All you need to know!
wedding guide
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For couples who believe their love story deserves to be remembered beautifully.
I believe in real moments and chasing sunsets — in the kind of images that capture the quiet joy found in the simplest seconds together. The in-between glances. The deep breaths. The laughter that sneaks up on you. I believe in photographs that ache to be printed, placed in heirloom frames, and lived with on your walls for generations.
i'm so excited you're here.
meet your photographer, Shannon
let's get the planning started
select your wedding album
06.
plan day-of timeline
05.
book engagement session
04.
hire remaining vendors
03.
hire your photographer
02.
secure your date and venue
01.
Amanda Childs
ECLetters
Ribbons and Ink
Stationary
Planners
Video
District Remix
Bay Deejays
djs
Beautiful By Megan Horst
Studio 360
Spa in the Valley
Beauty
The Winslow Baltimore
American Visionary Art Museum
Baltimore Museum of Art
Venues City
Sugarbakers
Charm City Cakes
Cake By Jason Hisley
Sweets
Florists
Kent Island Resort
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Gibson Island Club
Venues
Your wedding should feel effortless, polished, and unforgettable. That’s why I collaborate with trusted vendors who excel at every detail — from styling and décor to music, and more. The result is a seamless, elevated experience you’ll cherish forever.
I know this industry has so many choices, but here are some of my suggestions.
Maryland
My go-to vendors
Use your engagement photos for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, or décor on your big day. They also make beautiful keepsakes for albums, thank-you cards, or social media announcements.
how to use the photos
Ultimately, the best time is when you feel ready, the season matches your vision, and there’s enough lead time to use the images for announcements and wedding details. But let's get it on the books as soon as possible.
when to schedule
An engagement session lets you capture your connection and excitement before the wedding. It’s a fun way to create lasting memories and get comfortable in front of the camera together.
why you should
It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how to have all the focus on them for photographs. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
I include a complimentary engagement session with your photography package
planning your engagement session
I have many suggestions for private farms, stone barns, fields with tall grasses to fit with that perfect country vibe.
In The Country
From Annapolis to the Eastern Shore, waterfront engagement photos shine against scenic Chesapeake Bay backdrops from Downtown Annapolis to Eastern Shore.
On the Water
I have been lucky enough to capture couples in NY the last four years. From Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise to Central park at sunset. Grand Central Station to Time square, Cafe's to bars.
New York City
Maryland and Beyond
top engagement session locations
For your engagement session, think romantic, playful, and effortlessly you—outfits that highlight your personalities while elevating every frame. Choose rich, complementary colors and textures, mix in statement pieces or flowing layers, and add subtle accessories that catch the eye without overwhelming the shot.
When determining your aesthetic, consider the story you want your session to tell—romantic and dreamy by the water, whimsical and lighthearted in a garden, or modern and sophisticated in the city—so every image feels intentional and timeless. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident and happy; when you feel good, it shows, turning each photo into a moment that truly captures you.
If traditional sessions aren’t your style, let’s plan something that fits you—whether that’s at a ballpark or football game, ice cream shop, art gallery, the beach, camping, a pickup truck in a field, a cozy coffee shop, or anywhere that tells your story, and as always, we can plan a destination session too.
what to wear and determining the aesthetic
selecting outfits & styling your shoot
Capture the laughter, love, and little moments before the big day begins
Documenting your rehearsal dinner captures the pre-wedding excitement and intimate moments with family and friends. Candid and posed portraits during this event provide a complete story of your wedding weekend and highlight connections that are meaningful to you. These images allow you to relive the laughter, toasts, and quiet moments shared with your nearest and dearest, creating a warm, full narrative that complements the energy and emotion of your wedding day.
