Your photographer isn’t just snapping pretty pictures. They’re capturing moments you’ll look back on for the rest of your life. To make sure nothing meaningful gets missed, communication is everything. The more we know about your day, the better we can tell your story.
Here are 9 important things to tell your Sioux City wedding photographer before the big day:
1. Your Must-Have Moments
Tell us the moments you absolutely don’t want to miss. While we’ll always capture the big stuff—like the walk down the aisle or the first kiss—we want to know what’s personal to you.
Maybe it’s your first look with your sibling. Or the moment you slip on your late grandmother’s bracelet. These quiet, emotional beats might not be on a traditional shot list, but they’re part of your story—and that’s what we want to capture.
2. Family Dynamics
Let’s face it—family relationships can be complex. Maybe your parents aren’t on speaking terms, or there are stepparents you want included but not standing together.
Sharing these dynamics with us helps avoid awkward groupings and keeps your photo experience smooth and stress-free. We’ll plan the family portraits ahead of time so everyone knows where to stand and when.
3. Your Wedding Timeline
We don’t need your minute-by-minute itinerary, but knowing your general flow of the day makes a big difference.
When are you getting ready? Are you doing a first look? What time is the ceremony? Will portraits happen before or after?
We can also help build your photo timeline. Our team knows how much time is ideal for each section—couple portraits, wedding party photos, family groups—and we’re happy to guide you through it.
4. Cultural or Family Traditions
Are you doing something that’s unique to your family or culture? We want to know!
Whether it’s a unity ceremony, a blessing, a money dance, or a symbolic item exchange, giving us a heads-up lets us position ourselves to catch the emotion and significance behind the moment.
These are often some of the most beautiful and meaningful images of the day.
5. What You Don’t Want Photographed
This one’s just as important. Have a side you don’t love? Prefer natural candids over posed shots? Not a fan of super traditional bridal party photos? Let us know.
You deserve a gallery that feels like you. Giving us a little insight into your preferences helps us avoid anything that might make you cringe later, and gets you more of the moments you love.
6. Ceremony Rules or Restrictions
Some venues have specific rules about flash photography or where photographers can stand during the ceremony.
If your venue or officiant has guidelines, let us know early. We’ll plan ahead so we’re respectful and still able to capture your moments beautifully.
We’ve worked in all kinds of spaces—chapels, cathedrals, barns, backyards—and we’re always ready to adapt.
7. Your Rain Plan
Having an outdoor wedding? We’ll hope for sunshine but plan for anything.
Share your backup plan with us, especially if the ceremony or portraits will need to move. We’ll scout both locations in advance and prepare lighting and equipment so the backup option still looks stunning in photos.
Trust us—some of our favorite galleries have come from rainy wedding days.
8. VIP Guests You Want to Highlight
There are always a few people who mean the world to you. Maybe it’s a grandparent, godparent, or friend flying in from across the country.
Pointing them out helps us give them a little extra photo love. Whether it’s candid laughs or a special portrait, we’ll make sure they’re part of your visual story.
Bonus tip: If you’re doing a receiving line or private dinner with them, that’s a great time to get sweet, natural photos.
9. Your Overall Vibe or Style
Do you love romantic, golden-hour portraits? Are you into a more modern, editorial look? Do you prefer all candids and zero posing?
Tell us how you want your wedding photos to feel. You can describe it with words, show us a Pinterest board, or just share a few photos you’ve seen and loved.
Your Sioux City wedding photographer can match their shooting style and editing tone to fit your vision—as long as we know what that is.
Your wedding photographer isn’t just showing up with a camera. They’re showing up with intention, empathy, and creativity. When you share your vision, your priorities, and your people—we’re able to turn your wedding day into a meaningful, lasting gallery that feels like you.
At Complete Weddings + Events, we believe your story deserves to be told fully and honestly. So please—share the details. We’re here to listen.
Complete Weddings + Events – Sioux City Wedding Photographers, Videographers & more!
At Complete Weddings + Events, we offer more than just photography—we’ve got videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination covered, too. Our team of professionals works seamlessly to capture every big moment and all the in-between ones.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding services bundle packages!