AMY DOST PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Guide

engagement sessions, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Bride and Groom in City Wedding

Welcome

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Congratulations on your engagement! You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting and memorable journeys of your life.

I remember how stressful it was to plan our wedding. Even as a wedding photographer I wasn’t really sure where to begin for my own day. So here’s a guide to get you started. But you should also know that I’m also always here to help you, and not just with the photos. From choosing your vendors, to taking engagement photos, to creating the timeline, to enjoying your wedding day— I’ve got you covered. Let’s do this.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Engagement Sessions

Couple at Engagement Photography Session in front of Mountain
San Diego Engagement Photographer

Vendors

We have built strong and trusted relationships with many amazing vendors over the years. However, most of them are on the East Coast where we are relocating from. We are still meeting new and incredible vendors here in San Diego and in the rest of Socal. So please bear with us as we work on finding our perfect team!

Planners

FLOWERS

Bridal Portraits

Bridal Photos in bathtub

Bridal portraits can be done before the wedding to showcase your wedding dress, hair, makeup, and bouquet before the big day. They also give you a chance to have a trial run of your bridal look. These are a great way to get some creative and stunning portraits without the time constraints of the wedding day.

CHECKLIST
Dress | Shoes | Veil | Bouquet | Rings | Hair pieces and jewelry | Stationary

The First Look

First Look Photos Engagement

 A first look is a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. It can be a very emotional and intimate moment, and it can also have some practical benefits for your wedding day.

If you aren’t sure if you want a first look, check out this page on why I recommend it:

Wedding Timeline

One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding is creating a timeline that works for you and your vendors. A well-thought-out timeline can make your wedding day run smoothly and stress-free, and allow you to enjoy every moment.

We will use the questionnaire you fill out to create the perfect timeline. Things like having a first look, getting ready and ceremony locations, and the importance you place on different moments will all play a role in how the day unfolds. I will provide some sample timelines for you to use as a reference. But in the end, the timeline will be customized to fit your needs and preferences.

Wedding Day Checklist

We love capturing all the little details that make your wedding day personal and meaningful. From your rings, to your invitations, to your shoes, we want to document every element that you have carefully chosen.

BRIDE DETAILS CHECKLIST
  • Wedding Dress
  • Rings and Ring box
  • Shoes
  • Veil
  • Bouquet
  • Hair pieces
  • Something Borrowed, Something Blue
  • Jewelry
  • Invitation Suite
  • Any sentimental keepsakes
GROOM DETAILS CHECKLIST
  • Suit
  • Groomsman gifts
  • Shoes
  • Watch
  • Bow Tie or Tie
  • Pocket Square
  • Boutonniere
  • Cuff Links
  • Socks ( if meaningful )
  • Anything Sentimental
Flatlay Details

Want to know what details to provide us for the perfect flatlay? Check out guide here:

Flatlay Details

Want to know what details to provide us for the perfect flatlay? Check out guide here:

Family Formals

Wedding Party Hugging and Celebrating in Black and White Photo

You know your relationships better than I do. So instead of providing a list of photos for you, I prefer providing the tactics for making the list. When creating the list for family photos, I recommend writing out every single combination of people that you want.

Go into it with the idea that if it isn’t listed then you won’t remember it. So if you want a picture with just you and your mom, don’t assume you’ll remember that just because you have one with your mom and dad together.

So for that example, the list might look like:
[your name] + [fiancĂ©’s name] + [mom’s name] + [dad’s name]
[your name] + [mom’s name] + [dad’s name]
[your name] + [mom’s name]
[your name] + [dad’s name]

It might sound like overkill, but the goal is for you to not have to think at all on the wedding day. Also be sure to use names instead of your relationship to the person. Looking for “Suzie” is easier than looking for “Joe’s aunt on his mom’s side.”

A lot of couples choose to do family formals before the ceremony and I LOVE it. It’s one less stressful thing to have to do later on. Plus, it gives you more time for portraits as a couple or just time enjoying cocktail hour.

Overall, the most important way to have family photos run smoothly is the set up beforehand. Take the time before the wedding to let these people know they’ll be needed for photos. You might consider having the officiant announce the location before the ceremony starts.
Protip: Make sure they specify it’s for the people who were informed of it beforehand. Otherwise you’ll have every guest waiting for their photo op. 

KIND WORDS

“We could not believe the way she and Tyler wrangled our combined families of 40+ people for photos calmly and with a great sense of humor”

“…the two of them were so chill and even my most camera shy fam felt completely at ease being in front of the lens.”

-Katie s.

ALL WEDDING PACKAGES INCLUDE:

2 Photographers
Drone Operation
Printing Rights
Timeline Creation

Packages start at $6400