Rehersal Dinner & Portraits
Turn your love into a story that glows after the sun goes down
Night portraits bring a dramatic, romantic element to your wedding gallery, transforming ordinary moments into something truly unforgettable. Using city lights, candles, or sparklers, these images create an ethereal, cinematic feel that can’t be replicated during the day. These images add variety to your wedding collection, giving you breathtaking, storybook moments that feel both intimate and cinematic, and they create a gallery that tells the full story up until the last moment.
night portraits
Celebrate yourself and capture a side of you that will take their breath away
A boudoir session is an intimate, empowering way to celebrate yourself before the wedding. These photos create a personal keepsake for your partner and capture your confidence and beauty in a timeless, elegant way.
Beyond the wedding, boudoir photos can become a cherished private collection, a bold gift for your partner, or a confidence-boosting reminder of your beauty and strength during this exciting chapter of your life.
boudoir photography
Your dress, your details, your moment—captured just for you
A bridal portrait session lets you showcase your dress, hair, and makeup in a relaxed setting, often before the big day. This session allows for more controlled lighting, poses, and locations, creating images that are both stunning and memorable.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to slow down and soak in the details you’ve been dreaming about—perfect to do the day of the make up and hair trail.
bridal portraits
ways to complement your wedding day photos
With your bridesmaids
With the groomsmen
With the entire bridal party
With your parents
With a brother or sister
With your grandparents
creative alternatives to a first look with your groom:
A first look is a private, heartfelt moment where time feels like it stands still. Just the two of you, sharing laughter, tears, and quiet anticipation before the world sees. These genuine emotions are irreplaceable, creating memories that photography captures in a way nothing else can. I love first looks because they give us extra time to celebrate your connection and capture beautiful images of just the two of you—without missing a single moment of your wedding day.
they're popular for a reason - trust me!
the importance of a first look
Small touches make your invitations unforgettable. Include RSVP cards, directions, accommodations, or personalized notes—layering textures or subtle accents ensures your suite becomes a cherished keepsake.
other details to add
Custom stamps and wax seals add a refined finishing touch. Whether reflecting your initials, a symbol, or your theme, these details elevate your suite and make each invitation feel intentional and special.
stamps & seals
Your envelope is the first impression your guests will have. Select a color, liner, or flap style that complements your wedding palette and hints at the sophistication waiting inside.
the envelope
The paper sets the tone for your wedding, giving guests a first sense of your style. From soft cotton to textured handmade sheets, choosing the right weight and finish turns your invitation into a tangible experience of elegance.
the paper
remembering the details:
the invitation suite
for the bride
Take care of yourself physically and mentally—rest, hydrate, and enjoy quiet moments to center yourself. Whether it’s a skincare ritual, a short meditation, or simply soaking in the company of your loved ones, these moments of self-care will help you feel confident, radiant, and fully present as you step into your wedding day with joy.
The days leading up to your wedding are full of excitement, anticipation, and details to manage. Give yourself grace and plan ahead: finalize your timeline, confirm vendors, and organize your attire and accessories so everything is ready for the big day. Small touches like having a wedding-day emergency kit and keeping your schedule stress-free will make a noticeable difference in how relaxed and present you feel.
what to expect as the bride
Getting ready is more than just hair and makeup—it’s the prelude to your entire day, filled with laughter, excitement, and those candid moments that become lifelong memories. From popping champagne and sharing inside jokes to the quiet moments of reflection before you step into your gown, these are the images that capture the joy, anticipation, and sisterhood surrounding you.
I focus on every detail—from the shimmer of your dress to the sparkle in your friends’ eyes—so that the energy, love, and playful spirit of these early hours are preserved beautifully. This is your time to celebrate, connect, and savor every moment before the day truly begins
relish in the time spent with your bridesmaids
capturing the art of getting ready
Wedding dress
Veil or any hair accessories
Jewelry - including the rings!
Shoes (wedding shoes and comfy!)
Perfume
Bouquet (and bridesmaid bouquets!)
Undergarments and garter
Robe or getting ready outfit
Copy of your invitation suite
Any gifts for those involved in the day
Your vows!
what to bring with you:
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, but a thoughtfully organized checklist ensures every detail is accounted for while keeping the process elegant and stress-free.
