ELOISE KATE

Welcome, friend! I'm so glad you're here. 

Truly. You being here means we're about to get to know each other really well over the next couple of months and I couldn't be more excited. 

I'm also extremely honored that you're trusting me to capture your big day. 

I've put together this guide to help you navigate this part of the wedding planning process and to make it all feel a little less chaotic in an otherwise overwhelming time. 

Don't forget — I'm here for you. Every step of the way.

client experience guide

for the moments that mean the most

Romantic.

Nostalgic.

Timeless.

From planning your wedding to your engagement session and making sure you've got time for all the little moments in between on your big day — this guide will walk you through it all.

next

6

of

the PROCESS

when? you've already completed this step!

1

This area can be used to reiterate the steps (maybe add a little more detail here than before so that they know exactly what to expect from you at every step of the process!)

Cake oat cake topping chocolate bar chocolate cake icing gummi bears. Sweet roll candy marshmallow candy candy. 

Let's chat

9-12 months out from your wedding day

2

What do they need to know about the engagement session?

Be sure to check out the tips below to help you as you start planning your outfits! Dressing for the camera can sometimes be a little different than date night, and we want to make sure you look your best!

Engagement session

1 month out from your wedding day

3

Let's make sure you have the time you need to get all your photos done! During this call we'll chat all about your photo priorities — whether or not you're doing a first look, how we can best work with light on your day and anything else!

timeline consultation

Your wedding day!

4

It's finally here — the big day you've been waiting for. All the planning, late nights, and dreams for your big day will end with this. 

We'll show up with plenty of time to get all the beautiful images you've dreamed of. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy this day full of love and laughter. 
Congratulations.

the wedding day

6-8 weeks after your wedding day

5

Grab the tissues and get ready to relive your wedding day all over again. You'll probably be surprised at some of the moments we captured — the little ones, the in betweens, where you didn't even know we were there. And I have a feeling those will become some of your favorites.

gallery delivery

forever

6

I can't wait to watch your marriage flourish. I'll be here, cheering you on from the sidelines, celebrating along with you. And when photo needs arise, I hope you'll think of me.

let's stay friends

It's no secret that choosing the right wedding vendors can truly make or break your day. Your team of dedicated wedding vendors will work together to create some magic for you and bring your vision to life. I know it can feel a little overwhelming out there, so here's a collection of some of my favorite in the industry!

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Wedding Planner #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Wedding Planner #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Wedding Planner #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Wedding Planner #1

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Videographer #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Videographer #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Videographer #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Videographer #1

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Florist #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Florist #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Florist #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Florist #1

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Designer #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Designer #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Designer #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Designer #1

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Venue #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Venue #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Venue #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

Venue #1

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

HMUA #4

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

HMUA #3

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

HMUA #2

Based in Santa Barbara, CA but available for travel worldwide.

HMUA #1

Absolutely! I do recommend bringing a friend along to keep track of your furry friend while we take the rest of the photos, though. Trust me — it makes it way less stressful!

Can we bring our dog?

We'll choose a place that makes sense for you - a sentimental place for your relationship, somewhere close to home, or somewhere far! I'm always ready for adventure!

Where will the session be?

I typically recommend planning your session 9-12 months out from your wedding! This will give you plenty of time to order save the dates, and just have fun!

When will we do the session?

engagement session faq

engagement session planning tips:

engagement session

Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other better, and get you more comfortable in front of the camera! This way, you'll barely notice me on your wedding day, making for more natural photos that capture the story as it unfolds. 

If you're planning on sending "Save The Dates" your engagement photos are great to use there as well — if you've already chosen a design, be sure to share it with me so I can capture a photo that will fit perfectly.

engagement SESSION OUTFIT PLANNING

view details →

My top tips for him, to make sure you look and feel your best — and show up in the photos as the best version of yourself.

For him

view details →

My top tips for her, to make sure you look and feel your best — and show up in the photos as the best version of yourself.

For her

view details →

My top tips to make you look coordinated, without looking overly matching. There's an art to this!

For both of you

Coordinate colors, but don't overdo the patterns!

don't forget:

It's time to really share your best tips and tricks here! What do they need to avoid? What should they absolutely make sure that they do? Anything you've seen others do exceptionally well here?

Most importantly

The trick to looking great in photos is to look coordinated, without looking overly matching. 

FOR BOTH OF YOU

Consider the location of your shoot so that your outfits fit the surroundings!

don't forget:

Add something else here that they should consider! Something that you've seen others do well when it comes to engagement session outfits!

sucess tip:

The trick to looking great in photos is to look coordinated, without looking overly matching. 

FOR BOTH OF YOU

It's about feeling your best! Manicured hands will look fab for that ring shot

don't forget:

Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable! Being mindful of your own insecurities and choosing outfits that are flattering can go a long way to help you shine!

