just scroll on through
- Jessica
Welcome to my Wedding Lounge, a special space created just for you so you can learn everything you need to know about working with J. Graeler Photography for your wedding day.
Inside, you will find a fun preview of what your engagement session can look like, a sample wedding photography timeline, wedding photo checklist ideas, trusted vendor recommendations, and so much more. My hope is that this guide helps you feel prepared, confident, and excited about the photography side of your wedding day. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, and I want this to be one thing you can take off your already full plate. If you have any questions while browsing through the Wedding Lounge, please feel free to reach out. I am always here to help.
Welcome to the JGP
wedding Experience!
Most people do not love being in front of the camera, and I understand that the thought of being photographed throughout your wedding day can feel intimidating. The good news is that my approach to wedding photography is never intrusive or overwhelming. I balance gentle guidance with a calm, unobtrusive presence so you can enjoy your day naturally and comfortably.
While I will step in with direction when needed, there will also be many moments when you will hardly notice I am there. I focus on documenting genuine moments and real connection between the people who matter most to you. I want your wedding photos to make you feel something to bring you back to the sound of a voice, the song that was playing, or the way someone smiled when they looked at you. My goal is to capture authentic emotion, natural personality, and the unique dynamics of your relationships so your images never feel cookie-cutter or generic.
What to expect
Let’s talk about bride and groom portraits.One of my favorite parts of the wedding day. I want your wedding portraits to feel as natural and genuine as possible. I know that most couples do not naturally hold hands and run through a field on a regular day, and that is completely okay. My role as your wedding photographer is to guide you with natural prompts and gentle direction so your photos feel comfortable, flattering, and true to your relationship.
During your couple’s portraits, I use a mix of fun prompts, movement, and light guidance to help you relax and connect with each other. These moments often help you forget that you are even being photographed, which allows real expressions, natural interaction, and genuine emotion to come through in your images. The more you talk, laugh, and engage with each other during these prompts, the more meaningful and authentic your wedding photos will feel.
I approach wedding party portraits with that same mindset. You chose these people to stand beside you on your wedding day because they matter deeply to you and are part of your story. I will guide your wedding party with a balance of structure, relaxed direction, and fun prompts so those images feel natural, joyful, and connected too.
portrait Process
The JGP
your getaway - Tip: Create a faux getaway if needed
reception events
1-3 hrs
romance couple session
20 min if you attend cocktail hour
cocktail hour
40 min - Usually bride & Groom Portrait time
ceremony - 20 min
bridal party + family photos
40 min - 1 hour depending on size
guys' portraits
20 min - Can easily combine with getting ready if needed
girls' portraits
20 min
the first look
10 min
detail photos
20 min
girls getting ready
30 min
guys getting ready
20 min
This is just a guide.
Go through it, and let me know what is important to you, and we will adjust to fit your perfect day!
wedding day
photo timeline
sample
Average coverage is 6-8 hours
Ceremonies by Kristen
OFFICIANT
Wedding Wishlist
THE DRESS
Simply Torn Art & Design
PAPER GOODS
Simply Sweet Sensations
BAKERIES
Cole Coleman - Luxury DJ
DJ'S + BANDS
Christine Laurentuis Floral Design
FLORISTS
Posh Beauty Co.
HAIR + MAKEUP
Championship Catering
CATERING
Enchanting weddings and events
WEDDING PLANNERS
vendor list
the
A Moment in Grace Florist
Sugar Fire BBQ
High Class DJs
The Color Room
The Sweet Divine
Detail photos make a gorgeous way to remember all the small little things that went into your special day. Here is a small list of things to remember to bring and set aside for your photographer to make these shots pop!
