Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Ultimate Photography Planning Guide

By Eugénie Smirnova

Your perfect Wedding in South of France

Welcome and congratulations on your engagement!

In this guide, I will not only share invaluable insights into planning your dream wedding photography experience but also unveil some of the most picturesque locations and top-notch vendors this region has to offer. With years of experience and a passion for saving memories of love stories with my lens, I’m thrilled to start  this journey with you.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Planning your wedding photography services

Step1. Send me a message via DM, email, or my website contact form. What is the date and the venue of your wedding (I need to be sure I am available). Share a bit about your vision, wedding date, and any special requests you may have.

Step 2. Let’s arrange a video-call or personal meeting (if possible)  where we can discuss your plans, preferences, and get to know each other. Another important aspect of our chat is to ensure we’re a perfect match! Since we’ll be spending a significant part of your big day together, it’s crucial that we connect both personally and professionally. Let’s make sure the vibes are just right for your special day!

Step 3. Choose your perfect package: In spite of the fact I have the examples of pre-built packages on my wedding website page I prefer more tailored approach as any wedding is unique and I want your photos to be perfect. So we will discuss your schedule and preferences and choose the best package for you. 


Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide
Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Step 4. Fill in the pre-wedding form. The link is here. I will be needing all the important information to prepare the agreement. Your input ensures we have everything in place for your special day.

Step 5. Secure your date Once we’ve crafted the perfect package, it’s time to secure your date. Signed agreement and a 20% deposit ensures that your wedding day is exclusively reserved for you.

Step 6. Engagement Session (Optional): Consider adding an engagement session to get comfortable in front of the camera and capture the pre-wedding excitement. It’s a delightful addition to your love story!

Timeline  of the wedding day

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Details

I always arrive in advance to take photos of all the details: dress, rings, cufflinks, bouquet, decorations. I know how much effort it was and it is important to take photos of all these details. And also later you can use them for you photo album.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Preparations

Usually first goes groom and his friends as they take less time to prepare. And of course bride. I take photos of last touch of makeup brush, bridesmaids helping to fasten the buttons on the bride’s dress. Maybe glass of champagne

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

First look

Before the ceremony, I highly recommend scheduling a first look session, where you and your partner have a private moment to see each other for the first time. This intimate exchange of the most genuine emotions to be captured also eases any pre-ceremony jitters. 

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Bridal and groomsmen party

Following the first look, we’ll gather your bridal party and groomsmen for a fun and relaxed photo session. Whether it’s a chic urban backdrop or the rustic charm of a countryside setting, this is the perfect opportunity to capture the camaraderie and excitement of your closest friends as they surround you with love and support.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Ceremony

As you exchange vows surrounded by your nearest and dearest, I’ll discreetly capture every fleeting glance, every tender gesture, and every unspoken emotion. Whether you’re saying “I do” beneath a canopy of trees or against the backdrop of a centuries-old chateau, these are the moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Confetti

After the ceremony, celebrate the newlyweds with a joyous confetti toss! It’s a magical moment filled with laughter and excitement, and I’ll be there to capture every colorful burst as you’re showered with love and well wishes from your guests.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Group photos

After the ceremony, we’ll arrange for group photos with your family and friends. These timeless shots capture the love and connection shared between generations and cherished friends. Whether it’s a formal lineup or a more candid arrangement, I’ll ensure that every smile and embrace is immortalised for years to come.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Bouquet Toss

Before dinner, gather your single friends for the bouquet toss tradition. It’s a playful and lighthearted moment that always results in some fantastic candid shots as eager hands reach for the bouquet. I’ll be ready to capture the excitement and anticipation as the bouquet finds its new owner.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Dinner and Speeches

As the celebration continues, we’ll capture the heartfelt moments shared during dinner and speeches. Whether it’s the tender glances exchanged between you and your partner or the emotional words spoken by loved ones, these photos serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and support surrounding you on your special day.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Golden hour

As the sun begins to set, we’ll seize the opportunity to capture some truly magical moments during the golden hour. The soft, warm light creates an ethereal glow that adds a touch of romance to your photos, making this the perfect time for a second portrait session or for capturing candid moments against the backdrop of the picturesque French countryside.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Desert

After dinner, indulge in delectable desserts as you and your guests enjoy sweet treats together. Whether it’s a traditional French croquembouche or a whimsical dessert bar featuring an array of treats, these photos will serve as a mouthwatering reminder of the culinary delights enjoyed on your special day.

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

First Dance

Following dessert, we’ll move on to the first dance. This intimate moment between you and your partner is a highlight of the evening, and I’ll ensure that every twirl and dip is captured with grace and elegance.

As we start planning your wedding photos, remember that your day will be special and different from anyone else’s. You might have family traditions or surprises you want to capture. I’ll be here to talk about every part of your day beforehand, so you can relax and know it’s all taken care of. Together, we’ll create photos you’ll love looking back on for years to come.

Recommended locations in South West of France

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide


The South of France is blessed with the breathtaking locations, each offering its own unique charm and character. From majestic chateaux nestled amidst rolling vineyards to quaint villages steeped in history, the possibilities are endless. Allow me to guide you through some of my favorite locations, where every backdrop is a masterpiece waiting to be captured. Here is the link to the detailed information


Wedding venues in South of France


My trusted partners

Looking for the suppliers? 

I am happy to help you wwith some contacts

Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide

Wedding planners

Wedding Day by Chloe | Wedding planning service

  • Wedding Planner & Ceremony Officiant (France📍) 
  • For international brides & grooms 💫

Nicole Stark | Wedding & Elopement Planner

  • Destination Weddingplanner,
  • Out of the box Elopement Planner
  • Combining travel with ❤️ Canadian girl, Amsterdam based

Tatiana Shelia | Wedding agency 

  • Wedding planner Paris, Normandy and 🇫🇷 
  • Fr, Ru, Eng 
  • 12 years of experience in events

Marie MOREL | Wedding Planner — Officiante 

  • An organization without stress or pressure! 
  • Agency dedicated to the well-being of future brides and grooms

Videographers

Marina P. Films | Destination Wedding Videographer
• Romantic, emotional, candid ✨
• Capturing moments that matter, creating a timeless memento 🕊️
📍 France, Paris, Provence

Katy Fendall | Video creator

  • Destination wedding videographer 
  • Capturing real life moments as they happen 
  • Discreet and natural approach.

Gorgeous Wedding Films | Video creator 

  • Editorial Wedding Filmmakers
  • Reflecting the energy, love, laughter + colour of weddings on film
  • 2024 ✈️ France, UK, Mallorca, Italy & Spain

Florists

Nadezda Creation | Design florale

  • Destination wedding Artist 
  • Based in South of France available Europe
  • Romantic & Elegant

Monsieur Flower | Decorator Florist

  • Flowering facades 
  • Enhancing weddings with silk flowers

Makeup and hair

Natalia Shlionskaya| Makeup expert & hair stylist

  • Beauty, cosmetic & personal care
  • Make-up for all occasions
  • Thematic group & personalaised masterclass

Vita Proshchenko |Professional Makeup Artist France

  • Paris and Toulouse

Annette Carr| Health/beauty

  • Bridal Hairstylist & salon owner basedSouth west of France

I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into planning your dream wedding photography experience. I am looking forward to our upcoming meeting, where we can discuss all the details of your special day. Together, we’ll ensure that every moment is captured beautifully, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into planning your dream wedding photography experience. I am looking forward to our upcoming meeting, where we can discuss all the details of your special day. Together, we’ll ensure that every moment is captured beautifully, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Eugenie Smirnova — your wedding photographer in France

Contact photographer