Use this guide to stay on track, prioritize the essentials, and make intentional choices that reflect your vision for the day.
bride's
checklist
for the groom
During photos, you’ll feel relaxed and natural, moving through moments as they happen. From adjusting ties and cufflinks to sharing inside jokes, I guide subtly when needed to preserve authentic expressions and meaningful details. Every laugh, grin, and quiet moment is documented so you can look back and remember not just the big day, but the joy and brotherhood that led up to it.
Getting ready is your time to relax, enjoy, and soak in the excitement with your groomsmen—and I’m there to capture it all, not get in the way. Play your favorite music, share a drink, toast to the day ahead, and laugh together—these candid moments of camaraderie, nerves, and anticipation are what make your wedding day so memorable. I focus on capturing the energy, connection, and genuine expressions without interrupting the natural flow of your guy time.
what to expect as the GROOM
Getting ready is your time to relax, enjoy, and soak in the excitement of the day ahead. Play your favorite music, share a drink, and toast with your groomsmen—these moments of laughter, camaraderie, and celebration are just as important as the ceremony itself.
Take a few quiet minutes for yourself to breathe and center your thoughts, double-check your attire and details, and let the anticipation build. These early hours are full of energy, connection, and joy—perfectly captured in photos you’ll treasure forever.
relish in the time spent with your 'guys'
capturing the art of getting ready
Suit or tuxedo (don't forget the vest!)
Tie and/or pocket square
Button down shirt
Socks and other undergarments
Shoes
Cologne
Boutonniere
Wedding ring, watch, cuff links
Hair gel or hair products
Any gifts for those involved in the day
Your vows!
what to bring with you:
Thoughtful preparation ensures you feel confident, calm, and fully present. From coordinating with your groomsmen and confirming attire details to planning a few quiet moments to center yourself before the ceremony, these steps help the day flow effortlessly.
Take time to enjoy the camaraderie, share laughter, and soak in the excitement—these moments of connection and anticipation are just as meaningful as the ceremony itself and make for unforgettable memories.
groom's checklist
Croissant tootsie roll jelly cookie croissant dragée. Chocolate candy gingerbread cookie marzipan icing cookie cheesecake chocolate. Gingerbread topping donut toffee wafer muffin. Tiramisu cheesecake sugar plum pudding powder apple pie chocolate bar.
exit ceremony (10:30)
Golden hour is one of the most magical times of your wedding day, and these portraits are all about capturing the warmth, romance, and soft glow of the setting sun. Whether it’s a quiet moment between the two of you or playful interaction in the fading light, I’ll guide you to create images that feel natural, intimate, and timeless. These photographs not only highlight the beauty of the evening but also preserve the emotion and serenity of this unforgettable moment.
sunset pics (7:30)
Dinner, speeches, dancing, and celebrations fill this time with energy and emotion. From the first dance to heartfelt toasts and spontaneous moments on the dance floor, I document the joy, laughter, and love that define your evening.
reception begins (6:30)
Family portraits are an important part of your day, and my goal is to make this time feel organized, smooth, and stress-free. I’ll guide each group efficiently—immediate family, extended family, and any special combinations—so everyone knows where to be and the photos flow seamlessly. While keeping the process streamlined, I capture genuine interactions, laughter, and connections, ensuring that each image feels natural, heartfelt, and timeless.
family portraits (5:30-6)
Your bridal party is full of laughter, love, and friendship, and these portraits capture the energy and connection you share. From playful candid moments to elegantly posed shots, I focus on highlighting each personality while creating a cohesive, timeless collection. These images celebrate the people who stand by your side, preserving the joy, camaraderie, and special bonds that make your day even more meaningful.
bridal party portraits (5-5:30)
This is the heart of your wedding day—the vows, the first kiss, and the beginning of your married life together. I’ll be capturing every glance, smile, and tear so that each moment is preserved in its most authentic, emotional form.
ceremony (4:30-5)
Continue couple portraits - We’ll move through natural, candid moments as well as posed shots, keeping everyone relaxed and enjoying the experience while creating beautiful, authentic memories that you’ll cherish forever
portraits (3:30-4)
If you’ve chosen a first look, this is the perfect time to share that private, emotional moment before the ceremony. And capture moments of just the two of you. After capturing the moment I like to give you some time just the two of you to have a minute. Grab a drink, take a breath and soak it in.
the first look (3-3:30)
This is the calm-before-the-celebration moment, full of laughter, anticipation, and joyful energy. Bridesmaids help with hair and makeup, groomsmen toast and share laughs, and I capture all the candid, intimate details—from dress details to cufflinks, champagne to smiles.