Most importantly

Looking and feeling your best will really show in your photos! Here are my best tips for you:

FOR HER

J. Crew | Madewell | Dress Shop You Love | Another One You Love 

favorite shops:

Flowy dresses are incredible for movement — they look sleek and elegant in photos, and can really add to the timeless feel! You'll have two outfits so I definitely recommend one more formal!

sucess tip:

Looking and feeling your best will really show in your photos! Here are my best tips for you:

FOR HER

Neutrals, well fitting outfits will serve you well! More formal is great as well!

don't forget:

Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable! Being mindful of your own insecurities and choosing outfits that are flattering can go a long way to help you shine!

Most importantly

Looking and feeling your best will really show in your photos! Here are my best tips for you:

FOR HIM

J. Crew | Belks | Fave shops for suits | ask around to link great shops

favorite shops:

You'll have two outfits so I definitely recommend one more formal — button downs, suits, khakis, etc! And then one a little more casual will be great as well!

sucess tip:

Looking and feeling your best will really show in your photos! Here are my best tips for you:

FOR HIM

Typically done 1-2 months out from your wedding day! Be sure to coordinate with your venue and HMUA on this one!

Have you considered doing bridal portraits before your big day? Think of it as the ultimate dress rehearsal, where you'll get a chance to try your dress, hair, and makeup and have beautiful photos done! 

It's the perfect opportunity for us to focus in on you as the bride, leaving more room for couples photos and other memorable moments on your wedding day. Plus who doesn't want an excuse to wear their gorgeous dress?

bridal PORTRAITS

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3pm: the first look

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3pm: the first look

We'll get all the important photos done while everyone still looks their best! I'll be sure to capture those emotional moments at this point!

2:30pm: wedding party photos

Photographer arrives whit about an hour left of hair/makeup to start detail photos. 

2pm: photographer arrives

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3pm: the first look

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

5:30pm: first dance

Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.

4:30pm: something else here

Liquorice halvah topping dessert brownie toffee. 

4pm: ceremony starts

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

10pm: sparkler exit

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

8:30pm: sunset portraits

Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.

8pm: something else here

Liquorice halvah topping dessert brownie toffee. 

7pm: something else

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3:30pm: couples' portraits

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3pm: ceremony

We'll get all the important photos done while everyone still looks their best! I'll be sure to capture those emotional moments at this point!

2:30pm: wedding party photos

Photographer arrives whit about an hour left of hair/makeup to start detail photos. 

2pm: photographer arrives

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

3pm: the first look

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

5:30pm: first dance

Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.

4:30pm: something else here

Liquorice halvah topping dessert brownie toffee. 

4:30pm: family formals

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

10pm: sparkler exit

Pastry cheesecake gummies cheesecake caramels fruitcake caramels ice cream pie.

8:30pm: sunset portraits

Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.

8pm: something else here

Liquorice halvah topping dessert brownie toffee. 

7pm: something else

10:30pm: sparkler exit

8:30pm: sunset portraits

6:30pm: first dance

6pm: cocktail hour & photos

4:30pm: wedding ceremony

3:30pm: family formals

3pm: first look

2:30pm: wedding party photos

2pm: photographer arrives

10:30pm: sparkler exit

8:30pm: sunset portraits

6:30pm: first dance

6pm: cocktail hour & photos

5:30pm: couple's portraits

4:30pm: family formals

3:30pm: wedding ceremony

2:30pm: wedding party photos

2pm: photographer arrives

close

Not sure which one is right for you? Send me an email, and I'm happy to chat through what it would look like for your day!

You may have been dreaming of the moment the doors open as you walk down the aisle for your entire life — or you may not really have thought about this at all! Either is perfectly fine, and I hope this can shed some light on whether or not you should do a first look!

Doing a first look will allow the two of you to enjoy the day together before it all starts. It gives us more controlled time, so if you have a large family for portraits it can be a great option! Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.

No first look means you'll be seeing each other for the first time as you come walking down the aisle. Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet. Gummi bears ice cream croissant chocolate apple pie gummi bears liquorice shortbread. Wafer cotton candy gingerbread brownie chocolate bar gummi bears.

It can feel like a big decision to decide whether or not you should do a first look. 

SHOULD YOU DO A FIRST LOOK?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.


Question #1 will go here!

Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.


Question #2 will go here!

Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.


Question #3 will go here!

Toffee macaroon toffee chocolate cake muffin tart. Lollipop tart pie cotton candy chocolate bar lollipop gummi bears bear claw. Bonbon carrot cake muffin shortbread tootsie roll croissant sweet.


Question #4 will go here!

email eloise →

I'm only ever an email away. Feel free to reach out if I can be of any help during this exciting time!

LEGACIES CAPTURED as STORIES UNFOLD