rainy wedding days. Anything that switches things up from the ordinary brings a new element of fun to the day. It forces people to let a little loose and not focus so much on how every detail is supposed to look and go.


In the end, whatever you feel is right, I am there to support you.

 

PRINTING YOUR PHOTOS

 

There’s something special about holding a memory in your hands. Tangibility prints bring your photos to life in a way digital images can’t.


Printed photos can take many forms — albums, framed prints, canvases, or even something to keep in your wallet. Giving your images life beyond a screen creates heirlooms that can be passed down through generations. I’ve seen photos from my grandparents’ wedding day, and I know my own children will one day see mine — and that just feels right.


From the digital gallery you receive after your session, you’ll have the option to print your photos. After testing many print labs, I’ve partnered with MPix, known for its excellent quality, customer service, and fast shipping. They’re also based in a small Kansas town near where I grew up, which makes pairing with them even more meaningful.


Please avoid printing your photos at drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, as their machines often distort colors and lower image quality.

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Printing from your gallery

Log in and open your gallery

Go to your gallery link and log in, then click View Gallery. From here, navigate to the image/s you'd like to print.

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Printing from your gallery

Select photos for printing

Hover your mouse over an image and click the Shopping Bag icon that appears.

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Printing from your gallery

Choose print options

Select your preferred products from the options, such as prints, canvases, or framed photos.



For this tutorial, a 4x6" photo print has been selected to be printed..

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Printing from your gallery

Add to cart

Choose the style, size, and quantity for each item and add it to your cart.


On this step, it is extremely important to ensure the crop you have selected fits your image. If your image is originally a 4x6", it will only fit variations of that size. For example, if you choose to print an originally 4x6" sized image as an 8x10", the edges of your photo will be cropped.

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Printing from your gallery

View Cart

Once you have added all of the products you'd like to purchase to your cart, click the View Cart button.

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Printing from your gallery

proceed to checkout

Look over all of the products you are purchasing to ensure everything in your cart looks right, then click the Proceed To Checkout button.

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Printing from your gallery

Complete your order

Enter your billing and shipping information and select your payment method to complete your order. A confirmation email will be sent to you once you have placed your purchase.

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Preserve and display your session with an


Heirloom premium hardcover photo books


Photo books are a meaningful way to preserve and share your memories beyond the digital screen. They tell your story in a tangible, lasting form — something you can hold, flip through, and revisit for years to come. It’s a timeless keepsake that can be enjoyed by you, your family, and future generations.

 

Specially curated

From, Rayna

If you'd like to purchase this service, please email me with your preferred options.


// fromraynaphoto@gmail.com

 

Each photo book features a professionally bound hardcover with high-quality, lay-flat pages with a customizable linen or full-wrap custom image cover.


All available customizable options are listed below.

CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS

book size

Square:

  • 10x10" ($200.00)
  • 12x12" ($215.00)

Rectangle:

  • 8.5x11" ($200.00)
  • 11x8.5" ($200.00)


Prices listed reflect a 20-page book.

Additional pages can be added for $5.00 each.

Paper type

  • Semi-gloss photographic paper
  • Glossy photographic paper
  • Matte book stock press paper
  • Deep matte photographic paper

cover options

  • Linen (optional dust jacket)
  • Custom image
  • Letter debossing available in black, white, silver, or gold (additional $30.00 charge)

linen cover colors

Every premium hardcover photo book is color-checked, printed, assembled, and packaged by the team at my partnered print lab. Their giclee printing method provides higher image detail than traditional photographic printing processes. Featuring seven dye-based inks, this modern technique, paired with high-quality paper, offers vibrant color reproduction and enhanced clarity.

WEDDING VENDOR RECOMmENDATIONS

VIDEOGRAPHERS

| Paige Metcalf Creative

paigemetcalf.com


| Holly Kell Creative

hollykell.com

HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS

| The Beauty Gals

@thebeautygalsofficial

thebeautygalsofficial@gmail.com

DJs

| Jelliefish Productions

jelliefishproductions.com


| Ace Wedding DJs

aceweddingdjs.com

PLANNERS & COORDINATORS

| In The Details Weddings

inthedetailsweddingplanning@gmail.com


| One:Twelve Weddings

@onetwelveweddings_

onetwelveweddings.com


| J Taylor Events

@jtaylorevents

jtaylorevents.com