Here at Katie Whitcomb Photography, we pride ourselves in capturing the most natural, candid portraiture possible. This style showcases your day as it was, helping to bring your personalities forwards and documenting your day for a lifetime of memories.

Tradition

While we shoot the majority of our images this way, it’s also very important to capture traditional formal portraits as well. These group shots are best immediately when everyone is ready and fresh, right before the ceremony; and since our most important goal is getting you to your wedding on schedule, we allow 2-3 minutes for each desired grouping to ensure maximum results with minimal time. Make sure all flowers and boutonnieres are delivered on time and affixed to family members and to the wedding party in advance.

Because we prefer to keep the time for groupings to 30 minutes, we always start with the largest group and break it down after that to allow for mingling. As time permits, we love to include a picture of the bride with each of her bridesmaids and the groom with each of his groomsmen, since each person has been invited due to close, personal ties with the couple.

If you have ideas for any “can’t miss” portrait groupings you would like to see photographed during this time, make sure to note them on your provided wedding information form. We’re happy to work with you to capture all of your special moments!

We utilize our experience photographing at the Basilica of Sacred Heart at Notre Dame in a way that helps us to document your friends and family in a formal setting in a timely manner. Over the years, we have curved our formals so that it’s a seamless transition in your day and you don’t feel like you stood around all day taking pictures. Here is a sample of what we recommend to all of our brides in order to accomplish this feeling. Of course no bride is ever the same and each bride has someone not included in this list that is special to them, please be sure to let us know when you fill out your formals list of anyone we may have missed.

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EXTENDED FAMILY

• Bride’s Maternal Extended Family
• Bride’s Paternal Extended Family
• Groom’s Maternal Extended Family
• Groom’s Paternal Extended Family

BRIDE’S FAMILY

• Bride’s Maternal Grandparents, Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Bride’s Paternal Grandparents, Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Bride’s Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
  • Remove Groom, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Bride’s Parents
  • Remove Groom
• Bride’s Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
  • Remove Groom In-laws, Niece & Nephews

GROOM’S FAMILY

• Groom’s Maternal Grandparents, Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Groom’s Paternal Grandparents, Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Groom’s Parents, Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
  • Remove Bride, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
• Groom’s Parents
  • Remove Bride
• Groom’s Siblings, In-laws, Niece & Nephews
  • Remove Bride In-laws, Niece & Nephews

BRIDAL PARTY

• Ring Bearer, Flower Girl
• Wedding Party, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer
• Wedding Party
• Alone
  • Remove Groom
  • Swap Bride for Groom