Wedding Photography
Client Guide
Your wedding day isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection, emotion, and the moments that unfold naturally. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how we’ll work together to create images that feel honest, timeless, and true to you.
My Approach
My approach to weddings is calm, intentional, and documentary at heart. I focus on capturing real moments as they naturally unfold, while offering gentle guidance when direction is helpful. Throughout the day, I work with the flow of events rather than forcing them, allowing your images to feel honest, timeless, and true to how your wedding actually felt.
I.
Booking
To officially reserve your wedding date, a 20% non-refundable retainer is required at the time of booking. This secures your date on my calendar and is applied toward your total investment.
The remaining balance is split into two scheduled payments to keep things simple and stress-free:
40% due 6 months before the wedding
40% due 30 days before the wedding
All payments are handled securely online. This structure helps keep everything organized and ensures your coverage is fully confirmed well before the wedding day.
Once your retainer is paid and your contract is signed, your date is officially reserved.
II.
Before the Wedding
Once you’re booked, you’ll receive:
A detailed questionnaire sent 45 days before the wedding to finalize timeline details
A custom detailed photography timeline to ensure your day flows smoothly
Clear communication so nothing feels last-minute or stressful
If your package includes an engagement session, we’ll also use that time to get you comfortable in front of the camera and familiar with how I guide and photograph you. Many couples find this makes the wedding day feel more relaxed and natural.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right away — we’ll take it step by step.
III.
The Wedding Day
Getting Ready
Getting ready photos focus on:
Natural moments
Meaningful details
Interactions with the people around you
First Look vs. Ceremony Reveal
There’s no “right” choice here — just what feels right for you.
A first look allows for:
A private moment together
More time spent with your partner
More flexibility in the timeline
Attending cocktail hour with guests
Portraits done earlier in the day
Waiting until the ceremony can feel:
Traditional + Timeless
Emotionally impactful
Like a shared moment experienced in front of your loved ones
I’m happy to talk through both options and help you decide.
Family Photos
Family photos are typically scheduled for about 15 minutes and run most smoothly when planned in advance.
To stay on schedule, I recommend:
Limiting the list to 8–10 groupings
Providing names for each grouping ahead of time
Starting with large groupings and working smaller
I’ll guide and organize everything so this portion feels quick and painless.
Portraits
Portrait time is relaxed and guided.
I’ll give direction that feels natural and keeps you moving so things never feel stiff or awkward.
If something feels uncomfortable, just tell me — collaboration always leads to the best results.
The Reception
Once the reception begins, I document events as they happen:
Toasts
First dances
Emotional moments
The energy of the celebration
I focus on both the big moments and the in-between ones that often end up being favorites.
IV.
Editing & Gallery Delivery
Your images are edited in a true-to-life, timeless style consistent with my portfolio.
Final galleries are delivered online in 8-12 weeks
Turnaround time begins after the wedding date
RAW or unedited images are not provided
Every image you receive is fully edited and thoughtfully curated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Photos Will We Receive, And When?
You can expect around 50-75 images per hour of coverage. Wedding photos take approximately 8-12 weeks, while engagement sessions take 1-2 weeks on average. Any changes to the expected turnaround time will be communicated with you.
Are you insured?
Yes, I carry full liability insurance and can provide documentation to your venue if needed.
How do you back up and protect our photos?
This is so important! I shoot on dual memory cards (so your images are backed up in-camera). When I get home, I immediately back everything up to multiple hard drives and cloud storage. Your memories are always safe. I always bring multiple camera bodies, lenses, flashes, and batteries. Your day is too important to ever risk not having a backup.
Can we share our photos on social media?
Yes, please! I love when my couples share their photos. I just ask that you download them directly from your gallery rather than taking screenshots, so you’re posting the best quality.
Will we receive the raw files?
I don’t deliver raw files. The editing process is an important part of my artistry, and it ensures your photos are polished, consistent, and truly reflective of my work.
Do you edit every photo?
Yes, I hand-edit every single final image that goes into your gallery. That means I adjust lighting, color, and composition to reflect my timeless style.
What If You’re Unavailable On Our Date?
If I’m already booked, I may offer the option to work with an associate photographer. An associate photographer is a trusted photographer who shoots for me when I’m unavailable. I handle all the planning and communication, and I personally edit the images in my style—so you still get the full Charlotte Patin Photography experience, just with someone else behind the camera on your wedding day.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I know weddings are a big investment, so all of my packages come with customizable payment plan options to make things easier.
What happens if you’re sick or have an emergency?
In the very rare case that I’m unable to photograph your wedding, I have a trusted team of associate photographers who shoot in the same style as me. I also handle all of the editing, so your images will still look consistent with my work.
Do you help with the wedding day timeline?
Absolutely! I’ll work with you (and your planner, if you have one) to create a photography-friendly timeline that ensures a smooth flow and plenty of time for beautiful, stress-free portraits.
Where Are You Based And Do You Travel?
Absolutely! I’m based in Northeast Florida but available for travel worldwide. Travel fees may apply depending on the location—just reach out for a custom quote.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Some of the most romantic photos happen in unexpected weather! I’ll work with the conditions, your venue, and any backup plans to ensure you still get beautiful, memorable images—rain or shine.