I like to focus on the bridal party first and then move to the groomsmen. After those initial images are captured I head back to the Bride to capture her putting on the gown and final touches before it is time to move on to the events of the day.
During this time I will also photograph details such as the invitation, rings and all the little details you will want to remember.
getting ready (1:00-3)
A wedding day timeline SAmple
From morning anticipation to evening celebration
Every wedding is unique, and so is your timeline—this sample gives an idea of the flow, but I will create a personalized timeline tailored just for you with every detail thoughtfully planned.
Not only does this enhance the experience for your guests, but it also ensures your professional photos remain unobstructed, capturing the day exactly as it unfolds. As a helpful tip, consider setting up a designated “photo spot” for those who want a few quick snapshots—this keeps the day unplugged while still letting guests participate in the fun.
An unplugged wedding allows your guests to fully experience every moment without distraction. By putting phones and cameras aside, everyone can focus on the laughter, tears, and love surrounding you, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, elegant, and deeply connected.
why your ceremony should be unplugged
Your wedding day is a story filled with emotion, beauty, and fleeting moments—and it deserves to live beyond the digital screen. I offer exquisitely designed albums, thoughtfully curated to highlight every meaningful detail of your day. From the delicate textures of your gown to the candid laughter shared with loved ones, I work with you to craft each page so that it tells your story in a way that feels personal, timeless, and elegant.
Once designed, your album is professionally printed and delivered, creating a tangible keepsake that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. I also offer parent albums, allowing your family to hold a piece of your wedding day in their hands and share in the memories for years to come. An album transforms your photographs from simple images into an heirloom—something to revisit, to relive, and to pass down through generations—so the joy, love, and magic of your wedding day can be felt again and again.
and they also make an excellent gift!
albums: a way to preserve your memories for life
Your story is made of moments—big and small, quiet and joyful—and I want to capture them all. From the anticipation of your wedding day to the laughter of family gatherings, the tiny milestones, and the everyday magic, my goal is to preserve the love, emotion, and connection that make your life uniquely yours. I love capturing clients year after year and watching your story unfold.
I approach every session with care and intention, capturing both the candid and the carefully curated moments that tell your story. These photographs become more than images—they are memories you can feel, revisit, and pass down, creating a visual legacy of your love, your family, and your life together.
i want to be your lifetime photographer
Yes, I do offer that. Please contact me for pricing.
Will you give a discount for paying in full or cash?
Six to eight weeks, but I do get you a sneak peak or two.
when can we expect to get our photos back?
I will edit all of the photos I thought told your story perfectly. Usually seven hundred to over a thousand depending on the coverage amount.
how many photos will we get back?
When the venue is 60 miles from my 21161 zip code. I do offer destination engagement sessions and wedding coverage and honeymoon sessions. For destination honeymoon sessions I offer fifty percent discount on the session fee and just have you cover travel costs.
When do you charge travel fees?
Whenever you want. As soon as you have all the details of the day finalize and know what you want I can create a rough draft and we will go over it.
when will we discuss my wedding day timeline?
Yes! We can certainly meet in person and discuss everything. I love meeting my clients even before the engagement session.
Can we meet in person to discuss the details?
frequently
asked
questions
Let's Talk!
Thank you for trusting me to capture one of the most meaningful days of your life. I’m thrilled to be part of your story, to preserve the laughter, the tears, the stolen glances, and all the little moments that make your wedding uniquely yours. From the planning to the day itself, my goal is to create an experience that feels effortless, joyful, and full of memories you’ll treasure forever.