Veil / Hair accessories / Dress Hanger / Shoes / Rings + Ring Boxes / Perfume / Jewelry / Invitation Suite / Ceremony Program / Vows or Vow Book / Some clippings from florist / Any sentimental pieces
FOR THE GUYS
Shoes / Cufflinks / Socks / Tie or Bow Tie / Watch / Ring + Ring Box / Vows / Special love notes / Pocket Square / Boutonniere / Any sentimental pieces
photo checklist
the
GETTING READY
Flower girl in the wedding dress
Getting ready photo with Grandma
Generations photos of wedding rings
FIRST LOOK
First look with Dad, grandpa or brothers
CEREMONY
Wedding dip after ceremony in middle of aisle
FAMILY PHOTOS
Photo with B&G with all parents (both sides of the family)
Photo with B&G with all grandparents (both sides of the family)
Photo with B&G with all nieces and nephews
RECEPTION
Dance photo with niece or nephew
Dance photo with Grandparent(s)
All photos on your wedding day are special, but here are a few ideas that always make for fun and special memories! *Bring your pet, how adorable would that photo be?
Special photos ideas
I'm as excited as you are!
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You will be surrounded by your friends and family and you want everything to be perfect. Finding the perfect vendors will be the icing on the cake to make that happen.
Making sure they are a fit for you as a couple and will help enhance the day. I jump in and do whatever is needed to make things happen. I have had to help sew a bridesmaid in her dress, or steaming dresses, running to get grandparents, etc. Of course photography is my job, but I am also there as a friend to ensure everything is perfect while capturing those moments!
I'm here for you!
You hired a photographer to capture the day, as much as we can work around people, that epic shot of your entire ceremony, or you walking that is captured with Aunt Mary's ipad in the middle of the aisle is not a great shot and it NOT something that can easily be edited out.
Guests are present and can be fully engaged in the moment and share in the love. They can watch the couple say their vows instead of being distracted by their screens.
Prevents photos from being posted before the event: Unplugged ceremonies can help prevent photos from being posted online before the event is over
Unplugged for the win
Seeing each other before the ceremony can help ease pre-wedding jitters and ensure everything will be perfect. The first look creates such an intimate moment and allows the couple to share emotions privately without being the center of attention.
You can spend several hours together before the ceremony, resulting in more memories together along with more time for portraits.
With most formal portraits and group photos completed before the ceremony, the wedding timeline can be more streamlined for the reception and cocktail hour.
Consider the first look
thoughts
final
Your wedding is a beautiful new chapter of your story!
tell me more
A few tips for choosing your clothing:
* Ladies, choose your outfit first and have your man compliment one of her accent colors - If she is wearing a solid color then choose a coordinating color and tie the colors together with accessories!
*Do not forget the details such as shoes, jewelry, and have your nails ready to show off your new bling!
* Choose clothing that you are comfy in, sounds minor but this is huge!
* Avoid clothing with logos or neon type clothing. Avoid red shirts please!
what to wear
01.
tell me more
I love planning your engagement session with you! We will chat so I can learn more about you and we can find the perfect location that fits with you both!
We are lucky to have such great local parks to use for session, unique industrial locations. Of course one of my favorite places to shoot is your property or private location.
All sessions will happen during golden hour, this is the last hour and a half of the evening for the best lighting!
when + where
02.
tell me more
I know you're saving space for those wedding photos, but this session is magical too! They are great to look back on to see how you were as a couple in a more natural everyday setting, and even better they are perfect for Save The Date cards! These images also make gorgeous albums to use a guest book at your wedding!
Lots of great printing options here, so don't forget to make a special place in your home where these photos can live too!
let's print!
03.
Get a feel for what your engagement photos will look like! See the gallery below from my past couples, to get you excited!
I want you to look forward to this fun session, so to see some of the poses I love, the true emotions I enjoy capturing, and a great look at how much variety just one engagement session can offer.
example session
04.
Engagement sessions are such a fun part of the wedding experience. I love these sessions because they give me the chance to truly get to know you as a couple, learn the little things that make your relationship unique, and capture your connection in a more personal and meaningful way. That time together helps me photograph your love story in a way that feels genuine, natural, and true to who you are.
It also works both ways. I want you to feel comfortable with me and to feel like you are spending time with a friend, not just your wedding photographer. Building that connection during your engagement session helps all of us feel more relaxed and confident when your wedding day arrives. When that trust and comfort are there, the experience feels effortless and the magic naturally follows.
engagement session
the
